Just Add Ink Challenge Entry - #485

#485 - Just Add "One Layer"

Welcome again to Valley Inspirations with Andrea. Thanks for dropping in.

Today's blog focusses on Just Add Ink's Challenge #485 - Just Add a "One Layer" card. This week's JAI Challenge has the card base as the card front with no additional popped up elements, although embellishments such as sequins, rhinestones or the like can be added.

I decided to take up this challenge, knowing that it was contrary to my normal style - I love mounting the focal section of the card front, adding die cuts, ribbon and other embellishments. It was good to stretch myself and try to think outside the square. 

Blog Update - I was so surprised and delighted to receive an Honourable Mention for my card. Some of the Design Team's comments were:

 I absolutely adore these soft coloured florals.

So pretty and a gorgeous colour palette.

A simply beautiful card.

Here's my entry:

I just love Stampin' Up!'s Beautiful Friendship stamp set. It provides a lovely watercolour effect and is great for #simplestamping, so when I thought of participating in this challenge my mind went straight to this set. It would be good for a beginner stamper as it is just paper (Whisper White card stock as the card base), stamps (Beautiful Friendship), and ink (Petal Pink, So Saffron, Seaside Spray, Pear Pizzaz and Blueberry Bushel Stampin Up's ink pads) with the addition of some white pearls (Stampin Up's Basic Pearls). The only technique used was stamping off - the leaves were second generation stamping as was some of the seaside spray flowers. When adding some leaves to the stamped floral arrangement, I realised I had accidentally marked some green where it wasn't wanted. Isn't it easy to have unwanted smudges appear. I was sooo thankful to be able to add a  pearl to cover the mark and then scatter other pearls to build the design.

#simplestamping plus Pearls 

This JAI Challenge is similar to Stampin' Up!'s #simplestamping December Challenge, which is paper, stamps and ink with a "Thinking of You" theme. The #simplestamping challenges are designed to provide ideas for beginner stampers. The addition of embellishments, ie in this case "pearls", means this card isn't eligible for the SU challenge, however, as I experienced with this card, the addition of inexpensive embellishments can be useful for the beginner stamper to hide accidental & unwanted marks.

Thanks for dropping by and taking time to check out my entry in the Just Add Ink Challenge. I will be back this Thursday for the Art with Heart Monthly Blog Hop where we will be adding a little shimmer. I hope you have a blessed Christmas and wonderful New Years. 💕🐾