The Dandelion Wishes Stamp Set used on this project could not be more perfect with all these different watercolor backgrounds! I just love color, blending color and playing with Watercoloring with Acrylic Blocks!
I don’t think I’ve ever found an easier way to get super fun watercolored backgrounds. The results make me feel like an artist but it’s just so easy it somehow feels like I’m cheating. All you need is a few coordinating ink pads, acrylic blocks in any size or shape, and a paper that can handle water. For today’s project I’ve done variations with both Shimmer White Cardstock and Glossy White Cardstock. Both work beautifully with this technique!
So with this large pile of cards here you might think I’m a bit crazed with the technique and honestly that’s partly true. When I started playing around with this design I made probably eight different focal pieces, in different color combinations.
I don’t think I rejected a single focal piece and I had a blast which speaks to how easy this technique really is.
I also have so many for a few other reasons. Firstly, the version with the purples is one of my InPerson and Online Stamp Club Projects and one of the Free Card Kits for July and August. So I created my first batch of cards and then in the process of demonstrating to my InPerson Stamp Clubs, I made four additional focal pieces, which of course had to be made into cards.
The versions done in the orange/yellow color scheme were actually my Alaska incentive trip swaps.
This picture was taken before I went on the trip in July. Most of these were swapped out for a pile of 25 unique cards that I got back from fellow demonstrators. Swapping is just one of the many fun parts of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. Click HERE to learn more about joining my Team of Treehouse Chicks!
So I love seeing the piles of these cards because it’s such a rainbow of colors but I thoughy you might also appreciate seeing some of my individual cards in the different color schemes.
Here’s one of my favorites in this color scheme done on glossy cardstock.
I smeared the Dandelion Wishes Image just a little bit but then I wonder if you’d have even noticed if I hadn’t pointed it out?
Tip: The Glossy Cardstock is a smooth, slick surface so you have to be especially careful when stamping on it.
- The StazOn takes longer to dry than on some other papers. I recommend that you wait to assemble your card until it’s fully dry so you don’t risk smearing your image like I did.
- Also, because of the smooth, glossy surface, the stamp can slide if you press too hard when stamping. Make sure to press firmly, but not too firmly so you don’t get a blurry image because the stamp moved.
This next focal is probably the only one that I considered not making into a card.
It just didn’t have the same bright, vibrant colors, as the other versions. With that said the more muted, muddy colors, sort of grew on me, especially after I mounted it on some coordinating cardstock. It’s amazing what some layering/framing can do for a focal piece!
This next card is my single favorite focal piece among them all!
I love the combination of greens, blues and purples in the focal piece, Plus, I especially love the light pink area in the middle. There must have been a touch of blue and purple that mixed in that particular spot, to create the pink. What’s especially cool is that the pink didn’t mix with the green where they met. If they had it could have looked brown or muddy.
This next photo shows really well, the different effect you get when using Shimmer White cardstock v.s. Glossy White cardstock. The top card is made using the Shimmer White and the bottom is done on Glossy White. Can you see how the ink looks more grainy on the top version, and more smooth and fluid on the bottom one. Which do you prefer? Leave a comment below and let me know. What a pair right?
So, here are a couple of versions with the blues and greens only.
The cardstock backings here are done with the Soft Seafoam and Pool Party. I did not include these in the supply list below so wanted to share here in case you were wondering. This one was done with Shimmer White cardstock for the focal piece.
Note: On the focal piece below you’ll see some areas of the Dandelion Wishes images that are darker than the others. I believe that the focal piece wasn’t completely dry when I stamped on it which caused this deeper color. The black sort of bled into the paper, making it a thicker, darker image. This one is done on the Shimmer White Cardstock.
For this next card the cardstock backings are Soft Seafoam and Granny Apple Green.
Here are a few of my favorite cards in the orange/yellow color scheme.
Arn’t they so bright and cheerful?
One of the colors used that might not be so obvious is the Flirty Flamingo.
It’s a pinkish color. I love how it adds so much to the range of colors on these focal pieces. Would you have guessed it was there?
I literally could make these all day long in every possible color scheme! Please comment below if you just have to go play with this technique now. You’ll have tons of fun! Promise!
Well, I truly hope you’ve enjoyed seeing all these project variations. If you’d like to learn how to get this effect check out my video tutorial right here.
My video tutorial for this technique:
If you enjoyed this video and you watched here on my blog, please pop on over to YouTube to give it a Thumbs Up, Share it with friends and subscribe to my YouTube Channel. I would so appreciate it!
Another video you might find helpful:
In my video tutorial I’ve used the Stamparatus by Stampin’ Up! There are some great benefits to using this stamp positioning tool. Here’s a video created by Stampin’ Up! to learn more about using this tool:
Another Project featuring Watercoloring with Acrylic Blocks:
- Click HERE to check out another project using this technique on my old blog. This post also includes an alternative method for doing the technique.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this project and technique and will give it a try yourself! To purchase products shown today check out the complete supply list ahead. Plus, if you place a qualifying order in August you can get FREE Card Kits in the mail, including a kit for the project in today’s post!
Why not take all the work out of stamping and…
Place an order to get FREE Kits in the mail through my FREE Card Kits Program. You can also get these card kits when you join one of my Stamper’s Clubs.
- Click HERE to check out the Online Stamper’s Club Details
- Click HERE to check out the In Person Stamper’s Club Details
More Going On Now…
Check out my Website Launch Party Scavenger Hunt!
- Launch day was Friday 8/3/2018
- Click HERE to go to the Scavenger Hunt page
- To be eligible for prizes you must respond by Thursday 8/9/18
Bonus Days are Here!
- Get a $5 Coupon for EACH $50 spent during the month of August
- Redeem your Coupon(s) in September
- There’s no limit to how many coupons you can get!
- Click HERE to Shop Now
Color Your Season Limited Time Offer!
- Get Exclusive Products through 8/31 or while supplies last
- Get the NEW Blended Seasons Stamp Set and coordinating framelits
- Save 10% when you purchase the Stamp Set and framelits together
- Get NEW Watercolor Pencils Assortment 2
- Click HERE to see the products available through this promotion
Have a great day and Happy Crafting!
Melissa 🙂
Click HERE to Shop Now
Current Hostess Code:
M6MEDF6S
Use the current hostess code to get Free Card Kits, and other perks with your qualifying purchases!
Not sure how to apply the Hostess Code? Click HERE to learn more.
Project Dimensions:
- Basic Black Card Body: 5-½” x 8-½”
- Gorgeous Grape Layer: 3-⅛” x 5-½”
- Highland Heather Layer: 2” x 5-½”
- Glossy White OR Shimmer White Focal Piece: 2-⅜” x 5-½”
- Whisper White Inside Panel 3-⅞” x 5-⅛”
Product List:
Sentiment Set Used:
Alternative Color Scheme Product List:
Your cards are beautiful. Thank you for the video.
Thank you Daria!
Loved your demonstration and your color combinations! Thanks for the inspiration and the video.
Thank you so much Mary and thanks for taking the time to comment!
This is one of my favourite stamps and I can’t wait to try your beautiful technique!
Thank you Sheila! Enjoy playing with this. It’s so much fun!
I love this stamp set and you have set it off so beautifully with your Acrylic Block Technique. I am very excited to try it.
I am wondering however how you got the third color on the block. I really love the cards with the three colors.
Thank you for sharing this technique.
Trish
Thank you Trish. I hope you’ll check out my video that includes all the details for this card. Happy Crafting!
I absolutely love these cards!! The color combinations are gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much Cheryl. I’m glad to know! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I do appreciate it! Have an awesome day and Happy Crafting!