facebook fans and watermarks...

Hello my wonderful friends!

(Little Sumptin' Peep)

So.... we're kinda CELEBRATING all of Unity's FANTASTIC facebook friends...


With a SALE! {and lots of new stamps!}

(sale starts @ NOON CENTRAL)

If you are arriving here from Kary's blog you are right on track... if not, go ahead and start at the beginning by clicking HERE.. You don't want to miss any of the fabulous inspiration (or chances to win!)


I've been doing a bit of playing... with stamps, stencils and watercolors. (some of my favorite things to play with!)

I just love the way that plain old WATER reacts with the watercolor paints and inks... That was one of the things that drew me into watercolors years ago. Starting with Distress Inks, than adding watercolor crayons, pigment powders, markers.... ok... so maybe I'm a bit obsessed. *shhhhhhh. I won't tell if you won't*  HAHAHA!

The end result looks so much more complex than the actual process. I love that!


Both the purple and teal cards were made essentially the same way... And since I {LOVE} sharing the how-tos... I took some pictures along the way for your enjoyment...

WATERMARKS....

Step 1: randomly apply a light colored acrylic paint through a stencil onto a piece of watercolor paper. I used Antique Linen Distress Paint, but any acrylic paint works.

Step 2: Once the paint is dry, completely cover your paper with a heavy watercolor wash. Again, allow to dry.

Step 3: you can simply splash water on it for random results, but for controlled results and TONS of pattern options... Lay a stencil over your paper and spritz with water. Remove the stencil, and allow to dry.

You can see here that where the water sprayed through the stencil creates a watermark (literally!) on the watercolored areas that will naturally have a darker outline as the pigment tends to move towards the edges of the re-wetted area.

As a side note.... I used a watercolor with mica in it (Magicals mixed with water), so not only does the acrylic paint act as a resist for the color, the mica tends to sit on top of the paint, subtly highlighting the original stenciled pattern. Not originally intended, but one of those happy accidents I now know how to work in the future. Love when that happens!


Step 4: Ink up a filler stamp (like this branch from Create Today) with a clear embossing ink

Step 5: Using a paintbrush, brush on some  Lindy's Stamp Gang Magicals powder. It will stick to the stamp thanks to the sticky embossing ink.

 (this is the only pigment powder I have found that works for this... If you don't have any, a fairly similar effect can be achieved by using a water based ink (like Distress ink) in step 4, skipping step 5, then continue with step 6.) 

Step 6: spritz with water... the more you spritz, the more blurred the image will be

Step 7: Stamp image.  Try doing some generation stamping here... simply spritz with a little water each time before pressing the stamp down.

*yes, your paper may be somewhat warped by this point... some people like to iron their papers to flatten them, I find that most of the time, if you attach it to a sturdy card base, it's just fine without the hassle of the iron. (so maybe I'm a little lazy too...)

Step 8: add your focal image(s) and any embellishments.


Super simple way to add a watercolor background to your next project without being too intimidating.

NOW....

Don't forget---
 Leave a comment on EACH blog in the hop (including the Unity blog) for your chance to win.  The winners will be announced Saturday night on the Unity blog.


Your next stop is Lisa!


Enjoy!



Comments

  1. Thanks for the tutorial. The cards are stunning.

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  2. Kassi, I just love your art work, and Thank you so much for the tutorial above.

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  3. Wow, these are beautiful projects Kassi. Thanks for the tutorial!

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  4. very sweet bird card and great technique on your other two.

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  5. Thanks for the inspirational tutorial!!

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  6. this is great! always love seeing your process :) and the little chick card is so so cute
    -Rachel
    rwkrafts.com

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  7. Oh WOW those backgrounds are pure ART!
    xxx
    Riette

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  8. Love your cards. Your step by step instructions look easy to follow...if I get up the nerve :)

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  9. Beautiful cards! Love the tutorials and can't wait for a chance to try a new technique!

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  10. first image is very cute!!! thanks for the step by step tutorial!! will try it!
    -Berina
    Moxie Craftie

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  11. Gorgeous work! Thanks for the tutorial :)

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  12. AWESOMNESS! TY 4 sharing how tos!

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  13. That teal card is absolutely stunning! Love it!

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  14. These cards turn out so well. I haven't found Magicals yet (but I don't get to shop often either) but will be looking. The watercolor background is just beautiful.

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  15. Very lovely! The watermarks look great. Thank you for showing us a step by step on this.

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  16. Stunning work. Love the gold leaves surrounding the heart especially.

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  17. Want to try this technique! Beautiful and so versatile.

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  18. I also love working with watercolors but have to admit that I haven't tried many techniques yet so this tutorial is wonderful. Beautiful backgrounds and gorgeous cards!

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  19. that a cute card love the image.

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  20. I love the look of the silhouette images on that artsy background. Just beautiful

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  21. That last turquoise card is just beautiful, so vibrant!

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  22. Fantastic artsy projects. Thanks for sharing the fun tutorial!!!

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  23. Thank you for the tutorial! I get very intimidated by some techniques, but you explained it perfectly! Gorgeous cards, by the way!

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  24. Great tutorial and beautiful cards!

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  25. Wow. I love your work. That was a wonderful tutorial.

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  26. Beautiful work, thank you for the tutorial.
    Sue
    http://suek86401.blogspot.com/

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  27. Lovely cards! Thanks for the tutorial! Beautiful technique, your background looks amazing!

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  28. Beautiful cards! I always appreciate your tutorials! You make it so less intimidating!

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  29. Thanks for the tutorial. Pretty!

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  30. You share such beautiful creations Kassi and always full of information to boot! Love that you take time out to do this for us. Thank you.

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  31. Love these. Gorgeous. Thanks for the tutorial.I want to try it.

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  32. Great cards, thanks for the instructions for the fantastic blue watercolor card!

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  33. I LOVE your obsession. I am trying to learn as much as I can about these methods now & I appreciate you sharing. Thanks. Hugs~Patti

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  34. Yeih. Tried to leave a mssg before and link was broken. Glad I can now and tk you for the tutorial and your grest work.

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  35. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. Your projects are beautiful!

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  36. Thanks for sharing the info! I particularly liked the card with the big flower. I love seeing that stamp used. It's so fabulous!

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  37. Your tutorial is so appreciated!! You did a fantastic job on your card. Love every detail in it!!

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  38. Love your cards, the effect is very lovely. Thanks for the how tos.

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  39. Stunning! I love the gold leaves on the card in the tutorial. Gorgeous!

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  40. Beautiful work! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  41. Wonderful projects, Kassi!! LOVE!!!

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  42. WOW!! this tutorial is awesome Kassi. Thanks for the tip :)

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  43. Wow this is awesome! Thanks for the photos and how tos!

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  44. Cool technique, thanks for all the photos!

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  45. Beautiful card, great tutorial.

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  46. Both are amazing...Love the focal points ,the sentiment stamp sets...plus a heart. Turns into a great project!!

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  47. Really cool cards. Love the teal one you demonstrated...such a beautiful effect with the gold!

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  48. THANKS FOR SHARING SUCH AN AWESOME TECHNIQUE ~
    LOVED THE OUTCOME !

    TFS

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