SB Advent Calendar 2024 – Day 1 Balloon
December 1, 2024
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Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a splash of creativity? If you love making cards, you’re in for a treat. Mermaids are the epitome of summer fun, capturing the whimsy and magic of sun-soaked days by the sea. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make three enchanting cards that feature mermaids, perfect for any beach lover or vacation-goer. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of color and imagination as we craft these mermazing cards!
Why Mermaid Cards Are Perfect for Summer
Mermaid-themed cards are a delightful nod to summer’s warmth and adventure. They evoke a sense of wonder and remind us of the possibility of discovering hidden treasures beneath the waves. Whether you’re crafting for a friend’s birthday, sending a cheerful hello, or celebrating a special occasion, these cards bring a unique blend of fantasy and fun. With vibrant colors and playful designs, mermaid cards capture the essence of the season.
Creating mermaid cards allows you to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques. From shimmering scales to oceanic hues, the options are endless. You can incorporate glitter, watercolor, or even textured papers to bring your mermaid designs to life. Plus, they offer a wonderful opportunity to explore different card-making techniques, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned crafters alike.
What’s more, mermaid cards are not just about aesthetics; they’re about creating a connection. When you send a handcrafted card, you’re sharing a piece of yourself. The recipient feels the effort and thoughtfulness that went into creating something just for them. It’s a gesture that stands out, especially in today’s digital age.
Three Mermazing Cards to Share
The Sea You Soon Card
The “Sea You Soon” card is a charming way to say goodbye, offer well wishes to someone embarking on a new adventure, or to let someone know that you’re missing them while you are on vacation. Its playful design captures the spirit of the ocean, making it ideal for summer occasions.
This card is perfect for farewells, vacations, or simply reminding someone that you’re thinking of them. It’s a versatile design that can be tailored to suit the occasion, making it a staple in your card-making collection.
You Are So Mermazing Card
The “You’re So Mermazing” card is all about celebrating someone’s uniqueness and charm. This card is vibrant, fun, and serves as a reminder of just how special the recipient is.
With a focus on vibrant colors and playful elements, this card is a burst of sunshine. It’s perfect for birthdays, achievements, or simply to brighten someone’s day. The centerpiece is an adorable mermaid, surrounded by lively sea creatures and underwater plants.
This card is all about positivity and joy. It encourages you to experiment with colors and textures, making it a delightful project for any card maker.
Swimming By To Say Hi Card
The “Swimming By to Say Hi” card is a friendly and casual way to reach out to someone, whether it’s to catch up or to send a simple greeting. This card embraces the playful side of mermaids, featuring a cheerful scene of a mermaid playfully swimming with a rainbow fish amidst bubbles.
The colors for this card can be soft pastels or vivid jewel tones, adding to the sense of whimsy and fun. It’s perfect for sending to friends, siblings, or anyone who appreciates a lighthearted, “just because” message. This card is sure to bring smiles and brighten someone’s day.
By focusing on the lighthearted and carefree nature of mermaids, the “Swimming By to Say Hi” card becomes a delightful expression of friendship and connection. It’s an invitation to pause, enjoy a moment of fun, and reconnect with loved ones.
Ready to get started?
Let’s dive into the world of mermaid cards. The process is the same for all three of our cards. Grab your supplies and let’s get crafty!
How To Make The Cards
To create these cards, you’ll focus on incorporating elements of the sea. The Mermaid Moments Stamp & Die Sets from Whimsy Stamps set the perfect stage for doing so. Think blue and green color palettes, wavy patterns, and shell embellishments. The centerpieces, of course, are the delightful mermaid illustrations that bring the cards to life.
Creating these “Mermazing” cards is as enjoyable as it sounds. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bringing this beautiful design to life.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials.
You’ll need a A2 size (5 1/2″ x 4 1/4″) blank card base, blue and green watercolor paints, and a mermaid, seahorse, and starfish stamp. A full supply list can be found at the bottom of this article.
Step 2: Prepare the Background.
If you’re making all three cards, you can make all the backgrounds at once and have one left over for a future project.
Start by covering a 9 x 12 piece of watercolor cardstock with water. A wide watercolor brush is perfect for doing this. Use metallic or pearlescent watercolor paints to create a glimmery, watery effect. Load your brush with paint and use broad wavy swipes across the cardstock.
The objective is to create a swirly, blended effect that gives depth to your background. I used a teal, a yellow-green, and a darker blue.
Cut the watercolor background in half. And then cut the two pieces in half again. You should have four pieces that are 4 1/2″ x 6″. Now, use a deckled rectangle die to die-cut each one of the panels. The deckling mimics the watery effect of the ocean and sets the stage for your design.
Fasten each of the panels centered on the card bases using liquid glue or a tape runner.
Step 3: Add the Mermaid, Seahorse, & Starfish.
Stamp your images onto white cardstock with watermark ink and heat emboss with gold or silver embossing powder. Go to Mastering the Basics of Heat Embossing for tips on how to get the best results.
Use alcohol markers to bring them to life. Refer to the swatches below to do your coloring. Most of the markers I use are Copic’s however, I use OLO Markers for the seahorse.
Once complete, use the coordinating dies to die-cut out the mermaid, and her friends. Cut at least one more of each from white cardstock to layer behind them for dimension.
Once complete, use the coordinating dies to die-cut out the mermaid, and her friends. Cut at least one more of each from white cardstock to layer behind them for dimension.
Step 4: Decide on Your Arrangement, Add a Sentiment and Finish.
I like to lay the die-cuts on top of the finished background to get a feel for where I want them to be. Then I determine where to place the sentiment. For these cards, we’ll stamp the sentiment directly onto the background.
Then, we’ll and adhere our pretty mermaids and their companions to the card to the card.
You can enhance your card with glitter, or even a bit of sand for texture, and your card is ready to send.
Mermazing Supply List
Get Crafting!
Creating mermaid-themed cards is a wonderful way to bring the magic of the ocean into your card-making projects. From heartfelt farewells to joyful celebrations, these three “mermazing” cards offer endless possibilities for creativity and personal expression. By following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, you’ll be able to craft cards that not only look stunning but also carry meaningful messages.
Ready to make a splash with your card-making? Gather your supplies, set up your craft space, and dive into the enchanting world of mermaid cards today. Whether you’re a seasoned card maker or just starting, these projects provide the perfect opportunity to explore new techniques and expand your creative horizons.
If you’re eager to learn more or seek inspiration for your next card-making venture, consider joining a local card-making club or attending workshops. Connecting with other card enthusiasts will allow you to share ideas, gain insights, and further enhance your craft. Happy crafting!
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ABOUT AUTHOR
Teri Duncan
Teri has over 30 years of experience as a cardmaker. Her work has appeared in Spellbinders Paper Arts’ blog as well as with some of their products and on Altenew’s blog. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, stained glass, and teaching. She and her husband live in Crystal River, Florida with their three dogs and a cat.
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