Zhuzh Up Your Patterned Paper with the Ocean Friends Bundle!

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Do you ever look at your patterned paper and think it needs just a little extra something? In this week's card-making technique tutorial, I'm showing you how to zhuzh up your patterned paper to make stunning handmade cards! We're using the Ocean Friends stamp set with the coordinating Friends of the Ocean Designer Series Paper (DSP) from Stampin' Up!®️ to create three vibrant and textured designs. Watch the full tutorial below to see these fun techniques in action!

Video Tutorial for this Technique

For each of these cards, I took elements from the patterned paper that could be cut with the coordinating dies, then stamped over them with the matching images and heat embossed with clear embossing powder. This simple trick gives the lobsters and crabs a glossy, dimensional finish that really makes them pop!

Hello Friend - Love You

This card features a bold Melon Mambo lobster swimming in a refreshing Summer Splash sea. To add even more texture, I heat embossed the sentiment using Melon Mambo ink and clear embossing powder.
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Card Dimensions:

• Melon Mambo (base): 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", score at 4 1/4"
• Melon Mambo (layer): 3 1/8" x 4 3/8"
• Summer Splash: 3" x 4 1/4"
• Basic White: 1 1/4" x 4 3/4"
• Friends of the Ocean DSP: 5 3/8" x 4 1/8"

Thanks So Much Card

This adorable card highlights a Melon Mambo crab resting on a beautifully detailed piece of coral and seaweed-themed patterned paper. I also added a fun wave die-cut from Summer Splash cardstock for a bit more movement.
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Card Dimensions:

• Melon Mambo (base): 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", score at 4 1/4"
• Summer Splash (layer): 3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• Summer Splash (wave): 3/4" x 5 1/8", cut with the Ocean Friends dies
• Friends of the Ocean DSP (layer 1): 3 3/4" x 5"
• Friends of the Ocean DSP (layer 2): 2" x 5"
• Basic White (circle): 2 3/8", cut with the 2 3/8" Circle Punch

Complete Supply List for these Ocean Friends Cards

Hello Friend Card

For this final design, I created a bright and playful look featuring a Flirty Flamingo lobster on a Peach Pie background. Strips of Friends of the Ocean DSP add even more visual interest.

Card Dimensions:

• Peach Pie: 8 1/2" x 5 1/2", scored at 4 1/4"
• Basic White: 3" x 5/8"
• Friends of the Ocean DSP: (3) 1 1/2" x 3 1/4"

​All three designs are finished with a sprinkle of Sunny Day Iridescent Dots for a bit of shimmer and shine!

Get Inspired & Share Your Creations!

I hope this technique inspires you to add a little extra flair to your patterned papers! Try it out and let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite way to enhance your DSP? Don't forget to use my current Host Code when shopping for supplies to earn Frequent Shopper Points and qualify for my exclusive bonus gifts! Plus, when you place a $75+ order this month, you'll receive a free card kit for next month's Online Card Class!
Happy Stamping!