Distressed Inked Watering Can with Embossing Powder

A project from our live show HSN PRODUCT INSPIRATION - Join me for a fun filled show broadcast 20th October 2026 · 10/20/2026 · watch it from 1:28:15

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Create a rustic, aged watering can decoration using watercolour cardstock, layered distress inks in blues and greys, and embossing powder for added texture. The finished piece has an authentic old, battered metal effect that's perfect for garden-themed cards and projects. This guide will show you how to build up layers of colour and texture to achieve a beautifully weathered look.

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Step by step

1. 

   Cut a piece of white watercolour cardstock in half to create your base for inking.

   ▶ watch this step (1:29:00)
2. Apply Stormy Sky blue ink to your craft mat. Lightly spray the inked area with water to create a distressed effect. ▶ watch 1:30:00
3. Dip the watercolour cardstock into the inked mat, covering it all over to create a distressed background. Press the cardstock onto the ink pad multiple times to ensure even coverage. ▶ watch 1:30:30
4. 

   Use a heat gun to completely dry the inked cardstock. Hold the heat gun over the surface, moving it around until all the ink is dry to the touch.

   ▶ watch this step (1:31:00)
5. 

   Apply a second layer of Stormy Sky ink by picking up excess ink from the craft mat with your finger and dabbing it onto the cardstock to build up the colour intensity.

   ▶ watch this step (1:32:00)
6. 

   Dry the piece again with the heat tool. Apply Tumbled Glass Distress Ink to the watering can using the blending tool for a different shade of blue.

   ▶ watch this step (1:33:00)
7. 

   Apply Mermaid Lagoon Distress Ink to the watering can image using the ink pad directly on the paper. Build up the colour to create a darker blue tone and add depth to the design.

   ▶ watch this step (1:34:00)
8. 

   Pick up dark grey or black ink on your blending tool and apply it to the edges and darker areas of the image to add contrast and depth.

   ▶ watch this step (1:36:00)
9. 

   Dry the inked cardstock thoroughly with a heat tool until it is completely dry before proceeding to die-cut.

   ▶ watch this step (1:37:30)
10. 

    Position the watering can die on top of the inked cardstock panel. Run the layered pieces through your die-cutting machine to cut out the watering can shape.

    ▶ watch this step (1:39:30)
11. 

    Remove the die-cut watering can from the stencil. Apply sticky ink pad to the top, edges, sides and bottom of the watering can.

    ▶ watch this step (1:41:00)
12. 

    Dust embossing powder over the inked watering can, allowing it to stick to all the wet ink areas. Tap off any excess powder back into the container.

    ▶ watch this step (1:42:30)
13. 

    Use a dusting brush or old paintbrush to gently brush off any excess embossing powder from areas where you don't want it, particularly around the watering can image.

    ▶ watch this step (1:43:15)
14. 

    Heat set the embossing powder using a heat gun, holding the watering can steady with tweezers. Move the heat gun evenly over the embossed areas until the powder melts and sets.

    ▶ watch this step (1:45:30)

Tips from the show

• Always dry between layers of ink to prevent colours blending into one muddy mess and to achieve better texture and depth.
• Ensure your cardstock is completely dry before die-cutting, as moisture in the card will prevent the die from cutting cleanly.
• Get your heat gun as hot as possible before heat-setting embossing powder; less time on the cardstock means fewer lumps and bumps, as paper fibres can distort with excessive heat.

More from this show

• Layered Potted Flowers Card with Coloured Cardstock
• Macramé Hanging Basket with Layered Pot Card
• Garden Scene Card with Hanging Baskets and Pattern Paper

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly