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Sunday, April 19, 2015

{PP241} Wetlands Watercolor Block Technique

Happy Sunday, everyone!  I am so excited to share my Paper Players card with you today.  First, I'll tell you that I am the hostess for a Clean-and-Simple challenge this week:
Oh how I love the look of watercolor.....but....true watercoloring takes time, patience and skill.  None of which I had much of this week, ha!  That's when I was so excited to learn about watercoloring with an acrylic block and markers!  One of my very talented downline, Pilar, demonstrated this technique at our meeting last week.  She is so artistic and made some lovely cards with this technique.  I couldn't wait to use this technique for today's card:
It's so easy!  I used an acrylic block, size D, and "painted" the block with Baked Brown Sugar, Lost Lagoon, So Saffron, Calypso Coral & Pool Party Stampin' Write markers.  Just swipe the markers right onto the block.  Hold the block about arm's length away and spritz a few times with a Stampin' Spritzer of water.  The marker ink will bead up on the block.  Then "stamp" the block directly onto your paper, press and watch the water blend the colors together.  I will say it takes a few tries to get the hang of how much water to use and your image will be better if you stamp with a piercing mat or similar soft surface under your paper.
I wanted this scene to look like a sunset so I scribbled just a touch of Calypso Coral to the center So Saffron panel.  When the water and ink spread, it gave just the effect I was going for--a watery reflection of the setting sun.  And these little shorebirds--love them!
With my inside image, you can see that you won't have the same effect or blend of colors twice.  This is the same combination of colors but I think I had less water so the ink didn't run as much.  Still gives a cool effect though, doesn't it?

This faux watercolor technique would be a perfect way to join in the fun at The Paper Players this week!  Check out the awesome creations from the rest of the design team for even more inspiration.  We hope you will join us before this challenge ends on Friday, April 24th at Noon (PST).  Thanks for stopping by today!


The Paper Players Design Team

Photobucket
Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

14 comments:

Debbie Mageed said...

Nance, thank you for explaining how you made this card because this is the type of card I attempted before going with the card that I made. Now I can see what I was doing wrong! Love the scene that you watercolored and it so reminds me of our great trips to St. Augustine beaches.

Judy1223 said...

Nance, that is THE coolest technique and most awesome card! I love the dreamy feel of the sand and water and sky...and the birds off the edge are perfectly stamped! Such a dreamy card!

LeAnne said...

I LOVE this....and what a perfect set to use with your gorgeous "sunset" you created! So very clever! I've done the thing with the acrylic block, but never watercolory like this....definitely going to give this a try!

Karren said...

This is just perfect, Nance! The sunset is so pretty and I love the row of birds. Great challenge!

Linda Callahan said...

Beautiful background effect! Love it with the birds!

Diane - oliver.mdiane@comcast.net said...

Nance how cool is this. I love using the blocks for background, but never tried multiple colors. Very cool. especially for that set. I really like the roughed edges on the white piece. Hugs.

laurie said...

I love the scene you created! That's an all time favorite stamp set of mine.Such a fun technique too!

stampwithsandy said...

Wow, I can't believe you created this beautiful watercolored scene by markering onto a block! I love it, and your choice of stamps over it is just perfect.

Claire Broadwater said...

Nance, I just LOVE this beautiful scene! What a fabulous technique! I must try! This stamp set is perfect for this gorgeous sunset! PERFECT CAS card, My Friend! XX

Nancy said...

I love this card the subtle colors achieved from this new technique are gorgeous. So glad I was able to join you at your downline's home and see how it was done.
Just beautiful, the distressing on the edges just adds to the whole scene too.

Jaydee said...

Nance, this was such a great challenge. I love the background you created with the blocks and markers. It's been a long time since I did that and you reminded me how fabulous it is. I love the distressed edges of your paper, too.
Hugs
Jaydee

Ann Schach said...

Beautiful, Nance! This card has such a serenity about it. A fabulous challenge! I love watercoloring :)

Joanne James - The Crafty Owl said...

Gorgeous Nance - I love the layering of the colours you used, even managing to include a sun; what a great watercolour background and perfect with this stampset too.

Anne Marie Hile said...

You know, I have been on the fence about buying this set but you just sent me diving over! I LOVE the watercolor technique you used. I am looking forward to trying it out. Thanks for an awesome challenge this week, my friend! :)