Watercolour Diluted Background with Stamped Swans and Reeds

A project from our live show CREATE AND CRAFT - LATEST PRODUCTS - Join Helen Kirkham for her creative take on this beautiful collection - Broadcast 4th Aug 22 · 08/04/2022 · watch it from 34:00

Create a serene water scene using diluted iZinks spray ink to build a sky-to-water gradient, then layer stamped swan silhouettes and reed elements. The diluted technique creates a soft, naturalistic look perfect for reflective cards.

You will need

TV - A5 Reflection Stamp - Tomorrow - 140422GSEE IT

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Step by step

1. Spray iZinks blue ink into a plastic tray or palette well, then add water to dilute the colour. ▶ watch 34:00
2. Paint the diluted blue mixture onto your card base using a paintbrush, creating horizontal strokes for water. ▶ watch 34:30
3. Add more water to further dilute the ink as you move upward on the card, creating a lighter sky area. ▶ watch 35:00
4. Allow the background to dry completely before proceeding. ▶ watch 35:30
5. Stamp the swan pair from the Tomorrow set in grey memento ink in the centre of your card. ▶ watch 36:00
6. Stamp the same swan image again on separate paper using black ink, then carefully cut out the swans. ▶ watch 36:30
7. Paper piece the cut-out swans over the stamped image to add dimension and lift them from the background. ▶ watch 37:00
8. Stamp the reed or grass elements from the Your Only Limit Is You set along the sides of the composition in a coordinating ink colour. ▶ watch 38:00
9. Add wave details at the bottom using a darker iZinks colour stamped or painted lightly. ▶ watch 38:30
10. Mount the finished design onto a folded card base to complete. ▶ watch 39:00

Tips from the show

• Using grey ink instead of black for the reflection keeps the swans delicate and prevents the image from looking too harsh.
• When cutting out stamped images, move the paper rather than the scissors for easier, more controlled cuts.
• The iZinks ink reactivates with water, so you can move and adjust the colour even after initial application.

More from this show

• Stencilled Sunset Circle Background with Stamped Boat Scene
• Embossed Glitter Bird with Stencilled Hexagon Background

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