Hello, dear crafters! Rick here, writing for the Pajama Crafter Stamps Blog today. I’m excited to share a uplifting project that’s perfect for sending a little love and encouragement. This card features the adorable Whale Wishes Stamp Set from Pajama Crafter Stamps, and it’s all about creating a playful underwater scene that reminds us that “everything whale be okay.”
The Heart of the Project
Sometimes, crafting feels like a mini-vacation, doesn’t it? For this card, I wanted to capture the soothing, playful vibe of the ocean. The Whale Wishes Stamp Set was the perfect choice with its charming whale images. The idea was to create a scene that’s both comforting and cheerful—a great way to let someone know you’re thinking of them.
Bringing the Whales to Life
I started by stamping the larger and smaller whale images onto watercolor paper using archival ink. This ink is a go-to for watercolor projects because it stays put when wet, letting the vibrant hues of my watercolor markers (from my stash) shine through. Using a size 4 round brush, I added water to the ink, blending the colors to create a soft, dreamy effect. There’s something so calming about watching the colors flow and blend—it’s a bit like watching waves gently roll onto the shore.
Pro Tip: When watercoloring, it’s helpful to work in layers. Start with a light wash and build up the intensity. This technique gives you more control and helps you achieve a beautiful gradient effect.
Adding Texture with Embossing
For the background, I wanted to add a touch of texture without stealing the spotlight from our whale friends. I reached for a piece of blue cardstock and ran it through my embossing folder (from my stash). The resulting wave pattern was perfect for an oceanic feel. To make the embossed details pop, I lightly brushed over them with a blending tool and some blue ink (from my stash). This added a subtle, yet striking contrast that really brought the scene to life.
Assembling the Card
After fussy cutting the whales, I attached them to the card base using 1mm foam tape. This little bit of dimension made the whales appear to swim right off the card! To finish, I added a few Boyfriend Blue Rhinestones, which mimic the sparkle of sunlight on water and add just the right amount of bling.
Pro Tip: Foam tape is a card maker’s best friend for adding dimension. Not only does it make your elements stand out, but it also creates shadows that add depth to your design.
Wrapping It Up
Creating this card was such a joy, and I hope it inspires you to dive into your stash and create something uplifting for someone special. Remember, the beauty of crafting lies in the joy of the process and the happiness it can bring to others. So, whether you’re sending this card to lift someone’s spirits or just to say hello, know that your creativity can make a difference.
Thank you for joining me on this crafting adventure! I encourage you to experiment with your own supplies and techniques. Sometimes, the best designs come from just playing around and seeing what happens.
Until next time, happy crafting!
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue sharing creative content. Thank you for your support!
