Simon Says Stamp - Quick Ink-blending on Watercolor Print Cards

Each month Simon Says Stamp releases 6 new line art designs conveniently printed on watercolor paper.

Usually I will use my watercolor paint or markers to bring the image to life. But what if you don't feel like some leisurely coloring? What if you want to make a card in a hurry? What if you and your watercolors are not getting along and have decided to see other people for a while?

In this post, we'll use use Distress Ink in some soft or bright shades and add a touch of shine with Metallic Distress Spray Stain, Foil Cardstock, Stickles and Studio Katia gems!

Particularly when you are limited on time Printed Watercolor Cards can jump start your card-making and with some quick and easy blending the focal point of your card is complete.

In addition to the above Sun and Sea Watercolor Print Cards, you will need:

Key Supplies

Simon Says Stamp Reverse Sentiment Strips

Simon Say Stamp White A2 Sidefold Cards

Distress Inks

Distress Tarnished Brass Spray Stain

Ranger Stickles

Gold Foil Cardstock

Studio Katia Gems

Let's get down to the details for each card. We'll start with the card that requires a little drying time.

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HUGS CARD - Ink-Blending Pastel Distress Inks, Embellishing with Stickles & Pearls

Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Featuring:

• Simon Says Stamp Suzy's Sun and Sea Watercolor Print Cards

• Simon Says Stamp Reverse Sentiment Strips - All Things Happy

• Simon Says Stamp A2 Folded Card Base

• Simon Says Stamp CZ Design Hugs Die OR Simon Says Stamp Big Scripty Hugs Die

• Distress Ink - Spun Sugar, Tattered Rose, Shabby Shutters and Iced Spruce

• Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool and Mini Domed Ink Blending Foams

• Ranger Stickles Glitter Glue - Diamond

• Zig Watercolor Brush H2O Detailer

• Hero Arts Pigment Ink - Unicorn

• Studio Katia Pearls - Arctic Breeze

• Additional supplies linked in the Supplies Gallery at the end of this post

I am starting with this card as it requires drying time before it can be assembled. The Pre-scored card bases another time saving convenience that I adore!

Key Steps:

1. Create a vertical border along the left and right side of the front flap of the card base and set aside to dry

2. Ink-blend the four colors vertically in the following order onto the "Octopus" printed Watercolor Card

3. Lift some of the color from each of the "sea creature" images to lighten them relative to the background by running a wet brush over them and dabbing off the color onto a rag or piece of paper towel. You can see more about this technique in this post

4. You can also further lighten each of the sea creatures by dabbing some white pigment ink onto your craft mat and and using that to paint each image with your water brush

5. Add little touches of Stickles Glitter Glue in the highlight areas thoughout the image and set aside to dry

6. Trim dry ink-blended card front to 4" x 5 1/2". Prepare the Hugs diecut and Sentiment Strip and adhere to the card front. Adhere the card front to the dry card base with foam tape

7. Adhere pearls with Bearly Craft Glue to card front

Steps 4 and 5:

Steps 6 and 7:

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SENDING SMILES CARD - Ink-Blending Bright Distress Inks, Embellishing with Pearls and Flower Sequins

Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Featuring:

• Simon Says Stamp Suzy's Sun and Sea Watercolor Print Cards

• Simon Says Stamp Reverse Sentiment Strips - Birthday

• Simon Says Stamp A2 Folded Card Base

• Simon Says Stamp Sending Smiles Die

• Simon Says Stamp #100 Black Cardstock

• Distress Ink - Shaded Lilac, Seedless Preserves, Victorian Velvet, Dried Marigold, Spiced Marmalade, Squeezed Lemonade, Crushed Olive and Pine Needles

• Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool and Mini Domed Ink Blending Foams

• Studio Katia - Radiant Orchid Pearls, Flower Sequins

• Additional supplies linked in the Supplies Gallery at the end of this post

Key Steps:

1. Ink-blend the eight colors horizontally in the following order onto the "Pineapple" printed Watercolor Card: Shaded Lilac, Seedless Preserves, Victorian Velvet, Dried Marigold, Spiced Marmalade, Squeezed Lemonade, Crushed Olive and Pine Needles

2. Trim dry ink-blended card front to 4" x 5 1/4"

3. Prepare the Sending Smiles diecut and Sentiment Strip and adhere to the card front. Adhere the card front to the dry card base with foam tape

4. Adhere pearls and sequins with Bearly Craft Glue to card front

Step 1:

Steps 3 and 4;

All done!

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THANK YOU CARD - Ink-Blending A Distress Ink Rainbow, Embellishing with Gold Foil Diecut, Metallic Distress Spray Splatters and Gold Gems

Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Featuring:

• Simon Says Stamp Suzy's Sun and Sea Watercolor Print Cards

• Simon Says Stamp Reverse Sentiment Strips - All Things Happy

• Simon Says Stamp A2 Folded Card Base

• Simon Says Stamp Thank You Die

• Lawn Fawn Gold Foil Cardstock

• Distress Ink - Picked Raspberry, Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron and Salty Ocean

• Ranger Mini Ink Blending Tool and Mini Domed Ink Blending Foams

• Studio Katia - Gold Sparkle Crystals

• Additional supplies linked in the Supplies Gallery at the end of this post

Key Steps:

1. Ink-blend the eight colors horizontally in the following order onto the "Pineapple" printed Watercolor Card: Picked Raspberry, Mustard Seed, Twisted Citron and Salty Ocean

2. Splatter with Tarnished Brass Distress Ink Spray Stain

3. Trim dry ink-blended card front to 4" x 5 1/4"

4. Prepare the Sending Smiles diecut and Sentiment Strip and adhere to the card front. Adhere the card front to the dry card base with foam tape

5. Adhere pearls and sequins with Bearly Craft Glue to card front

Step 1:

Step 2:

Steps 4 and 5:

Let me know in the comments which card is your favorite today.

Full supply list below for your shopping convenience.

See you soon Lovelies!

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SUPPLIES:

I listed the products that I have used below. Please note that these are compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support. Simon Says Stamps Rainbow Release products were provided as part of my Design Team package. Click on the icons below each product picture to shop with SimonSaysStamp.com.