I used the absolutely stunning Beautiful Mermaids stamp set by Simon Says Stamps: with over 20 images to create similar scenes and 11 sentiments for girly encouragement, friendship and birthday cards.

Buy Beautiful Mermaid Stamp Set Here!!!

I stamped the images with Memento Black Ink and I used  Ciao Copic Markers to add colour to the images and a mix of  Distress Classic and Oxide inks at the background.   I applied yellow ( mustard seed) and different shades of blue at the background, then I applied Black Soot over the edges of the scene,  except on the top of the panel.

To add a perfect finishing touch to this card  I used Ocean Scene Builder Stencil by Honey Bee Stamps.  In my opinion, these stencils are essential to beautify under the sea scenes.

Buy Ocean Scene Builder Stencils Here!

I first used the broad" light rays" stencil. I placed it over the coloured panel and I sprayed it with water. Then I placed on top a sheet of kitchen paper to absorb the excess water and to lift the ink in the negative spaces of the stencil.  I removed the stencil from the paper and voila. I got light rays!

Next,  I used the "water light reflexions" to stencil those images here and there, also using different ink colours ( black, dark blue, white, light blue).

Then,  I used the "Ocean Elements stencil" and I add stencilled sea plants all over the edges of the panel,  except on the top part.  I used Black Soot Distress ink first and then over those black stencilled images, I added more sea plants images using white, silver, purple and pearl Nuvo mousses.

I used Nuvo mini sponges to apply the inks and my fingertips to apply the mousses.

And below my source of inspiration for colouring... Shhhh don't tell anyone!

I found this picture on the Instagram of a girl I would call a real mermaid... She is beautiful @shangerdanger!!!

Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments,  I  always read them all and I'm happy to answer any question.

I love all the images in this stamp set and the chick/ duckling is to die for. I like the positive expression on her little face and body.  She is enjoying herself in the rain! and the rain is not always a bad thing as bad things in life might not be as bad in the end.  I know there are bad things that happen to us and help us to grow and learn and there are bad things happening that we can't control such as illness or loss,  but we defo can control our attitude in life and how we face difficulty.  My aunty used to say: "your problems are a 1% while the 99% is what you are doing to solve them",   I don't know from which book she stole that quote but I kind of like it and today I also want to share it with you. We all have rainy days but after the rain...

I added lashes to the original image as lashes make looks everything better!

 The card making process

All the images were coloured with Zigs and stamped on Strathmore Bristol Paper with Simon Says Stamp Black ink or a very light Distress ink.

For the background, I used Distress Inks ( Classic and Oxide) . Find colours in the supplies list below.
So this technique is for beginners and it creates the illusion of having an image reflected on water but can be used to create the illusion of having images under the water as well.

I'll work in a video next week as I'll be on holidays from my weekend's job and I'll have a little bit more of energy for video making.

For now, this is how I do it in 6 simple steps

1. Stamp your main images with desired ink colour [I used Black Ink by Simon Says Stamp]
2.  Stamp the reflected image using a light ink to apply no - line colouring. [ I used Antique Linen Distress Ink and I simply turn the paper around to stamp the same image  towards the left]
3.  Sponge Distress Oxide ink over the whole area in which you want to stamp water. Apply ink over the mirrored image or the image you want to have under as well. ( I used Salty Ocean Distress Oxide Ink and I also  place a piece of paper to protect the area on which I was planning to stamp the sky so that create the horizon line)
4. Now use a water brush or a slightly wet brush to go over the mirrored image or the image you want underneath the water.   try to lift up the colours and use a napkin or kitchen paper to dry the area. The distress oxide ink will activate and it will turn out white or slightly whiter than the area you just cover with colour.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     **** Wait for the paper to dry
5. Apply colours to the images. [I used zigs and coloured pencils.  Do not forget to use a grey colour to create shadows as they add interest to the images].
6.  Draw weaves over the images using a white and a grey pencil [you can stamp bubbles or use stencils as well]

That's all for today ... Thanks for stopping by and let me know if you have any questions. I  always read your comments and I'm happy to answer any question.

Supplies