Inspiring Mermaid Lunch Box Love Note

Today I'm sharing a card that uses a fun technique that is inspired by the theme and photo inspiration for the current FUSION challenge:

I love that fabulous colourful mermaid tail cupcake and took that as my inspiration rather than the sketch this week, as I also wanted to try out a fun technique inspired by a rather unusual household item. Here's my card:

Here's the low-down on today's card:

A Magical Mermaid ... Or Two Or Three - I created a mermaid-patterned cardfront using the small solid mermaid image from the 'Magical Mermaid' stamp set; I stamped each image freehand as I wanted the spacing close than I could achieve with my stamp positioning tool. I haven't used this stamp in this set before - I usually use the large mermaid image - so it was a good opportunity to use the set in a different way. 

A Fun Technique - to achieve the multi-coloured effect, I revisited the 'oldie but goodie' baby wipe technique. I created two separate stamp pads using baby wipes and drops of three reinkers on each, then alternated stamping with each one to create my pattern. This is such a fun technique if you are trying to create variegated colour; no two stamped images are the same so it makes for colourful patterns. 

Unusual Inspiration - You may be wondering where I got my rather eclectic colour inspiration from this week; all is revealed in the photo below:

Yes, one of Rebecca's bedsets! She loves these brightly coloured mermaids and since my card is a little notecard that I slipped into her school bag as a surprise note as I sometimes do, I knew she would instantly recognise the inspiration. The thing I love most about the finished card is the watery effect of the blended colours, which seems fitting for my nautical mermaid. 

Here is the visual summary of the key products used on today's project for you to pin for easy reference:

You can see all of my 'How To' summaries on my 'How To - Tips and Techniques' Pinterest board in case you've missed any. 

So as you can see, inspiration really can be found in the most unusual of places. What is your most unusual source of inspiration in your crafting? Do leave me a comment below - I would love to know.

Enjoy your evening and I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used:

Magical Mermaid Cling-Mount Stamp Set (£19.00)	Stitched Shapes Dies (£28.00)	Whisper White Note Cards & Envelopes (£6.50)	Lovely Lipstick 1/8" (3.2 Mm) Grosgrain Ribbon (£5.50)	Versamark Pad (£8.75)
Embossing Buddy (£5.50)	Silver Stampin' Emboss Powder (£5.50)	Lovely Lipstick Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Highland Heather Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Pacific Point Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)
Poppy Parade Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Crushed Curry Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Call Me Clover Classic Stampin' Ink Refill (£3.50)	Highland Heather A4 Cardstock (£8.25)