Just recently I’ve been experimenting with a few new techniques and revisiting some old ones. My project yesterday included a quick video showing how to make a background with the ink swipe technique. Today I have another technique video for you, using Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. It’s a technique I find really relaxing and I loved how the finished piece looked. As soon as it was dry couldn’t help but use it to decorate a notebook.

WATERCOLOR PAPER

This project all started when I wanted to create a wreath with natural looking leaves. I could have played with ink and sponges, but many people find them hard to manage. So instead I thought I’d show you a really quick and easy alternative idea.

For this project I chose the larger leaf wreath from the new Wreath Builder Dies from Stampin’ Up! Then I used it to cut out some Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. I placed the die-cut wreath onto a board and wet the paper thoroughly using the largest brush from the new Water Painters. Next I ‘painted’ the wreath using Granny Apple Green ink. Then I went over it and added a little Garden Green ink. It really was that simple as my video shows:

After ending the video I realised that I hadn’t done any flowers. So I went back to the Wreath Builder Dies and scraps of the Fluid 100 Watercolor Paper. I cut out 9 flowers using the five petal flower die and ‘painted’ them in exactly the same way as I’d done the wreath. This time though I used Mango Melody ink for the initial painting, Once all 9 flowers were done I added a spot of Bumblebee ink in the centre of each one.

When dry, the watercolor paper is quite sturdy so I needed to do one last thing before leaving everything to dry thoroughly. Using my Paper Snips I cut through the newly painted wreath (not the dry one you also see in the video). Then I gently opened up the wreath so that it dried in a curve.

NOTEBOOK DECORATION

While waiting for the watercolor paper to dry I prepared the 3-1/2″ x 5″ notebook I’d picked up at Dollarama.

I measured the cover of the notebook and then cut two pieces of Early Espresso Card the same height but just a little narrower. Next I added texture by embossing the pieces using the Tasteful Textile 3D Embossing Folder. Then, using Multipurpose Liquid Glue (Tombow), I attached the embossed pieces to the back and front covers of the notebook.

At this point the notebook looked a little dull so I added a 1/8″ strip of Copper Foil Sheet along the edge.

Once my wreath and flowers were dry it was a simple task to fix them to the front cover over the notebook using liquid glue. Although I’d prepared nine flowers I only used six of them here. I decided to save three for another project.

To finish the flowers I selected an Early Espresso Stampin’ Write Marker from the Neutrals collection. Then using the writing tip I added some random dots in the centre of each one. Job done.

I love the finished notebook. I must admit that I was in two minds whether to add a sentiment of some kind. In the end I decided to leave it as it is, for now. What do you think?

You can see more of the Wreath Builder Dies in my earlier blog post From a wreath to a summer gift tag.

PRODUCT LIST

BUNDLE BONUS – I bought the Wreath Builder Dies in a bundle with the coordinating Arrange A Wreath Stamp Set. This meant I saved 10% off the cost of buying the two items separately. Although I didn’t use the stamps today I’ve included a link to the bundle in case you want to explore this option.

GET THE BUNDLE FOR FREE! – Until the end of June Stampin’ Up! is giving away a free stamp set and tool bundle of your choice to anyone who joins Stampin’ Up! This is in addition to the usual starter kit offer. For more information see my Join Stampin’ Up! page, or contact me to arrange a chat.