Watercolor “Smooshing” part 2

Last week I taught a technique class featuring different methods of transferring ink and water onto paper for backgrounds.  See my first example here.

The second method we used was to add color in splotches to a piece of window sheet slightly larger than the piece of background paper.  This was done with a fairly dry AquaPainter, as we wanted the colors to stay as undiluted as possible.  Then the Window Sheet was spritzed with enough water to get the ink to bubble up just a bit and start to blend together.  The target paper was then smooshed onto the window sheet and rubbed to absorb as much ink and water as possible.

This piece was actually my test sheet (regular Whisper White) for the technique, but when it dried I was so pleased with it that I went ahead and made a card.  It uses Melon Mambo, Blushing Bride and Tangelo Twist.  I stamped images from Wild About Flowers and a sentiment from What I Love in Archival Basic Black, mounted the panel on Basic Black and popped it up on a Whisper White Note Card.  A scattering of Rhinestone Basic Jewels finishes it off.

This is my intentional use of the technique!  Before smooshing, I stamped the flower outline image from What I Love on Shimmery White cardstock with VersaMark and heat embossed with clear embossing powder to set up an emboss-resist.  Then I repeated the same technique and colors as above, with slightly different results.  The colors didn’t blend together as much, so it’s got a blotchier look.  I also wasn’t expecting the ink to seep into the cardstock under the embossing, but I think it’s a neat effect.  Here’s how I finished it into a card:

I tried several colors as mats, including the Tangelo Twist, but in the end the combination of colors came out closest to Watermelon Wonder.  So I used it and Whisper White as the laters, and also just a touch of Tangelo Twist in the flower.  The leaves are Vellum and Whisper White; the center of the flower is a shimmery pink dot from the Love Blossoms Embellishment Kit.

This kit is so gorgeous, if you’re not already receiving Paper Pumpkin I bet you’re kicking yourself!  

What are you waiting for?  A 3-month subscription is on sale for $55, which also earns you a FREE Sale-A-Bration item!  Plus, you are then eligible to purchase any extras of February’s kit if/when they become available.

​Go to my Online Store and order item #137859 so you don’t miss out on March’s kit!