Faux Watercoloring

You know all those amazing cards out there with the beautiful watercolored background.  Well I've tried to do them and can't, they never come out just right.  Then while sitting at my desk one day staring at my markers and acrylic blocks it hit me, the best watercoloring technique ever!!!  I'm sure I did not create this, this is just my variation on it.  I've stamped with a blank acrylic block before, it gives a nice shadowed look.  But I've never colored my blocks........

That's right I used my markers and colored directly onto the block.  I stared with my lighter colors first, then blended them with my darker colors.  I used block E for this card.  Once your block is colored you can't just stamp it on your paper, not if you want the watercolored look.  I did this about 4 times before I got the desired look.  I started with shimmer spray (because wouldn't that be pretty) but it dries too fast.  Then I grabbed my stampin' mist-that's right it's for more than just cleaning!  (Side note: I'm sure plain water would work, but let's face it I'm a lazy stamper, the stampin' mist was there, the water was not.)  Once your block is colored, spray it with the stampin' mist, you want it to be pretty wet, not dripping, but wet enough to blend the colors.  Then immediately stamp it onto your paper.  Hold it for a few seconds, then carefully lift up.  Of course you'll need to set it aside to dry, or if you're in a hurry whip out your heat tool.  Once it's completely dry you can stamp your image over it.  I used staz on for mine.  Don't you just love the watercolored look!!!!  Finally don't forget to clean your block, make sure you get the maker and stampin' mist residue off or your stamps won't stick properly, next time you want to stamp.  Again I'm sure this is not my original idea, but it's super fun!!!!

 

Thanks for looking, see you soon!!!