What if I told you 5 minute watercolour backgrounds are not only possible, they’re practically fool-proof? Even when you have those “oops…well, I meant to do that” moments, you can turn them into stunning cards.
Let’s Talk About Perfection
I used to think watercolouring belonged in the “lovely but no-thank-you” category. It felt too artsy for me. Just too easy to mess up. But one day, as my brush, ink and water did its own thing across my watercolour paper – again – I realized something. Even if the colour blend wasn’t perfect, rather than throw it out, if I cut into the paper with dies or punches, the final cards looked downright beautiful.
That’s what I want you to know. When you paint a wash, tilt your head and think “Sheesh. That’s a fail!”, hang tight. Because today I’m showing you how your not-fabulous backgrounds can become fabulously elegant cards.
Catch the replay here for all the bite-sized tips!
5 Minute Watercolour Backgrounds
Two Fast Techniques for Beginners…and Everyone Else!
These 5 minute watercolour backgrounds use supplies I bet you already have. No fuss. No masterpieces required. And both work beautifully with snowflakes, die-cuts or bold greetings.
1. Wash, Dip, Tap, Smoosh & Emboss
A beginner’s favourite. And it truly is as simple as a wash, dip, tap and smoosh with a shiny embossing on top.
What you do:
- Brush on a soft layer of water on your watercolour paper to create a wash.
- Dip your brush in your ink dot.
- Tap your brush into your wet layer of water.
- Smoosh slightly to pull the colour.
- Dry then heat emboss and use it in your card making.
Why it works: The layer of water and ink creates delicate movement and subtle shading. And when you heat emboss snowflakes on top, your “meh” wash suddenly looks intentional and elegant. It’s lovely behind your stamped images without overwhelming them. Perfect for large die-cuts, layered snowflakes or simple sentiments.
2. Emboss, Wash, Dip, Tap & Smoosh
Also a beginner’s favourite, it’s basically number 1 slightly reversed, but can give a subtly different look.
What you do:
- Emboss your stamps (choose any colour you like). Tip: open line stamps work best here.
- Brush on a soft layer of water on top of the embossing and around it to create a wash.
- Dip your brush in your ink dot.
- Tap your brush into your wet layer of water and try to go right over top of the embossing.
- Smoosh slightly to pull the colour.
- Dry then use it in your card making.
Why it works: The raised embossing and paper’s texture grabs the colour and gives you those dramatic pockets of colour. Beautiful!
In either case, you can add more than one colour. TIP: try to limit your colours to 3 or you may end up with mud. Get my tips in the video for adding additional colours.
And the best part?
Even a background you’re not wildly in love with becomes a gorgeous layer on a finished card. You saw it in the samples. A circular die cut. Die cut snowflakes. A simple sentiment. Done.
Want more ideas? Take a peek at this earlier post on easy washes over pretty butterflies.
Watch the Replay & Craft With Me Every Week!
.Get all the tips, and see 23 alternative projects in the video including a spectacular snowflake!
How to Make This Idea Your Own
Just play with your paper, ink and water. Experiment. Have fun! And don’t give up on those pieces that only look to you like ‘meh’. Try:
- Different blues for a cool frosty vibe. Think Pool Party, Coastal Cabana and Azure Afternoon.
- White embossing powder instead of silver for extra pizzazz.
- Circular die cuts or punches to isolate the “best part” of your background.
- Tone-on-tone stamping behind your watercolour panel for instant depth.
- Big bold words like “peace,” “celebrate” or “thanks,” especially if your background got a bit bossy.
Want more bite-sized ideas for your crafting toolkit? Join me every Wednesday at noon MT for Ink Paper Play LIVE. The project reveal is always at the end, and you’ll pick up simple ideas you can recreate immediately. Fill in your info to get notified.
Your Turn!
Grab your inks, your paper, your brush and try these 5 minute watercolour backgrounds today. I promise your cards will look soft and naturally beautiful. And remember. Done is better than perfect. Especially with watercolour!
