Ink to Paper April Release Countdown Day 1

Hello and welcome, friends! It's day 1 of the Ink to Paper April release countdown! I have two projects to share with you today; first up is a card made using the new Seas of Life stamp set and the new Weaved Background! I really love all of the new sentiments included in the Seas of Life stamp set! This one was a particular favorite, so I chose to use it for the theme of my entire card.

To begin this card, I did a simple watercolor wash using a few different blue paints for some variation. I used my heat tool to dry it quickly so I could add the "wave" type image that is included in the Seas of Life stamp set. I inked it up heavily with Enchanted Evening ink and then just stamped it off for the 2nd and third image with the residual ink. I really like how it turned out. Once that was done, I die cut it using the previously released Love to Layer: Torn Edges Dies. I really like the effect it gives this watercolor panel.

I stamped the sentiment and the seagulls on the top using black ink for a stark contrast to the blue background. Did you know that the Seagull is Utah's State bird? We are very used to having many Seagulls all over, but it probably seems weird for others who visit our state to see them here when they are a coastal bird! The seagull is symbol of hope, miracles and prayers answered. If anyone is interested in hearing the story of the seagulls and why they are the State bird, I'd love to tell you! It is such a great story! 

Anyway, back to the card! LOL! I seem to get sidetracked a lot! I die cut the anchor image and then stamped it with the two step images; the solid image is stamped in Soft Stone and the detail image is stamped in Weathervane ink. I tied a knot of Cream Cotton Baker's Twine and then wrapped it around the anchor and secured it to the back of the watercolor panel with a bit of washi tape.

It is hard to see in this photo, but the Dark Indigo panel is stamped with the new Weave background using the same Dark Indigo ink for a tone on tone look. I also used the same background image to stamp the bottom of the Ocean Tides card base.

I offset the blue panel with the watercolor panel for a bit of a whimsical feel. 

I mounted the layers onto the card base using foam squares for dimension. I spritzed the entire things with Shimmer Spray for some sparkle. I love the way sand glints in the sun, so hopefully the recipient will get that same vibe with this nautical card!

My second card is bright and tropical using the new Feathered Friends 10 mini stamp set and die. I really like the sentiment that is included in this set, so I chose to keep it front and center! To begin, I die cut the bird and stamped it in the colors that are used in the assembled example guide. 

I used the fabulous Flourishing Florals stamp set to highlight this sweet colorful bird! I stamped the sentiment directly onto to the Love to Layer: Scalloped Circle. 

It's no secret how much I love a tone on tone background, so I used the Cover Plate: Trellis Die to die cut a panel of Hawaiian Shores cardstock and glued it onto a 4 1/4 by 5 1/2 inch panel of the same cardstock. I also layered a piece of Bitty Big: True Black pattern paper over the top of the background and then added the circle using foam squares.

I stamped the flowers in Hibiscus Burst and Raspberry Fizz , and a few in Lilac Grace and Winter Wisteria. The leaves are stamped in Green Parakeet and New Leaf inks.

I arranged the flowers here and there and secured them with foam squares. I tucked the bird in the bottom corner as though he's perched among the colorful blooms!

Join me again tomorrow for day 2 of the countdown! Thanks for fluttering by!