Inspired by watercolors...

Hey, everyone! After my last post (Design Team Tips) and working with watercolors, I was very inspired to play around with them some more. Of course, Pinterest helps too with inspiration. I started a new "watercolor" board on Pinterest and just can't get enough of the watercolor look! And ended up making this....

To dress up the envelope, I used the Envelope Liner die by Papertrey Ink and die cut it out of watercolor paper. Then just painted lines on it with my watercolors. The watercolor paper I bought is called Artists Loft from Michael's, and I think it was only about $3 for 24 sheets on sale. It's much thicker than cardstock, making it great to work with when working with water. It doesn't warp like cardstock would. When dry, I tucked the painted envelope liner inside the envelope and adhered it. Love how this quick technique customizes the envelope to match the card!

Now onto the card. I was inspired by this image I saw on Pinterest. I started by penciling out my image onto watercolor paper. Excuse the photos, as I was taking them with my phone as I went.

Step 1: I drew my image in with pencil onto watercolor paper. (If you aren't a sketcher, you can always use stamps...stamp an image and paint them in with this same technique!) When happy with my penciled image, I start painting. I always start painting with a lot of water and a little bit of color. You can add deeper color as you go, but start off light at first for the base. Here I've used red for the flowers (when mixed with water, has a pink tint). I mixed blue and green to get this shade of teal for the banner.

Step 2: I've painted in the flowers and leaves very lightly. I've also taken a really light yellow and shaded around the entire image.

Step 3: I've added some darker shades of watercolor (using less water) over the top to add more dimension.

Last, a "Thank you" was stamped with Papertrey Ink's Think Big Favorites #2 after the card was dry.

I'd love to see what you are making with watercolors, please leave me a note if you do make something "watercolor" inspired!

Thank You Watercolor card and envelope:

(All supplies by Papertrey Ink unless otherwise noted.)

STAMPS: Think Big Favorites #2

INK: True Black, watercolors

PAPER: Artist's Loft by Michael's Stores (watercolor paper pad), envelope by Papertrey Ink, white cardstock

DIES: Envelope Liner die

OTHER: none.