Watercolor Distress Technique | Simple, Beautiful, and Fun Backgrounds for Your Cards

Hi Friends!

Today I’ve got a new video for you, demonstrating how to use water paints and embossing folders to create stunning backgrounds for your cards. While this technique isn’t new to me, using water paints instead of acrylic paints definitely is!

My very first video on my YouTube channel featured this technique using acrylic paint, which was originally shared by Stampin’ Up! in their “Stampin’ Success” magazine for demonstrators. Watching this video today a was a fun trip down memory lane for me – I had no idea how to film, use lighting, or any of the other skills I’ve learned since then. I also had NO IDEA that first video would lead me to where I am today, with over 60,000 subscribers! It feels surreal even to type that out (I’m so grateful though!).

You can also find another video on my channel using the same technique here and a corresponding blog post for these cards here:

Using water paints instead of acrylic paints is a great way to add a new twist on this classic technique!

I love this technique because it’s easy and fun and it also incorporates our embossing folders too. This method is versatile and perfect for any season or occasion, plus it’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite colors. The gold metallic paint from my Lightwish Paint Set is AMAZING! Mixed with water it reminds me of the Champagne Shimmer Mist Paint that Stampin’ Up! used to carry. So if you loved that product, you’ll love these paints!

• For a limited time Lightwish is offering my subscribers a generous 20% discount on their paint set! Just use my special discount code: TinaZinck01

Valid date:

US: 2024/6/18-2024/6/24 UK: 2024/6/18-2024/6/30

Lightwish 88-color watercolor palette:

• Lightwish 88-color watercolor palette:
• US: https://bit.ly/3voltuL 
• DE: https://amzn.to/3veihSH 
• UK: https://bit.ly/3HoE8cL 
• Lightwish website: https://lightswish.com/ 
• Lightwish IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightwish_official/ 

Materials You’ll Need:

• Lightwish Paint Set: This set includes 88 gorgeous colors, including beautiful metallics like the gold I used on my cards. You can purchase this paint set through my Amazon store.
• Embossing Folders: Any design will work, so feel free to use your favorites!
• Sanding Block: This is essential for achieving that distressed look.
• Fluid Watercolor Paper: The best medium for this technique.

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

1. Prepare Your Materials: Gather your Lightwish paint set, embossing folders, sanding block, and watercolor paper.
2. Apply Watercolors: Choose your favorite colors from the Lightwish paint set and apply them over the watercolor paper. Don’t be afraid to mix and match to create a unique look!
3. Create Your Embossed Background: Using the embossing folders, create a textured design on your watercolor paper. Note: you could dry emboss your paper first and then apply your paint. Either way would work – just play and experiment!
4. Distress with Sanding Block: Once the paint is dry, gently sand over the embossed areas to reveal the texture and add a distressed effect.
5. Finishing Touches: Add any additional embellishments or stamps to complete your card. I kept today’s cards super simple but this technique could easily be stepped up too.

Here are a couple cards that I made yesterday, using the same technique but different colors and embossing folders:

This next one is my favourite card:

I absolutely LOVE the paint colors I used on this card, along with the Distressed Tile embossing folder. The gold paint is so pretty too!

The Lightwish paint set is a great set to start with, with its 88 vibrant colors, including metallics that really add a beautiful shimmer to your projects. You can find this paint set in my Amazon store and start experimenting with these fun paints and your stamp supplies.

Enjoy the day & HAPPY STAMPING!

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