Sea-Sational MerMay Magic with Sweet November Stamps!

The newest Sweet November Stamps release is here, and it is absolutely overflowing with under-the-sea inspiration! The Sea-Sational MerMay Release features 11 brand-new mermaid-themed stamp sets, including enchanting mermaids, ocean friends, and the fabulous new ocean throne scene elements that make creating underwater worlds so much fun.

For today's card, I combined two of the new release products: Retro Pin Up Mermaids and Mermaid Throne. The Retro Pin Up Mermaids stamp set includes three glamorous mermaids with a vintage pin-up vibe, along with two coordinating sentiments. I couldn't resist pairing this beauty with the gorgeous Mermaid Throne image, creating a luxurious underwater retreat surrounded by colorful coral reefs and sparkling sea life.

To bring the scene to life, everything was colored with Copic Markers. I used my Copic Airbrush System to create depth and dimension throughout the coral reefs, building up the darker ocean tones as they fade into the distance. The airbrushed gradients really help create the feeling of being deep beneath the waves.

One of my favorite features of this card is that the mermaid actually floats up and down above her shell throne, adding a fun interactive element that makes the scene even more magical.

Be sure to join us for the Sea-Sational MerMay Instagram Hop, which starts today! You can find my hop post over on Instagram at @i_card_so_hard. Hop along, leave comments on the designers' posts, and you'll be entered for a chance to WIN one of four $30 Sweet November Stamps gift certificates. There is so much gorgeous inspiration waiting for you throughout the hop!

Happy hopping, and good luck!

~ Ally ~ 

My Unbelievable Friend: Going Viral

The newest Sweet November Stamps digital release is here and it is absolutely making waves! The new “My Unbelievable Friend” collection is filled with adorable mermaids and their besties, perfect for creating fun summer scenes and friendship themed cards.

For today’s card, I used the sweet “My Unbelievable Friend: Going Viral” digital image. I paired the girls with the fabulous “Mermaid Rock” digital set to create a relaxing seaside scene where these two friends are clearly capturing the perfect selfie moment together.

I colored the entire scene using my Copic Markers, blending lots of vibrant ocean inspired tones for the mermaid tails and soft sandy neutrals for the rocky shoreline. I love how expressive these characters are and how easy they are to build into a complete story card. The flowing hair and shimmering tails were especially fun to color!

To finish the design, I kept the layout simple so the detailed image could really shine. Sometimes a beautifully colored scene is all you need.

The new “My Unbelievable Friend” collection is available now in the Sweet November Stamps shop. Perfect for summer cards, friendship cards and all your mermaid loving crafty projects!

Have a great weekend!

~ Ally ~ 

So Lucky to Create with Ocean Wonders!

The new Catherine Pooler Designs “Ocean Wonders” collection has completely swept me away with all of its beachy charm! Today’s card combines soft ocean textures, bright tropical colors, and some sweet seaside treasures.

I started by creating the card base background using the “Jellyfish Dance Layered Stencils” along with the brand new Oyster Ink. I love how this subtle pattern almost looks like flowing underwater grasses swaying in the ocean currents. It adds just the right amount of texture while still keeping the card soft and clean.

Next, I stamped and die cut several of the adorable seashell images from the “Beach Comber” stamp set. To give the shells lots of bright coastal personality, I used a cheerful blend of Lemon Sorbet, Creamsicle, Bellini, and also Sweetheart, and Pucker Up inks. The two-toned stamping really helps bring all those shell details to life!

For the design, I tucked the shells along the curved edge of the card to create the look of treasures buried in the sand. I absolutely love how the bright pinks and warm oranges pop against the crisp white background.

To finish everything off, I added the heartfelt sentiment from the “Inside Out: Love You” stamp set:
“some days I ask myself how did I get so lucky”

This card came together so beautifully and feels like the perfect mix of elegant and playful summer vibes.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~ Ally ~ 

Shell-ebrating Simple Summer Cards!

There’s something so relaxing about creating beach inspired cards and the new Catherine Pooler Designs “Ocean Wonders” collection makes it so easy! Today’s card is all about keeping things simple while letting those beautiful seaside images shine.

For this clean and simple design, I used the adorable “Beach Comber” stamps and dies to create a soft monochromatic collection of seashells and starfish across the card front. I stamped all of the images using a blend of Creamsicle, Getaway, and Bellini inks for that warm sun-kissed coastal palette.

To keep the look cohesive, I used Creamsicle cardstock for the card base, which really helps all of the soft peachy tones blend together beautifully. The white die cut borders around each shell help the images pop while still maintaining that light and airy feel.

To finish the card, I added a sweet sentiment from the “Beautiful Seas Sentiments” stamp and die set:
“it’s time to shell-ebrate your day”

Sometimes simple cards are the most effective, and this one came together so quickly while still feeling bright, cheerful, and full of summer vibes!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~ Ally ~