This is a collaboration project between Xyron and Derwent Academy. Derwent Academy sent the Xyron Design Team a set of Derwent Academy watercolour pencils, brushes, and a pad of watercolour/watercolor paper to try out.
Watercolour (Derwent Academy uses the British spelling of watercolor so I'll use this in the post) pencils are quite versatile, they can be used like colored pencils, or like watercolour by: scribbling some on a sheet of scrap paper and picking it up with a wet brush, coloring on watercolour paper then moving around with water, applying a wet brush to pencil tip then to paper, or applying directly to damp/wet paper.Watercolour pencils may take a little practice to get used to. They can react differently on different types of watercolour paper (I highly recommend watercolour paper if you will be adding water). If the paper has a lot of sizing, layering might prove difficult. In this case, try doing a layer of wet application, followed by a layer of dry.
I thought the Newton's Nook stamp set Peony Blooms (sent to me for a previous collaboration) would make the perfect subject for watercolouring. I wanted a little of the creamy color of the paper to show through so I used clear embossing powder, then watercoloured everything so that the stamping would show. Embossing also gives the paint boundaries, making it easier to color.
Disclaimer: Links, affiliate links, and cookies, including those for personalized ads, may be used in this post and on this site. Using this site implies your consent. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, Share a Sale, and other affiliate programs; these affiliate advertising programs provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and/or other affiliated sites at no cost to you. This helps offset a (very) small portion of my crafting addiction... uh, hobby. I am truly thankful for your kind support! I also receive free products from my design team companies, possibly monetary compensation, and sometimes free products for review. Regardless, all opinions are my own. Google and Blogger use cookies to provide and improve their services. See Notice at bottom of blog for a longer description and/or see the full Privacy Policy for even more details.
Making the Card
1. Cut watercolour paper from Derwent Academy Watercolour Pad to 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches (keep in mind that there will be a little wiggle room, 3/8" around). Stamp "Thinking of You" in VersaMark ink in the center (leaving a little more space below). I highly recommend using a stamp platform or stamp positioner, plus a powder tool to prep the surface before stamping. Emboss with clear embossing powder and set with a heat tool.
2. Working in sections, stamp flowers around edges in VersaMark ink, filling in empty areas with leaves and buds as you like. Emboss in clear as you go.
3. Use Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencils and Assorted Brushes to color image. To get the center area really dark, start with one layer of pencils, mostly Dark Green, but also some Light Green in places. I used the two green pencils for variation and mottling in the background. Go over area with a damp (not wet) brush - use a paper towel to blot excess water from brush. Add more pencil - experiment with adding to damp paper; the color should come out more intense but you have to use a gentle touch or you may just push aside the color. Once dry, add more color to smooth and darken as desired. You may need to sharpen the Dark Green pencil a couple times to get into detail areas - I used a KUM sharpener (from Germany - super sharp, works great). Color flowers by adding color along shaded edges then pulling color into the lighter areas. Add a few strokes after blending to show veining.
4. Cut green cardstock 4 1/4 x 11 inches; fold in half to form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inch top folding card base. Cut purple cardstock 4 x 5 1/4 inches. Trim watercoloured image to 3 7/8 x 5 1/8 inches. Run image and purple cardstock through Xyron 9" Creative Station with permanent adhesive (see photo below). Rub over top clear sheet before removing to help pick up excess adhesive. Carefully peel backing away from purple cardstock; adhere to center of card base. Carefully peel backing away from image; adhere to card base.
5. Add Limeade Doodlebug Sequins and green rhinestones where shown using strong liquid glue.
Supplies
- Xyron: 9" Creative Station, Permanent Adhesive
- Derwent Academy Watercolour Pencil Tin
- Derwent Academy Assorted Brushes
- Derwent Academy Watercolour Pad
- Cardstock: Green, Purple
- Newton's Nook Peony Blooms
- VersaMark Ink
- Optional: Stamp Platform or Stamp Positioner
- Heat Tool
- VersaMark Ink
- Clear Embossing Powder
- Optional: Powder Tool
- KUM Pencil Sharpener
- Doodlebug Design Sequins Limeade
- Green Rhinestones
- Strong Liquid Glue
