Mixing It Up with a Hippo

There's a new Mix It Up challenge at Ellen Hutson! This month, they are pairing up with Hero Arts. I used one set from each, and two stamps from each set, to make this: 

I really wanted to make this card yesterday, but a headache had other ideas. But today I was able to put it together with a clear head, yay! The hippo and party hat are from the Essentials by Ellen set Wish Big, and the spectacles and sentiment from Hero Arts' Irreverent Birthday Messages. Mr. Hippo is stamped in grey ink and coloured with Spectrum Noir markers. For once I was able to leave the toenails unpolished. ;) His hat is shaded with purple Copics, then the polka dots added with a colourless blender. I purposely stamped the specs right over his eyes, then added a coat of gloss to emphasize the myopia. I used a stippling brush for the grass he's standing on. 

Supplies: white & AC cardstock, Essentials by Ellen Wish Big & Hero Arts Irreverent Birthday Messages stamps, Versafine onyx black & smoky grey inks, mowed lawn distress ink, Ranger clear embossing powder, Copic & Spectrum Noir markers, MFT diagonal stitched die, Gelli Roll clear glitter pen, Nuvo morning dew crystal drops, foam tape