Handmade Card by Linda Fields
I never thought Christmas would come in Spring but that’s exactly what happened yesterday when I checked the mailbox. A wonderful surprise gift was waiting for me. I was instantly inspired and knew a watercolor effect using happy colors would reflect my tears of joy, and adding a vintage tone after would lock in that memory forever. So, what emotion do you want to share or have others feel? Welcome! Join me as I create my latest, thank you card.
The Materials
- Strathmore Watercolor Cards (5×7 card base)
- Altenew Watercolor Pens – Moss Green & Blue
- Altenew Crisp Inks – Plum, Maple Yellow & Black
- Altenew Sending Hugs Stamp Set (Gift to Me)
- Altenew African Daisy Stamp Set
- Tim Holtz Distress Ink – Vintage Photo
- Nuvo Vintage Drops – Black
- Nuvo Crystal Drops – Yellow
- Sakura Pigma Micron Pen – Black (Not Shown)
Create Emotion
The first thing I did was use the flower stamp using ink that wouldn’t run in water. This is very important since the image was going to get very wet. I used a stamping platform to re-stamp several times since the watercolor paper has a texture. Using a small, round, watercolor brush, I used clean water to loosely paint below the flowers. I added green using an Altenew Watercolor pen then blue. Let your layers dry before adding more color. The color will change once dry.
TIP: Once you add you can’t take away so it’s always best to create one light layers at a time until you get the depth of color you want. However, should you make a mistake, you can use water to thin what you put down and create a nice gradient.
I added more water, holding the card up so it would drip down. Let the colors blend and create something beautiful! I fussy cut the upper edge of the flowers creating a unique edge and opening. Using Altenew Crisp Inks, I used the same water technique but started with a dry brush so I wouldn’t get water on my ink pad. Add more water later, letting it drip down, and watch how the ink gives a brilliant watercolor finish!
TIP: Can’t find or have this stamp? Don’t worry! Look for a stamp that is large enough to extend past the sides of the paper but small enough to play with it for layout. I did an angled corner cut but maybe your stamp is better suited running along the bottom or side? Use the way the card opens as your baseline to finding how to cut one side of the stamp you use.
I continued using the crisp inks to paint my flowers and leaves. I used a micron pen after to add fine details and to crisp my lines by going over the stamped image again. I used a sponge applicator around the edges and corners to add that vintage look using Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Vintage Photo and Ground Espresso. I added the You’re So Thoughtful sentiment and thought I was done but realized a few Nuvo drops were needed. Never underestimate the power of that last little touch!
