Create an Ocean Scene Background using Masking Technique

I love to create an ocean scene background to highlight interesting focal images like the bicycle and sea grass.  The masking technique is fast and easy and yet creates depth in the background that draws the eye back into the scene.  For this project I used the Rubbernecker Bicycle, Sea Grass, Deckle Hills, Small Birds and Rectangle Combo OPC #4.

The Ocean Scene Background

• Use white cardstock to cut a scene layer 5 1/8″ x 3 7/8″ to fit behind the frame.
• Attach a piece of masking tape straight across the center of the cardstock.
• Apply a dark shade of Tumbled Glass ink to the lower portion of the masked section using a large blender brush. :Note:  I am in love with my Life Changing Blender Brush set.  They make applying color to a large area like my scene a breeze.
• Remove the masking tape.
• Create the lightly shaded cloudy sky background to the upper portion of the scene using a cloud stencil and blender brush.
• Start applying the cloud layers at the top of the page and moving the stencil down to create the layers.
• Apply light touches of white embossing paste to the water using your finger and then sprinkle with clear glitter to add a touch of sparkle.  Allow the paste to dry.

The Frame and Sand Layers

• Use white cardstock to cut the frame layers.
• Turn the frame sections face down and attach them together using double stick tape.
• Cut two sand layers using Kraft cardstock.
• Apply strips of mounting tape to the back of the frame and then attach one sand layer to the back of the mounting tape.
• Adhere double stick tape to the back of the sand layer and then attach the ocean scene background layer to the back of the frame.
• Apply double stick tape to the back of the frame/scene layer and attach it to the card base. Note:  I could have just masked off the card base to create the ocean background but I’d rather use a separate piece of cardstock in case I mess it up. I also like the additional layer to create more stability for my card.

The Bicycle and Towels

• Cut the bicycle parts using aqua, gray and black cardstock.
• Assemble the bicycle pieces and attach them together using glossy accents.
• Cut a strip of bright yellow cardstock about an inch wide and two inches long.
• Use bright yellow, aqua and bright pink cardstock to cut thin 1/8″ strips of cardstock.
• Apply glossy accents to the back of the colorful strips and attach them to the yellow layer.
• Use snips to cut fringe along both ends of the towel.
• Score the towel and fold in half and cut off a large section of the back of the towel to use in the basket.
• Apply glossy accents to the back side of the towel, drape over the bike rack and attach.
• Trim the other towel section to fit in the basket and attach using glossy accents.

Complete the Scene

• Use green cardstock to cut two Sea Grass sections.
• Attach the Sea Grass sections to the frame using double stick tape.
• Apply double stick tape to the back of the front sand layer and attach it to the frame.
• Apply pieces of mounting tape to the back of the bicycle and attach it to the sand layer and scene base.
• Finish the scene by cutting three birds, color them with Pumice Stone ink and attach them to the scene using small pieces of mounting tape.

Creating an ocean scene background is so fast and easy and makes such a beautiful backdrop to highlight an interesting focal image.  I love making beach cards and have tons of cards in that category.  You can also find lots more inspiration on this Pinterest link.  Thank you so much for coming by and I hope you have a great day.

Here are the dies I used to create my card.

5217D Rectangle Combo OPC #4 Die Cut [ RBB ] 5209-01D Bicycle Die Cut [ RBB ] 5206D Sea Grass Die Cut [ RBB ] 5173-02D Deckle Hills Die Cut [ RBB ] Small Birds Die 5147-06D [ RBB ]

Here are the tools and supplies used.

Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Candy… [ ELH ] Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock,… [ ELH ] Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock,… [ ELH ] Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock,… [ ELH ] Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock,… [ ELH ] Bazzill Card Shoppe Cardstock, Easter… [ ELH ] Lawn Fawn – 8.5 x 11 Cardstock -… [ SBC ] Solar White Heavyweight 110 lb – 25… [ ELH ] Tumbled Glass, Ranger Distress Ink Pad [ ELH ] Pumice Stone, Ranger Distress Ink Pad [ ELH ] Twins, Judikins Eclipse [ ELH ] Life Changing Blender Brush Set,… [ ELH ] 4011 Clouds Stencil [ RBB ] Dry Glitter – Clear Rock Candy,… [ ELH ] Studio 490 Embossing Paste by Wendy… [ ELH ] Mini Applicators, 12 pk, PanPastel Sofft [ ELH ] Precision 5 Inch Scissors with… [ ELH ] Mini Glossy Accents, Ranger Accents [ ELH ] Scotch Foam Mounting Tape [ ELH ] Fiskars 01-005452 Recycled Bypass… [ AMZUS ] ATG Kit, Advanced Tape Glider [ ELH ] Teflon Bone Folder, Essentials by Ellen [ ELH ] Scor-Pal Measuring & Scoring Board 12×12 [ ELH ] Crossover II Fabric & Paper Cutting… [ RBB ]

Creating an ocean scene background is so fast and easy and makes such a beautiful backdrop to highlight an interesting focal image.