When working with any type of watercolours – paints, inks or pens – always use good-quality watercolour cardstock as this will make the watercolours much easier to use and blend. Before stamping and embossing the image, I would advise wiping the card with an anti-static bag to help avoid stray particles of powder where you do not want them. Ink the stamps with a slow-drying ink such as VersaMark to ensure the powder sticks. I have used a fine detail embossing powder which gives a clean, sharp image when heated. The detail powder works well on the textured watercolour cardstock and I have found it gives a more even coverage than a standard embossing powder.

When heating the images, move the heat tool slowly over the surface until the powder melts and becomes raised, taking care not to overheat the powder. When planning these designs I have left quite a lot of white background on most of the cards to really highlight the vibrant colours used.

To colour, I have used Spectrum Aqua water-based marker pens. These are high quality dyes which give an even coverage and vibrancy, and by adding water you can diffuse and blend the colours. Scribble some colour from the pens onto a glass or craft mat and use a damp paintbrush to pick up the colour to add to the image. Make sure the brush is not too loaded with water by dabbing it onto a piece of kitchen paper.

The heat embossing helps the watercolour stay where you want it to. You can colour over the embossed lines and they will resist the ink, leaving you with nicely defined lines. When dry, lightly rub over the embossing to remove any watercolour which may be sitting on the surface of the embossing. To finish the cards all you need is a sentiment and a few gems to allow the images and colours to stand out.

1

Cut the watercolour cardstock to size and wipe over the card with an anti-static bag

2

Ink the stamp with VersaMark and stamp the image onto the watercolour card. Cover with detail embossing powder, tap off the excess and remove any stray powder with a dry brush. Heat the powder to emboss

3

Stamp any other images in the same way.

4

Scribble some colour from the watercolour pens onto a craft mat and pick up the colour with a damp brush

5

Colour the images with the watercolours, blending the colours as you work

6

When the watercolour

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