Tutorial: Watercolor Background--The Easy Way

This card was made with a watercolor background technique that I modified from the Smackin' Acetate Tutorial over at Splitcoast Stampers. I don't have acetate, so I was trying to think of what I had that was smooth, clear and sturdy enough to stamp with. After trying and failing with a plastic zippy bag (thus my sturdy comment) I tried using one of my clear stamping blocks and this card is the result!

I wanted a nice scripting in the background, but I don't have a background stamp to accommodate my wish, so I improvised again with an embossing folder and ink.

I like how unique each background is with this technique. No matter how many times I stamp the same colors, the end result will be different. For example, the background I make in the tutorial below is different than the background on my card.

Start by gathering your supplies: tap water in a spritzer bottle, stamp pads in the colors you want, clear acrylic stamping block, water color paper, chosen embossing folder, and accent stamp pad for the raised image.

Start "stamping" your ink pads directly onto the acrylic block and repeat until your surface is covered. I used Not Quite Navy, Lovely Lilac, and Old Olive for my background.

Spritz with water.

Continue spraying until the water begins to bead up on the block.

Stamp onto your paper allowing time and pressure so that the water and inks can absorb into the paper.

Spritz with a few more squirts of water and allow to dry.

I'm not patient, so I used my heat gun to dry the paper.

Cut to desired size.

Place in your embossing folder.

Run it through your Cuttlebug or die cut machine.

Now you have an embossed background.

Take your accent ink (Chocolate Chip in this case) and brush lightly over the embossed paper until you get the look and coverage desired.

There you have it!

Thanks for stopping by and happy stamping!