You know that feeling when Monday hits, and it’s like the universe just expects you to function? That’s exactly the vibe I had in mind when creating this card featuring the Caffeinated Critters Limited Edition Bundle from The Rabbit Hole Designs. These adorable, over-caffeinated critters perfectly capture that not-enough-coffee kind of morning, and I couldn’t resist pairing them with a fun ink-blended background and some sparkly embellishments.
The Caffeinated Critters Limited Edition Bundle is extra special—it includes the stamp set, coordinating dies, the Sip, Sip, Ahh! Stencil, and a few surprise extras. Plus, each bundle is numbered, making it a true collector’s item. But once they’re gone, they’re gone! So if you’re as caffeine-dependent as these little guys, now’s the time to grab yours.
Too Much Monday Not Enough:
Creating a Coffee-Soaked Seascape
I knew I wanted to create a scene that felt both playful and dynamic, so I started with a simple ink-blended background. Using Distress Oxide Inks in Tumbled Glass, Mermaid Lagoon, and Salty Ocean, I built up a soft yet vibrant ocean for these little critters to float in. For the sandy bottom, Antique Linen and Frayed Burlap were the perfect pair.
One of my favorite tricks when blending backgrounds like this is to add a little water splatter. Just flick on some water, let it sit for a few seconds, and blot with a paper towel—instant texture! It’s such an easy way to give your background a more organic look.
Now, here’s where things got extra fun. I wanted to incorporate the Sip, Sip, Ahh! stencil in a way that felt unexpected, so instead of traditional coffee rings, I ink-blended some right into the water using Blueprint Sketch Distress Oxide Ink. The result? A whimsical, coffee-fueled ocean that these little critters are clearly thriving in.
The Stars of the Show: A Crab and an Octopus on a Caffeine High
These caffeinated critters absolutely steal the spotlight. I stamped them onto Hammermill Smooth Cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black Ink—a great choice for alcohol marker coloring—and then brought them to life with my OlO Markers.
If you’re new to alcohol marker coloring, here’s a pro tip: don’t stress about getting everything perfect on the first layer. Lay down a light base color, build up your shadows gradually, and go back in with your lightest shade to blend it all out. Alcohol ink blends best when it’s still slightly wet, so working in small sections helps prevent harsh lines.
Once my caffeinated crab and octopus were colored, I used the coordinating dies from the bundle to cut them out. Die-cutting not only makes everything look polished, but it also adds that bit of dimension that really helps a card pop.
Bringing It All Together
With my critters ready to go, I layered my ink-blended background onto a piece of black cardstock for a subtle frame and then adhered it to an A2 top-folding card base. The black matting is a small detail, but it really helps anchor the design and make the colors stand out even more.
To complete the scene, I popped up my caffeinated crab and octopus with foam adhesive, giving them just the right amount of lift. Then, I added one of the pre-printed Blended Sentiments A2 Sheets—because let’s be real, no Monday is complete without a witty coffee-related remark.
Of course, no card is finished without a little sparkle! I sprinkled on a few embellishments from the Whole Latte Sparkle Embellishment Mix, and that was it—my caffeine-loving critters were ready to take on the world (or at least, their next coffee break).
Final Thoughts—And a Friendly Warning
This Caffeinated Critters Limited Edition Bundle is truly a one-and-done release. Once they sell out, they’re gone forever! So if these jittery little guys are calling your name, don’t wait too long to grab your set.
I’d love to hear how you’re using this release—are you team crab, team octopus, or just team all the coffee? Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media. Happy crafting, and may your coffee be strong and your Mondays be short!
Thanks for dropping by today I hope that you found a little spark of creative inspiration with my project today. 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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