Less is More Challenge!

Good morning!!  I have some fun cards for you today!  Why a few?  Well, I wanted to play along with the Less is More Challenge–to make a one layer card with just one word.  Sounds easy enough!  Well, there were several techniques I thought would work well with this challenge, so………….

My first try was a stencil attempt. First, I made my own stencil using a scalloped square and a window sheet.  I laid that one down, then put the Polka Dot stencil down over that.  It looked really cute, but the scallops weren’t very defined, so I added the ink around the polka dots using a blending brush.  I'll try this again, but maybe with just a straight square, and I'll leave the space on the outside white.

My second try was using the Faux Watercolor technique.  I pulled out a stem from the Forever Fern Stamp Set.  Using my Stamparatus, I first added some Soft Succulent ink to the stamp, spritzed with water and stamped.  I cleaned the stamp, then added some Calypso Coral ink, just around the edges of some of the leaves–again, spritzed and stamped.

As you can see, I lost a lot of the definition in the leaves.  I really think my biggest mistake was not using watercolor paper.  I liked the feel of the card and layout, but wasn't happy with the image.

So, my third and final attempt!  I used a larger stem for this one, and used the same process, but this time on watercolor paper.  WOW!!  I really love it!!

The Hello was stamped in Tuxedo Black Memento ink.

I really am enjoying trying out new techniques and layouts!  I still love my designer paper, but I'm going more and more towards the simple layouts–they're so elegant!

Here are the products I used on all these cards!  Click on any to be taken to my online store.  I appreciate your support of my small business!!