Calming Blue
Setting the Mood
Sympathy cards can be tough to get just right. There's always the all white option, but how about some color? I went with the Deep Blue Seas inks to create a calming feel. Orchids seem less playful and aren't overly feminine, which matches the peaceful mood I wanted to create.
Get Ready to Add Color
I actually created two cards, using the Alluring Orchids stamp and stencil set. For the water softened image, you'll need to use watercolor paper. Cardstock is fine for the other card.
To keep the ink from bleeding from one section into another when adding water, I embossed the outline image using a clear sparkle powder. If you stamp with pigment ink, it drys slowly so you can add embossing powder right over it without using a special embossing ink.
Now for the color...The stencils are numbered so the ink blending process is super easy. Placing more ink near the center of each petal gives the flower dimension.
Soften the Stenciled Inks with Water
After the petals were stenciled, I dipped a watercolor brush in water and used it to spread the paint around and eliminate harsh edges.
After inking the petals, I dried the paper with a heat gun before inking the flower centers. The brown spots were stamped and softened just a bit with water to retain their defining features.
To finish off the card, spatter with the darkest blue shade (Starlight), and stamp the sentiment in the same dark blue ink. This continues the cohesive calming blue feel of the card. I chose not to add any embellishments.
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Here you can see the difference between the stenciled card and the card with water blending.
Supplies from Altenew (unless specified otherwise)
- Alluring Orchids outline stamp and stencil set
- Elegant Sayings sentiment stamp set
- Crisp Dye Inks in Deep Blue Seas and Summer Afternoon
- Watercolor paper
- White cardstock
- Embossing powder WOW Clear Sparkle
LOVE how your flower hangs off the edge! Fab card, Jill!
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