techniques for underwater backgrounds

Happy Friday! Today I am sharing 4 techniques to create underwater backgrounds. All with different mediums but all really easy and fun!

This is actually part of an exciting blog hop as we celebrate the latest release and the 2nd birthday of Studio Katia.

You should have arrived here from the amazing Jennifer McGuire and my talented friendĀ May Sukyong Park is your next stop. If you get lost you can start at Studio Katia.

So let’s take a look at the techniques that I used for creating today’s cards! If you want links to the exact products I used for each card please scroll down to the supply list at the bottom of this blog post.

card 1

For the first underwater background I did ink blending over a stencil. It’s a really easy technique and you can’t go wrong with it. I used my distress oxide inks. The stencil I used is the Brush Stroke Waves and the stamp is the Under The Sea

I embellished my card by using a few Clear Drops.

card 2

The second technique creates a really sparkling card, so stunning in real life! Cover up a piece of paper with double sided tape and then apply a couple of shades of glitter. I used my sparkle dust in Snow Glow and Paradise Blue.

To embellish my card I added a few March Crystals in this lovely blue color.

card 3

This is the easiest and quicker technique of all! Just create a wash using your watercolors. Make sure to add a couple of shades of blue for a more interesting look. Remember when you use only one color you usually end up with a very flat looking result. The adorable turtle and the gist come from the Shell-abration stamp set. I wanted to make the turtle look like she is dragging the gift while swimming … Fun!

To embellish my card I added silver touches with cardstock and embossing. And I finished by sticking 3 confetti dots from the Sparkling Sea Confetti mix

card 4

And here is a technique that I shared a few weeks ago using my alcohol inks on yupo. I don’t like applying my alcohol ink with the felt blending tool… I prefer that watercolor look that you get when you blow on it! I also like to leave white areas since it helps all those colors to pop even more.

I embellished my card by adding a few Sparkling Crystals randomly.

video tutorial

You can watch the video below or at my YouTube channel

supplies

Links to multiple online shops are listed below. Just click on the icon of your favorite shop below each product. Affiliate links used at no extra cost to you.

Studio Katia UNDER THE SEA Clear…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia UNDER THE SEA…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia SHELL-EBRATION Clear…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia SHELL-EBRATION…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia BRUSH STROKE WAVES…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia CLEAR ROUND DROPS MIX…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia MARCH Crystals sk0318
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia SPARKLING SEA Confetti…
[ SSS | STD ]
Studio Katia SPARKLING CRYSTALS MIX…
[ SSS | STD ]
Ranger Ink – Tim Holtz – Distress…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Ranger Ink – Tim Holtz – Distress…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Tonic SNOW GLOW Nuvo Sparkle Dust 549N
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tonic PARADISE BLUE Nuvo Sparkle Dust…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Simon Says Stamp BORDER WAVES Wafer…
[ SSS ]
Tonic CHROME SILVER Mirror Card Gloss…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tim Holtz WHITE ALCOHOL INK YUPO…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tim Holtz Ranger ALCOHOL BLENDING…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink MERMAID Ranger…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink POOL Ranger…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink AQUAMARINE…
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tonic Studios – Nuvo Collection -…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Tonic Studios – Nuvo Collection -…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Tonic Studios – Nuvo Pen Collection -…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Tonic Studios – Nuvo Pen Collection -…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Tonic CRAFT SPOON Nuvo 978N
[ SSS | SBC ]
Tonic Studios – Nuvo Collection -…
[ SBC | SSS ]
Clear Double Sided Adhesive Roll -…
[ SBC ]
Clear Double Sided Adhesive Sheets -…
[ SBC ]

giveaway

Studio Katia is giving away two $100 CAD gift certificates on each day of the Hop, winners will be chosen from the comments left on all blogs of the Hop! So make sure to hop along and leave comments as you get inspired!

nest stop

The next stop on the hop is the talented May Sukyong Park!Ā 

Have an amazing weekend

 

 

 

300 Comments

  1. A delightful quartet of cards, showcasing the Under the Sea critters merrily swimming through fabulous ocean waves! Thank you for sharing your techniques with us; so impressive! I’ll be giving them a try once my new SK products arrive!
    ~carol

  2. Oh my goodness… these cards are wonderful, Vicky. I love the cute critters, and your ocean backgrounds are so pretty. Wow. I love them all.

  3. The cards are amazing Vicky! I love all the ocean backgrounds you created and the stamp sets and stencils are totally awesome! Thanks for sharing!!

  4. o wow so pretty cards, i love the techiniques you used and the fishes are so cute šŸ™‚

  5. As I live by the sea I thought these cards would be appropriate for many of my friends. Thank you for the inspiration

  6. Great techniques and video, as always. I like all 4 cards, but the first and last are my favorites.

  7. I love the scene you created for card #3. Very cute and clever idea on connecting the turtle to the gift with a yarn. Would love to re-create this scene!

  8. The watercolor technique is my favorite! Is the one that feels more like real water! Love them all though!

  9. Thanks Vicky for sharing all these great techniques ! The last one with alcohol ink is my favourite !
    [margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]

  10. These cards are not only beautiful, but I think I can actually make these and they will look beautiful, too. Thanks for the wonderful ideas, as always.

  11. I so love your work Vicky and I have certainly learned a lot from watching your videos. This set of backgrounds is a wonderful start for ocean themed cards and projects. And info on a new supplier!

  12. I am also experimenting with different ways to create an ocean background. I am using coloured papers, cut paper waves, wave stencils, alcohol ink, watercolour and distress inks!!

  13. I love the color combos and different techniques you used for your cards. They’re so fun and gorgeous. Thanks for sharing!

  14. I love this new release! You did a wonderful job, Vicky! Thank you for such a generous giveaway, studio katia!$

  15. Amazing! This was inspiration overload! I love them all. I have a dad and nephew that love fishing these cards would be great for. Thank you for an awesome video and for sharing your adorable cards.

  16. So beautiful cards !!! So nice to see your work and participate to 2nd anniversary of Studio Katia !

  17. These are all so cute. My fav is the turtle card, I love how he is bringing the present to the party!

  18. Gorgeous cards Vicky and thank you for showing the different techniques for making those awesome underwater backgrounds. Studio Katia, congratulations wiht the 2nd anniversary!

  19. Gorgeous cards, as always! Love all of these background techniques. Thanks for showing us how to do this!

  20. Thanks for another amazing video, Vicky! Love each one of the backgrounds you created and the cards are absolutely adorable!

  21. These are brilliant Vicki! I love making mermaid cards so these will come in very handy! thanks so much for all your brilliant ideas.

  22. I love the glitter one the most it’s beautiful………All the cards are awesome……love your work…….it is very inspiring and wonderful……ā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļøā¤ļø

  23. so easy yet so beautiful, like you worked forever on it…im gonna do some this weekend…mahalo

  24. I’m still trying to decide which is my favourite. I think the first one with the beautiful stencil, for the wavy water but then I love the little turtle one. Then there is the jellyfish which are adorable! Nope, I can’t decide šŸ™‚ I love them all.

  25. These four cards are inspiring and lovely. Great techniques to showcase the cute stamps and beautiful embellishments from Studio Katia. Thanks so much,

  26. As usual Vicky your cards are absolutely incredible! I just love all the different techniques you used to showcase the fabulous Studio Katia images.

  27. Each of these backgrounds is so pretty! So many new ideas! I just loved those adorable fish stamps and all the beautiful Studio Katia jewels! Those clear droplets looked so pretty on your card! Happy Birthday, Studio Katia!

  28. I really like that you showed us 4 different ways to create the same themed background. That way we all might have at least one of the types of products you used. Your cards are awesome too.

  29. Vicky it’s obvious you’ve never seen me try to blend ā€¦ and my oxide inks never lift like yours! I’m just as happy to watch you work your magic, however! Darling, fun, clever, and fantastic!
    =]

  30. So cool to show us 4 different techniques of the same theme. I don’t have all the stash, you use, but I can and will absolutely try some of the ideas.

  31. Live these cards Vicky especially the glitter dust one. Thank you for sharing and congratulations Studio Katia.

  32. So cute! The cards are both adorable and gorgeous at the same time. Those tiny sea creatures really add character. Nice job, Vicky.

  33. Cute stamp sets. Vicky i love how you have used different techniques for the underwater backgrounds, they have turned out to be gorgeous. Studio Katia Congratulation on our 2nd anniversary and thanks for those lovely stamps šŸ™‚

  34. These are so cute, Vicky. I tried your glitter paper technique recently and ended up with glitter everywhere, even though I thought I caught it all. The effect was beautiful, but I think I’m sticking with glitter glue!

  35. how absolutely beautiful all these cards are! Underwater scenes are one of my favorites and love all the different versions you created!

  36. I can’t decide which sea background I like best! The contrasting colored sea creatures are lovely!

  37. I just love water cards and you have certainly given a large selection of ways to achieve many different results. All I really need are the stamps! Thanks so very much for taking the time to share all of the wonderful results you achieved.

  38. Your backgrounds are stunning, thanks for sharing your techniques !! I love how you work with alcohol inks too ! And those critters are so cute šŸ™‚

  39. Just proves there are more than one way to get the look you want. Personally, I think watercolor is the easiest, but it’s nice to try other things as well. The alcohol ink is stunning, and you gotta love some glitter! Thank you. (That little pink blowfish is swimming to my house…SOON, I hope!)

  40. As usual, you’ve topped yourself! Love the little fishes and the wavy background. Thanks for the inspiration!

  41. I love that you showed 4 different water backgrounds using 4 different mediums. All 4 cards are just lovely. Thanks, Vicky!

  42. Fabulous cards! I really like Studio Katia clear drops because they don’t have air bubbles in them like so many others do.

  43. I’m so happy to see the way you used the alcohol inks. I tend to use a new product and then forget about it, so your card was a good memory jog. I love all the sea creatures and the classy way you used bling. Thank you!

  44. Great backgrounds for that underwater look. Your video was great and you make all 4 techniques look easy to do. Thanks for sharing your talents with us.

  45. I really love all the cards, this time I have no favorites, they are all beautiful. I just love all types of colorful fish. Thank you for sharing

  46. all good! These are adorable little creatures and I love your octopi. I also love the nested waves — looked wonderful. But you always do good work.

  47. Gorgeous cards! I love how you inked your backgrounds! Thanks so much for sharing your video ?

  48. These are great techniques for water background Vicky, love all your cads but I think the one with the turtle dragging the present is super adorable! šŸ™‚

  49. I loved this video showing 4 new ways for an ocean background as I have many loved ones who enjoy getting these type of cards from me….thankyou for sharing <3

  50. All the sea critters are so adorable, and your cards are very creative. Love this stamp set…

  51. I love your work (and I love your voice.). You Bring me new inspiration every day! Thank you for sharing with is, Vicky.

  52. After seeing your card using the brush wave stencil , I had to add it to me cart for purchase!

  53. Vicky, These cards are fun and very different even though you’re using a common theme. Love every one, thanks for the inspiration!

  54. Love these cards. The tip about using more than one shade of blue for the water is helpful to me. Adorable.

  55. Wow! These are super adorable! Such a cute stamp set and your underwater backgrounds are fantastic! I love all the pretty jewels, mine are on their way.

  56. Gorgeous creations, Vickie! Love those wonderful backgrounds, especially the wave stencil one.

  57. Your cards are spectacular! I totally love the turtle pulling the present. So simple & adorable!

  58. Great information on creating water scenes. The cards are adorable and the embellishments are particularly beautiful!

  59. Great cards! I especially loved the stencil and glitter cards. Thank you for sharing your ideas. As always wonderful job!!!

  60. I love watching your videos! Had to watch this one in the morning even though it made me late leaving for work! Look forward to trying these techniques this weekend.

  61. Love your underwater scenes on these fun cards! Awesome backgrounds and coloring! Love the stamps!

  62. Thank you Vicky for sharing 4 ways to make a water background. Love any water, sea or beach card

  63. Love all 4 of these, and each technique is so quick and easy as well. My favorite is the window card, so cute

  64. Thank you for sharing the background techniques. I especially like the glitter on tape idea.

  65. I love the backgrounds. The cards are so pretty. I always love to do cards that are fishy!! I have to have this set!!!

  66. Geiasou Vicky, I relaxed yesterday evening watching your video. I love your cards and this release is so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing them!!

  67. Now my 10 year old grandson and I watch you together. He loves your voice. We then get out supplies and make a card from your wonderful suggestions. Thank you! Love this new release.

  68. The colours are amazing! And those stamps are cute as hell – not to mention that now is the perfect time for such designs (we have 30Ā°C here today).

  69. Excellent cards, thanks for all the advice on how to with the water options, loving how all of them look. Happy 2 nd Birthday Studio Katia x

  70. I love Studio Katia’s jewels and didn’t realize they also have stamp & die sets…BONUS!

  71. Iā€™m always amazed how you come up with creative ways to use stamps and other supplies to make awesome cards…wow!

  72. I’ve been looking for underwater ideas and these are just what I’ve been looking for! Thanks!

  73. Loved seeing the different techniques included in one video. Some of my favorite cards are your ‘scene’ cards and I am always interested in how you make the backgrounds.

  74. Love all your cards! The backgrounds are great and I love how you did the bubbles on the first card. So cute!

  75. Thank you vicki, I alsways learn so much from you. the glitter water back ground it so pretty, I love it!

  76. All of these are so well done and so cute. Love the different looks created from the variety of mediums!

  77. you are such an artist. i learn things from you. it’s only the second time i’ve visited but i’m glad i found you

  78. Thank you so much for all of the great ideas! I love the turtle swimming with the gift.

  79. Beautiful cards! Love the information too so I can try my hand at making some fun water backgrounds! Thank you!

  80. Your cards are fantastic ! The glittery background is beautiful, the little touch of white glitters is amazing ! I love to play also with my alcohol inks and I agree with you, it’s perfect for the under water backgrounds.

  81. They are all so awesome! My favorite is the water with the purple jellies! It almost appears to have movement ! I love it!

  82. I just LOVE the creative examples you have shared with us here!!! I love the underwater theme for this summer and I especially love your card with that adorable little turtle towing his present along with him! šŸ™‚ SO precious! Thank you for all of the tips as well, you are inspirational!

  83. WOW Is adorable thank u for sharing this beautiful techniques, happy birthday to studio Katie, love the colores, thannk u again

  84. Thanks for sharing these techniques. Love all of the cards. I need to try the glitter water.

  85. I just love the shine you have on the one card, and the turtle dragging the present is so so cute! You are amazing. I just love looking at all the cards you create.

  86. I love the different backgrounds you shared, what fun ways to showcase these cute stamps. Thanks

  87. Vicky, your cards are all amazing and I really appreciate your video showing the under water techniques. I could watch your video’s for hours. Thanks for sharing your endless creativity!

  88. Vicky all your cards are so fun and thanks for showing us so many wonderful examples of water backgrounds for this fishes stamp set! Wonderful and super creative! Can not wait to watch your video showcasing these techniques!!!

  89. Thank you for sharing so all those different ways to do water backgrounds. Am in love with that stencil,,and will have to try using my alcohol inks that way, Such a happy release

  90. What a fun idea to use double sided tape and glitter! Did it fall off easily? I would like to use something like this on a card front if it stays put. Thanks for sharing with us!

  91. Wow! Wow! Wow! I’m totally in love for your stunning cards!!! Thanks for sharing these wonderful sea themed ideas!

  92. The ocean critters are so cute. All the backgrounds are fabulous. My favorite is the stenciled background. I love watching your videos!

  93. I love your style, but above all the way you communicate. It is very understandable! Thank you

  94. Sweet bright and cheery cards!!! Thanks for sharing all those fun background techniques!!

  95. Adorable cards and love the backgrounds! The crystals and drops were perfect to add to the underwater theme!

  96. All these background ideas are fantastic. I definitely want to try the glitter technique on a card of my own.

  97. 2- Iā€™m already a follower and a liker on Facebook with this account :
    Marjorie Isaline Dumontier
    [margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]

  98. 3- Iā€™m already a follower and a liker on Instagram with this handle :
    @margessw
    [margessw(at)icloud(dot)com]

  99. These are lovely and I love this release! I love them all but I really like #2 the best. So sweet! TFS!

  100. Your cards are wonderful! I love all the different backgrounds you created for your sea creatures. <3

  101. Hi Vicky
    Love love love your cards….especially the glitter….Thank you for sharing ?

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