Too many layers?

[Stampnf1n]

Is there a rule of thumb as to when there are two many layers on your card? Is it because its too heavy? too cluttered? What makes a good layered card?

Thanks

Bonnie

[Phantom]

N o R u l e s!!

:^) IMHO, of course!


Personally, I don't like a really heavy (literally or aesthetically speaking) front if there isn't some weight or layers on the inside, too.

Today I made the heaviest card front ever (for me!) and will be thinking long and hard about how to balance it out on the inside.

It's not a lot of layers, but your question about heaviness caught my eye.

I think one stamper who makes the most beautifully layered cards is Rox71 . She's amazing - check out her multilayer cards and you'll see what I mean!

[AmberDawn]

I think you're going to get a lot of different answers on this one based on each person's personal taste. I personally LOVE layered cards, I can fit quite a few layers on a card, lol! I also love CAS although I can't often pull it off, lol!
There really are no rules though, as long as you love it I wouldn't worry what anyone else thinks!

[Oddesigns]

My rule is simple: if it can't fit into an envelope and can't go through the mail without extra postage, there are too many layers.

Most of what I make gets mailed.

[buggainok]

I agree - no rules!

I usually do at least a couple of layers, but sometimes more, depending on the look I want.

I'm only limited by having enough room to put my stamped image.

[dddddiana]

I agree too. No Rules, just what looks good. I do have a tendancy to make cards with 3-6 layers, but I make it how I like it. I really pay attention to the embellishments as to not breaking off, being sharp or ripping the envelope.

I have also seen "fatter" envelopes to accomidate thicker cards, I think on Etsy or Ebay.

If YOU like the card and ENJOYED making it, isn't that all that really matters.

[Tizzy]

*Ahem* What exactly are these rules you mentioned? don't think i've ever heard this word before, it's a bit like the word *NO* my hubby shouts when he gets the credit card bills lol.
It's individual taste really, i used to only make 2-3 layer max but recently changed my mind when i saw a card made with loads of layers, so changed my mind quickly! They can look stunning.
*Hugs*

[michellesscrap]

No such thing as too many layers. If it doesn't fit in the envelope I just get a bigger one.

[Cook22]

I'd agree, there is no rule. And I'd second that Roxie makes wonderful layered cards.
Personally if I'm just working away myself I normally don't use too many - maybe the base and one mat layer. But if you're working with a sketch and want to mat each panel in the sketch, then the layers build up quickly. In that case, narrower mat layers can make it look less busy - 1/8" or even less. Sometimes I don't mat the layers at all, just sponge the edges. I had enormous fun once doing a sketch layout entirely with masking and making a one-layer card from it.
At the end of the day it comes down to what looks right, and if you like it yourself, that's the bottom line.
Oh - and if you want to reduce weight, you can always have it that your mat layer isn't a solid layer, but cut the centre of it out, just at bit smaller than your image panel. Some people do that anway to save card, but unless it's extra special card it's too much bother for me, what with having to find it again when I want it .

[wenchie]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buggainok

I'm only limited by having enough room to put my stamped image.

Since the stamped image goes on top, there are no limits at all including the base size of the card LOL

I'm with everyone else on the "no rules". It's all about personal taste and preference.

[Gatomom]

I love layers! I have lately been making sure I balance my cards by putting some layers on the inside as they tend to be top heavy sometimes!

[krystie lee]

Almost all of my cards start as one layer and then I add layers only as necessary. I love clean and simple, though.

There are no rules, do what makes you happy!

[diannep575]

Quote:

Originally Posted by michellesscrap

No such thing as too many layers. If it doesn't fit in the envelope I just get a bigger one.

What she said

[snowcountry311]

i have no hard & fast rules. but one thing i do-and tell everyone about. is what i call "depression punching". i hate to waste good cardstock. so i punch out shapes in my bottom/covered layers.
this does 2 things-1. saves paper/money. 2. makes the card weigh less when finished

[snowcountry311]

Quote:

Originally Posted by michellesscrap

No such thing as too many layers. If it doesn't fit in the envelope I just get a bigger one.

or hand deliver

[StickUps]

Carpe Artem baby - That's what I say. Seize the art and don't worry about rules. (Okay, this coming from someone who uses a ridiculous number of layers, but, you get the idea.)

[stampkinz]

I saw a card that, including all of the panels, was EIGHTEEN layers! It was a beautiful card, too! My personal stamping style is minimal layers so do whatever suits your personal stamping style.

[mouseprints]

I am with everyone on there, and with that, when I am going to layer alot, I try to use paper for matting that is thinner. I bought a multi pack of cardstock at HL once not knowing how thin it was. But it works great for layering on cards.

I also, add at least one layer to the inside to balance out the weight of the front.


Trish

[Chipper]

No rules for me! I just layer until I'm satisfied. Some cards need more layers and some don't.

[Stamper for fun]

No rules.... it's whatever mood strikes you. Some days I like lots of layers. Some days i like single layer cards.

[crazystampchick]

If it makes you happy, it is right. However, I am usually very CAS and have a difficult time adding many layers. I see very ornate cards that I just love, but can't seem to recreate them. Some of my cards could probably stand to have a few more layers

[criminalgrace]

I'm not sure there is such a thing! Some cards need just one, others need half a dozen, depending on the style and look you're going for.

In my CAS style cards, I prefer 3 or less. But rules are made to be broken!

[Stampnf1n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazystampchick

If it makes you happy, it is right. However, I am usually very CAS and have a difficult time adding many layers. I see very ornate cards that I just love, but can't seem to recreate them. Some of my cards could probably stand to have a few more layers

This is how I am. But I am going to try and step outside of the box and see what happens!

My concern is always that its to heavy and I dont know how to balance it with the inside of the card

Bonnie

[Betty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oddesigns

My rule is simple: if it can't fit into an envelope and can't go through the mail without extra postage, there are too many layers.

Most of what I make gets mailed.

I agree with you! I've seen some that I counted 12 layers on the front plus heavily embellished. I think there is such a thing as to much!

[Rox71]

Thanks Nancy, you made my day a lot brighter, Sabrina too!

I do have a personal rule, it’s the same as oddesigns, one postage stamp mailing!
My borders are normally lightweight cardstock or paper on a heavy cardstock base. I do just a touch of design on the inside and no layer unless it’s a dark base and then it’s just good quality paper.

On occasion the base is lightweight and I will layer up inside with cardstock to make it sturdier but I seldom to that.

[berlycece]

My cards vary a lot...sometimes I love CAS...sometimes I use lots of layers and patterns. It depends on

...my mood

...is it for a challenge? Maybe I need a layer to add a color, or to complete the sketch

...who is the card for? My mom likes the layered cards, my sister prefers CAS...my nieces like layers and embellies, my nephews CAS (with gift card inside,of course!)

...hand delivered vs mail. I actually have mailed cards with a bunch of layers, as long as I don't use bulky embellishments

finally (this related to mailing)...if I donate the card to a non-profit, I limit my layers so they don't have to worry about postage. I actually work for a non-profit...and we send cards to volunteers and donors a lot...I keep those simple

[Rox71]

I almost forgot, some of my layers are strips as small as 1/16" that I glue to the card. Looks great, cost and weighs less!

A good example is the scalloped black border, actually the card was finished but I didn't like it and found the scalloped border in my scraps and glued it on.

[NikiE]

No rule for me either. It all depends upon the look and style I'm creating. I create everything from CAS to lots of layers.

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rox71

I almost forgot, some of my layers are strips as small as 1/16" that I glue to the card. Looks great, cost and weighs less!

A good example is the scalloped black border, actually the card was finished but I didn't like it and found the scalloped border in my scraps and glued it on.

Checked out your great gallery. I love your layered cards and don't see them as overly layered, but even the example you showed would not be a one stamp card to mail at my post office. If it has brads, is stiff or is soft (what else is there?), it costs me more. Weight is not always the problem. I could have one layer or a bow or spiral clip and it will cost me more. I stopped trying to get by with one stamp and make my cards the way they look best and pay the extra postage (nearly all of my cards are mailed). I love the look of CAS, but I can't pull it off very well.

[Toy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazystampchick

If it makes you happy, it is right. However, I am usually very CAS and have a difficult time adding many layers. I see very ornate cards that I just love, but can't seem to recreate them. Some of my cards could probably stand to have a few more layers

I'm your polar opposite. If I can pull off a CAS card, there will be celebrating! I find so many CAS cards that I just adore, but when I try to pull it off, it looks so bare and dull.

I have toned down my layers over the years. While I still love all types of cards, I now tend to seek a middle ground. I'm not concerned about mailing as I would rather spend the extra money and bubble envelope my cards anyway. That ensures they arrive in the condition they left.

I'm glad we have no rules. But then again, I'm a rebel and would likely break them anyway

[berlycece]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanne3579

Checked out your great gallery. I love your layered cards and don't see them as overly layered, but even the example you showed would not be a one stamp card to mail at my post office. If it has brads, is stiff or is soft (what else is there?), it costs me more. Weight is not always the problem. I could have one layer or a bow or spiral clip and it will cost me more. I stopped trying to get by with one stamp and make my cards the way they look best and pay the extra postage (nearly all of my cards are mailed). I love the look of CAS, but I can't pull it off very well.

Post offices are so inconsistent...it is a real pet peeve for me.

I have mailed and received cards with brads that went through with one first class stamp... no problem

If I bring a card to the post office, they ALWAYS charge more

So...I never take them there any more

I mail from home or work (I don't drive, so this is easier any way)

Yesterday, I mailed a card to my brother in law...big button on it. I added some cushion and some extra postage that time, because I could tell it was heavier and thicker.

But regular brads? I'm stubborn...so I won't add postage for them

I once told a group of local SU demos that with all of the FB and twitter accounts...texting and emailing...the USPS should LOVE us!!! I think the Postmaster general should be sending ME a thank you for keeping their offices busy

I'll now step down from my soap box and try to create something

[Rox71]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanne3579

Checked out your great gallery. I love your layered cards and don't see them as overly layered, but even the example you showed would not be a one stamp card to mail at my post office. If it has brads, is stiff or is soft (what else is there?), it costs me more. Weight is not always the problem. I could have one layer or a bow or spiral clip and it will cost me more. I stopped trying to get by with one stamp and make my cards the way they look best and pay the extra postage (nearly all of my cards are mailed). I love the look of CAS, but I can't pull it off very well.

I agree with Kim/berlycece – “Post offices are so inconsistent”, we have two near our home and one accepts what the other won’t. What I do mail is from home and I have no problem with brads and a single stamp.

I have to be careful with weight and bulk on the cards since I donate the majority of what I create and the charities often request no bulk.
If my card has bulk I send it to the charity that hand delivers most of their cards.
Less bulk also means I can get more cards in a flat rate box.

Thanks for the nice compliment!

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by berlycece

Post offices are so inconsistent...it is a real pet peeve for me.

I have mailed and received cards with brads that went through with one first class stamp... no problem

If I bring a card to the post office, they ALWAYS charge more

So...I never take them there any more

I mail from home or work (I don't drive, so this is easier any way)

Yesterday, I mailed a card to my brother in law...big button on it. I added some cushion and some extra postage that time, because I could tell it was heavier and thicker.

But regular brads? I'm stubborn...so I won't add postage for them

I have tried this and just get them returned--after several day, making the card late for the occasion when I remail it. However, I do get some from friends that either make it through without the extra postage or I get charged for it. I can't mail from home (no mail delivery at our rural place) and I'm retired, so can't use work. I go to the local P.O. where I receive my mail.
I once told a group of local SU demos that with all of the FB and twitter accounts...texting and emailing...the USPS should LOVE us!!! I think the Postmaster general should be sending ME a thank you for keeping their offices busy


I'll now step down from my soap box and try to create something

I said this very thing to our postmistress and she looked at me like I was crazy. Who else mails stuff anymore? Oh well, my family is all distant, so it's worth it to me to send them a part of me, even if it cost more, it's still a bargain when you think about it.

[cat_woman]

The only rule I have about layers is if I can't lift it off the table, then it has too much stuff on the card. I don't send that many cards out, so I don't mind if it costs me a little bit extra. The only time I flinch is when it has to go as a parcel instead of as an envelope because its so thick. The postage really takes a jump in price then.

[ravengirl]

Rules, schmools!

[PickleTree]

Great discussion! My style is usually fairly heavy on layers and embellishments. My cards can be a little more expensive to mail, but I think of them as gifts, so I feel it's worth it. And I figure even my most layered and embellished card, mailed out as a small parcel, is still less expensive than many store-bought cards mailed with only one stamp. I'm not sending out cards every day, though, so if I were, maybe I'd change my tune?

[jeanne3579]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PickleTree

Great discussion! My style is usually fairly heavy on layers and embellishments. My cards can be a little more expensive to mail, but I think of them as gifts, so I feel it's worth it. And I figure even my most layered and embellished card, mailed out as a small parcel, is still less expensive than many store-bought cards mailed with only one stamp. I'm not sending out cards every day, though, so if I were, maybe I'd change my tune?

I so agree!

[socmagmom]

No rules, no rules, no rules. I LOVE layers!

[Wannabestampin']

Quote:

Originally Posted by PickleTree

Great discussion! My style is usually fairly heavy on layers and embellishments. My cards can be a little more expensive to mail, but I think of them as gifts, so I feel it's worth it. And I figure even my most layered and embellished card, mailed out as a small parcel, is still less expensive than many store-bought cards mailed with only one stamp. I'm not sending out cards every day, though, so if I were, maybe I'd change my tune?

I visit (ok, stalk ) your blog often and I have to say you do your layers perfectly! And it is definitely considered a gift in my world!

[susanbri]

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowcountry311

i have no hard & fast rules. but one thing i do-and tell everyone about. is what i call "depression punching". i hate to waste good cardstock. so i punch out shapes in my bottom/covered layers.
this does 2 things-1. saves paper/money. 2. makes the card weigh less when finished

Brilliant idea to punch shapes out of the covered layers! I often feel bad using an expensive piece of cardstock just to get a 1/8" border.

I do some layering but I'm more of a CAS card maker. When I first started looking at SCS, I thought I could never turn out nice cards because I would see all these wonderful cards with tons of layers, interesting layouts, etc. - then I discovered the CAS gallery and realized that there are many different styles and there are no rules. I love Roxie's layered cards, but she can also do brilliant CAS cards. And for more inspiration on how great cards with fewer layers can be, check out LateBlossom's and Biggan's galleries.