Monday 12 March 2012

Away with the Fairies

Hello again,
I couldn't decide what to do for this weeks Blog challenge over at Less is More.http://simplylessismoore.blogspot.com/  The theme this week is One Layer cards and you had to use Script.  My problem was I'd already used a script stamp on last weeks entry, so I was hoping to come up with something a little different. Not sure if I achieved that completely or not, the script is still used as the background. See what you think.
I like doing one layer cards.  You need to think a little bit before you start, how you want your images to look when the card is finished. It doesn't have to look flat, you can add a lot of depth and make it look like there's multiple layers by using masks.  Decide what you want at the front of your design, stamp this first, make a mask to cover your image then stamp over the mask with what you want in your background.  Remove the mask and the first stamped image is at the front - clever.  There's no limit to how many masks you can use, it depends on how many 'layers' you want.
I ended up making two cards and then I couldn't decided which one to go with, so I've entered both.


For this card with the cat on, I used 4 masks.  First I cut a circle in the middle of some paper, used the outer piece (mask 1) as a stencil to ink through to give me the circle in the middle of the card.  I also used a smaller circle (mask 2) inside the big one, to give me the moon.  I then covered over the large circle (mask 3), tore a piece of paper big enough to cover top and bottom of my card leaving a strip across the middle and placed this (mask 4) over the top of the circle mask.  I  then stamped the script across the centre of my card, over the masks, and used some Distress Ink along the edges to give a bit of definition.  Once all the masks were removed, I used my fabulous Lavinia stamps to create the scene.  Once it was all finished it looks as though there's 3 layers, when really there's only one.


The second card was a little easier as I only used the one mask, but created the look of  layers by using distress inks to colour, then splashed a little water over the top and removed some of the ink with a paper towel, and then added the leaf and swirl stamp at the top.  I think the fairy on this card is gorgeous, she's one of my favourites.

I do love my fairies, I have them at the bottom of the garden you know!!!  When we moved across to the Isle of Man one of the first things I wanted to see was the 'Fairy Bridge'  According to folklore, this is a place where some of the little people of the island choose to hide away.  It's considered bad luck to pass over the bridge without saying 'Hello' to the fairies that are there.  Some people even write messages to them and pin them on the nearby trees.  It's so funny because when we first came over here we had to remind each other to say it, now we just say 'Hello' to them without even thinking about it when we go across the bridge.  When the kids are over here they do it too!  So, if ever you're in the Isle of Man, remember to say 'Hello Fairies' if you cross Fairy Bridge, you may get a little Fairy Magic!

Fairy Bridge on the A5 at Santon
Well, that's it for today. I don't think I'll get to spend much time in my Craft room this week, apart from cleaning it up.  I need to get things ready for going across to the UK on Friday. At least we're going in the car this time, on the ferry, so luggage isn't an issue.  I can't wait to see the kids and my beautiful Grandson. We've haven't seen him since January.

Have fun, whatever you're up to.
See you all again soon.
Linda
x

24 comments:

Stamps and Paper said...

Two stunning less is more cards..love the fairies....

Anne

Sarah's Little Snippets said...

Hi Linda, these are both beautiful! love the detail in each :) Enjoy your trip to the UK - it's always lovely to see family! Sarah x

Sandra said...

Two lovely cards.
I can remember going over Fairy Bridge when I went to the TT in 1981 - I can't believe it was that long ago!! Sandra

Autumn Mist said...

These are both fabulous cards, where are the cat and fairy stamp from?

Sasha said...

Hi Linda,
Both your cards are terrific. I love the first one with all your brilliant masking work, and the touch of colour in your second card is so pretty x

Elaine said...

Love your cards especially the cat one!

Linda said...

Thank you for your comment. The cat and all the fairy stamps are from Lavinia http://laviniastamps.com/ xx

Linda said...

Thanks Sarah, I can't wait. Hoping to meet up with crafting buddies too, so it should be a lot of fun x

Linda said...

Doesn't time fly when you're having fun! I bet it looks the same as it did then x

Chrissie said...

These are great Sandra, I think I like the second one best!
Great job!
Thanks so much
Chrissie
"Less is More"

Linda said...

Thanks for the lovely comment Chrissie, but who's Sandra?? Only joking, I don't mind. Would you believe that my Mum, God Bless her, wanted to call me Sandra. On the morning of my christening my brother and my cousin both wanted to change my name to Linda, so she did. :)

Unknown said...

I love the first card most. It looks like the cat wants to catch the fairies ;o)

bastelengel said...

Two wonderful cards! Great one layer layout. Perfect.

Mandi said...

These looks lovely Linda
I almost did a fairy card with fairy script
Thank you very much
mandi
"Less is More"

Jenny said...

Hi Linda, that's some awesome masking on your first card...it looks brilliant and I love the cat looking up at the fairies. Love both of your cards and loved learning about the Fairy Bridge....I've never been to The Isle of Man so I don't know much about it, will remember to say hello to them if we ever visit :0)
Jenny x

Linda said...

All that masking paid off! Your cards are beautiful!

Vicky Hayes said...

I agree with you about one layer cards Linda - it's fun working out how to get the effect you want! Both your cards are lovely but I really like the second one - the fairy is fabulous! I've never been to the Isle of Man but you're making me want to visit the fairy bridge! Enjoy your visit to your family. Vicky x

Kathleen said...

When the one layer cards first appeared on this challenge blog, I freaked out a little. but I love them now. On many cards the embellishments take the eye off the image.
2 fabulous cards and although I am not a fairy fan, I appreciate the work that has gone into these's cards. Brilliant entries into the challenge.
Thank you so much for your comments.

Kath x

Scrapmate said...

Beautiful cards with lots of depth and interest.

Mrs.B said...

Two gorgeous fary cards, although I do like the 2nd one best. It is surprising what you can do when you mask images, makes all the difference.
Avril

Carole said...

Linda I love fairies too and both cards are beautiful. Thanks so much for the visit.

Diane said...

Fabulous cards, so effective using the masks and beautiful stamps. Loved hearing about the Fairy Bridge and thank you so much for the award last week.
Diane

Lyn S said...

Gorgeous cards, I love the fairy stamp!

Sharon said...

Hi Linda I have a surprise for you on my blog
Sharon
http://sharonscraftycards.blogspot.co.uk/