Wednesday 14 September 2011

One Layer Owl Card

I don't like to make OLC's.  (One Layer Cards). 

I WANT to like making them, but I'm just generally not happy with them when I'm finished. And today I think I figured out why. I've been stamping for 22 years this month. I bought my first stamp - a PSX long stemmed rose - when our son was an infant, so that is how I know how long it's been.  :-)  And what did I do 22 years ago when I was making a card? I made OLC's. That was it.

There sure wasn't much available for supplies back then - especially in Canada. There were stamping stores popping up all over the US - lots in California - but most pretty much refused to ship to Canada. Of course there also wasn't much of a crafting budget either!

I remember one of the popular stamping artists of the time - Lea Everse - was one of the first published stampers (Stampers' Sampler, and I still have those early issues!!) who used layers on her cards. And not just one or two layers either - it was groundbreaking.

Even then, it took a long time to get over the idea that I needed to 'save' my fancy papers and coloured card stock. Most of the cards then were made with a white card stock base as that was the least expensive. We've come a long way, baby! It's probably the reason I'm still such a pretty paper hoarder,  and just can't past up a lovely paper stack.

Don't get me wrong - I APPRECIATE all the wonderful OLC's that are out there, and the clean & graphic look of them. But I just make one and feel like I'm going backwards. I have a feeling that my family might feel the same way if they were to receive one from me!

A challenge is a challenge though, and here is my OLC for the challenge at the Less Is More Clean & Simple Stamping Blog. The challenge  is SEEING DOUBLE and Chrissie and Mandi want to see TWO of something on our CAS (Clean and Simple) OLC (One Layer Card). Sigh.


The center swirl (Impress Rubber Stamps) was stamped first, then I used my Stamp A Ma Jig to place the owls. That stamp I found at Michaels last year in their bargain bins and he has such character. Colour added with Copics and a bit of shimmer with a Sakura glitter pen.

The Stamp A Ma Jig was also used to off set the Happy Birthday (Stampin' Up).

Now I want to go make something with lots of layers. In fact, I think I will add patterned paper layers to the inside of this card and I'll bet I like it better.

Thanks for stopping by today!

4 comments:

  1. What an interesting post, I loved to hear about how you started.amazing what;s available now eh!
    You crd is super cute, appreciate you entering when you don't favour the genre

    Thank you
    Mandi
    "Less is More"

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  2. Cute owls Karen and thanks for restraining yourself for us!
    I went the other direction from you... I began cardmaking only 4 years ago when layering was everything and I've discovered that I like the simple things in life a little more!
    Thanks so much
    Chrissie
    "Less is More"

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  3. Fascinating to hear your thoughts Karen. Like Chrissie I discovered that CAS is my fave genre and it goes nicely with one layer cards but before blogging I too thought that it was like going backwards and almost childish!
    Love your two owls, they do have a cute expression. Fab design :)
    Jenny x

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Have a great day,
Karen