If you’ve ever wanted to create a one-layer card that looks like it has layers, dimension, and elegant detail—without actually adding a single extra panel—today’s card is going to make your heart happy.
I had so much fun bringing this project to life using the Layers of Beauty stamp set and coordinating masks/stencils from Stampin’ Up! I stamped the large floral image in Night of Navy for a unique, striking outline right onto a Thick Basic White card base. For the sentiment, I reached for The Right Words and tucked a crisp “Happy Birthday” into the bottom left corner, also in Night of Navy.
Then the real fun began. Using Blending Brushes and the coordinating masks/stencils, I added beautiful, soft color to the image. I blended Highland Heather, Night of Navy, Soft Seafoam, and Mossy Meadow to bring those flowers and leaves to life. The result was so soft, dreamy, and dimensional—yet the card remains one flat panel.
To add texture without bulk, I scored the card front with the Simply Scored Scoring Tool. Eight lines create a cascading stripe effect from left to right, with each stripe slightly shorter than the one before it. It’s such a simple detail, but it adds a ton of visual interest—especially on a one-layer card. I also gave the flowers a little shimmer love with Wink of Stella for a delicate glow.
Inside the card, I added a panel of Basic White matted with Night of Navy, and stamped a trio of Mossy Meadow leaves in the lower right-hand corner for a cohesive finish.
This card is a new favorite of mine—I truly love how it turned out! If you’d like to recreate it, I’ve got a YouTube video where I walk you through the process step by step (linked below), plus a free downloadable PDF tutorial available for you as well.
I’m also entering this card into a few fabulous online challenges:
- Just Add Ink #766: One-layer card with stamping/stenciling (LOVE this challenge of a one-layer card);
- Allsorts Challenge #831: for the Birthday theme (always a very useful theme); and
- Tic Tac Toe #278: I used the left column — Stencil, Blue, and Stripes (so fun).
If you’re visiting from one of the challenge blogs, welcome! I hope this project inspires you to try layering color with stencils and blending brushes on your next card.
Happy crafting,
Supplies used (also listed in the Tutorial):
Dear Julia, that’s such a lovely card !!! The flowers are definitely the shiny highlight and the lines are a nice little detail that gives the card another dimension. Sandra, guest designer #jai766
Thank you so much, Sandra! I sure appreciate your kind comments!
A very stylish Birthday card, many thanks for sharing with us at Allsorts challenge.
B x
I really enjoyed joining in with Allsorts. it was my first time, and it’s a great challenge. Thank you for your kind comments.
How pretty does the Layers of Beauty flowers look in blue, very fresh and pretty! Thanks for joining in with our one layer challenge at Just Add Ink.
Right?!? Lots of layers and it’s so fun! Love that stamp set and masks. Thanks for your kind comments, Nikki.
Layers of Beauty is a fabulous choice for a one layer card with lots of wow. I like how you’ve let the image go off the edge. The scored lines really add interest and help carry the eye through your design. Thanks for playing along with us at Just Add Ink.
Diane, JAI
It sure is a good stamp set for that! Thanks for your kind comments, Diane. I appreciate it.
The stencilling and stamping layers add so much depth to the image! Thanks for playing with us at Allsorts challenge.
I’m so glad you like it! Such a fun card to create. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a nice comment. I appreciate it.
Layers of Beauty created such wonderful single layer cards. Love the puple tones and the scoring take your card up a notch, Julia. Thanks for joining us at JAI this week. Cheers, Jolanda – Guest DT
Thanks, Jolanda! Loved everything about the challenge this week! Thanks so much for all you do.
your card is lovely – wonderful way to add the illusion of dimension! so pleased you joined us at TTT1! Betty
Thank you so much, Betty! I appreciate it.
Julia, such a beautiful design I love the color combo on your flowers…….perfect birthday card and great take on the board elements this week. Thank you for playing along with us at Tic Tac Toe challenge
Thanks, Felicita! Such a great challenge this week!
Lovely card, Julia! Your color blending is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us at the TTTC.
Thank you, too, Rosanne! I truly enjoyed the challenge.