Have you ever had a card-making session where you start with one idea and then, somewhere along the way, a new inspiration takes over? That’s exactly how this card came to life! Today, I’m sharing a playful underwater-themed card featuring some delightful products from my stash that turned out to be an absolute joy to create.
A Splash of Inspiration
It all started with the Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set from the Rabbit Hole Designs. There’s something whimsical about balloon animals, and when I saw the octopus in this set, I knew I had to dive into an ocean-themed card. I pulled out my Making Waves 6 x 6 Stencil and Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots also from The Rabbit Hole Designs LLC, and just like that, the idea for this twisted, under-the-sea card was born!
Watercoloring with Distress Inks
I’ve always loved the versatility of Distress Inks, and this project was no exception. I stamped the octopus onto a piece of watercolor paper using Memento Toffee Crunch Ink. This ink is perfect for watercoloring since it doesn’t bleed when you apply water. Using Salty Ocean and a touch of Peacock Feathers Distress Ink Reinkers, I created a beautiful blend that brought this quirky octopus to life.
Pro Tip: When watercoloring with Distress Inks, less is more. Start with a light wash of color, then layer on more pigment where you want to create shadows or depth. The beauty of watercoloring is in the gradual build-up of color, so take your time and enjoy the process.
Masking for a Perfect Focal Point
One of my favorite tricks in card making is using stencils and masks to create a focal point. For this card, I wanted the octopus to be the star of the show, so I used a large circle mask from the Background Basics Stencils set to keep the octopus front and center. Then came the fun part—creating the ocean background.
Using the Making Waves Stencil and my trusty Cottontail Blending Brushes, I started at the top of the card with Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, gradually working my way down with darker shades like Broken China, Mermaid Lagoon, and Salty Ocean. This technique gives the background a sense of depth, making it look like the octopus is truly swimming in the deep blue sea.
Pro Tip: When blending multiple ink colors, start with the lightest color and work towards the darkest. Overlap each color slightly to ensure a smooth transition. This creates a beautiful gradient effect that’s perfect for underwater scenes.
Adding Details and Texture
To add even more interest to the card, I used the seaweed images from the Making Waves Stencil with Mowed Lawn Distress Ink. This subtle touch of green adds a pop of color and makes the scene feel more complete. For a bit of fun, I couldn’t resist adding some bubbles using the same blue inks as the waves.
The best part? Removing the mask to reveal the clean, crisp circle around the octopus. It’s like magic every time!
Finishing Touches: It’s All in the Details
No card is complete without a few finishing touches. I stamped my sentiment in the clean area using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink. This ink is a game-changer for sentiments—it’s bold, crisp, and dries quickly, making it a must-have in my stash.
To add a bit of sparkle (because who doesn’t love a little bling?), I scattered some Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots from The Rabbit Hole Designs around the card. These dots catch the light beautifully and add just the right amount of shimmer without overpowering the design.
Lastly, I added a few white gel pen highlights to the octopus and a touch of Stardust Stickles for that extra bit of magic. A bit of glitter always brings a design to life, don’t you think?
Bringing It All Together
This card was a blast to create, and it’s a great reminder that sometimes, the best designs come from letting your creativity take the lead. Whether you’re an experienced card maker or just starting out, I hope this project inspires you to dive into your own stash and see what fun, twisted designs you can come up with.
Remember, the key to great card making is to enjoy the process and let your imagination run wild. I’d love to see what you create, so don’t forget to share your projects with me!
Wondering what I used in this project? Everything is linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails in the Materials Used section, or in the text below. Compensated affiliate links used when possible.
Materials Used:
Here you will find the list of supplies that I used to create today's card. All supplies are linked to supply sources below. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.
Happy Stampin'
Rick Adkins
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