On one of my Preview cards for the Natural Landscape set, I used a painting technique with Distress Inks. I was asked by a few to show how I did that, so today I would like to share with you that technique which produces beautiful, abstract backgrounds. I learned it from Kristina Werner.
It is hard to photograph this technique, but I hope you can see enough to try it!
Start with a craft sheet, plastic placemat, or page protector. Have your watercolor paper, inks, and Mini Mister ready. On my Preview card, I used Spun Sugar and Antique Linen inks.
I have used a page protector here with a white paper underneath so you can see better. Take one color of Distress Ink and stamp several times across the craft sheet.
Stamp again with the second ink, overlapping slightly.
Mist a few times with the Mini Mister filled with water.
Now take your watercolor paper, textured side down, and press it into the misted ink (This part shows Tattered Rose and Tea Dye (the colors in my new sample) and using my Craft Sheet.). You can take a look at where there are “empty” spaces and press into the ink again. I also turn my paper slightly and move it around to blend the two colors. Let air dry, or use your heat gun to dry more quickly.
Mist again, if needed, and press the paper into the ink once more, picking up larger droplets of water for a beaded effect. I always think it looks weird or awful at this point, but I love how it turns out in the end! Hang in there!
Air dry or dry with a heat gun.
Cut your painted watercolor paper to the size you want. In my samples, my paper is 3 x 3 inches square after cutting.
Stamp your image and voila! I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink for my images. The tree is from Natural Landscape. I stamped my sentiment from Christian Sympathy on a scrap painted piece and then punched out.
Finish off your painted panel by adding whatever other embellishments or cardstock you would like! On this example, I used a Scalloped Rectangle Spellbinders die to cut my Whip Cream felt and only used the bottom edge as a border. I added a little button to my sentiment panel.
On my original Preview card (at the top of this post) I added a few scraps of pink paper, and then mounted on Whip Cream Cardstock. I finished off with pearls.
I hope you will give it a try!
Craft sheet, page protector, or plastic place mat
Watercolor Paper
Punches of your choice (for sentiment)