As some of you may have noticed (especially oh my Instagram feed) I've been making quite a few cards lately. Quite honestly, I'm just really getting into it and enjoying the process. I love trying all the different techniques and just playing around with something different. To help feed my desire to learn more about stamping and cardmaking, I've been searching out online sources of inspiration. One of the blogs I started following is the Simon Says Stamp blog and I recently saw the WPlus9 Watercolor Bleaching card by Kelly Latevola. Her beautiful card really caught my attention, so I watched her video to learn more about the technique she used. I was so inspired, that I immediately sat down to create a card using the technique and the supplies I had on hand.
To create my card, I used Jane's Doodles Fancy Doodles stamp set. I began by stamping each flower and leaf with Versamark onto a piece of watercolor paper and then heat embossed them with white embossing powder. The sentiment is from SRM Stickers Big Hello.
I used a mix of Distress Ink in shades of red and pink with my Ranger ink blending tool to create my background. I then applied water with a small paint brush to the insides of the flowers and leaves and dabbed away the excess ink using a paper towel. This creates the bleached look that is part of the fabulous watercolor bleaching technique.
For the next step, Kelly used Copic markers to add a drop shadow to her stamped image. I don't own any Copic's, but I do have some of the Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers. I just recently purchased some of these (and received some from a wonderful friend) and have been playing with them quite a bit. I decided to give them a try and see how they would work for this step. The fine tip on the markers worked wonderfully to create a drop shadow on my stamped images.
Kelly had also added a touch of light gray to her flowers, however when I tried it, I didn't care for the look of it. I ended up using some of my pink Zig Clean Color pens instead. One thing that's great about watercolor is you can erase it with water! I applied water with a small paint brush over the gray areas and daubed the color away with a paper towel. If I could still see a little gray I went back and actually reapplied the lightest pink of my Distress Inks and repeated the bleaching process to start back at the beginning. It worked like a charm!
The final touch was a bit of water splatters and sequins. I really love how this turned out. Card making is really growing on me and I think much of it has to do with the opportunity to try new techniques - which is always something I have enjoyed! So what are your favorite sources for card inspiration and techniques?
Playing along with Virginia's View Friendship Challenge Link Party
You can find links to the supplies I’ve used below by clicking on the image. Where available I use affiliate links on the products I used. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate your support!
I saw this technique on their blog too. Looks like you had fun with it. Your results are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! you've inspired me to try out this technique as well!
ReplyDeleteI HAVE to try this after seeing your gorgeous card!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card, Julia! Love th bleach technique, it gives special touch on your card
ReplyDeleteYou did a fantastic job with the tut from Kelly, your card is Stunning!
ReplyDeleteWow, totally gorgeous, Juliana! I love the shades of pink in this white-embossed card! Beautifully inspired card from Kelly! GREAT job! So glad that you join the fun over Virginia’s View “Friendship” Challenge! Thanks for linking up :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful, love your card and that you describe all the steps. Beautiful flowers too.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Where do I find watercolor paper? Do I have to use distress ink? What about Stampin' Up ink?
ReplyDeletethanks!
You can purchase watercolor paper at your local craft store or at Simon Says Stamps. I recommend the brand that I have listed above in my supply list. ;) Distress inks are blendable and water soluble, so they work differently than your standard pigment or dye inks. I can't make any recommendations regarding SU ink as I don't own any. Hope that helps!
Delete