Don’t these penguins remind you of the movie Happy Feet? Adorable. I could not wait to get Preppy Penguins from Maymay Made It. They were so adorable, I couldn’t wait to color them. Then I laid my eyes on the new Pastel Penguins Sparkle Blends from Doodles Paper Playground and I knew it was a match made in heaven. As always when I work with Sparkle Blends, they take lead of my design process and I am totally okay with that. The reason being, they completely push me out of my comfort zone. This is a color pallet I would have never even rested a thought upon. Now I adore it and cannot wait to use it again. So like I always say, if you are stumped or need inspiration or even just want to challenge yourself, pick a Sparkle Blend that appeals to you or just pick a random one and see where it takes you.

First, I laid the Pastel Penguins blends out on a piece of white cardstock and pulled Copics to match by sprinkling some blends on my Copic color chart to get the perfect match of mint green and pale pink. I chose very light shades of the nuetral greys for the penguins. My initial instincts were to use cool greys but they ended up being too cool. I don’t usually have that problem. 😉

For the background, I used Worn Lipstick and Twisted Citron Oxide Sprays but then realized the green was too bright and I toned it down with Mowed Lawn. After I embossed the snowflakes, I inked the edges of the tag with Twisted Citron, then toned it down with Brutus Monroe White Alabaster pigment ink. I used clear Wink of Stella on the snowflakes to make them shimmer and added some Nuvo Dream drops for some added shine. The edges of the pink shaker frame are inked with Worn Lipstick Oxide ink. I also used it to stamp the “To/From” on the tag. “Holiday Happiness” is embossed in silver. Lastly, I used Stickles on the penguins pompom and Wink of Stella on the pink bow and sweater. I went old school with a snowflake thumb punch on some silver glitter cardstock. I loved the background of the tag so much, I chose to make a transparent shaker so it would show through. Lastly I tied it all up with a mess of shabby chic ribbons and trims.

I had so much fun creating this and every time I get inspired by Sparkle Blends I cannot wait to make something else. Shaker tags don’t have to be as elaborate as this. It can be a simple addition that will make a package glow for someone special. It you’re not sure where to start, check out the Sparkle Blends etsy shop. Grab a few of the new holiday blends and let them lead you to creativity. Make stuff and be happy.