In the Ocean for a Hand Stamped Sentiments Challenge

Our most current challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments is an inspiration board challenge.  I actually came across this cool collage style poster by Biljana Kroll while surfing the internet and was totally drawn in by the details and blend of blues with copper and gold tones.  I was so inspired by the poster that I decided it might be perfect for an inspiration challenge at Hand Stamped Sentiments so, here it is.  What do you think of this poster?

This challenge definitely screamed to me to ink up my brand new Sea of Textures Stamp Set and to use the Under the Sea Framelits.  To start I painted a watercolor wash and splatters on Shimmer White Cardstock with Coastal Cabana, Soft Sea Foam, and Granite Grey to set the stage for the stamps and framelits.  While it was still wet I ran it through the Ruffled Dynamic TIEF.

The school of fish was a labor of love to glue each one in place, but I love the finished effect and detail it lends to the card.  I used the Stamparatus to stamp the octopus.  First I used Coastal Cabana then I cleaned the image and sponged the stamp with Granite Grey to add more color, interest, an depth.  I did a fast blend on the tentacles with an Aqua Painter to soften the colors.

I typically make a second card while I have all the goodies out to make the first.  This one has the same ingredients except I switched out the Granite Grey for Highland Heather and Gorgeous Grape.

I love the greeting on these cards which is from Picture Perfect Birthday.  It says a lot and works for so many types of cards.