Easy Ink Blending Techniques

For this project from the Easy Ink Blending Techniques class, I focused on faux watercoloring combined with heat embossing to create a vibrant and soft floral card. This technique allows for a lot of creative freedom and forgiving strokes, making it perfect for loose and artistic coloring.

Supplies Used:

• Watercolor Paper
• Black Cardstock
• White Embossing Powder
• Build-A-Garden: Tulips & Friends Stamp Set
• Build-A-Garden: Magnificent Branch Stamp Set
• Versamark Clear Ink
• Forest Trail Fresh Dye Ink
• Rose Petal Fresh Dye Ink
• Sun-kissed Delights Fresh Dye Ink

Steps:

1. Heat Emboss the Image: I began by stamping the tulip image from the Build-A-Garden: Tulips & Friends set using clear sticky ink. Then, I added white embossing powder and heat set it. I love using heat embossing for outlines as it adds shine and helps contain the watercolor, making the technique more forgiving.
2. Create a Faux Watercolor Wash: I smooshed the lighter shades of my dye inks onto a craft mat. Using a wet paintbrush, I picked up the ink to create a soft wash of color on the flowers and leaves. I used Rose Petal for the tulips, Forest Trail for the leaves, and Sunkissed Delight for the smaller flowers.
3. Build Up Color Layers: Once the first wash was dry, I moved to darker shades within each color family. I added another layer of loose coloring, letting the colors naturally blend and dry. This layering creates depth and interest in the faux watercolor look.
4. Background Wash: To give the panel a soft, cohesive look, I diluted the ink with more water and loosely added a wash of color around the stamped image, ensuring not to cover the entire background.
5. Sentiment: I chose a sentiment from the Build-A-Garden: Magnificent Branch stamp set and stamped it onto the panel.
6. Add Splatter: For a finishing touch, I splattered white ink across the panel, adding a whimsical and textured effect.
7. Assemble the Card: I trimmed the watercolor panel slightly and foam mounted it onto a full-sized black cardstock panel, leaving a thin black border on each side for contrast.
8. Final Touch: I adhered the entire panel onto a card base to complete the design.

I loved how this card turned out — the combination of heat embossing and faux watercoloring creates a dreamy, artistic effect. It’s a fun technique that gives a lot of room for creative expression!

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