Aurora Wings Challenge #6 Under the Sea

A new challenge at the Aurora Wings Challenge Blog starts today and the theme is Under the Sea.  I got a little carried away with my project, a tunnel book,and have gobs of pix, so sit back, relax, and hopefully enjoy.  And yes, I suggest you DO grab a cuppa, because even if you don't read all this, there is still LOTS to look at so...  As soon as Mitzi release the adorable Mer-tots, I knew I wanted to make some kind of book, and although I thought I understood the basic idea of a tunnel book, I'd never made one so I Googled it and found a fabulous 3 part tutorial on YouTube by Craft Knife Chronicles that helped me out with my construction.  Hers, however was all done with Graphic 45 papers so no coloring was involved.  This is my book standing open.  I wanted to give you the money shot right up front so hopefully you'd come see what it all was about.  LOL

But let's back track and take a look at the book closed.  Here's the front cover featuring Sea Turtle Kiss, the newest in the Mer-tot line.  The bold graphic DP is from the Gecko Galz Beachy Keen digital paper pack.  The book opens as a gate fold and the framed panel has hidden magnets that attach to the right side to keep it closed.  I've added 3 blue fish from JoLee's boutique to balance the design a bit.  The flexible sides are corrugated card stock.

Here's that Sweet Sea Turtle Kiss.  Isn't she adorable?  She also is available in the original version with 3 other turtles swimming around her if you prefer. I've colored her with Copics and given her a dotty background that reminds me of bubbles.

When you open the book, you can see the accordion structure that makes the tunnel for the scene.  DP for the accordion is Gecko Galz again, this time from the La Isla Bonita digi paper pack.  The inside cover DP is Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue 8x8.  There are 3 layers plus the back and are a bit bowed when looking from the top, because it's difficult to cut everything exactly the same, but it doesn't really affect the dimension from the front.

So here we are head on again.  Each 8x8" frame was cut with Spellbinders Grands Labels in both solid card stock and more Gecko Galz DP.  The sand is actual sand paper that I've torn and attached from behind.  The scene features Aurora Wings Mer-Baby, The Gift, and The Secret, as well as Fancy Goldfish.

Here's Mer-Baby.  Just look at this little guy sucking his thumb!  Don't you just want to take a bite out if him, he's so yummy!?  He's popped from the front panel and I've snuck a little shell under the anemone.

In this corner we have The Gift.  I just realized after posting this picture that I forgot to add a pearl to his oyster.  Fixed now, but I'm too tired to take another.  This couple was the most difficult to anchor to the frame.  At first they were only attached by her hair and tail.  Some Magnolia die cuts, that I've also colored with Copics, helped stabilize them.  On the front panel is another die and more shells by JoLee's Boutique.

And finally, The Secret completes the scene.  Looks like they're whispering about the two lovebirds, doesn't it?  these gals are attached to a transparent panel that was printed with the same digi paper as the back, inverted and taped between the frames.  The fish you see in the background here, and in the previous pic, are actually on the back wall.  If you'll notice, I kept the color scheme fairly tight.  Both redheads have the same color tails as do the boys, and the Blonde girl matches the tail of the mermaid on the front.  

Even the fish are colored in the same hues.  I used Fancy Goldfish both in the background of the scene and on the inside panels.

Since I was taking these late at night (or should I say the wee hours of the morning) I had to used my light box and for some reason the colors of the fish only came out good at these angles.  Weird, huh?

Well, we're almost there.  Finally around to the back with more Gecko Galz digi paper and Whimsical Seahorse with Wings.  Originally I planned to use a tiny version of him in the inside scene, but I ran out of room.  LOL

Have to say, I almost left him off, but now I'm so glad I kept at it.  Isn't he magical?  Not the easiest to fussy cut, though.  LOL (but totally worth it!)

Well, thanks to all (any?) of you who made it though this mega post.  It took me almost as much time to write it as it did to make the project.  (Not hardly!)  I'm really pleased with it, though.  The whole team really brought their A Game this week so be sure to visit the Challenge Blog to see why we've been burning the midnight oil. Hope to see you join in, and if you finish your project before the end of the month, you can add it to the current Aurora Wings Mermaid Madness FB contest as well.  Don'tcha just LOVE a two-fer?

I'm adding this to the 613 Avenue Create ATG/no optional Twist, Come and Get It Fish or Fishing, TTRCD ATG Aug 12-18th, Dragonfly Dreams Inspired by a Book you Read as a Child or to a Child (The Little Mermaid), Color Me Scrappy (color challenge plus Ode to Summer and Eclectic Ellapu Seaside or Nautical.