Beachcombing #NatureDoodlewash

I love the look of loose watercolor painting but find it a challenge as it does not come naturally to me.  However, when reviewing vacation photos I knew this one would be a perfect candidate for a loose style and a #NatureDoodlewash.  This is my husband, Jerry, walking along the surf one peaceful morning, and I am sure he was diligently looking for shark teeth.  We have a friendly family competition to see who can find the largest one each year, and this year Jerry won the bragging rights.

Carolina Beach Combing

This NC beach is generally uncrowded and serene, and looking at this painting reminds me what a restful place it is.  In the lyrics of James Taylor, “I’m goin’ to Carolina in my mind.”

 

Happy New Year!

So it is finally seasonal here as far as the weather. I am not fond of freezing temps, but cold is expected in Cincinnati during the winter, and we need the cold in order to keep Mother Nature not as confused as she has been. Darn it, but my crocuses and hyacinths are peeking out too much for this time of year. During the cold I think of Topsail Beach to keep warm, so what is better than a loose, shadowy watercolor of the beach? 

Hope your 2016 has been warm and snugly so far. May 2016 be kind, gentle, and peaceful for you!

Rainy Days and Mondays – Make Me Crabby

Not really, but it would be nice to see a little sunshine.  Recently my dear friend, Pat, had a birthday.  She collects crab-related items and loves the little critters, so I decided to make her a set of crabby cards as a gift.  It was very easy with my Cricut.

Celebrating Crab, Create a Critter

The first cute crabby card above uses a 3-inch crab from Create a Critter, various shells and starfish from Life’s a Beach, and the word “celebrate” from the Best of 2006 cartridge in 1 inch.  On the right is an example of what some of the cards read on the inside.

Oh Snap! Crab card, Life’s a Beach

The 3-inch crab on the second card isn’t as friendly looking but I like him anyhow.  He is from Life’s a Beach as is the sandcastle cut at 3 inches.  The cupcake is from Best of 2006.

Crab, Create a Critter, Snappy Birthday

Happy Crab, Create a Critter

The last card uses the cute crab again from Create a Critter.  I cut him at 2-1/2 inches so there was plenty of room for the background images.  The 2-inch sun, tree, and clouds are also from Create a Critter, and to the left of the card front is another example of the inside of the cards.

All of the sky backgrounds are embossed with the Stampin Up Cloudy Day embossing folder, and the “sand” on all the cards is cardstock that was torn and jagged to give it some depth and character.  I also think it would be cute to use actual sandpaper on these cards rather than cardstock.  Happy Birthday, Crabby Pat!