Hi guys! With all the hype that’s going on about watercoloring, I know some of you might feel overwhelmed and lost. Don’t know where to start? Don’t want to invest too much time? Want something simple? I hope today’s tip would encourage you to it a try. This is really a simple way and there is no need to invest in other watercolor products. It also requires you a very little time.
Check out the background of the card shown above. I created this light & dark shaded and blended look using the supplies I already have, and they are not “watercolor-specific” products. First, you start with a thick cardstock – I recommend using Marshmallow Cardstock from Bazzill, or if you have a watercolor paper that would work well. Cut it at 4 x 5 1/4.
Then you are going to take out couple shades of Distress ink pads. I picked out Dried Marigold and Wild Honey to create two tone shading for the background. As you can see, the middle part has darker shade (Wild Honey).
Choose your favorite background stamp set. For this card, I used Unity Stamp’s Diamonds & Plaid Stamp Set by Ann Butler. This stamp set is a borderless stamp so you can create a continues look by stamping the same image over and over. There are lots of images included in the set, so you get more images for the same price of one background stamp. You can get the stamp set HERE.
Now, you are going to ink up the stamp set and stamp it on the paper. If you are using a regular background stamp, ink up the stamp set by rotating the ink pads so the different shades would be reflected. You want to lay the stamp down upside down(stamp facing up), ink it up directly, and then put the paper on and rub it well to get the images. This method will give you the best background stamped result.
Next comes a fun part. Take a water mist and spray all over lightly. This way it would blend the colors without ruining the background image. And now you have the watercolor-look background without actually watercoloring it! If you want more of a softer look, spray a bit more water (not soaking wet!). Or, you use a paint brush to dab some water directly onto the image.
Practice, practice, and practice until you get the results you are happy with. This is a best method for achieving “the look.” I added a bold sentiment using the Heyday Sentiment Stamp Set from Hero Arts. I think card is a great way to brighten someone’s day. Don’t you agree?
Hope you enjoyed! Please let me know if you have any question trying this technique out. Thanks for stopping by!