My counselor's birthday is coming up soon, and I decided to make her a card. She loves otters, so I incorporated 2 otter images, from Sheep Ski Designs & Lawn Fawn.
I made the tri-shutter card base, following the instructions in [url=Tutorials at Splitcoaststampers tutorial[url]. I used a patterned paper from American Crafts that had a subtle grey-blue cloud- or water-like pattern on it. To make it look more watery, I stenciled each piece of paper (after I'd cut them out) with Shaded Lilac ink and the "Waves" stencil. I wanted to mat my patterned paper pieces, so I cut those a little smaller. My "mistake" was cutting the rectangle pieces a little TOO small, but I still think it worked out OK in the end. (I didn't stop to think that the measurements in the instructions took the border into effect.) It took me 2 tries to get the T-shaped panel cut to the right size. I finally did just one, and after I got it cut correctly, used it as a template to cut the second. I then adhered all the panels to my card base.
I measured where I wanted the "Otter Halves" image to go. I sized the image in Photoshop, & printed it onto a piece of mixed media paper that I'd cut to size. I colored the otters with my Prismacolor colored pencils, and used Faded Jeans, Antique Linen, & a bit of Frayed Burlap inks to watercolor the sky & sand. I also added in some whiskers on the otters with a white gel pen.
For the middle panel, I cut a piece of white cardstock to size. I first stamped the present & the greeting. I masked the present, and stamped the otter. What I didn't think about until I stamped the otter, was that his right paw would not be properly stamped. I should have masked the corner of the present when I stamped it, so it would look like it was behind his paw. I tried going over the black line of the present with white gesso to cover up my goof, but discovered that colored pencil won't take to gesso very well. So I ended up scraping off the black line with a craft knife, and just colored over the spot with my pencils. I also added in the outline of the otter's paw with a black marker.
I didn't like the way the otter on the middle panel was just kind of hanging in mid-air. So I cut another piece of white cardstock to the same width as that panel, and die cut the top with an "Ocean Waves Borders" die. I inked that with Faded Jeans, and stamped my greeting on it. Then I adhered that to my otter panel, covering the first greeting. I matted that, as well as my front panel, with light grey cardstock, and adhered them in place. I cut another white panel that I matted with grey to go on the back panel (not shown in this photo), so I could write my message. Despite my (few) difficulties, I really like how this card came out!
Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 GMT Views: 1005
Favorited:4
Registered: July 9, 2008 Location: Stars Fell on Alabama Posts: 74835
Sat, Nov 03, 2018 @ 7:54 PM
She is sure to love this card made especially for her with the adorable otters. And, the technique is a super bonus, too.
------------------------------ My Blog---My Gallery---My PinterestI'm a Punchkateer! (Prez) FOREVERDirty Dozen Alumni2014 CAS Spring DT--- Inspiration Challenge Co- Hostess 12/02/17-12/28/19 Watercolor Wednesday Design Team Hebrews 13:2Brenda
Registered: March 29, 2011 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 32470
Sun, Nov 04, 2018 @ 7:22 AM
It's obvious that a lot of work went into your adorable card, Andrea. The stenciling is beautifully done and those otters are so cute. This will be a big hit.
------------------------------ Carla ~ Proud Fan Club Member and Dirty Dozen Alumni.
Registered: February 3, 2005 Location: Delray Beach, FL Posts: 34769
Sun, Nov 04, 2018 @ 12:42 PM
Oh, Andrea, I really LOVE how this turned out, and we would never know that you struggled with it a bit. I love these darling otters, and I know that your counselor will love it! Such sweet colors and a darling message. And I rate your efforts A+++ with the layers for the tri-fold card. It really is a masterpiece, and you are a joy! Hugs and love, sweet friend! xoxo
------------------------------ Cheryl
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