Seaside Summers Inspiration Challenge

Welcome to this week’s Seaside Summers inspiration challenge with the Paper Craft Crew! It’s the perfect time for this theme, isn’t it? We have definitely been  having summer temperatures here. I’m sure you’ll be able to find some inspiration somewhere close by!

PCC345 SEASIDE SUMMERS INSPIRATION

Isn’t that a gorgeous inspiration photo?! I’d like to be on a sandy beach right now, instead of on my computer! Oh well – I do have an iced tea beside me 🙂

LAYERING WAVES

It’s funny – I was just looking at new ‘beach’ type stamps online a couple of days ago, before I saw this challenge. But, I knew I wouldn’t be able to receive anything new in time! So, I pulled out my favourite Hero Arts Color Layering Waves stamp set, which is perfect for this theme.

Ah, yes! Spread out a towel, dig your toes in the sand, and settle back with your sunglasses on and a good book. That’s how I like to beach it! I also used some of my favourite accessories, for ramping up the texture on this card. Read on, for all the details.

IMAGE DETAILS

Creating the water & waves is made very easy, thanks to this Hero Arts multi-layer Color Layering Waves stamp set. Choose 3 blue inks, going from light to darkest. I chose Distress Oxide inks in Broken China, Salty Ocean and Blueprint Sketch. First, stamp the solid background image in the lightest blue – Broken China. Next, add some of the water details in the mid-blue – Salty Ocean. Finally, add your darkest colour for the water shading – Blueprint Sketch.  That’s it – your water is done! The best way to line up the 3 layers is by using a stamp platform, like a MISTI. This way, you can line up your stamps before adding any ink to them.

Now you want to create your sand, in the foreground. Use a blending tool, and blend on a light brown ink over the entire foreground, and then add a darker brown. Keep in mind that the sand closest to the water is usually darker, and smoother, because of the water. I chose Tea Dye and Vintage Photo Distress Oxide inks for my sand.

Finally, add some sunshine and sky! Mask off your horizon line, and then blend on some Mustard Seed Distress ink. Next, blend on some Spiced Marmalade to add more warmth & depth. Blend Broken China on for the sky above.

ADDING TEXTURE

I love adding texture to cards! And since it’s easy to do when you have the tools – why not?! For the sand, I used my favourite Baked Embossing Powder, by Seth Apter. This stuff is so fun, and adds so much texture. The one I chose is aptly called Dirty Sand – and the texture it leaves is just like sand. First, cover the area with Versamark ink. Next, cover that area with the Baked Texture powder, and set it with a heat tool. You can do just one layer, but it’s really fun to repeat those 3 steps, and build it up.

You know how when the waves come in heavy, they often leave a sort of froth behind? Well – let’s do that effect next! Grab the Hero Arts Snow & Froth Kit. I recently used it to create snow, on THIS CARD.  Lay down a thin line of the liquid ‘glue’, and then cover it with the embossing powder.  As you heat set it, you can watch the embossing powder puff up, and become 3D!  Add this effect to the shore, as well as on some of the waves and a bit of the sand.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Stamp some seagulls in Black Soot Distress Oxide across the sky. These are from a Stampin’ Up! set called High Tide. Next, use a white gel pen, and add some highlights to the seagulls, as well as some of the waves. Now your card front is complete! I debated about adding  a sentiment, but decided that it took away from the scene. So, you can always stamp a sentiment inside the card, once you know who you will give it to.

Create the frame by die cutting a piece of yellow cardstock with the Hero Arts Rectangle Dies. Use double sided tape to attach it to the front of the panel. Finally, attach your finished card front to a bright blue card base.

This card was fun to create! With the layers of colours and textures, it’s a ‘wow’ of a card. No one needs to know how easy it was to make!

JOIN THE CHALLENGE

I can’t wait to see what you create for your seaside summers inspiration challenge card! I know it’ll be awesome. But, if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out what the rest of the Design Team created, on the Paper Craft Crew challenge blog. You’ll also find the link there, to add your project.

If you’re needing some supplies, for now or later, I’ve included links below, for online shopping. Have fun creating!

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