Watercolor Ferns

I didn’t do any stamping on this card, which is pretty rare for me. I wanted to experiment with a technique and decided to have that be the ‘star’ of my card. I created a panel using watercolor paper, an embossing folder and some ink – I’ll describe the technique details later. Once the pretty technique panel was done and dry, I cut it down to 3 1/8″ x 4 3/8″, added a mat and put that on a Shy Shamrock card base. This sizing allows the technique panel to be the eye-catching part with a coordinating card base. If you watched the video in the previous post, this card is using a monochromatic color combination. The colors used are close to each other on the color wheel. Technically, Shy Shamrock is not included in the Color Coach. But like the examples with the most recent In Colors, it is easy to figure out where the 2024-26 In Colors fit into the wheel. I think it’s close to Coastal Cabana, and would place it between that color and Lost Lagoon on the Color Coach.

Ok – let me describe how I created that panel in the center of the card. It is actually pretty easy and I really encourage you to give it a try.

• Emboss a piece of watercolor paper using an embossing folder
  • 3D embossing folders may be the best due to the multiple layers and depth of images
• Lightly rub multiple colors of dye-based ink over the raised embossed images
  • I used the ink pad to apply the ink directly; ink spots would be ideal for this, but normal ink pads work as well which is what I used
• Spritz the inked up watercolor paper with water and allow the ink to flow
  • I found Stampin’ Up!™ ink didn’t flow a lot when I did this; it did flow some
  • Different ink brands will have different levels of water reactivity; and that will affect the flow of color when spritzed with water
• Let the watercolor paper dry before using it to create your card
  • You can use a heat tool to speed up drying – keep in mind that the blast of air can cause the water to move around as you dry it

I used some retired products on this card but you can easily experiment with what you have if you want to try out the technique.

Product List