Thursday, 3 July 2025

Mermazing

Hi and welcome.  Today's sketch artist over at Freshly Made Sketches is Amy O'Neill and this card was made as a tribute to MFT Stamps who announced last week they are closing down after almost 20 years in business.  

My stock of MFT stamps, dies, cardstock, stencils and patterned papers is more than any other single company.  Back when I was doing a lot more card-making and Copic colouring, I couldn't get enough of MFT - especially Birdie Brown images.  It also helped that their international shipping was probably the cheapest and the fastest, so it was a given that every new release and new kit, I was there waiting with bated breath to place an order.  I am sorry that MFT is closing its doors, but I can understand the reasons and wish nothing but the best for Kim - the owner.

My card was made using mostly MFT products.  I started by ink-blending some Distress Inks onto a panel of white cardstock, then using the Ray of Light stencil to create the ocean light effect.  Over top of the ink, I added some Sparkle Texture Paste to give a shimmery finish.  While that was drying, I stamped and Copic coloured the mermaid and fish.  
 

The porthole was die-cut and stacked three high.  I also added some acetate to the back to give the impression of a window.  I added the fish and mermaid and set it aside to work on the card base.  

As soon as the stenciling was dry, I die-cut with a rectangle die to allow room to stamp the sentiment on the bottom right of a white card base.  After adhering the stenciled panel, I added the porthole and mermaid and called it done.  

It's not totally in keeping with the sketch, but I sort of figure the "rays" can be the cardstock strips on the sketch - maybe, perhaps....


Thanks for visiting.  The design team have some fabulous cards so I hope you'll check them out.



Products used:

Stamps:  Mermazing, Gill Friends (MFT)
Ink:  Amalgam (Gina K), Versafine Onyx Black, Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Stormy Sky, Chipped Sapphire, Black Soot Distress Inks
Cardstock:  White, X-Press It
Dies:  Mermazing, Ocean View Porthole (MFT)
Accessories:  Copics, Sparkle Texture Paste, Ray of Light Stencil (MFT), white gel pen, Spectrum Noir Clear Sparkle Pen

Cheers
Karren




6 comments:

Kim S said...

What a fabulous and very creative use of the sketch!!! I love those rays of light and that fun porthole. Such a perfect drop for your beautifully colored mermaid!

Linda Callahan said...

I too am sorry to hear MFT is closing! Your card is fabulous - especially those rays of light in the background - wow! You are such an artist - and need to be my neighbor!

Amy O said...

This is adorable! I love the rays of light in the water. If I ever make it to New Zealand, I'd love to schedule a few days with you and watch you color and get some ink blending tips, too.

Jen Timko said...

I love sun rays and these are really, really awesome! Such a sweet card!

Cécile RIBON said...

This card is total cuteness, Karren ! The way you worked on the background to create the sun rays is absolutely brilliant! So clever for the sketch.

I Card Everyone said...

I followed your comment back to you, Karren! I'm so sorry that you're having email delivery issues - but SHOCKED to read that MFT is closing!
You've used their products so beautifully over the years - this little mermaid is so darling! What an ingenious way to portray Amy's sketch!
=]