Beccy's Place: One Layer Card

One layer cards are basically cards that have no mats, extra cardstock or patterned paper and generally, very few embellishments. The main thing to remember when creating your one layer card, is the properties of the mediums you're planning to use to colour or add interest. Since there's only one layer, you have to be careful about markers or paints seeping into the cardstock and becoming visible from the inside.

I'm using coloured pencils to colour my image. The pigment in the pencil actually sits on the surface of the cardstock rather than sinking into the fibres, guaranteeing that there will be no bleed through to the other side. I've printed the image and sentiment on a piece of kraft cardstock, which will provide a fabulous contrast for the colours, but you could use white if you'd prefer.

I start by adding a layer of white pencil to the entire image, which will help intensify the colours I add over the top. This isn't strictly necessary, but it definitely helps to keep the pigments true. Here's a little comparison I did for those who are interested: HERE

I'm using two pencils for each coloured section - a shadow colour and a mid-colour. I start by adding the shadow colour to the recessed areas of the cat's sweater. Around the neck, the fabric will be rolling away at the top, bottom and at the fold in the centre... all the places where you want to add some darkness. Feather the colour out so that you don't end up with sharp lines.

After you've applied the shadow, fill in the entire section with the mid-colour, working directly over the top to help blend the pigments together.

Repeat the process for the other colours you're using.

When colouring the front of the sweater, keep the shadows to the sides, under the collar and waistband. Don't add shadows to the centre of the cat as you don't want those areas to recede (dark colours recede and light colours come forward).

Repeat the process down each of the arms, remembering to keep the shadows to the top and bottom edges to help shape the arms.

Choose a colour for your cat. I want a little grey tabby, so I've chosen a selection of three warm greys plus black. Starting with your darkest colour, add some shading in the darkest, most recessed areas. I've added the black very sparingly to the bottom of the cat, near his tail and either side of his face, just behind his mouth.

Using the next darkest colour, work out from the shadow areas. Continue this process until you've worked through all the pencils and have the entire cat coloured.

I used the darkest grey to add some "stripes" to my tabby.

I like to add a little touch of white pen to the eyes to give them a boost and make them sparkle.

Now to work on the surroundings. I'm using several shades of French grey as well as black to add a shadow around the entire image. Focus the darkest colour under the cat, where he would be making contact with the "ground". Work around with the other pencils, slowly feathering out the colour until it's soft and barely noticeable.