Catch of the Day!

and what a catch it is

TECHNIQUETUTORIALSTENCIL

4/7/20243 min read

This card was created for the 613 Avenue Create. The sponsor over there this month is Polkadoodles: they’ve provided some wonderful digital images including this sweet mermaid. There is also an optional twist this month - “a splash of colour”. Hop on over and check out the awesome entries - and while you’re there, feel free to share a card and grow the creativity!

Would you like to play around with a design like this? You'll find a supply list below, including a link to the stencils I used from A Colorful Life Designs. Follow the link and use discount code ChrisFan10 to save 10% on your entire order! (Master Creator Bundles are excluded as they already have a 20% discount built in.)

Let’s get Started:

Card Base: 5.5 x 8.5, scored and folded at 4.25

Blue Border: 5.5 x 4.25

Card Face:5 ⅜ x 4 1/8

Card Face:

I downloaded the image provided by Polkadoodles and printed it on 80 lb. paper (the heaviest that my printer will accept).
I coloured it with alcohol markers.
I trimmed the sheet down to the desired size.
I put the card face onto my Grip Mat and then positioned the first stencil on top (Bubbly Waves). I used light blue ink and a careful hand to add colour around the mermaid: I needed enough colour for the pattern to show but didn’t want it to be overwhelming.
I added the second stencil directly on top of the first one. (Script). *
I used dark blue ink and applied it randomly to the image.

*See Layered Stencilling under Techniques in the header

Other:

I stamped the sentiment with black pigment ink and then cut it out with a die.
I also cut out 3 extra circles and glued them together behind the sentiment to provide depth.
I used a corner rounder on each corner of the card face.

Assembly:

I glued the blue layer to the card base, and the card face on top of them.
I added the sentiment to the front of the card, positioning as shown.
I added small bits of bling to represent bubbles rising to the surface.

Final Thoughts:

There are things I would change in the colouring on this image if I was doing it again, but I was satisfied with it overall.

The addition of the darker blue with the Script stencil added a lot to the water but found it interesting that it looked more like shadows or currents than script.

Supplies: (and links where possible)

I have listed which products I have used, and where they may be purchased. It's a huge marketplace and in most instances, there are multiple sources and many alternatives to choose from.

Stencils:

Bubbly Waves: A Colorful Life Designs

Script: A Colorful Life Designs

Digital Image: Polkadoodles

Sentiment: Best Catch, Stampin’ Up! (retired)

Stamp Positioner: Misti, Spellbinders

Waffle Flower Grip Mat, 8.5 x 6.5, Scrapbook.com

Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Blending Brushes: Stampin’ Up!

Memento Ink: Stampin’ Up!

Alcohol Markers:

Stampin’ Blends: Stampin’ Up!