Clean and Graphic Watercolor Tutorial

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I recently created this trio of cards using my Inktense pencils and a Technique Tuesday pennant stamp that I got from Amy's destash giveaway. I wanted to put together a quick photo tutorial for anyone who wants to try a similar look.

I started by inking the pennant in the middle towards the top of the card.

Then I kept going alternating the stamp up and down to create a pattern.

I scribbled in a little pencil in the corner creating a pattern with three colors.

Then I used a little water to pull out the color for an ombre effect inside each pennant.

I mounted the finished panel onto some black cardstock and finished it off with a white glitter embossed sentiment. This card was inspired by Iron Craft Challenge Inspiration 3 Difficult Colors (purple and green) and Inspiration 1 Trends (watercolor)

Altered Chipboard Technique

Today's card was created for The Card Concept butterfly theme challenge. I used a clean and layered style. I wanted to share how I made the altered chipboard butterfly on this card. You can do the same thing with paper but the chipboard holds up well to all the moisture and it adds some dimension and weight to the card. This technique would look great with any piece of chipboard that has a large surface. I think using a congratulations sentiment on this baby carriage from Basically Bare would be adorable.

I started by priming my chipboard with a thin layer of white paint. It helps to make the other colors more vibrant and means you don't have to worry about any gaps between the splattered color. I embossed the sentiment around the chipboard being sure to include a full version of the sentiment in the middle so the message would be clear. The embossing will act as a resist on the next step.

Recently I had the opportunity to use Hero Arts Daubers and while I loved the look I had a bit of sticker shock at the price. Then the other day in my classroom we were using bingo markers in the art center and I thought to myself what a great cheap alternative. So off to the Dollar Tree I went to get some more bingo markers. Make a practice dab off to the side and then dab away. The bingo markers are more vibrant and less translucent than the Distress Stains and Hero Arts Daubers I have used but it all depends on what look you are going for and of course there is a limited selection of colors with Bingo Markers. But if you like the splattered watercolor paint look of other daubers, but are on a budget, hit up your local dollar store for this cheap alternative.

Check out the Card Concept challenge to play along!