It’s day 12, and I have plenty of Christmas cards for friends and family. Today’s card involves watercolors. I love the Christmas bulbs background, and paired with bright watercolors creates a fantastic card.
Supplies
Zig Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors
Canson XL Watercolor Paper
Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock: 110lb for card base, 80lb for die cutting
Simon Says Stamp Outline Christmas Bulbs stamp and Misti Stamping Tool
VersaMark Watermark Ink, Ranger White Embossing Powder and Wagner Heat Tool
Pink Fresh Studio Classic Holiday Words dies
Graffix Vellum
Gina K Connect Glue and double sided tape
Nuvo Crystal Drops in Simply White
Panel Preparation
First, treat watercolor panel with an anti-static tool. Next, stamp a background image multiple times using a stamping tool and VersaMark Watermark ink. Add your embossing powder and heat to set.
To prevent a watercolor panel from warping, tape it to a hard board. I use painters tape and a cutting board which I have specifically for watercoloring. I reuse my painters tape, but if I am applying a new bit of tape, I first press the tape to some material to reduce the tack.
Now you are ready to watercolor! I like to add water to an area before painting. This is done by essentially painting with water, then following with the actual watercolor. For my bulbs, I used minimal water so my colors stayed vibrant. Paint color by color, using a heat tool to dry when needed.
I also painted my background area by painting the same way as above, but utilizing much more water. This creates a light hue of color, instead of vibrant color.
Allow panel to dry completely.
Die Cutting
The Classic Holiday Words dies from Pink Fresh Studio have been a favorite of mine this holiday season. I love the background die included with the script! I cut my sentiment background from vellum and three sets of the script from Neenah 80lb cardstock.
After gluing the three sets of the sentiment together, adhere them to the vellum background.
Finalizing Card
Trim watercolor panel to fit an A2 card front – 4 1/4” x 5 1/2”. Adhere using double sided tape. Add sentiment by applying liquid glue behind script, then applying to card. Add a dot of Nuvo Crystal Drops in Simply White for the tittle (the dot on the ‘i’). I’ve given up even trying to keep track of tittles…I always use Nuvo Drops – they make life so much easier! Now, this card is finished!
I love the bright Christmas bulbs, and the subdued sentiment that does not distract from the gorgeous background. A beautiful card to wrap up my 12 Days of Christmas Card series. Thank you for joining me, I hope your holidays are wonderful and that 2020 brings happiness, health, and joy.
