Hello Crafters! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am to be here! If you’ve ever been to my blog you know I’m super into making cards in themes. Basically, because if my cards aren’t matchy matchy I can’t put them in a photo together.
We’ve all got our thing. Am I right?
After mulling it over and a fun chat with a crafty girlfriend I decided to approach my three cards on a level basis. We are going to be making three cards where we watercolor with distress oxides and then with each card we’ll add a little bit more. Sound like fun? Good. Let’s get started!
First things first, make sure you have the right supplies. Watercolor paper is a must though it doesn’t matter which brand. I’ve also done this technique with Bristol board and achieved beautiful results. If you’re interested you can see that video here.
I remember when I first tried watercolor, I thought surely I can just make do with what I have. There’s a ton of whosits and whatsits on the market that you could probably craft without.  Watercolor paper isn’t one of them if you want beautiful results. The paper is designed to let the ink sit on top which allows it to move.
 
For my first card I watercolored the background, added a few white highlights with a gel pen and stamped the sentiment. The only other detail I added was a few clear droplets to accent the sentiment. I didn’t do any shading at all. I let the watercolor shine on its own and I think it’s beautiful. This is a super easy design to mass produce!
Card number two starts with another Distress Oxide background but this time I did add a bit of shading. Most of the time we crafters feel like we need all the things. Full Set Syndrome strikes again haha! However, if you’re just starting out your collection of Copic markers skip all the colors, get the grays.
 
While grays aren’t particularly exciting you can shade anything with them. They are your “basic black dress pant” in your wardrobe. Not fun to shop for but man does it help pull everything together. Using gray markers helps you to get tons of practice without worrying about coloring blending. Plus, you can shade with grays, then go over it with another color and it looks like you blended multiple colors. You can see in this video where I did that technique.
The last card I made is the majority of cards I make. Full Copic coloring is usually where I’m living. I do love combining a watercolor background with full spectrum Copic coloring for a little extra something.
There’s something so beautiful to me about the colors mixing together, layering over top of each other. Plus, making those images pop off the page makes my heart go pitter patter. You can see a similar card I created in this video.
I know sometimes when you’re reading it’s hard to “see” how those things work together. Don’t worry I’m not just going to link to old videos because I have a new one! You can watch all three cards from above come to life in the video below. *They’re may or may not be a bonus card**
I know it’s quite a bit of time to watch but I really want you to learn. If I speed through all of it it’s hard to do that. Honestly, most of my videos are on the longer side. This might not be for you. That’s totally okay!
 
I love how all three cards start out with the same technique but end up with completely different results. I hope I’ve inspired you to give this a try and maybe put your own spin on it!
Thanks so much for joining me and a huge thank you to Scrapbook & Cards Today for having me!
You can find more of Kelly’s work on her blog or find her Instagram @disp6194

Card One Supplies: Stamps: Simon Says Stamp; Spring Flowers, More Spring Flowers, Summer Flowers, You Matter.   Paper: Canson Watercolor Paper, Neenah Solar White 80lb. Paper Trimmer/score board: We Are Memory Keepers Inks: Ranger Distress Oxides; Candied Apple, Spiced Marmalade, Fossilized Amber, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Picked Raspberry. Simon Says Stamp Black and Intense Black dye ink Paintbrushes: Silver Brush Company; Black Velvet line 2″ round, 8″ round, and 1″ flat. Craft Mat: Ranger. Stamp Positioner: My Sweet Petunia Mini MISTI. Adhesive: Tombow Mono Multi Glue, Ranger; Glossy Accents. Craft Foam: Simon Says Stamp.  Pens: EK Success; Journaling pen Sakura; White gel pen Embellishments: Pretty Pink Posh; Clear droplets Tape: Artist’s Loft Miscellaneous: paper towels. 

Card Two Supplies: Stamps: Simon Says Stamp; Bouquet of Thanks, You Matter. Paper: Canson Watercolor Paper, Neenah Solar White 80lb. Paper Trimmer/score board: We Are Memory Keepers Inks: Ranger Distress Oxides; Candied Apple, Spiced Marmalade, Fossilized Amber, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Picked Raspberry. Simon Says Stamp; Black and Intense Black dye ink Paintbrushes: Silver Brush Company; Black Velvet line 2″ round, 8″ round, and 1″ flat. Craft Mat: Ranger. Stamp Positioner: My Sweet Petunia Mini MISTI. Adhesive: Tombow Mono Multi Glue, Ranger; Glossy Accents. Craft Foam: Simon Says Stamp.  Pens: EK Success; Journaling pen Sakura; White gel pen Markers: Copic; C1, C3, C5, C7. Embellishments: Nuvo Crystal Drops; Simply White Tape: Artist’s Loft Miscellaneous: paper towels.

Card Three Supplies: Stamps: Simon Says Stamp; Poinsettia, Best Mom Ever, Spring Flowers, Summer Flowers, You Matter. Paper: Canson Watercolor Paper, Neenah Solar White 80lb. Paper Trimmer/score board: We Are Memory Keepers Inks: Ranger Distress Oxides; Candied Apple, Spiced Marmalade, Fossilized Amber, Twisted Citron, Peacock Feathers, Salty Ocean, Wilted Violet, Picked Raspberry. Simon Says Stamp Black and Intense Black dye ink Paintbrushes: Silver Brush Company; Black Velvet line 2″ round, 8″ round, and 1″ flat. Craft Mat: Ranger. Stamp Positioner: My Sweet Petunia Mini MISTI. Adhesive: Tombow Mono Multi Glue, Ranger; Glossy Accents. Craft Foam: Simon Says Stamp.  Pens: EK Success; Journaling pen Sakura; White gel pen Markers: Copic; R32, R35, R29, R59, V01, V04, V06, V09, Y02, Y08, YR23, E99, YG03, YG17, YG67, BG13, BG45, BG49. Embellishments: Neat and Tangled; Clear Sequin Mix Tape: Artist’s Loft Miscellaneous: paper towels.