Manta Ray Paper Art

As we all shelter in place, my imagination takes me to tropical waters and socializing in groups! This paper art celebrates the beauty of Manta Rays. These large, graceful animals have distinctive white markings on black, and appear to fly through water.

Papers

• 1 sheet of 8.5x11 Quartz Stardream Metallic  
• 1 sheet of 8.5x11 Lagoon Stardream Metallic
• 1 sheet of 8.5x11 Onyx Stardream Metallic

• Manta Printout PDF 1 (click, then right-click to save attachment)
• Printed on Onyx Stardream Metallic
• Manta Printout PDF 2 (click, then right-click to save attachment)
• Printed on Quartz Stardream Metallic

Tools:

• Papercutting blade (such as Excel or Xacto)
• Self-healing mat
• Double-sided adhesive foam, or foam tape and glue
• Zig glue and or adhesive glue dots
• Optional: Frame mat for 8x10 image

Print out the two PDFs on the corresponding cardstock. Using a fresh blade, cut out all the manta shapes.

Each of the black mantas have patterned backs. While cutting, I varied the patterns for fun. The printed lines are guidelines, but all mantas are different, so don’t feel compelled to stick to the lines.

Stick the white cutouts to the back of the black mantas, so that the white covers the pattern holes. I used Zig glue for this, though glue dots would also work.

Arrange the mantas on the blue. Use this as a guide, or create your own composition. Try overlapping mantas. They can travel in different directions too. If you have a mat, experiment with how the frame affects the composition.

Select some mantas to be raised above others and anchor them to the blue cardstock using foam adhesive. Secure the other mantas using glue dots.

Once all mantas are secure, you have created a Fever of Mantas!

These mantas cut-outs can be used in other crafty ways, such as hanging from a garland for a marine-themed party, or to decorate cards or scrapbook pages.

Thank you for joining me on another nature-inspired cardstock project. 

Follow me on Instagram @GinkgoMaker to see my print-making art. I am primarily a stamp designer and carver, but all aspects of paper arts call to me.

Also, follow Cardstock Warehouse on Facebook and Instagram for more fun paper crafting projects! 

Jennifer Zee