Under the Sea Octopus Card Set

Winner at Crafty Ribbons
Winner at The Male Room

Coffee of the Day - Coconut Macadamia

Today begins a new challenge over at the Really Reasonable Ribbon blog, with a theme of 'Masculine plus ribbon or trim.' the DT has created some gorgeous projects to inspire you, so stop by to see their pretties! :)

since our son, Mick, was heading off to Canada for a work/study program, I wanted to make some cards for him to take along from me - notes of encouragement and filled with love. :)  his course of study is Wildlife Resource Management, so nature themed cards are always a hit with him. for a while, he was fascinated with the octopus, so when I came across these vintage postcard digital downloads in the Cameo Shoppe, I snapped them right up. I paired them with the seashell domino prints from the same store.

I made the paper for each of the cards using gelatos, SU! ink refills, and glimmer mist on watercolor paper.  each card also uses the same 2 1/2" natural cotton ribbon, sometimes cut into smaller strips. this is one of my fave of all the ribbons in the RRR store! :)

a Martha Stewart fern punch works well to mimic coral or seaweed. cardboard that has been torn and inked creates the perfect texture and backdrop to the vintage postcards. miscellaneous octopus embellishments include charms that I distressed with various inks as well as wood veneer from Michael's. one of my big finds while out on an antique adventure with hubby was a jar of seashells. perfect to use on these cards!

other ribbons used include: natural burlap string, brown burlap string, moss mini ric rac, orange plaid ribbon, and brown wrinkled ribbon. this last card shown also has tiny beads and Prima micro beads added to it for even more fun. Tim Holtz clips were added to several of the cards. all of them have vintage buttons.

I hope you have enjoyed the cards I sent along with Mick. I sure will miss that guy, but I also know that he is going to have a once in a lifetime experience! :)

have a most amazing weekend, dearest friends! love ya & thanks so much for stopping by!
Jennifer

Challenges:
Crafts and Me - anything goes with optional shabby chic/vintage theme
Creative Craft Cottage - include an animal
Lunagirl Moonbeams - Fathers/Grandfather/Brothers or for a man (my son)
Our Creative Corner -  A Beautiful Mess (handmade watercolor paper)
Petal Lu - anything goes
Southern Ridge Trading - masculine
4 Crafty Chicks - masculine
Crafty Ribbons - masculine or transport with ribbons
DL Art - boys and/or men
Male Room - critters and/or bugs