Watercolour Archives - Design With Jo

Christmas Card Heat Embossing Ideas

by Jo-Anne Rogers | Oct 28, 2018 | Christmas, Heat Embossing, Keep It Simple Sunday, Masculine Cards, Watercolour

Not only do I have some quick and easy Christmas card heat embossing ideas for you.

Today I also want you to be inspired by nature and the peaceful beauty of the Christmas season with this card.

Many, many years ago, I featured a Christmas fir on my festive greeting. Inside I had hand lettered the entire Alfie the ChristmasTree song by John Denver and the Muppets. Have you ever heard of it? Although those two together might not really “fit” for you, that was, and I think still is, my favourite Christmas album.

Now if you’re drawing a blank about that album, this might help. Go WAAAAY back (to 1979) and you’ll hear it has a message that bears remembering still today. Not just at Christmas but all throughout the year.

“It’s in each and everyone one of us to be wise. Find your heart, open up both your eyes. We can all know everything, without ever knowing why. It’s in everyone one of us, by and by.”

Aren’t they beautiful?

Christmas Card Heat Embossing Ideas

Now what was my thought process as I sat down to create this card for you?

First, it needs to reclaim some of that peaceful message feel.
Then, I want to include heat embossing on it to finish up my Weekly Feature.
It has to be “doable” in under 10 minutes.
Since I had so much fun with the Winter Woods stamp set on this card, I wanted to show some versatility with it. But using the fir tree this time.
If I can include a watercoloured image, bonus!

Let’s take a closer peek at the two sets I’ve used for this nature inspired card, Winter Woods and Timeless Tidings.

So now you know what I was thinking and have seen these beautiful sets up close, let me give you the measurements and steps.

Bits & Bites

Merry Merlot cardbase – 5 1/2 x 8 1/2”, scored at 4 1/4”
Watercolour paper – 3 1/2” x 4 3/4”
Copper foil – 3 5/8” x 4 7/8”
Tranquil Tide – 1 1/4” x 5 1/2”

Simple Steps

Stamp pine bough repeatedly onto strip of Tranquil Tide with Versamark and glue to front left of folded card.
Ink words from Timeless Tidings with Versamark and stamp onto bottom middle of water-colour paper. TIP: Rub Embossing Buddy lightly over watercolour paper. See why this is a great add-on to your stamping supplies in this post. TIP: Since this paper has a bumpy surface, using your Stamparatus to do this may give you the best results. See how to use the Stamparatus here.
Sprinkle with Copper embossing powder and heat with your heat tool.
Ink fir tree with Tranquil Tide.
Hold stamp up about 6-8” away and spritz with water with Stampin’ Spritzer about 2-3 times. TIP: It’s best to not make it dripping wet.
Stamp onto middle of piece of watercolour paper. TIP: hold your stamp a few seconds longer than you would normally. Don’t press any harder, just hold it still. Lift off and let dry.
Glue to piece of copper foil then use dimensionals to attach to the front of your card. TIP: Use a stronger glue here like Liquid glue or Tear & Tape to hold the bumpier surface of the watercolour paper secure.

What’s one of the best parts for this card? Stamp & emboss many of these in no time. Yes, even with watercoloring AND heat embossing. TIP: spritz your stamp another time and get a second – and maybe even ONE more time for a lighter third impression. They will still look lovely with a much softer feel.

Now it’s time to get into your stamp studio. Pull out your stamps and watercolour paper and start spritzing for a peaceful Christmas card this year. Here are all the supplies I used.

Stamping & Embossing Christmas Cards

Winter Woods Clear-Mount Stamp Set [147661] $31.00	Tranquil Tide Classic Stampin’ Pad [147146] $10.25	Stampin’ Spritzer [126185] $4.00	Watercolor Paper [122959] $6.75	Timeless Tidings Clear-Mount Stamp Set [148936] $27.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $12.25
Copper Stampin’ Emboss Powder [141636] $6.75	Embossing Buddy [103083] $8.25	Stamparatus [146276] $67.00	Heat Tool [129053] $41.00	Copper Foil Sheets [142020] $5.50	Tranquil Tide 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [144246] $11.50
Merry Merlot 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [146979] $11.50	Foam Adhesive Strips [141825] $10.75	Liquid Multipurpose Glue [110755] $5.50	Winter Woods Wood-Mount Stamp Set [147658] $42.00	Timeless Tidings Wood-Mount Stamp Set [148939] $38.00

In the words of John Denver, “It’s in each and everyone one of us to be wise. Find your heart, open up both your eyes. We can all know everything, without ever knowing why. It’s in everyone one of us, by and by.”

I love this song and the words are ones to live by. So as you’re thinking about Christmas card heat embossing ideas and your festive greetings, keep these words close and your cards will be sure to have a peaceful beauty.

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Spookily Easy Watercolour Pencil Backgrounds for Halloween

by Jo-Anne Rogers | Oct 14, 2018 | Backgrounds, Card making, Colour Coordination, Getting More From Your Craft Supplies, Hallowe'en, Keep It Simple Sunday, Punches, Watercolour

Let me show how to create spookily easy watercolour pencil backgrounds for Halloween. They’re so quick you just might want to craft up a bunch of backgrounds to celebrate Halloween and Christmas!

And seeing it’s Keep It Simple Sunday, you know I’ve got the full measurements and instructions for this fun card. Plus a bunch of TIPS to use when you’re making it.

Once again, we’re diving into our watercolour pencils case for an ultra, ultra – I mean really ULTRA – simple wash of colour.

Here’s what we’re making today.

OK, I guess it’s not THAT spooky with the cute glimmery stars and moon. But bats aren’t the most cuddly creatures on my list. Can’t you just hear the “flap-flap-flap” of their creepy little wings? Ewwwwwwww.

Soooo, moving on…

Bat’s aren’t ALWAYS creepy. In fact, they’re sorta cute in this mini takeout box don’tcha think?

Here’s how you can create this card for the Halloween aficionados on your list.

Ingredients

Basic Black cardstock – 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”, scored at 4 1/4”
Basic Grey cardstock – 3 7/8” x 5 1/8”
Watercolour paper – 3 1/2” x 4 3/4”
Sparkle Glimmer paper – scraps
Black foil sheets – scraps

Recipe for Spookily Easy Watercolour Pencil Backgrounds for Halloween

VERY lightly colour your Basic Grey watercolour pencil onto the middle portion of your watercolour paper. TIP1: Lay the pencil on its side rather than use its point to colour. TIP2: Leave space on all four sides of your colouring so you will have a border. TIP3: Try not to make an even shape. For example, don’t try to make a circle, oval or square, just a few squiggles (Yes, I’m SURE that’s a real art term🙃!) of colour.

Use your Aqua Painter to drop in some drips of plain water onto the coloured area. Use the tip of the Aqua Painter to move around the “paint” that develops. TIP4: Use more water than you think to get a really translucent feel.

Let your watercolour background dry completely. Check here for my thoughts on whether to heat set or not.

Stamp the swirl (probably my go-to stamp for a whimsical background in a FLASH!) in Basic Grey ink onto middle of card. Stamp greeting on bottom right.

Punch out bats from Black foil sheet. Punch out moon and stars from Sparkle glimmer paper.

Glue Basic Grey panel to front of folded Basic Black card. TIP5: Offset your panel for a fun look, still leaving a small black border at the bottom and top edges.

Centre and glue watercoloured piece into middle of folded card. TIP6: Use Tear & Tape adhesive or liquid glue for a more permanent adhesion.

Glue moon and stars with liquid adhesive. Attach bats with mini dimensionals.

Time to get into your craft room. Remember to keep it simple today.

And if you think these two punches would be awesome to add to your crafting supplies, just click on the image to go directly to my online store. Then the little UPS truck will screech to a stop outside your door in about a week.

Make Spookily Easy Watercolour Pencil Backgrounds for Halloween

Watercolor Pencils [141709] $22.00	Watercolor Paper [122959] $6.75	Aqua Painters [103954] $23.00	Basic Gray Classic Stampin’ Pad [149165] $10.25	Star Of Light Photopolymer Stamp Set [142110] $33.00
Itty Bitty Greetings Clear-Mount Stamp Set [146667] $49.00	Itty Bitty Greetings Wood-Mount Stamp Set [146664] $65.00	Spooky Bats Punch [148014] $24.00	Black Foil Sheets [147898] $5.50	Twinkle Builder Punch [146321] $24.00
Sparkle Glimmer Paper [146957] $6.75	Basic Gray 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [121044] $11.50	Basic Black 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [121045] $11.50	Liquid Multipurpose Glue [110755] $5.50	Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals [144108] $5.50

Be sure to keep checking back to my blog here for more quick and simple card ideas this fall and holiday season!

Between the blog and my newsletters, there are TONS of ideas headed your way! Not on my email list? Click here to sign up. It’s fast, free and the BEST way to keep you in the loop!

Thank you so much for joining me today for spookily easy watercolour pencil backgrounds for Halloween project – now get busy crafting 😋!

Create Vibrant Colour with Watercolour Pencils

by Jo-Anne Rogers | Oct 11, 2018 | Backgrounds, Big Shot, Card making, Christmas, Colour Coordination, Getting More From Your Craft Supplies, Techniques & Tutorials, Watercolour

I love, love, love to create vibrant colour watercolour pencils. And I wanna show you how to get deep saturated colour too with this super “almost UNlimited possibilities” supply item!

Sure, I love my soft subtle backgrounds like the colours here too. But give me bold, clear colour any day of the week and I’m a happy camper!

Now a disclaimer. While the techniques on this card ARE simple, there are a few more supplies and steps than I normally use.

It was just that once I got started, I was having sooo much fun, I couldn’t stop! You know, how that extra pinch of spice rams up a recipe? Same here!

OK I have to ask. What’s the first thing you notice?

The coordinated colours of paper and “ink”?
The two cute wine glasses?
How about the softly shadowed words?
Maybe it was the little touches of holly?
Or maybe the ribbon and bow to underscore the card?

Leave me a comment and let me know.

Whichever grabbed your attention first, here are my tips for how you can achieve the same attention-grabbing results.

Top Tips to Create Vibrant Colour with Watercolour Pencils

Colour a large area of watercolour paper with different coloured pencils, blending them together (I used Rich Razzleberry, Melon Mambo and Real Red for my intense colour.) See my other tips here for layering and blending your colour.

Spritz with a heavy – yeah HEAVY – coating of clear water with your Stampin’ Spritzer directly onto your paper. WARNING: Don’t freak out when your paper curls up! It will lay flat again as it dries.

Let your paper dry completely.

I know! This has got the be the absolute HARDEST thing to do, but it’s worth it to let it air dry. Why not try it both ways? Heat set one with your heat tool and let another one air dry. Let me know which one YOU like the best.

Now go ahead and use your paper as you would any other paper. I ran mine through the Big Shot with the Merry Christmas framelits to add it to my card.

Then I wanted to have coordinating “wine” so used the same combination of watercolour pencils to colour in my glasses. After colouring, I used my Aqua Painter to blend the ink.

Other Details on my fun Christmas Cheer card?

A white shadow around my “Christmas” die echoes the white embossed “Cheer”.
Three cute holly leaves fussy cut with my Paper Snips and adhered to the card and glasses.
My strand of Old Olive sheer ribbon tied in a simple bow at the base of the wine glasses.
A rhinestone dot for my “I”.
Linen textured background on my Rich Razzleberry (see how to do this here )
A wash of Wink of Stella over my greeting, and my wine to catch the light.

While there are a few more steps to create vibrant colour with watercolour pencils for my card, your recipient will love it. A bit of Christmas cheer to spread some holiday cheer.

So how about if you give this a try now?

Here’s everything I used so you can recreate this for your own holiday greetings. Simply click on any image to take you to my 24-7 online store. Thanks so much for shopping with me. (And be sure to use my October host code VWQ3RYAN and I’ll send you the lovely Swirls & Curls embossing folder FREE in November with a $75 order).

Create Vibrant Colour with Watercolour Pencils

Watercolor Pencils [141709] $22.00	Merry Christmas To All Photopolymer Bundle [149952] $64.75	Merry Christmas Thinlits Dies [147912] $38.00	Merry Christmas To All Photopolymer Stamp Set [147702] $34.00	Half Full Clear-Mount Stamp Set [144999] $30.00	Watercolor Paper [122959] $6.75
Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad [101406] $12.00	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $11.00	Stampin’ Spritzer [126185] $4.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $23.00	Versamark Pad [102283] $12.25	White Stampin’ Emboss Powder [109132] $6.75
Heat Tool [129053] $41.00	Paper Snips Scissors [103579] $13.50	Subtle Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [143706] $14.00	Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [115316] $11.50	Old Olive 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [100702] $11.50	Old Olive 1/8″ Sheer Ribbon [144171] $8.25
Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock [140272] $10.50	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $6.75	Liquid Multipurpose Glue [110755] $5.50	Mini Stampin’ Dimensionals [144108] $5.50

If you liked this card, you might also like this congrats card using much the same technique, but with a different look.

Now with the Illuminated Christmas card I shared yesterday, you’ve got a couple different techniques to try with your watercolour pencils.

But I’m not done yet. Be sure to check back here. I have another one (at least) up my sleeve! And while maybe it’s not about how to create vibrant colour with watercolour pencils, I think you’ll find it’s just as cool a look!

Watercolor Pencil Techniques for Beginners

by Jo-Anne Rogers | Oct 10, 2018 | Big Shot, Card making, Christmas, Colour Coordination, Colouring, Dry Embossing, Get Back to Crafting, Getting More From Your Craft Supplies, Simple Stampin' Designs, Watercolour

Simple watercolour pencil techniques for beginners? Absolutely! With scrumptious results that don’t look beginner AT ALL with my great tips!

Pretty cards like this are just a quick read away.

Easy, understated, yet bold and classy at the same time. Not to mention, so quick to make yourself with my tips and technique below.

And this design is ideal with the beautiful mixed font in the Illuminated Christmas stamp set. Let’s take a closer look at the card.

Isn’t that sheen gorgeous? And how about that simple single pink diamond at the bottom?

So what’s one of the greatest things about using watercolour pencils? You get tons of colours (and colour options) in one little package. And be sure to check out my “You Gotta Have ‘Em” blog post for my Top Ten Reasons I LUVH water-colour pencils.

Plus you only really need three supplies:

your pencils
an Aquapainter and
some paper.

So what colour pencils did I use for this Illuminated Christmas card?

From top to bottom, they are Daffodil Delight, Calypso Coral, Rich Razzleberry and Real Red. Set against the crisp white, they’re a unique combination for the holidays.

I’ve put my BEST tips together whether you’re just starting out or an old pro. So let’s dive in.

Simple Watercolor Pencil Techniques for Beginners

Use good quality paper. Watercolour paper is your best bet for achieving the blended and translucent, “water-y” look.
Stamp your message in Jet Black StazOn ink (or the old Archival Basic Black if you have photopolymer stamps) for the best permanent staying power.
Lightly colour pencils in graduated colours. I like to start with my lightest and move into my darkest for the best effect.
Press lightly rather than heavily to avoid leaving marks in the paper.
Use a swirling motion to colour so you avoid strong lines of colour.
Gently overlap colours where one meets another. Not only will you create a totally new colour, it will seamlessly blend into the next one.
Ensure your AquaPainter has a clean tip (wipe it on a piece of paper towel first) and a good amount of water. (Squeeze out more water into the reservoir to start.)
Lightly brush plain water over top of water-colour pencils, starting with the lightest colour and moving through to darkest. Your colours will blend as you move from one to another which is great.
If you want to go back to a lighter colour and add more water, clean your brush first. (Squeeze out more water until it runs clear. then use it)
Let your piece dry completely. (Although you can use a heat tool to quicken this up, I choose to let my pieces air dry. You won’t get harsh dry lines if you allow it to dry naturally.)

I also decided to add lots of glimmer with my Wink of Stella directly over top of my watercolour background. Once again, I let this dry completely before adhering my Petal Pink gemstone at the bottom.

I also chose to cut my piece with very little white space on each side so the colour jumps off the page.

Other Card Details

I picked out one colour from the four watercolour pencils I used to make a thin matting for my watercoloured piece. Rich Razzleberry was my choice.

Then I framed it with a piece of Silver Foil paper to pick up the shine of the Wink of Stella.

Next I used foam adhesive strips to mount and add some height and “solidity” (is that a word😊?) to my piece.

The pretty Tufted embossed background on a piece of regular Whisper White is the last framed panel. This is directly adhered onto my thick Whisper White card base.

Don’t forget about your inside. I made a second small strip with the same colours and adhered it inside to pull the card together.

So have you pulled out your set of watercolour pencils? Better go grab them, along with your Aquapainter and water-colour paper and get started!

Play with all the colours! See how many different backgrounds you can make with simple watercolour pencil techniques for beginners. Need some supplies or want to pick up these awesome tools? I’ve got all the supplies here for you.

Psssst! Make sure you put in my October host code VWQ3RYAN so I can send you the lovely Swirls & Curls embossing folder FREE in November.

Watercolor Pencil Techniques for Beginners

Illuminated Christmas Clear-Mount Stamp Set [147833] $29.00	Illuminated Christmas Wood-Mount Stamp Set [147836] $39.00	Jet Black Stazon Ink Pad [101406] $12.00	Watercolor Paper [122959] $6.75
Watercolor Pencils [141709] $22.00	Aqua Painters [103954] $23.00	Clear Wink Of Stella Glitter Brush [141897] $11.00	Rich Razzleberry 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [115316] $11.50
Silver Foil Sheets [132178] $5.50	Tufted Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder [146335] $12.25	Big Shot [143263] $150.00	Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [100730] $13.25
Whisper White 8-1/2″ X 11″ Thick Cardstock [140272] $10.50	Petal Pink Rhinestone Gems [146914] $8.25	Foam Adhesive Strips [141825] $10.75	Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] $9.50

Stay tuned, I have another card coming soon I also made with my watercolour pencils.

It shows a slightly different technique with a toe-tally different look. But still what I would consider simple watercolour pencil techniques for beginners.

Varied Vases Watercoloured Gift Bag Tags

by Jo-Anne Rogers | Aug 26, 2018 | 3D Projects, All Occasion Cards, Birthday Cards, Boxes and Bags, Flower Cards, Keep It Simple Sunday, Stamparatus, Watercolour

How about some quick and easy Varied Vases watercoloured gift bag tags? Just like I do every Sunday, this project is a fast and fun one.

Not a ton of supplies or techniques. Just simple designs.

So whether you’re just starting out or need a handmade item as you are running out the door, I give you all the measurements, design and my top tips to make it yourself!

Take a peek at today’s design.

Everyone needs cute gift bags for small gifts. A gift card, some lip balm or hand cream, a pair of socks. This one is lightweight, made with the Tea Room Specialty paper so there’s no extra bulk.

With all these pretty designs, it was hard for me to decide which one I should use!

Not to mention a great deal. With 24 12”x12” sheets in one package, this bag clocks in at only 40 cents! Pop on your own Varied Vases watercoloured gift bag tags, and you’ll have time to spare…and excited gift recipients too!

OK, while this one’s maybe not quite a five-minute project, it IS speedy to put together. What makes it quick and easy?

two step stamping with the pretty Varied Vases set
Aqua painters and stamp pads to watercolour
A punched banner edge
The gift bag punch board for our bag

Let’s make it!

Varied Vases Watercolored Gift Bag Tags

Ingredients

Coastal Cabana card stock – 2” x 5 1/2”
Mango Melody card stock – 1 1/4” x 5 1/4”
Watercolour paper – 1 3/4” x 3 1/2”
Dotted tulle ribbon – piece your 12” long

Recipe

Stamp vases and greeting in Memento ink onto watercolour paper. TIP1: Use your Stamparatus [if you want to make more than one] for perfect stamp placement.
Pick up ink from the lid of your stamp pad and add a light wash of colour to the flowers and vases. I used Mango Melody, Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade and Coastal Cabana. TIP2: No need to clean your Aqua painter when using the yellows and erd. But do clean it by wiping onto a piece of paper towel before moving into the blue for the vase water.
Insert one end of your cardstock pieces into the triple banner punch. TIP3: Turn your punch over to make sure your pieces are centred before punching out.
Glue Mango Melody on top of Coastal Cabana, then glue watercolour paper on top. TIP4: Use liquid glue to adhere for the best hold.
Punch a hole with 1/8” hole punch on straight edge and insert ribbon.

Want to make the bag too?

Cut Designer Series Paper to 6” x 12”
Make bag according to instructions on your gift bag punch board
Adhere together with Tear and Tape adhesive
Add one gold library clip to hold the bag together and the tag on

So who needs a gift bag tag In your life right now? Give this quick and cute one a try. Here are all the supplies if you need anything.

I do really appreciate your shopping with me. Thanks!😊

Varied Vases Watercoloured Gift Bag Tags

Varied Vases Photopolymer Stamp Set [146644] $33.00	Watercolor Paper [122959] $6.75	Tuxedo Black Memento Ink Pad [132708] $8.25	Aqua Painters [103954] $22.50	Daffodil Delight Classic Stampin’ Pad [147094] $10.25
Mango Melody Classic Stampin’ Pad [147093] $10.25	Coastal Cabana Classic Stampin’ Pad [147097] $10.25	Poppy Parade Classic Stampin’ Pad [147050] $10.25	Banner Triple Punch [138292] $31.00	Coastal Cabana 8-1/2″ X 11″ Card Stock [131297] $11.50
Mango Melody 8-1/2″ X 11″ Cardstock [146989] $11.50	Whisper White 5/8″ (1.6 Cm) Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon [146912] $10.25	Rhinestone Basic Jewels [144220] $6.75	Gift Bag Punch Board [135862] $27.00	Tea Room Specialty Designer Series Paper [146894] $19.00
Tear & Tape Adhesive [138995] $9.50	Gold Library Clips [144130] $8.25

Like quick and easy projects? How about this five-minute watercoloured Christmas one?

Or a special occasion three-panel card?

There are so many different options for fast and fun projects you can get crafting today. And when you do, this Varied Vases watercolored gift bag tags can be at the top of your list – think how fun you’ll have and how special the recipient will feel.

« Older Entries

Christmas Card Heat Embossing Ideas

Christmas Card Heat Embossing Ideas

Bits & Bites

Simple Steps

Spookily Easy Watercolour Pencil Backgrounds for Halloween

Here’s how you can create this card for the Halloween aficionados on your list.

Recipe for Spookily Easy Watercolour Pencil Backgrounds for Halloween

Create Vibrant Colour with Watercolour Pencils

Top Tips to Create Vibrant Colour with Watercolour Pencils

Other Details on my fun Christmas Cheer card?

Watercolor Pencil Techniques for Beginners

Simple Watercolor Pencil Techniques for Beginners

Other Card Details

Varied Vases Watercoloured Gift Bag Tags

Varied Vases Watercolored Gift Bag Tags

Want to make the bag too?

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