Hello Stampin’ Friends,

Today I would like to share with you a card that we did at a past stamp camp.  Masculine cards are always a hit and much needed.

The stamp set I used is “By the Tide” (Wood – 131910 / Clear – 129120).  When I saw this stamp set in the Spring Catalog I knew I had to have it.   Imagine the possibilities … I think this stamp set is so versatile.

I will admit, it was the fish that attracted me to the “By the Tide” stamp set, as I used to fish with my grandpa, my dad, and even with my mom.  Fishing was always something I did as a kid (unfortunately, not much anymore).

You will be using the “power of the VersaMark” (102283) on this card… watermarks and heat embossing are two techniques used to create the depth of underwater life!

We begin with our heat embossing … I inked up the first (what I call sea weed for this card) with VersaMark™ and the fish in Chocolate Chip – then use clear emboss powder and heat.

You will also ink the birthday greeting (From the stamp set “Blue Ribbon” (Wood – 131964 / Clear – 125981)) in Chocolate Chip and emboss.  The new formula ink pads work great for embossing!

Now that your embossing is done, you will stamp (with VersaMark) the remaining sea weed… this will create the illusion of the sea weed being “behind” the fish!  We also stamped it on the base of the card, just for fun!

Once you have completed your stamping… you can color in your fish and sponge the edges for just a bit more depth and color.

So…  I mentioned how versatile this stamp set is, and I think you can create any style of card with this set.  From manly to whimsical (I would use the seahorse for that) to anything in between.  Here is another sample …

I love the clean and simple look of this card, and so totally different from the fish card.  The greeting comes from the stamp set “Sweet Essentials” (Wood – 132085 / Clear – 126457) found on page 41 of the catalog.

I believe both of these cards were done at the same stamp camp… to show the versatility of this stamp set.

Speaking of stamp camps … I have my “Christmas in July … Oops August” Stamp Camp on Monday the 26th.  There is still time to RSVP.  You will be making 10 fabulous Christmas Cards (with envelopes) that will showcase our Holiday Mini Catalog.  You won’t want to miss this … it’s a great way to get a “hands-on ” approach to your Christmas cards!

Remember… if you see a word or phrase highlighted, it will take you to that link when you click on it.  For example … the Christmas in July will take you to my calendar of events.

Thank you for stopping by today!  And a “Thank You” to Ann-Marie for her comment yesterday and many other posts … I will be sending you a package of our beautiful “Rhinestones” for being an active participant to my blog!

I have all sorts of surprises coming, both here on by blog and for my club and class members!

Have an awesome day!!