There’s something magical about watercoloring—especially when you pair it with the gorgeous Stampin’ Up! Mixed Florals Stamp Set! In this tutorial, I’ll share with you how to create a beautiful watercolor card using Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper, Classic Ink, and a Water Painter. This simple yet stunning technique brings your stamped images to life with soft, blended color.
A No-Line Watercolor Card! Well, almost…
I recently came across something that sparked my creativity and inspired me to revisit the ‘No-Line’ Watercolor technique. It’s been ages since I last used it, but now that I have—I’m hooked! My next card will be more of a true no-line watercolor (I purposely added the lines with ink and a water painter). I can’t wait to create more projects with this beautiful, soft watercolor effect. Stay tuned for more!
Need Tips? I’ve Got You!
5 Tips for No-Line Watercoloring
No-line watercoloring is a beautiful technique that gives your stamped images a soft, hand-painted look. If you’ve never tried it before, here are some helpful tips to get the best results!
- Start with a Light Ink – The key to no-line watercoloring is using an ink color that fades into the painting. I recommend Sahara Sand, Soft Sea Foam, or a stamped-off Smoky Slate—just enough to see the image while keeping the lines subtle.
- Build Layers for Depth – Instead of applying a lot of color at once, start with a light wash and let it dry. Then, slowly build up layers of color to create depth and shading. This technique prevents muddy colors and gives a more natural, blended effect.
- Control Your Water – Too much water can make the ink disappear too quickly or cause colors to bleed outside the lines. For the best results, keep your Water Painter damp, not dripping, and work in small sections at a time.
- Add Details Last – Once your base layers are dry, go back with a more concentrated version of the same color to add definition where needed—like the edges of petals, leaves, or the center of a flower. This helps create a realistic, painterly look.
- Let the Ink Work for You – Since Stampin’ Up! Classic Ink is water-based, it naturally blends when you paint over it. Use this to your advantage to soften edges and create seamless color transitions for a smooth, effortless watercolor effect.
card tutorial: no-line watercolor sympathy card
- Begin with a 4 1/4 x 11 piece of Basic White Thick Cardstock. Score and fold at 5 1/2 (portrait style card).
- Distress the edges of the 4 x 5 1/4 Floral Delight Designer Series Paper with a Distressing Tool.
- Stamp the Mixed Florals image in Crumb Cake Classic Ink or (any light ink) onto a piece of Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper.
- Use a Water Painter to grab color from the ink pad cover of the following Classic Inks:
- Pecan Pie, Lemon Lolly, Daffodil Delight, Flirty Flamingo and Old Olive.
- TIP: Be sure to add colors in layers, starting with more water for a lighter base, then less water for depth and definition.
- Distress the edges of the Watercolor Paper with a Distressing Tool.
- Double wrap with Linen Thread, securing with a bow.
- Adhere to the card with Stampin’ Dimensionals.
- Choose a sentiment from the Greetings for All Mix & Match Ephemera Pack. Adhere with Stampin’ Dimensionals as shown.
- Embellish with Adhesive-Backed Shiny Sequins!
download a free tutorial:
Stampin’ Up! Mixed Florals Bundle
An Online Exclusive! Part of the Mixed Media Florals Suite Collection!
Go bold or keep it simple—the Mixed Florals Bundle lets you do it all! Layer different cardstock for added texture and dimension, or keep it sleek with monochromatic ink on crisp white. However you design it, your floral creations will bloom beautifully!
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