Happy (belated) Birthday To You (a single layer card)

I am always on the lookout for fun and new ways to create one-dimensional cards using stamps + inks. While these cards often times appear simple and easy that isn't always the case.

Take this card, for example:

This card took hours to make.

Hours.

Because I literally threw away like seven cards before this.

Now, I was having a super off day. And I had attempted two completely different styles of cards before deciding to go a different direction and stamp a birthday one but still... so frustrating!

I know we've all been there. We have time to create but when we actually get right to it the stuff that comes out just isn't what was imagined.

I'm glad I persevered, though, because this card may be one of my all time favorites and it is nothing but paper + ink. 

How awesome is that?!!!!?

To create my card:

1. Stamp the greeting in black ink using (my newest, favoritest greeting stamp set) Avery Elle Handwritten Notes. I adore this stamp set. It's a must have and I will be using it a lot!
2. Stamp balloons with Hero Arts Neon Inks using Mama Elephant Good Times Stamp Set. I used both the first stamping and then without re-inking I stamped the design again for a lighter colored neon balloon. For some of the balloons I only used the second stamped impression, using a scrap piece of paper for the first stamping. Be sure to stamp some of the balloons off the sides to give a more "balanced" design.
3. Stamp the coordinating balloon bows on 3 of the balloons using the full intensity neon ink. I didn't like the look of all the balloons having the bows...too busy. I threw that card attempt away. 
4. Mask off the greeting using masking tape or a trimmed sticky note (I used a sticky note since it was handy!). You wouldn't have to mask off the greeting but I found that I didn't like the look of the balloon "strings" going through my greeting. Yep, I trashed that design too. Blerg.
5. Stamp the straight line stamp from the Avery Elle Merry & Bright Stamp Set using Versamark Champagne Ink. This ink is not dark and I chose it on purpose. I played around with several different colors of ink before finally settling on Versamark and here's why: I felt that every ink I used was overpowering the balloons instead of "grounding" them like I wanted. The champagne color of this Versamark gives a bit of color along with subtle sparkle and while it is pretty light, it doesn't disappear into the background quite like regular Versamark might.
6. To give the balloon strings added definition without adding color, I traced over the stamped lines with the Sakura Clear Glitter Pen. I also dotted the polka dot balloons with the Glitter Pen. I likes me some sparkle!

7. Finally, I thought that some of the balloons needed just a bit something extra so I stamped the small star from the Mama Elephant On Target Stamp Set using Versamark ink and then I heat embossed the design using white opaque embossing powder.

I think that little pink balloon under the greeting really balances it all out with that pop of color. It helps draw your eye down the card as well. 

I love stamping!

LINKED SUPPLIES:

Neenah Solar White Cardstock @simon Good Times Stamp Set by Mama Elephant @simon Good Times Stamp Set by Mama Elephant @2peas Good Times Stamp Set by Mama Elephant @ellenhutson Avery Elle Clear Stamps HANDWRITTEN NOTES @simon Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Handwritten Notes @ellen Avery Elle Clear Stamps MERRY & BRIGHT Set @simon Avery Elle Clear Stamps, Merry & Bright @ellen Mama Elephant Clear Stamps, On Target @ellen Mama Elephant On Target Stamp Set @simon Mama Elephant On Target Stamps @2peas Hero Arts Neon Pink Dye Ink @simon Hero Arts Pink Neon Ink Pad @2peas Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Pink @ellen Hero Arts Dye Ink Pad NEON GREEN @simon Hero Arts Neon Green Dye Ink Pad @2peas Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Green @ellen Hero Arts Neon Blue Dye Ink @simon Hero Arts Neon Blue Dye Ink Pad @2peas Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Blue @ellen Hero Arts Dye Ink Pad NEON PURPLE @simon Hero Arts Neon Purple Dye Ink Pad @2peas Hero Arts Neon Ink Pad, Neon Purple @ellen Memories Black Ink VersaMark Dazzle, Champagne @ellen Versamark CHAMPAGNE DAZZLE Watermark Ink Stamp Pad from Tsukineko @simon Clear Glitter Pen Sakura Stardust Glitter Pen, Clear, 2 pk @ellen Martha Scoring Board @simon Precision Heat Embossing Tool White Zing Zing White Opaque Embossing Powder

InLinkz.com

Here a few more single layer (or almost single layer) cards I've created:

• Simon Says Stamp March 2013 Card Kit Floral Card Set
• Simon Says Stamp Valentine's Cards
• Holiday Cheer Hanging Snowflake Card
• Congratulations Hanging Hearts Card

Have a good one!

Comments

[June K]

Love your bright neon "several" hour card. Such a pretty card.

[Jill]

amazing! totally lifting this idea from you. WONDERFUL CARD!

[Jo]

This is a beautiful card. So fun and full of color. I love that you masked off the greeting as to not get the balloon strings going through it. Love that sentiment too, definitely a stamp set worth adding to my collection. Thanks for the inspiration Nichol!

Hugs,
Jo

[Maureen Chandler]

I just love this card and thank you for sharing all the steps - and missteps - with us! The colors and designs are wonderful! I have to get some of those inks and stamps, that's for sure - lots of children on my list!!! Thank you so much!!!

[Julie Ebersole]

You seriously ROCK. !!! LOVE THE CARD. And ADORE you for keepin' it real. XO! 'Nuff said.

[donna mikasa]

I'm so glad you persevered, too. LOVE this!

[Esperanza]

It's so beautiful. Love the colors and the extra sparkle.

[Jill]

this card is ridiculously fabulous! LOVE IT! I am also selfishly relieved to hear it took you so long! Because, like you said, it doesn't seem so, but to get it just just just so, it does! Just glad to know I'm not alone on making the simplest often taking the longest :) your results were totally worth it. what a delightful card! :) Happy weekend to you and thanks so much for sharing (the truth ;) ) !!

[Janine]

what a clean and simple card. it turned out beautifully!

[Sue]

Love to hear that it took you so long to create this card - it brings it back down to reality to know that even you, (the person I look to for inspiration), can take an age to create something so wonderful. It's so easy to imagine that you designers (I speak generic) can knock up a card just like that - while I can take forever to get it just right and think it would be so easy to just go out and buy a card but hey where's the fun in that? Honestly, what i am just trying to say is.... it's actually quite refreshing to know that it' not just me that can spend hours making a card!!