Set Sail for Summer with the Kraken Good Day Stamp Set
When I think of summer, I immediately picture sunny skies, sparkling water, and fun adventures on the ocean. My featured card layout is versatile enough to be a backdrop for so many different beach scenes. I hope you use these ideas as a springboard to create your own!
For my Pajama Crafter Stamps Summer Week project, I created a bright, beach-inspired square card featuring the adorable pirate octopus from the Kraken Good Day Stamp Set. It’s a playful reminder that summer is all about making waves, exploring new adventures, and having fun!
One of my favorite things about themed weeks is seeing how every designer interprets the same challenge in completely different ways. While some may create camping scenes or floral gardens, I decided to head straight to the beach with layered ocean waves and a cute little kraken pirate ready to sail into summer.
Creating the Background
The background is where this card really comes to life.
I began by die cutting multiple wave sections using the Stitched Scalloped Border Dies. Each layer was ink blended with shades of aqua, turquoise, and soft blue to create movement and depth. A few darker blue marker dots and plenty of white gel pen to create splatter to help give the look of sparkling ocean spray.
To ground the scene, I created sandy shoreline layers using warm kraft cardstock and added additional white dots with my white gel pen to create “splatter” for a whimsical beach feel. I do the same with brown marker dots in different sizes for added interest and texture, think “grains of sand.”
Adding Dimension & Movement
One of my favorite design elements is the large circle focal point. I cut a hole in the middle of the circle to allow me to pop-up a SPIN-CYCLE Micro Rotator, so my boat ROCKS!!!! Follow me on social media @stampedbykelly to see my reel in action!!!
I used the Circle Peek-a-Boo Die to create a layered window effect behind my stamped image. The embossed circle adds wonderful texture while helping draw your eye directly to the adorable pirate octopus. I used 3D Galaxy Gloss, but you can achieve the same end result with items already in your stash! Do you have Crystal Effects, Glaze, Heat emboss with clear powder over your ink blended circle, clear Nuvo drops, clear paste or emboss or cut out of glossy cardstock.) These are all ways I add interest without added bulk.
The circle overlaps the waves and shoreline, giving the entire card a dimensional scene-building effect.
Coloring the Kraken
The star of the card is, of course, this sweet pirate octopus from the Kraken Good Day Stamp Set.
I colored him with Copic markers in cheerful shades of lavender and purple before adding warm wood tones to the boat and rich blacks and reds to his pirate hat. Small white gel pen highlights help bring the image to life.
His little telescope, treasure chest, and pirate sword make him ready for a full day of summer adventures.
Finishing Touches
To complete the design, I stamped the sentiment:
and die cut it using the Banner Die Set. The soft pink banner adds just enough contrast while balancing the overall composition.
Finally, I finished everything with:
- White gel pen dots for splatter
- Small heart embellishments
- Foam adhesive for added dimension
- Dry Adhesive at TapeRunner.com – use PROMO CODE KELLY10 for 10% off your cart.
Products Used
- Pajama Crafter Stamps Kraken Good Day Stamp Set
- Stitched Scalloped Border Dies
- Circle Peek-a-Boo Die
- Banner Die Set
- Spin-Cycle Micro Rotators
- Copic Markers
- Tape Runner Dry Adhesive Code KELLY10 10% off
- White Gel Pen
- White Acrylic Paint
- Ink Blending Brushes
- Foam Adhesive
Summer Week at Pajama Crafter Stamps
This card is part of Summer Week at Pajama Crafter Stamps, where the design team is sharing projects inspired by everything summer means to us! From beach days and vacations to flowers, camping, fireworks, and sunshine, you’ll find a wide variety of creative ideas all week long using Pajama Crafter Stamps products.
Be sure to check out the inspiration from the entire Design Team—you’ll love seeing how everyone puts their own unique spin on the same summer theme!
Copic Color Suggestions
Octopus
- V20
- V22
- V25
- RV63 (cheeks)
Water
- BG10
- BG11
- BG13
- B00
- B02
Boat
- E33
- E35
- E37
Sand
- E41
- E43
- E44
Hat
- C7
- C9
- R24
- R27
Tape Runner
I assembled my layered die cuts using my favorite adhesives from Tape Runner. Foam adhesive from my stash adds wonderful dimension between the waves and circle focal point, making the scene really pop.
🛒 Save 10% with my affiliate code KELLY10 at TapeRunner.com!
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to shop using my links or discount code, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my crafting journey!
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Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope this cheerful pirate octopus inspires you to create something that reminds you of summer. Whether it’s sunshine, sandy beaches, or sailing off on a new adventure, there’s no wrong way to celebrate the season with stamps! 🌊🐙☀️
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