To create this project, you will need the following:
– Pam Bray Designs
Black ink pad
Cardstock – black
Liquid glue
Paper trimmer
Coffee
Tub large enough to fit watercolor paper
Watercolor paper
Watercolor pigments
Paint brushes
Cup of water for cleaning paint brushes
A2 card base – white (4.25” x 5.5”)
To craft your card, start by creating the background panel as this is the most
time-consuming portion. First, brew the coffee per the package instructions
and allow it to cool. Next, pour the coffee into the tub and place a sheet of
watercolor paper into the prepared liquid. Allow the paper to rest for a full 24
hours to absorb the color and then allow it to dry fully naturally. A heat gun
can be used to speed up the process, but the color doesn’t seem to look as nice
in the final product.
The next stage is to stamp your focal images. Using black ink and the
stamp the image in the location of the watercolor paper where the color looks
the most pleasing to your eye. Allow the ink to dry.
Following the stamping of the images comes the addition of the color. For this
project watercolors are suggested, however other media such as a quality-
colored pencil or an alcohol marker may be to your liking. The best technique
to employ with the water coloring pigments is to wet small areas of the image
at a time with water, and then drop small amounts of watercolor pigments into
the wet area. Then slowly brush the pigment into the areas where color is
wanted. If the color is too heavy, use a paper towel to dab up the excess. This
technique allows you to slowly build up color and results in a better finish.
Once the color addition is complete allow the paper to dry completely.
For the next step you need to cut your paper to size. Using a paper trimmer,
first trim your water-colored background panel to its final dimensions. I have
purposely made the dimensions smaller than the A2 card base to provide
some visual interest. Next trim the black cardstock to 4.25” x 5.5”, this is to
cover the front of the card base.
The next stage is assembly. Using liquid glue, adhere the black card stock to
the card base. Next, adhere the background panel with more glue. As part of
the design theme the background panel is angled purposefully.
sentiment onto the card. Again, for the theme of the card this was done a
slight angle. With that, your card is complete.
If you or someone you know is suffering from issues related to mental health
and needs help, then call the National Mental Health Hotline 24 hours a day at
1-866-903-3787. It is free and confidential.
The stamps I used can be found by following the links in the materials list or
social media sites for more stamping fun!
