Last week, we celebrated my father’s 90th birthday. He doesn’t get around as well as he used to – I bought him one of those four-wheel walkers a few months ago – but he’s doing the best he can to remain independent for as long as possible.

Dad always loved fishing – surf fishing to be exact – and I have fond childhood memories of all the weird looking creatures that he’d reel into shore. So when I saw the Under the Sea stamp set by Dylusions, I knew that I’d found the sort of quirky sea life images that he’d appreciate. I wasn’t really sure what direction my coloring would go so I just started pulling out markers, primarily among the YGs, and kept adding colors and texture until I got something I liked. I paired it with a sentiment from Paper Smooches. Quick, simple and got me out the door in time to deliver his birthday cake!

Supplies

Paper: Neenah Solar White 110#; X-Press It Blending Card by Copic; Aqua Wave by American Crafts
Stamps: Under the Sea by Dylusions; Happy Birthday by Paper Smooches (front sentiment); Birthday Sampler by Paper Smooches (inside sentiment)
Dies: Stitched Squares by Simon Says Stamp
Copics: Y02, Y15, Y19, BV20, BV23, B000, YG03, YG07, YG09, YG17, YG67