Create a Sea-riously Easy Background That Pops
Is it just me, or is Ontario trying to cook us all like lobsters this week? While the temps soar and my iced coffee turns into a hot brew before I can sip it,, I figured it was the perfect time to cool things down with a splashy little underwater birthday card.
This design is simple, bright, and lets the adorable sea critters steal the show—all thanks to an easy ink-blended background that does the heavy lifting. So if you're looking for a chill craft break while the world melts outside, grab your markers and dive in with me!
What You’ll Need:
Stamp set: Undersea Friends - Simon Says Stamp
Copic markers or preferred coloring tools
Ink blending tools
Light blue ink (for that dreamy underwater glow)
Oval stencil or masking tool
White cardstock
Black ink for sentiment stamping
Step-by-Step: Easy Ocean Background
1. Mask Your Space
Use an oval stencil or a bit of low-tack masking tape to define your background area. This helps keep your ocean scene contained and makes your focal image pop.
2. Blend Like You Mean It
Grab your soft blending brushes and a light blue ink (like Tumbled Glass or Salvaged Patina if you’re using Distress Inks) and softly blend from the center outward. You’re going for “calm ocean current,” not “raging tidal wave.”
3. Stamp the Scene
Once your background is dry, stamp your underwater critters right over it. I used a cute crab, a chill seahorse, and a bit of seaweed to anchor the bottom of the scene. Pro tip: leave some room for the bubbles—they’re small, but mighty for creating movement.
4. Add Colour and Character
Bust out those Copics or your favorite coloring supplies and bring those sea creatures to life. I went with bold red for the crab and a cheerful yellow for the seahorse to brighten things up even more.
5. Finish with a Splashy Sentiment
Stamp your birthday sentiment right above the scene. Black ink keeps it crisp and lets it stand out against the soft background. Done and done!
Products I Used:
You can find all the supplies I used linked below for easy browsing:
So there you have it—a birthday card that’s cooler than the inside of your freezer (which, let’s be honest, might be where you're hiding right now). Simple background, bold sea friends, and just enough whimsy to make someone smile.
If you dive into this tutorial, I’d love to sea what you make—tag me on Instagram @thepaperartist_creativecards so I can cheer you on from my A/C fort. And don’t forget, this is part of my splashy summer card series—so stay tuned to pick your fave from the underwater crew. Until then, stay cool, stay caffeinated, and keep creating cards that make waves. ☕🦀💦
