SENDING SUNSHINE

The focal point of this card was created using a fun technique referred to as Distress Watercolor Dry Embossing by Splitcoaststampers.com. I had printed out the tutorial for this on July 31, 2012 --  gasp! -- almost three years ago, in hopes of using it someday.

Well, someday finally arrived. And here is the result of my experimentation:

If you'd like to give this a try, here are my directions for doing the Distress Watercolor Dry Embossing technique.

1. Cut a piece of watercolor paper to fit inside the embossing folder you have chosen to use for your project. When choosing an embossing folder, make sure there are several areas that are enclosed that you can fill with ink.
2. With the watercolor paper tucked inside the embossing folder, run it through the Big Shot 2-3 times to get a deep impression.
3.  Ink up a brayer with VersaMark Ink. Cover the raised areas of your embossed image with VersaMark. Be careful to not press too hard because you don't want any of the ink in the unraised areas.
4. At your Heat Station, cover the brayered watercolor paper with clear embossing powder. Be sure to use a fine paintbrush to rid excess embossing powder that may have gathered in the unraised spaces.
5. Heat the embossing powder with the Heat Tool until it is melted. 
6. Spritz the surface of the design with water. Be fairly generous with the spritzing so the inks run. If the paper is too dry, the inks will not blend and bleed. 
7. Using an Aquabrush and 2-3 colors of ink, brush the ink into the embossed areas, letting the colors bleed and spread as desired. THIS IS GOOD -- IT IS SUPPOSED TO LOOK PAINTERLY. If your paper becomes too dry, spritz it again with water, and continue with the color until you are happy with the results.
8. Wait until the piece is completely dry before cutting it into the desired shape. I used the Circles Collection Framelits for my card.

It's a fun and easy way to get unique looks every time you try this technique. Give it a try!

PLEASE NOTICE: Do you like the little label that forms the "sunshine" sentiment? It is the new Washi Label Punch found on page 166 of the current catalog. I love it -- and I know that I will be using this punch A LOT!

ONE MORE NOTE: The sequins and the twine on the card came from past Paper Pumpkin kits. Cool, huh?

Sunshiny

Smiles.