We have 3 projects today that focus on the ocean for the crafting motion! Martha creates a stunning visual effect using die cuts and Memento ink. Kyriakos wields his glue gun again for a surprisingly awesome project using silicone molds. And Jessica brings it back home with a simple hand lettering project using Memento markers. Check it out!

Smile Starfish Die Cut Greeting Card by Martha Lucia Gomez

Summer is here! Tangerine is not only a perfect color, it is the perfect for representing the mysterious starfish. Today, I am sharing a quick way to mix Memento inks to create an unique background and die cuts to create a negative foreground. I was happy with the design concept and feel this style can be applied to any theme.

Start by taking Memento Ink Dandelion (bright yellow), Tangelo (orange) and Lady Bug (classic red) and apply the ink randomly and directly to Imagine’s silicone craft mat. Spray with Ink Potion No. 9 to dilute the heavy concentration of ink, and allow the different colors to blend. Lay the card stock on the mix to absorb into the paper fibers. This is most of the work of inkblending and it creates the coolest effects. Let the paper dry and paste the inked layer over a card base.

Take another piece of white card stock and cut out several star fish shapes using the Gina Marie Starfish die. Once you are happy with the amount of cut-outs, paste the negative layer over the ink layer using dimensional dots or foam tape. The lifted negative foreground creates a dramatic effect which is immediately noticed by the eye. Finalize the card using your own custom details. I choose a “smile” die cut and gold sequins which I applied with On Point Glue. This handmade card is simple in terms of crafting time and produces impressive results!

Supplies

Imagine

• Memento inkpad – Dandelion, Tangelo and Lady Bug
• On Point Glue
• Tear It! Tape
• Craft Mat

Other

• Card stock
• Gina Marie Designs – Starfish Die
• Yellow Bicycle – Smile Die
• Dimensional dots or Foam tape
• Gold sequins

 

Creating a Starfish Necklace by Kyriakos Pachadiroglou

Do you have a cool silicone mold laying around that you want to do something with? Why not make jewelry with it? For me, I had a starfish mold and thought it would make a fun fashion project. Jewelry with an ocean theme is an easy way to create a complimenting summer look to the wardrobe. The starfish is made of hot glue shaped into the silicone mold and colored with StazOn inks to give an impression of a real dried starfish. Surprisingly, the dry time is only one hour or less. Simply let your glue heat to it perfect temperature and fill the mold completely.

Since most of the work is about the starfish itself, feel free to download a tutorial on jewelry making to help finish the details of the entire piece if you are not familar with jewelry making. There are dozens of jewelry tutorial online. The rest of the embellishments are little pearls and metallic fishes that are pre-made and can be purchased at any bead store or craft store. I was careful to space the craft wire and attach all the pieces on scattered places to create a mesh that holds the starfish in place. The length of the wires varies from 16 to 18 inches, while it can easily altered to your preference.

Supplies

Imagine

• StazOn inkpad – Timber brown, Sunflower yellow, Blazing Red
• Sponge daubers

Other

• Silicone mold – starfish
• Hot glue gun
• Craft wire
• Fish charms
• Pearls End caps
• Jump rings
• Lobster clasp

 

All You Need Is A Little Vitamin Sea by Jessica Litman

Who doesn’t love a good summer quote? Better yet, who doesn’t like practicing their hand lettering with a solid quote that inspires. I submitted the art in the photo above using Memento water-based markers in a variety of colors. I love simple and clear lettering and like to create all sorts of fun projects with quotes. But this one is perfect for the summer, as I hope to spend a lot of time at the beach! If you feel inspired by this, then try your hand and write the phrase “All You Need Is A Little Vitamin Sea” and hang it in a spot you will see (sea) it often. You can also transform this quote into a full paper crafting project by adding sea-theme stamps or embellishments.

Supplies

Imagine

• Memento Dual Tip Markers – Lady Bug, Tangelo, Dandelion, Cottage Ivy, Danube Blue, Grape Jelly, Lilac Poises, London Fog

Other

• Paper