Watercolor Background Technique

the smooshing technique using re-inkers creates this unique watercolor background

Watercolor backgrounds are fun to create and the smooshing technique is no exception. The technique can get a little messy but the results are worth it. All you need to make this watercolor background are three re-inkers, a spritzer, some Thick Basic White Cardstock and a piece of think plastic. You’ll also need a way to protect your work surface even though the inkers contain water based ink, the colors can set in to surfaces.

The best we to learn how the smooshing technique works is to watch a short tutorial. Thankfully, you have come to the right place because I just happened to create a YouTube tutorial on how to make this exact card. You can view the short tutorial here.

After completing the striking watercolor background technique and letting it dry, I used a black cardstock mat and adhered both to a Basic Gray card base. The Thick Basic White piece measures 5 x 3 3/4. The Basic Black used for a mat measures 5 3/16 x 3 11/16. The card base is Basic Gray and measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 scored at 4 1/4.

You can use any re-inker colors but I chose Gray Granite, Smoky Slate and Basic Gray. Since Basic Gray is the darkest color, I used it primarily for the accents. Finding the best piece of plastic to pick up the colors and transfer them to the cardstock can be tricky. I used the plastic packaging from one of my new Stampin’ Up! die sets. The clear window sheet was too stiff and ended up making edge lines.

I added a black die from the Meadow Dies set and stamped a simple sentiment in Memento black. The sentiment actually came from an older Paper Pumpkin set. I wanted a small sentiment so as not to take away from the beautiful background.

Hopefully, you liked this watercolor background technique and have taken a look at the tutorial. Let me know what you think when you give it a try. I would love to hear about the projects you make using this smooshing technique. Below you will find a list of products used to create this card. Each product is a clickable link to my online store.

Happy crafting!

Robin

Product List