If you have been in the mood for watercoloring (as I have been), today’s cards will be right up your alley!
While on amazon.com this week, I noticed the Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolors (set of 48 colors) was discounted from when I had added it to my wishlist. As the price had dropped 40% it was a no-brainer to add it to my cart.
I’ve used the set a few times already, and I have to say, the set is fantastic. The colors are rich and vibrant, exactly what I was hoping for. I am so pleased I could finally add this set to my crafty supplies.
Now, back to cardmaking!
Pulling two wooden stamps from my stash, I heat embossed the images onto watercolor paper using Ranger black embossing powder. Of course, I treated my paper with an anti-static tool first as I don’t want random bits of embossing all over the panel. A stamp positioner came in handy as well because I prefer multiple impressions when embossing – especially when my surface is watercolor paper!
Using painter’s tape, I temporarily adhered my watercolor paper to boards, then watercolored both panels. I ensured panels were completely dry before removing the tape.
Card 1
For the first card, I wanted to have some fun with dimension. Using Waffle Flower A2 Layers dies, I selected five frames starting with a frame just larger than my embossed image, then progressively larger.
I taped the frames in place then ran the panel through my die cut machine. After carefully removing the frames, ensuring I kept them taped together, I then ran them through my die cut machine again, this time cutting into a piece of craft foam.
This results in a foam backer for each panel. I only want to pop-up every other panel, so I discarded the extra foam frames.
As the watercolored panel is dark and my craft foam is white, I pulled out a Copic Marker to color the edges of each foam panel I wanted to use. This will help the panel blend into the background.
Starting with the outmost panel, I glued it into place on my A2 card base. I continued glueing the panels into place, one at a time, until all were adhered.
A quick sentiment stamped inside, using Hero Arts Unicorn Pigment Ink finished off this card.
I love how the pop-up frames add dimension to the card, yet the overall image is continued across all frames, maintaining cohesiveness.
Card 2
The second card was simpler to finalize.
I again used Waffle Flower A2 Layer dies to cut the panel to fit a card base, allowing a bit of the base to frame the image. I cut a piece of craft foam from a frame one size smaller than the panel, so I didn’t have to worry about the white foam being seen easily.
I adhered the panel, craft foam and card base together using iCraft Ultra Bond Adhesive. I stamped the same sentiment as in Card 1, and this card was complete as well.
I love the simplicity of this card. I’m really letting the image shine with this card. Even though I’m not a watercolor expert, I’m happy with my art and even more happy with how this card turned out.
Watercolors are a great medium to use in cardmaking. There are a multitude of ways you can use them, and the results can be phenomenal.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself. Have fun, and be proud of your work. Perfection is not required, just a willingness to give it a try.
