Use Your Ink Pads for Different Types of Watercolor Washes

Did you know you can use your ink pads to create different types of watercolor washes? Yes you CAN! Adding hand watercoloring to cards is hot hot hot right now and NO you do NOT need to buy all those paints and pain sticks and special brushes and solutions and papers……. I am betting you already have everything you need right at your fingertips!

One technique – watercolor washing your backgrounds – is a trend that is holding strong! It is so easy to do and nearly impossible to mess up – so it is a PERFECT technique for me!

First, let's take a look at the card I made using this technique:

Isn't that pretty?  That gorgeous yellow just makes the whole thing pop and float and so cheery without being all sticky sweet.

Stampin’ Up! ink pads are the best for doing this because the lid is designed to be flexible. With the ink pad closed (read that part again – trust me – you don’t wanna do it with it open!!!), squeeze the lid to the pad a couple of times. Now when you open the ink pad up, you will see ink on the inside of your lid. That is now your palette. And yes, this design is totally intentional!

Grab your Aqua Painter, pick up some ink from your new palette and “wash” it across your watercolor paper. Add more and more ink until you have the desired look. I added several layers of the Daffodil Delight to get that rich saturation of color. Here's a better look at the watercoloring:

Now you might be wondering if you can do this on regular white card stock. And the answer it yes, with some precautions. It will all depend on how much water you wind up getting on your card stock. The more water you use, the more you can blend out your color. BUT… too much water and your card stock can pill up and could be ruined. MY favorite paper to use is the watercolor paper because it is designed to absorb more water than our regular card stock. But absolutely try it on anything you like!

Here is how to make this card
1. Cut all your card stock to the listed dimensions.

Real Red: 4-1/4” x 11”; 2” x 2”

Watercolor Paper: 4″ X 5-1/4″

Bermuda Bay: 4″ X 5-1/4″

Whisper White: 2″ X 2″

2. Attach your Bermuda Bay layer as shown on your Real Red card base.

3. “Wash” your Daffodil Delight ink onto your Watercolor Paper using your Aqua Painter. Allow to thoroughly dry.

4. Stamp your circles in Tuxedo Black ink onto your Watercolor Paper.

5. Secure this layer to your card front.

6. Die cut both your Real Red and Whisper White squares using your Stitched Shapes Framelits and your Sizzix Big Shot by Stampin' Up! – You want the 1-5/8” finished size.7. Stamp your sentiment in Bermuda Bay ink onto Whisper White square.8. Offset and secure to your Real Red square.9. Attach Bermuda Bay ribbon as shown to your card front.10. Use Stampin' Dimensionals to attach your sentiments to your card front.11. Finish with a small silver bow and sequins placed as desired.TIP: Want a lot of sequins tips? If you are a member of Stamping Family, check out this link. (You must be logged in for the link to work.) Not a member? Become one today!TIP: When attaching Watercolor Paper to your card, be sure to use a strong adhesive as your card stock will tend to curl up when dry.

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