Let’s Create!

To create this card, I started by ink blending my background using Distress Oxide Inks. I started with Tumbled Glass and a basic cloud stencil, followed by Twisted Citron for the rolling hills. I did something similar on THIS card.

To create a muddy “pad” I used my Ink Splat stencil to draw an outline of the image onto a Neenah 110lb white cardstock. Then I fussy cut the image and ink blended using Gathered Twigs Distress Oxide ink. I then took my paint brush with loaded water, splattered all over the “mud” cut out. By splattering water, the ink reacted creating a fun background. 

 I love how this looks like the piggies are sitting in a splash of mud. 

Let’s Color!

Next, I colored all of my Barn Buddies images using Copic Markers. 

Below you can find the guide used to color my images: 

Pigs: E99, E97, E95, E00 Hoof: E44, E43, E42 Mud: E44, E43, E42

To add a muddy splatter background, I smooshed Vintage Photo Distress Ink onto my glass mat, sprinkled with some water, then splattered the ink onto my base cardstock layer. 

Next, I attached my cute little pigs using foam tape for the sitting pig and regular liquid glue for the sleeping pig. 

To finish the card, I layered the card base onto a brown cardstock die cut with a basic scallop edge and then added dimension with foam tape before adhering to my card base. Lastly, I added my sentiment to a small scallop edge with foam adhesive. I love all the dimension and cohesiveness of the design with the tiny scallops. Oh… and I added a few little gems for added interest. I love me some gems!!!

Make sure to check out the Barnraiser Coloring Competition as tomorrow is the LAST day! There is still time to join the in the fun and private FB group to join like minded friends who love to COLOR all the things!!  Don’t miss out!!!

I’ll be back soon with something else up my creative sleeve!

The post Stephen’s Barn Buddies- Copictopia Creative appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Let’s Create!

To create this card I started with my background with the hopes of a dreamy sunrise. Little fact about me, I don’t normally catch a sunrise as I’m never up that early. Hence why I can only “dream” about it! 

To get started I ink blended the background using Distress Oxide Inks: Fossilized Amber, Ripe Persimmon, and Candied Apple. I used a Pinking Die Cut for the sun, along with a die cut for the rolling hills, both ink blended using distress oxide inks. For the sun I used Mustard Seed with a little left over ink from my Ripe Persimmon brush. The hill was ink blended using Twisted Citron and Mowed Lawn. 

Let’s Color!

Can little Stephen be ANY cuter! Oh my WORD! I find he’s the cutest and especially with this dirty blonde hair!

Next, I colored all of my images using Copic Markers. 

Below you can find the guide used to color my images: 

Stephen Face: E13, E11, E00, E000 Cheeks: R20, R30 Eyes: G24, G21, G40 Hair: E57, E55, E53, E50 Overalls: B99, B97, B95, B91 Shirt: C1, C0, E55 (for a little dirt smudge) Wheat: YR27, YR24

Pigs: E99, E97, E95, E00 Hoof: E44 Mud: E39, E37, E35, E33

Of course, one of my favorite additions is to add splatter using the Dr. Ph. Martin’s Bleed Proof White.  I also die cut the sentiment using a basic circle die and then added to the top of my card with a little stitching. I love the detail a little stitching can add to a card. 

Make sure to check out the Barnraiser Coloring Competition? This is a fantastic event using the most adorable images and so much fun is being had in the private FB group with friends. The coloring is amazing and the friendships formed even better!! Don’t miss out!!!

I’ll be back soon with something else up my creative sleeve!

The post Stephen’s Barn Buddies-Copictopia Creative appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Happy day! I have a fun card to share using a new die cut from the On the Boardwalk bundle, a new release from Catherine Pooler Designs. Hello CUTENESS!!!!

Let’s Create!

I love the Boardwalk Cruisers stamp and dies (part of the bundle) with these sweet little critters perfect for coloring with Copic Markers. I added some ink blending to the background using Catherine Pooler inks which I love. You can find the inks I used in the product list below.

Her ink pads are SUPER juicy and water reactive which is a fun added bonus to any card. You know me, I love a good splattered card whether water, ink or paint. It just adds a fun texture. Plus, look how fun this aqua background looks against the Woodsie Wagon. SO fun!

On the Boardwalk

Probably the focus of this card is the adorable Woodsie Wagon die cut. I die cut using Hammerhill 110lb white cardstock and then used some of my Copic Markers to color most of the die cuts. Honestly, you will have to forgive me… as I didn’t write down any of the Copics I used this time. UGH. It’s not a habit yet… but soon. I also used the paper pack from the On the Boardwalk bundle that is precious and worked perfectly for this card.

Definitely take a look at this new release from Catherine Pooler. She has a lot of fun new products out already, including some new Sizzix products that are adorable. Moreover, if you are looking for ink pads, make sure to give her inks a try. If you search the internet, you will see her inks are by far the best on the market and she’s got the best array of colors. You will not run short of any colors for sure!

Products Used:

I hope you enjoyed today’s card!

The post On the Boardwalk- Catherine Pooler Designs appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Happy Monday! It’s been a busy few weeks here at my house. I’m finally getting back into my normal routine after a bunch of travel and of course work work work. Today I have lots of inspiration to share! I will admit, it’s super easy to just upload my cards to Instagram, especially when factoring in time. Blogging is more to share HOW I created the card. But here is the question… is anyone reading? Do you like the “how to’s” when creating cards? I’m asking you because I want to know how this website can best serve those that read. So your honest feedback is HUGE for me.

I should add… I’m toying with doing some video… maybe live events on my YouTube channel that is WAY neglected. Would anyone be interested? Or maybe even doing a live on my Facebook Page. Would you like to see the process of using Copic Markers? Putting a card together? Please, do let me know. I SO appreciate your feedback. Okay… onward!

Fabulous Flamingos

I couldn’t wait to share this fun card using the Fabulous Flamingos from My Favorite Things. This set is from a recent release called Fabulous Flamingos and I wanted to create this card for this weeks sketch challenge at My Favorite Things. Here is a pic of the sketch I used:

Let’s Create!

To start this card, started by ink blending the background using the Perfect Pool Water Stencil from My Favorite Things onto Hammerhill 80lb cardstock 4 x 5 1/2″. I used Sno Cone and Summer Splash inks starting with the darkest color and letting the stenciled image fade towards the left of the card using the lighter color. Next, I used a basic circle die cut to create an opening for my stamped images.

Thirdly, the Sun Ray stencil (now retired but there are tons of this type of stencil out there) uses Lemon Drop ink onto a layer of Hammerhill 80lb cardstock measuring 4 x 5 1/2″ for the back drop of my flamingo scene.

Most importantly, the Fabulous Flamingos is the perfect addition for fun summer cards. I LOVE these adorable flamingos. I stamped all of my flamingo images onto X-Press It cardstock using Lawn Fawn Jet Black ink and started coloring away.

Copic Markers Used:

• Flamingos: RV29, RV14, RV13, RV21
• Beach Water: BG49, BG34, BG23, BG11
• Rock: T5, T3, T1
• Palm Tree: YG17, YG13, YG11

Finishing the Card:

To finish up my card, I placed my flamingo scene to the inside of the die cut circle. I added a small strip of pattern paper to the left side of the card for added interest and my sentiment was embossed using white embossing powder onto Black cardstock. I love how this little card turned out.

More Inspiration!

Although I haven’t had much time to blog, I am always sharing on Instagram. Over the last week I’ve shared some other fun cards from My Favorite Things I thought I would share here too. I hope these inspire you to create something fun this week. If you are on Instagram, make sure to check out my feed for lots of inspiration @stampinbythesea.

These first three cards use the Playful Pups stamp set from My Favorite Things. The last card is from the Friends Who Fiesta, another fantastic set from My Favorite Things. Can you tell I love their images. Oh my!!

I hope you enjoyed all of today’s inspiration! Let me know by leaving a comment. It always brings a smile to my face.

The post Fabulous Flamingos and MORE-My Favorite Things appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Happy day! I have another fun Ocean themed card using the same technique I shared the other day for this card HERE.

Let’s Create!

To start this card, stamp all of your sea critters from the Ocean Sized Hugs stamp set onto a piece of X-Press It cardstock using a Black alcohol ink friendly stamp pad. I love Lawn Fawn’s Jet Black or My Favorite Things Extreme Black ink pads. Both work great. Remember, heat setting each of these inks help to prevent smearing when you start coloring with your markers.

You can find the Copic Color combinations below used for all the sea critters and reef. To create the background, I used two stencils: Watercolor Wash Free Form and Perfect Pool Water Stencil from My Favorite Things. Since I was using texture paste, I started by using a 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ piece of Tim Holtz Heavystock cardstock. Placing the Perfect Pool Water first, then placed the Water Color Wash Free Form down over the first stencil to help me stay within the stencil lines. Next, add the texture paste to create an ocean water appearance. Once dry, I placed the Watercolor Wash Free Form Stencil back over the card front and ink blended using Tumbled Glass and Salty Ocean Distress Oxide ink. Tip: Make sure your textured paste is fully dry before ink blending over the image. Otherwise you could have a big fat mess. Trim this panel to 3 7/8 x 5.

Last Details

Once the paste was dry, I cut a rectangle panel from the A2 Rectangle Frames from a piece of Neenah Solar Classic Cardstock, ink blending with Tumbled Glass and Salty Ocean Distress Oxide inks. I placed this over the stenciled image, while tucking my Reef colored images at the bottom and securing with Foam Adhesive for dimension. Next, I added the other sea critters onto the panel using my Glue Press.

In addition, I used Alabaster White Embossing powder from Brutus Monroe onto Black cardstock for my sentiment and placed at the top of the card with foam adhesive. The entire card front (3 7/8 x 5″) was placed onto a piece of Black cardstock (4 1/8 x 5 1/4″), then placed onto my card base (4 1/4 x 11″).

The last details added was some white and gold splatter.

Copic Markers Used

• Shark: C5, C3, C1, C0
• Crab: R17, YR07, YR04, YR02
• Octopus: V09, V06, V04, V01, V000
• Squid? or Jelly Fish? BG49, BG13, BG11, BG000
• Blowfish: YR68, YR65, YR61, RV06, RV04, RV02, RV10
• Rocks: N5, N3, N1, N0
• Sand: E13, E11, E01, E00
• Sea Kelp: Y08, B02, BG13, BG49; RV06, RV04, RV02, RV10; Go5, G02, G00, G000; R27, R24, R22, R20

Chatty Update:

I’m back from my long week away with the kiddos and excited to report they came back home for a few days so we can celebrate Brandon’s birthday. I changed up my work schedule this week so I can work in the morning and be with the kids in the afternoons. I’m getting ready to start my summer work schedule which includes longer weekends Friday-Monday off, giving me a bit more work life balance and of course, STAMPING!

I often giggle as I find myself with an ever growing craft room. The reality I never thought I’d be back in the ole stamp room. So many of my crafty things were sold with the intent to never stamp again. I giggle now because the fire I had for stamping back when I started in 2003 has re-surfaced. This time around I’m not letting myself get to the burn out stage. It’s REAL and UGLY. Totally not enjoyable. I want to enjoy the process of creating because it feels GOOD. And if I’m honest, the coloring aspect is one of the most therapeutic things I’ve done for myself. It helps relieve a lot of work stress. If you are new to Copics or have questions, let me know in the comments. I’d love to share some things I’ve learned over the last year.

Okay, until next time…

Lastly, thank you, as always, for taking time to read today. Make sure to subscribe and receive updates right to your email. You will find the subscribe button on the right side bar.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card!

The post Ocean Sized Hugs Round 2- My Favorite Things appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Happy day! Today I couldn’t wait to share this adorable girl and her flamingo floaty from the Dear Summer Living stamp set! I really am enjoying Picket Fence Studios Ocean theme release.

Let’s Create!

To start this card, I stamped the image in Lawn Fawn’s Jet Black ink onto a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2″ piece of X-Press It Cardstock. When I started creating this card, I wasn’t 100% on the direction it would take. For one reason, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to color the entire background or die cut the sweet image. Interestingly enough, this cute stamp set, Dear Summer Living, has a coordinating die cut along with a few for the sentiments. As I started coloring, it was apparent I was going to use the entire card front and eventually trimmed this front panel to 4 x 5 1/4″.

Since I colored the entire image, once it was colored I used the My Favorite Things Blueprints 29, die cutting the stitched rectangle and popped up the colored image over the leftover die cut. I love how this gave dimension to the card front. Finishing touches include white splatter and adding the sentiment. Make sure to check out the Dear Summer Living stamp. I think you will enjoy coloring this cutie!!

Copic Markers Used

• Hair: E18, E15, E13, E11
• Flamingo & Hair Bow: RV29, RV14, RV13, RV21
• Skin: E13, E11, E00, E000
• Swimsuit: Bo2, B00, B000
• Hill: YG03, YG01, YG00, YG000
• Sky/Clouds: B00, B000, B0000 N2, N0
• Flowers: Y08, Y04, YR04
• Light House/House: T5, T3, T1, T0
• Fish: Bo2, Y08
• Water: B99, B95, B91

Chatty Update:

Last story time I left off stating I’d come back and talk about my sweet girl. Honestly, this is the first time I’m shedding light on the situation in a public fashion and my thoughts are a bit jumbled. Like how do you explain a two year nightmare. LOL! I’ve had many emotions regarding her situation, especially sadness knowing all that she had hoped and dreamed did not turn out.

It all started with a dating app as she was finishing up her senior year in high school. Although I’m a girl from the 1900’s and a fan of traditional dating, I’m not opposed to dating apps, yet I had conflicted feelings regarding her situation. In my experience, not all of these “dating experiences” work out. Her situation is a case in point!

Red Flags

Personally I could see some red flags based on the fast pace the relationship had taken. AND, doesn’t help that I’m a therapist where red flags are something common I see. He was a young handsome military man going to school here in Pensacola. Things escalated quickly, despite some open conversations and uncertainty of the relationship, the two ended up engaged and quickly married five months later. Seriously, just weeks after she graduated high school. During that time, many thought Russ and I had lost our minds “letting” her get married. However, the truth is, at 18 years old, you are an adult. She gets to decide.

The wedding happens, they move across the country to San Diego and my mama heart was broken. Then… things started going downhill fast. While I could write a book on all the “things” gone bad… I’m not here to publicly humiliate her, him or either family. MANY mistakes were made along the way from all parties. Once the two of them moved to Orlando, it was evident to Alexis there were bigger problems. We made a visit to Orlando to check on her wellbeing and literally the day we were leaving, sometime in the middle of the night he left unexpectedly returning to his home town. No goodbye- just left.

It took a year, but her divorce was final this past January. Over the last year, my girl has pulled herself up by the boot straps and pushed forward, working full time and going to school all the while feeling the “feels” divorce brings. The good news, she’s doing great and continues to thrive and survive!

Lastly…

Okay, until next time…

Thank you, as always, for taking time to read today. Make sure to subscribe and receive updates right to your email. You will find the subscribe button on the right side bar.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card!

The post Dear Summer Living- Picket Fence Studios appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Happy Saturday! I couldn’t be more excited to share this fun card for many reasons. This is a special card I created for my son’s big day- College Graduation!

Let’s Create!

I’ve been planning this card for a few weeks after purchasing the graduation sentiments from My Favorite Things. I had also purchased another graduation image to use for the card UNTIL My Favorite Things released the Super Human stamp set. I knew immediately I had to use this set for Brandon’s card. Our family loves all the Marvel movies (well, I’m the exception… I’m not a huge movie buff). Even so, the sentiment I wanted to use fit perfectly with this stamp set and I got busy creating.

I started the card with a 3 3/4 x 5 1/2″ Neenah Solar White cardstock, ink blending Lost Shadow and Hickory Smoke Distress Oxide Inks making the last 1/4″ of the card panel a soft gray using Lost Shadow Distress Oxide. I let this dry for a few minutes and then embossed the City Block background stamp set over the panel using VersaMark and Brutus Monroe Raven Embossing Powder. This is a very fine embossing powder perfect for this fine lined image.

The next step was stamping all of the critters onto a piece of X-Press It Cardstock. Again, this is my go to cardstock when using Copic Markers. I love how the cardstock helps with all the blending of ink. It’s also taught me to be a little lighter handed when laying any color onto the cardstock. I encourage you to try it, see if this cardstock is something you like. Many use Neenah Solar Crest 80lb cardstock, which is also a GREAT cardstock to use.

Copic Markers Used

• Red Cape and Mask: R39, R29, R27, R24, R22
• Blue Cape: B37, B26, B24, B21
• Gold Star: YR23, Y17, Y15
• Gray Cat: C5, C3, C1, C0 add C9, C7 for little dots around head
• Brown Cat: E35, E53, E51, E50. Use E49, E59 for spots
• Dog: E44, E43, E42, E41, E40

Once all the critters were colored (see Copics used along with some tips) it was time to add the sentiments. I used Brutus Monroe Alabaster White Embossing Powder with the ConGRADulations stamp set from My Favorite Things. Once embossed, it was time to put the card together. I used the Black and White Stripes Pattern Paper (my FAV) adding a 1 x 5″ strip to the card base (4 1/4 x 11). Then I added the A2 panel with the buildings to the card base using Foam Adhesive. Next, add your critters with dimensional or foam tape, along with your sentiment. I can see using the Super Human stamp set MANY more times. It’s so adorable.

Super Human Tips:

• When coloring critters, I like to add little dots around areas of the head, body or tail for added interest using darker markers in coordinating colors. For these critters I used C7, C9 for the gray kitty, along with E49 and E59 for the brown kitty.
• Add a little sparkle! To be honest, I didn’t think I would ever use Stickles again. Now I have a bottle on my desk I reach for all the time. I added the Crystal Stickles to the star on the brown kitty’s forehead and it’s a perfect detail.
• Don’t forget the cheeks! I love to add a little R20/30 to the cheeks, blending it in a bit and then adding a Gelly Roll pen over the checks with a few dots.

Chatty Update

I’m currently hanging out with my kiddos in Orlando, celebrating my son’s graduation. My cheeks hurt from smiling. I’ll be sharing more of our time together (always way too short) soon.

Okay, until next time…

Thank you, as always, for taking time to read today.

Make sure to subscribe and receive updates right to your email. You will find the subscribe button on the right side bar.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card!

The post Super Human- My Favorite Things appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Happy Friday! As you can tell… I’m keeping with the ocean theme! I just love me some sea critters from the Ocean Sized Hugs stamp set!!

Let’s Create!

I started this card using the Ocean Sized Hugs from My Favorite Things. Ya’ll! I just can’t get enough of these adorable images from this company. I seriously want to color ALL the things. The images are not only fun to color, they give you the ability to let your imagination go wild creating fun scenes. Now, I’m not an expert in the scene building, but I do have fun trying to create something fun and cute.

When using different mediums such as ink blending or especially a texture paste, I typically always use Tim Holtz Heavystock cardstock. To start this card, I used two stencils. Placing the Watercolor Wash Stencil down first, I then placed the Drifts and Hills stencils over the image and added texture paste to create an ocean wave. Once dry, I placed the Watercolor Wash Stencil back over the card front and ink blended using Tumbled Glass and Salty Ocean Distress Oxide ink. Tip: Make sure your textured paste is fully dry before ink blending over the image. Otherwise you could have a big fat mess.

After ink blending, I added some water splatter along with white and gold splatter to give the background more texture and interest.

Next, using the Ocean Sized Hugs stamp set, I stamped my images using Lawn Fawns Jet Black Ink onto X-Press It White cardstock to begin my Copic Coloring.

Time To Color

Next it’s time to color! I used the following Copic Markers to color all of my images.

Copic Markers Used

Shrimp: BG49, BG13, BG11, BG000

Sting Ray: B26, B23, B21

Jelly Fish RV06, RV04, RV02, RV10

Reef : Rocks W5, W3, W1 and N5, N3, N1, N0 Sand: E13, E11, E01, E00

Corals: Y08, B02, BG13, BG49; RV06, RV04, RV02, RV10; Go5, G02, G00, G000; R27, R24, R22, R20

Shell: E99, E97, E95, E93

Finishing the Card

The finishing touches for this card included stamping my greeting onto black cardstock using VersaMark ink and embossing with Brutus Monroe Alabaster Embossing Powder. I love how the sentiment pops using white embossing powder onto black cardstock.

Next, once all of my images were die cut, I placed them onto my card front using my Glue Press and foam tape to give the images dimension. I added my sentiment to the bottom of the card and then added the 4 x 5 1/2″ card panel towards the right of my card base with a small 1″x 5 1/2″ aqua cardstock from my stash.

Tips

• Add little dots to your ocean critters using your darker Copic Markers or a White Jelly Roll Pen. These small details always add a fun vibe to your cards.

Thank you for taking time to read today. I hope you enjoyed today’s card! I’ll have another chatty update on Friday!

Make sure to subscribe to my blog by clicking the link on the sidebar to get all the updates right to your inbox.

The post Ocean Sized Hugs- My Favorite Things appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

Picket Fence Studios has a great new release with tons of amazing ocean sea life. This Florida girl was all over it the day it was released and the You Octopi My Thoughts was first on my list to create!

Let’s Create!

I started this card using the You Octopi My Thoughts Bundle from Picket Fence Studio. I love how detailed this octopus image looks. Accordingly, I started the card using Tim Holtz Heavystock cardstock to ink blend the background. Using Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean and Mermaid Lagoon Distress Oxide Inks, I ink blended the entire 4 x 5 5 1/2″ card panel. I started my ink blending with Tumbled Glass, the lightest of the inks. Then I added Salty Ocean along with the Sunny Rays stencil from My Favorite Things to add the sun rays shining into the ocean. I love how this looked. I finished my ink blending with Mermaid Lagoon inking towards the bottom to help the ocean floor appear darker.

Next, using Things on the Sea Floor stamp set, I stamped a few corals on the bottom of the card panel using a black ink. Next, I stamped the Octopus and a few of the corals from both stamp sets onto X-Press It White cardstock to begin my Copic coloring.

Time To Color

Next it’s time to color! I used the following Copic Markers to color all of my images.

Copic Markers Used

• Octopus: E18, E15, YR18, YR02, YR00, Y38, Y35
• Corals: BG49, BG13, G02, G03
• Corals: R49, R35, R32
• Corals: YR68, YR65, YR61
• Corals: YG17, YG23, YG01

Finishing the Card

The finishing touches for this card included stamping my greeting onto black cardstock using VersaMark ink and embossing with Brutus Monroe Alabaster Embossing Powder. Next, once all of my images were die cut, I placed them onto my card front using my Glue Press and foam tape to give the images dimension. I added my sentiment in my favorite way, staples! Old habits coming back to life and sweet and simple.

Tips

• I added a few details to the card using my White Jelly Roll pen. I used size 10, which is the perfect size when adding fun dots or whimsical lines. I added some white dots on the Octopus eyes to help them stand out.
• If you look closely, you can see the gold splatter along with the white. I recently discovered a new product from Picket Fence that is perfect for splatter accents called Paper Splatter Watercolor.
• X-Press It White cardstock is my favorite cardstock to use for Copic coloring. I always tell my girlfriends this cardstock blends my Copics like butter. In my opinion, this cardstock does all the work when it comes to blending!

Chatty Update

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a chance to update on family life. Overall, we are doing well. If I’m being real, not having the kids home has been a difficult transition. I miss them like crazy. Although Orlando is not far, it’s still 8 hours of driving. I love the kids are living together which brings a little comfort; however, this current living arrangement could change very soon.

Graduation Time

Brandon graduates this Saturday from the University of Central Florida. I am over the moon for this kid. So much adversity the first few years and he pulled through it like a champ. He’s working full time and starting to think about the next chapter and looking for IT jobs. My hope is he’ll be closer to Pensacola, but we are not putting any pressure on him. We want him to make the adult decisions that will be best for him. He doesn’t know that I’m secretly praying daily he comes back near me. LOL. I just received his grad pictures back and my mama heart is bursting. How can he be this grown up? I feel like time is zooming by! He’s not the fiesty little boy anymore; instead he is one of the most humble and kind humans I know.

In the meantime, my sweet girl continues to plow through some adversity herself. I believe adversity is normal for all and it’s the experience that helps us progress through life. Regardless, she’s keeping her head above water and finding her way. I love her spirit and independence. I like to think of her as a fighter. Undoubtedly, she’s had some set backs over the last few years after a recent divorce (more on that later) she continues to push forward and find her way. She’s looking forward to a lighter schedule this summer and hoping to make a few visits home. Indeed, home is always a safe and comforting place.

Lastly, thank you, as always, for taking time to read today. Make sure to subscribe and receive updates right to your email. You will find the subscribe button on the right side bar.

I hope you enjoyed today’s card!

The post You Octopi My Thoughts- Picket Fence Studios appeared first on Kimberly Van Diepen, Paper Crafter - StampinByTheSea.com.

It’s going to be a colorful week. I have so many fun cards to share, all using lots of coloring. My hope is you will enjoy these cards as much as I had fun creating them.

Let’s Create!

I started this card using the Hoppin’ Good Time stamp set from My Favorite Things (MFT). Oh my word, isn’t this a cutie!? I started the card using Tim Holtz Heavystock cardstock to ink blend the background. This is a fantastic cardstock when you want to use a lot of ink on a card. It’s super heavy and holds many mediums well without a HUGE amount of warping. Using Cornflower, Sno Cone and Sour Apple inks from MFT, I ink blended the background. Since MFT inks are water reactive, I added some water splatter to the ink blending which gives great interest to the card.

Next, I stamped several areas using the Typewriter Text Background stamp from MFT using VersaMark ink, then placed Brutus Monroe Alabaster White Embossing Powder over the image. I added white ink splatter along with some darker blue ink splatter across the A2 Card Panel. I die cut 3 each of the letters HOP from the In Stitches Alphabet, glued them together and then added the Cornflower and Sno Cone ink over the letters.

Time To Color

Next it’s time to color! I used the following Copic Markers to color the cutie patootie Froggy’s.

Copic Markers Used

Frogs: YG17, YG13, YG11, YG01, G20 Dots: BG99

Balloons: Blue: B99, B95, B93, B91 Orange: YR68, YR65, YR61. Yellow: Y17, Y15, Y11

Water: B45, B41, B52, B000

Rocks: T5, T3, T1, T0

Lily Pad: YG17, YG25, YG23, YG01.

Cat Tails: E37, E55, E31 Leaves: BG99

Finishing the Card

The finishing touches for this card was adding some pattern paper. I love all of the MFT pattern paper packs. In fact, the Subtle Plaids Pattern Paper Pack was my inspiration for this card. Unfortunately this particular pattern paper stack is no longer available. I highly recommend looking at MFT’s other packs available HERE. I added a 1″ x 5″ strip on each side of the 3 3/4 x 5 1/2″ card panel. Note, the card panel is popped up using foam tape. The last element for this card was adding the greeting. Using Black cardstock and Brutus Monroe Alabaster Embossing Powder, and changing the greeting a tad by cutting into strips, I added the sentiment using my favorite tool from My Sweet Petunia- the Glue Press.

Tips

• Adding teeny tiny dots of color using your darker Copic Markers on your critters adds just enough interest to make anyone smile.
• Jelly Roll Pens! I love my Jelly Roll pens, especially White, Black and Red. I use the white to often fix when I go outside the lines of my colored image and to add tiny dots around an image. You will see this a few more times this week on other cards. I use the black Jelly Roll on the eyes of critters to make their sweet faces come to life.

Thank you, as always, for taking time to read today. I hope you enjoyed today’s card!

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