FAUX WATERCOLOR

I have learned of a new use for the Stampin' Up! clear-mount blocks. So easy, so quick and so unpredictable.

For this card, I used Block E, which measures 3 716" x 4 7/16". It's the perfect size for a card front.

To get the watercolor look, take 3-4 colors of the Stampin' Write Markers of your choice, and, holding the markers on their sides on the  brush ends, scribble on the block. Uh huh. Scribble. Start at the top of the block, scribble a bit, then move on to the next color. Be careful not to overlap the colors too much. Too much overlapping could result in a look that is a bit muddy. I think it looks better when the colors are more distinct from one another. After all, you chose the colors, so you want them to stand out, right?

When the whole block is scribbled with color -- and don't be concerned if the color is not perfectly distributed -- lay it on your work surface, and spritz it gently with water. Little beads of color are good. This will give your background its unique look. A look that could never be completely replicated again. In this sense, your background is a monoprint.

Center the inked block over your receiving paper, and push down like you are stamping an image. Carefully lift the block straight up.

If there are rivers of color melting into each other, gathering at the edges, or unsightly puddles, gently soak up the excess color with a tissue. To hasten the drying, so you can get on with your silhouette stamping, use your heat tool.

The cool thing about this type of background is its uniqueness, its unpredictability. Each one will be a complete surprise. And they will all be lovely. Try varying color combinations. 

Even though I used the Summer Silhouettes stamp set, I think it would be even more beautiful -- and simpler -- to use the tall floral image from the Serene Silhouettes set. One I don't have, but is waiting patiently on my Wish List. (How long is YOUR Wish List??) 

Actually, now that I am open to page 64 in the new catalog, I notice Blooming With Kindness on the facing page. I think that chrysanthemum would be EXQUISITE. I am surely going to give that one a try!

Here's how I made my card:

Supplies:

Summer Silhouettes stamp set

Naturals White cardstock

More Mustard cardstock

Not Quite Navy cardstock

Black StazOn ink

Stampin' Write Markers: Not Quite Navy, More Mustard, Cajun Craze, Old Olive

Spritz bottle of water

Clear Block E

Heat Tool

Instructions:

Fold a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" piece of Not Quite Navy cardstock in half, creasing well with a bone folder.

Adhere a 4 x 5 1/4" piece of More Mustard card stock to the card front.

Using the brush end of the markers ON THEIR SIDES, gently scribble color in preferred order onto the entire Clear Block E. A LITTLE overlapping is OK, but just try to cover the block without too much overlapping. Overlapping makes the colors a bit too muddy.

Lay the colored block on your work surface and give it a few light spritzes with water. Immediately press the block to the surface of a 3 3/4" x 5" piece of Naturals White cardstock. 

If you have puddles larger than a droplet, gently blot them with a tissue. Use the Heat Tool to completely dry the ink.

BEFORE STAMPING, SLIDE THE TOP OF A PIECE OF SCRAP PAPER 

UP TO THE BOTTOM OF THE COLOR PORTION 

SO YOUR INKING DOES NOT EXTEND BELOW THE COLOR.

The secret to getting good coverage of black ink overall is to make sure the stamps are WELL-INKED each time before you stamp the image. And press evenly and firmly when stamping.

Stamp silhouette images as desired. Distress the edges of the Naturals White piece before mounting it to the card front. Since this is basically a flat-looking card, distressing the edges gives it a bit more dimension and personality.

Watercolor

Smiles.