Sending Many Hugs

A Blog Named Hero's current challenge is "One Layer" cards. I must admit, I don't consider one layer cards my preferred format. But every so often, I like to create one, just for the challenge.

My design inspiration came from a card by Darlene DeVries. Since this is a one layer card and I wanted to use my Zig Clean Color pens, I first cut a piece of Strathmore Smooth Bristol paper to 4.25x11", and scored it at 5.5" to create a top-folding A2 card. I made tick marks with a pencil on the front where I wanted my focal panel to go, and drew lines connecting the marks. Then I used some painter's tape to mask off above & below that area.

I stamped one of the flowers from Hero Arts' "Dauber Bunch" set inside the area I'd masked off, using Versamark ink. I wanted a cloissone-type look to my flowers, so I heat embossed them with Ranger Liquid Platinum embossing powder. I also stamped 2 of the leaves from the set in Hero Arts' Lime Green ink, in between the flowers.

As I said, I used my Zig Clean Color pens to color the flowers. I took a tip from Sandy Allnock (I can't remember the exact video she did with this tip), and dipped the tips of my pens in clean water to get lighter colors. I stayed to shades of pink for the petals, and yellow for the centers.

One I had finished and my watercoloring was dry, I removed the tape. I replaced it on the other side of each line (i.e. inside the stamped portion of my panel), and applied more tape about 1/4" above & below those pieces. Then I inked between the tape strips with Black Soot Distress ink. I did have to clean up the lines along the edges with a black marker, but I feel it gives the look of a mat without another layer.

For the greeting, I used one from Hero Arts' "Acts of Kindness" stamp set and Versafine Onyx Black ink. I marked the vertical center of each of my diagonal lines, and centered my stamp on that mark. I also added the smallest heart from that set between the words, with Stampabilities Light Pink pigment ink. When I had finished stamping, I let the ink dry, then folded my card at the score line and creased the fold with my teflon bone folder.

I'm also entering this card in the following challenges:

Through the Craft Room Door: "Anything Goes"
Live Love Cards January challenge: "Pick Your Inspiration"