Hello, crafty friends! Rick here, and I’m thrilled to be sharing today’s project on The Rabbit Hole Designs LLC blog. We’re diving deep into the creative ocean with a whimsical underwater-themed card that I had an absolute blast creating. Using some of my favorite products from The Rabbit Hole Designs, this card started as a simple idea and quickly evolved into something truly special. Let’s take a closer look at how it all came together!
Making a Splash with Balloon Animals 2
The inspiration for this card came the moment I laid eyes on the Balloon Animals 2 Stamp Set from The Rabbit Hole Designs. There’s something so delightful about these playful balloon animals, and the octopus in particular caught my eye. I knew it was the perfect focal point for an underwater scene, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
To begin, I stamped the octopus onto a piece of watercolor paper using a light brown dye ink (from my stash). This ink is ideal for watercoloring because it doesn’t smudge when you apply water. I then used some blue and teal reinkers (from my stash) to watercolor the octopus, bringing it to life with rich, oceanic hues.
Pro Tip: When watercoloring with reinkers, start with a light wash of color and build up layers gradually. This technique allows you to create depth and dimension in your images without overwhelming the design.
Creating the Perfect Ocean Background
Once my octopus was colored and dry, I wanted to give it a stunning ocean background that would make it pop. That’s where the Making Waves 6 x 6 Stencil from The Rabbit Hole Designs came into play. I used a circle mask (from my stash) to protect the octopus while I ink blended the waves around it.
Starting at the top of the card, I used a light blue dye ink (from my stash) and gradually blended down with darker shades like teal and deep blue (from my stash) using my Cottontail Blending Brushes. This gradient effect gives the background a sense of depth, making it feel like the octopus is floating in the depths of the sea.
Pro Tip: When blending multiple ink colors, it’s helpful to overlap each color slightly for a smooth transition. This technique not only creates a cohesive look but also adds visual interest to the background.
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Adding Seaweed and Bubbles
To enhance the underwater scene, I added some seaweed using a green dye ink (from my stash) and the seaweed pattern on the Making Waves Stencil. This subtle detail adds a pop of color and helps anchor the design. I also couldn’t resist adding a few bubbles around the octopus using the same blue inks I used for the waves. These small touches bring the scene to life and add a bit of fun to the overall design.
The moment of truth came when I removed the mask and stencil, revealing a clean, crisp circle around the octopus. It’s such a satisfying step and really highlights the focal point of the card.
Finishing Touches with Sparkle
No card is complete without a little bit of sparkle, and the Clear Sparkle Enamel Dots from The Rabbit Hole Designs were the perfect finishing touch. I scattered a few of these dazzling dots around the card, adding just the right amount of shimmer. To tie it all together, I stamped a sentiment in Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink in the clean area of the card, making sure it stood out against the colorful background.
Finally, I added some white gel pen highlights to the octopus and a touch of glitter glue (from my stash) to give it that extra bit of magic. These small details can make a big difference in the overall look of your card, adding depth and dimension that really make your design shine.
Wrapping It Up
This card was such a joy to create, and I hope it inspires you to dive into your own creative projects. Whether you’re a seasoned card maker or just starting out, remember that the best designs often come from letting your imagination take the lead. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and techniques—sometimes, the most unexpected ideas turn out to be the most fun!
Thanks for joining me today on The Rabbit Hole Designs LLC blog. I can’t wait to see what you create, so be sure to share your projects with us. Happy crafting!
Rick
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