“More Than Waves” — A Playful Seaside Card

by Joanne Whittaker

There’s something magical about crafting in community—and Joanne Whittaker’s latest card for the Creative Inker Team Swap is a shining example of what it means to be inspired, connected, and endlessly creative as part of a crafting team. Featuring the quirky charm of the Friendly Seagulls Sale-A-Bration stamp set, this card delivers whimsy, warmth, and just the right splash of seaside love.

When you’re part of a team like Creative Inkers, you’re not crafting in isolation—you’re sharing ideas, swapping laughter, cheering each other on, and turning every “oops” into a new technique. It’s in that spirit that Joanne’s card came to life—a playful reminder that joy multiplies when we create together.

🎁 What Is Sale-A-Bration (SAB) and How Do You Get the Rewards?

Sale-A-Bration (SAB) is Stampin’ Up!’s most anticipated annual promotion—and a favorite among crafters! Each January and February, you can earn free, limited-edition stamp sets, designer paper, and embellishments just by doing what you love.

You’ve missed this year’s SAB period—but keep your wishlist close! Here’s how to get in next time:

• ✨ Shop: For every $110 NZD you spend, you earn 1 free SAB reward.
• 🤝 Join: Become a demonstrator during SAB and receive bonus items in your starter kit.
• 🧵 Host or Craft with Friends: Place combined orders with a group and unlock even more gifts.

Joanne’s whimsical Friendly Seagulls stamp set was one of those exclusive rewards—only available during SAB 2025!

🧰 Supplies Used

• Stamp Set: Friendly Seagulls (Sale-A-Bration Exclusive)
• Ink Pads: Memento Black, Crumb Cake, Boho Blue
• Cardstock: Crumb Cake, Boho Blue, Basic White
• Stampin’ Blends: Gray Granite, Lemon Lolly, Crumb Cake, Sweet Sorbet
• Embellishments: Natural Twine, Rhinestones

🌊 Card Front Description

This lighthearted card feels like a salty breeze and a seagull’s squawk wrapped in cardstock. The scene unfolds on Basic White, layered on Boho Blue and grounded with a Crumb Cake base. The background fades from pale sky to rich sea, ink-blended in soft gradients of Boho Blue.

At the center, a weathered wooden post stamped in Crumb Cake stands tall, its base wrapped in twine to mimic dockside rope. On top perches a bold seagull, stamped in Memento Black and colored in Gray Granite, with a cheerful Lemon Lolly beak. Tucked in its beak? A tiny fish, making this bird both sweet and smug.

Just above, the card declares: “I love you MORE than”—leaving the rest of the sentence deliciously open for interpretation (fries? freedom? nap time?).

Finishing touches include sparkling rhinestones, mimicking glints of sun over ocean water, and an earthy Crumb Cake border grounding the whole design.

💬 Inside Card Description

The cheer continues inside, where a single seagull takes center stage once more—this time proudly clutching a red chip box in its beak. Stamped in Memento Black and colored with Gray Granite and Sweet Sorbet, the gull stands out brightly against a Basic White backdrop.

Surrounding the bird, nestled playfully in the feathers and blank space, are scattered words stamped in black:
“CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP CHIP”—as if the gull is squawking its snack-driven enthusiasm with full commitment.

A subtle wash of Boho Blue and Crumb Cake ink creates sky and sand beneath the bird, giving this side of the card the same breezy charm as the front—while leaving plenty of room for a personal message or loving note.

💌 Want This Card or One Like It?

I’m lucky enough to have the Friendly Seagulls stamp set in my personal collection—so I’d absolutely love to recreate this card for you!

Whether you’d like:

• the original card (if still available),
• a custom version in your favourite colours,
• or a twist on the design with your own sentiment,

I’d be thrilled to make something just for you.

📬 Interested in purchasing or customizing this design?
See the information below or send me a message to discuss options. Handmade with care and coastal charm—it’s more than a card, it’s a keepsake