Have you ever noticed that a large percentage of single layer cards are done on neutral card stock? For me, the second I say single layer I start reaching for a piece of Whisper White or Very Vanilla card stock. So this week I challenged myself to create a 5 Minute Monday single layer card that started with a colored card base ... Pool Party any one?
Some thoughts on this card design:
- Be careful with your color choices when working on darker card stock - a subtle pastel can get lost or end up looking more like a watermark.
- That said, a watermark makes a lovely first layer - whether you use a large background stamp (as I've done here with the Ex Libris stamp), or a smaller image (like the patterned oval from the Oh, Hello stamp set).
- Heat Emboss with Crystal Clear Stampin' Emboss Powder to intensify your watermark.
- Does it still count as a single layer card when you add embellishments? I'll leave that for you to decide. Afterall, this isn't for a contest, but simply an effort to inspire you to create lovely cards for your friends and family in less time!
Reality Check:
Although this card wasn't as hard to pull together as I thought it would be, it definitely took me more than 5 minutes to design (unlike my sample from last Monday which truly came together in 5 minutes from the moment I sat down to craft!). But, if your craft room is well organized with your basic supplies within reach, I think you can definitely reproduce it in 5 minutes - even if you need to make small changes.
Don't you just have to have this Ex Libris background stamp?
What a wonderful card, so striking, yet simple. It will take five minutes for us now, since you thought out the concept, tried different things, and perfected it! We won't have to fuss, hem, and hah over the design part.
Posted by: Stephanie | 02/25/2013 at 09:00 AM