One way to make your home a cool refreshing retreat from summer heat is to decorate it with sea motifs like seashells and sea life – fish, seahorses and starfish. Instead of rushing to a store to buy new table linens and throw pillow covers, you can easily make them yourself for a lot less.

We found gorgeous fish and shell replicas at the reliable art supplier Dick Blick.  Made from sturdy rubber, these replicas can be used to make prints for hanging, wrapping paper, banners, even T-shirts (use water-base screen printing inks that can be heat set).  Then they can be rinsed and re-used again and again.

The models are called Gyotaku. Originating in 19th century Japan, gyotaku (meaning “print fish”) developed from the need to record the exact size of a trophy catch and evolved into a beautiful art form in its own right.

To make a throw pillow cover with a fish motif; use two large plain fabric napkins. Generously ink your rubber fish by rolling a brayer (a small crafts paint roller) in fabric paint and then rolling onto fish. Place one napkin front side down on inked fish and pat in place. Carefully lift and lay front side up to dry. Set the fabric paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once set, place fish image side inward against a matching napkin. Stitch around three sides, turn right sides out and pop in a pillow form or cotton batting. Stitch up the fourth side, add buttons, a zipper or simply leave open.

Dick Blick has everything you need for this fun easy project. Since 1911, artists have turned to Dick Blick Art Materials for dependable savings, a great selection, and fine customer service on art supplies. Now we can save even more by using a Dick Blick coupon at Coupon Cactus – 4% cash back plus weekly deals.

Attention all artists, art students, and art enthusiasts: You can purchase all of your art supplies without leaving your home and have them delivered to your front door for less money than you are paying now. Dick Blick Art Materials has an online store packed with every art supply you could possibly need to practice your craft. It doesn’t matter what art medium you work in; Dick Blick has a selection that will amaze you. You won’t be wandering from one specialty art store to the next wasting gasoline and time and energy anymore. You will find everything you need at discounted prices right online at Dick Blick Art Materials and you will be able to use Dick Blick coupon codes from Coupon Cactus to save even more.

Dick Blick Art Materials was founded in 1911 and has been continuously growing and expanding their selection for artists ever since. They know the starving artist story and that’s why they have always tried to sell art materials to the artist community at the lowest possible prices.

Before you shop from the over 25 departments at Dick Blick, the art enthusiasts and supporters at Coupon Cactus would also like to help you save some money. Before you check-out be sure to check out Coupon Cactus for the free coupons and Coupon Cactus members will also receive an additional 4% cash back on every order.

If you are looking for a gift for a family member or friend who is an artist then this is where you have to shop for them. You will be able to buy your artist the quality supplies they need at great prices and get free coupons and an additional 4% cash back at Coupon Cactus. Now that’s the making of a real masterpiece.