Springy Turtle & Fish Tank Tutorial

Ah, spring, can't wait! The current Artful INKables challenge is Think Spring and you can find the details here. One thing I love about spring is the return of the birds and other critters so I created this card to give you some inspiration. I hope you'll play along for a chance to win some AI stamps!

Want the Tips & Tricks on how I made this look like a 3D fish tank? Thought you would so I made some pics while I was creating. (and BTW, I used to call these Tuesday Tips, Tricks, and Tutorials with a number but I never seem to hit them on Tuesday's any more and I can't remember what number I am on SO....lets just forget about those details and get to the goods!)

I started by stamping all the images into position. The water line by his feet did not extend all the way to the margins so I just roughly drew them in with a fine black marker.

Next I colored in the turtle and the cattails with Copics. Notice I left a white space between the turtle's shell (above the water) and his legs (below the water).

Next, I placed a large sticky note (or 2 stuck together in this case) across the piece to mark the horizon line (aka edge of the water behind the turtle). I also masked ONLY the parts of the turtle that are sticking out above the water (I used Eclipse tape and I keep these to use over and over!). I sponge a lighter blue ink all over the exposed water area. Notice that I sponge right over his colored feet to make them appear to be under the water.

Remove the masks....so far so good.

Now I mask the water line with sticky notes. I wanted to capture that little water ripple right in the center so I used Eclipse tape to mask off that detail (probably not necessary but I just can't help myself sometimes!) I sponge a darker blue ink right along the line of the sticky note and blend into the water just a bit. It may be helpful to turn your piece upside down so you can see what you are doing a little better.

Remove the masks and you have a fabulous fish tank effect! Fun isn't it?!?! All I have left to do is add some Mothermark Clouds, sponge some green on the water plants along the bottom, and assemble onto the card backing with the ribbon.

Stamps: Artful INKables Pond Friends
Paper: GP 110, Pacific Point
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Pacific Point, Certainly Celery
Accessories: Copics, Stamp-a-majig, Nesties, ribbon from a swap, fine black marker

Enjoy!
Michelle B.
"Queen of the Scene"