I've had this idea in my head ever since I saw Tim Holtz's Brushstroke Flower Dies and can't believe that I waited this long to make this happen!
These cards are about two things, watercolor and texture. It does not take much for me to do vibrant color and I did not hold back here. LOL!
A full supply list is at the bottom of this post, but I'd like to highlight a few key items now.
Tim Holtz Brushstroke Flowers 1 Thinlits Dies by Sizzix
Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Paper by Ranger
Mijello Mission Gold Watercolor Palette
The Brushstroke sets are gorgeous and though I used Brushstroke 1 for this card, it does not really matter which one of the three versions that you chose to make these cards. See two additional options (Brushstroke 2 and 3) below:
Additionally, I used watercolors to paint my flowers here, but you could alternatively use Distress Ink colors (I recommend Reinkers for vibrant color).
Okay, enough of my babbling, let's paint!
I'm often inclined to paint when the light in great in my craftspace and with the sunlight streaming in this weekend, it seemed like the perfect day for this project.
Setting Up
I diecut my Tim Holtz Sizzix Brushstroke Flowers 1 Thinlits Dies twice from Tim Holtz Distress Watercolor Cardstock, textured side up.
Filled 2 jars with water; one for rinsing dirty brushes and one for rewetting my brush. I recommend using about a size 8 round brush.
I organized all the pieces in matching pairs on my glass mat.
Used the Tim Holtz Distress Sprayer to spritz the Mijello Watercolor Palette with water to moisten the paint.
Painting
I pre-mixed a few colors on the lid of my palette (some warm tones and some cool tones) to paint my flowers.Just before adding color to a diecut, I used the Distress Sprayer to mist each diecut with water to help the paint flow when applied to the paper.
It really does not mater what colors you choose. Pick your favorite hues and experiment with adding two different colors to the same diecut, those differences make it interesting.
Keep in mind, this is not the type of watercoloring where you are trying to stay within the lines, it supposed to look abstract and messy!
Finally, leave a little white space on the diecuts randomly, your flowers will look more interesting that way.
Once I was done painting the diecuts, I had a rainbow of blooms and leaves which I allowed to dry naturally. I sorted my diecut layers based on which flower they were part of (see below).
Die-cut Assembly and Adding Texture
For one card, I used the Tim Holtz Sizzix Flowery Thinlits Die to create a gorgeous diecut base for the front of one card. The Tim Holtz Sizzix Die Brush and Pick comes in handy for quickly removing the little bits.
For the second card, I used the Tim Holtz Sizzix 3D Texture Fades Crackle Embossing Folder to make an offset card base layer.
I selected the Tim Holtz Sizzix Bold Alphanumeric Dies to spell "YOU" and "LOVELY" using Tim Holtz Idea-ology 8 x 8 Paper Stash Metallic gold and silver foil cardstock. The small letters are perfectly sized to run though the Sizzix Sidekick.
For assembly, I dug out my cute Xyron Sticker Maker to add adhesive to the small flower and leaf diecuts and assemble the flower.
As the impression lines that guide where you place the layers may become distorted by the layers of paint, I pulled out the picture on the die packaging to guide me (see below).
Card Assembly
With that done I grouped my die-cuts based on which card they would be used on, so I would not lose pieces.
I then assembled each card as shown below.
I finished the cards off with coordinating Metallic Droplets that pick up on the shine of the foil letters.
Choose To Shine Card
Love You To The Moon and Back
This is not a fast card, but it is totally worth it! Links are below for your shopping convenience.
See you soon Lovelies!
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. All products except the watercolor cardstock were personally purchased. Click on the icons below each product picture to shop with SimonSaysStamp.com.