How to Create an Ocean-Themed Octopus Card with Colored Cardstock

Creating an ocean-themed octopus card with colored cardstock is a fun way to explore layering, texture, and dimension in paper crafting. Using CutCardStock cardstock makes it easy to achieve crisp die cuts, vibrant color, and sturdy layers for building detailed scene cards.

Hi, I’m Carrianne, and in this step-by-step tutorial I’ll show how I created this playful ocean-themed octopus card featuring textured waves, layered die cuts, and dimensional underwater details using CutCardStock cardstock.

Supplies & Materials

CutCardStock

• DCS Caribbean Blue Cardstock
• Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock
• Pop Tone Black Licorice cardstock
• Raspberry Ice Pink Cardstock
• Pop Tone Grape Jelly Cardstock
• DCS Dolphin Gray Cardstock

Other

• Elizabeth Craft Designs Octopus Die Set
• La-La Land Crafts May 2026 KOTM (Seashells)
• Rectangle die
• Hill border die
• Waffle Flower Crafts Wave Texture Die
• C.C. Designs Ari (For sentiment)
• Distress Inks
• Copic Markers
• Liquid adhesive, foam tape
• Die cutting machine

Step 1: Die Cut and Ink the Octopus Pieces

Die cut all octopus components from cardstock and add ink shading to each piece to create depth and dimension before assembly.

Step 2: Create the Ocean Background

Run Caribbean Blue cardstock through a wave texture die to create movement and an ocean-like surface. Lightly add ink shading around the edges for added depth.

Step 3: Assemble the Octopus

Assemble the octopus pieces and set aside for later placement within the scene.

Step 4: Create the Frame and Ocean Floor

Die cut a rectangle frame from Bright White cardstock. Die cut a sand hill using a hill border die and add ink shading to create a natural sandy look with dimension.

Step 5: Add Seashell Details

Die cut seashells and add ink shading for definition. Use a Copic marker to add small dotted details for extra texture and interest.

Step 6: Build the Scene Base

Adhere the sand hill along the bottom of the Caribbean Blue wave panel to create the ocean floor and ground the scene.

Step 7: Assemble the Framed Scene

Add foam tape to the back of the white frame and adhere it over the wave panel to create dimension. Tuck seashells into the sand for a natural underwater look.

Step 8: Add the Focal Image

Attach foam tape to the octopus and position it within the framed scene. Use liquid adhesive to tuck the ship’s wheel behind the octopus arms for added depth and interaction. Stamp the sentiment in black ink onto white cardstock, trim, and adhere it to the top right corner of the framed panel.

Step 9: Add the Sentiment and Finish

Complete the design by adding a few dew drop embellishments to enhance the underwater feel. Attach the completed panel to an A2 card base to finish the card.

Final Thoughts

Layered die cuts and colorful cardstock are a wonderful combination for creating detailed scene cards. From the textured wave background to the playful octopus focal image, each element works together to bring this underwater design to life. CutCardStock cardstock provided the perfect foundation for creating crisp die cuts, dimensional layers, and vibrant color combinations throughout the project.

Thank you for stopping by today! I hope this card inspires you to create your own ocean-themed designs and explore the creative possibilities of layering cardstock to build fun and imaginative scenes.