There is something about ocean-inspired projects that makes me want to lean into texture even more than usual.

For this piece, I wanted the background to feel weathered and lived-in

One of my favorite details is the leafy stencil pattern hidden beneath everything else. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it creates movement across the background. As more layers were added, some areas disappeared while others emerged, creating those happy accidents that make handmade work feel alive.

The fish became the focal point naturally. Their dark inked bodies stand out against the cooler background while subtle metallic highlights catch the light in unexpected places. I love that they aren’t perfectly pristine. I used the newly released Exclusive Coordinating Dies, that makes the job so much easier!

The stitching around the edges adds another layer of imperfection. Crooked in places, uneven in others, but exactly right because of it. Machine stitching has always been one of my favorite! It brings warmth and personality that a perfectly straight border never could.

A little messy.
A little weathered.
A little salty.

Exactly how I imagine a seaside story should be.