Saturday, September 23, 2017

Watercolor Birdhouse Card

Edited to add: I was so happy to be chosen as the TOP SPOT at Art Impressions Flowers and Foliage challenge.  Thanks so much!



Hello and happy Saturday!  I hope you are doing well today.  Last night, I got out my Art Impressions watercolor stamps and got working.  It usually takes me a little practice to get back into the technique, but it does not take a long time, and luckily, watercolor paper is very forgiving because you can stamp on both sides.


I used stamps from several sets, and then added two straight lines to make the pole for the birdhouse to sit on.  I like to use dry embossing, using my scoreboard, to create a frame on my mats.


I am including a little photo of my practice attempts, too.  I wanted to share a tip and tell you how I went wrong in these.  First off, I was adding too much marker and too much water.  I learned  to be careful with the marker (or stamp off once) and to really keep the brush dry.  My tip is to use a fine liner brush when working with the little animals. (You can see how many times I practiced the bird to get it right!) That way, you do not lose the detail.  Also, I used a black marker to emphasize the bird's eye.  It makes a difference.


If you have some AI stamps and have any trouble at all, I hope these tips might help.  But definitely watch their YouTube channel and then go practice!  

Supplies:  Art Impressions Bird Bath set, Flowers and Foliage set, Tombow water-based markers, Pebbles Family Ties 6x6 paper pad, Spellbinders Labels 4 dies

I would love to play along with the Art Impressions Flowers and Foliage challenge and The Flower Challenge Tic Tac Toe Challenge (I used embossing, watercolor and blue).  

Thanks for stopping by! 



18 comments:

katieo said...

Super card. I love all of Th flowers and the papers you used

Carol L said...

What wonderful coloring of this image and oh my gosh, I just LOVE the plaid paper too! Very pretty!

Megan J said...

Hi Heidi, a great card, love how the blue card embossed lines seem to be woven. Glad to know I'm not the only one who has lots of practice pieces hiding in the wings... have a wonderful week... Megan

Marina said...

So pretty and delicate and set off beautiful with the patterned paper.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Heidi, what a beautiful watercolored birdhouse! And, yes, I see how the practice really made a difference. Thanks for the tip. It sounds like a good idea in general when doing watercolor and stamps. Sweet card with the darling plaid that coordinates so beautifully! Hugs, sweet friend! xoxo

Beth Norman said...

Great idea to get some practicing in. You did a beautiful job with your watercolouring. Patience paid off. You always use the prettiest designer paper too. I have so much DP and rarely use it.

Renee Matarese said...

This is so pretty! Pinned to the Ai watercolor board!

Mac Mable said...

Thank you so much for all the tips and tricks. Yes I nearly always have to use the back of water colour card as I need all the practice I can get. Such a pretty card with great water colouring and such a delicate scene x

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

I have been making a big effort to use my stash more in the last 6-8 months. I finally feel like I am making a dent in it. I can't justify buying new things if I am not using the old!

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

Thanks, Renee!

Mia said...

Beautiful card, Heidi. I love the pretty image with the bird and the nest. The plaid background is amazing. Kisses, my friend.

Conniecrafter said...

This looks just fabulous, I love how you have combined the stamps, and the plaid background looks great. Thanks for the tips!!

Maria Rodriguez. said...

WOW!! Heidi, this is gorgeous!!! I love the Art Impression stamps, they help you create the most beautiful scenes, such a lovely way to do water colors.
The lay out of your image is just perfect to frame this beautiful images.
Thank you for sharing with us over at THE FLOWER CHALLENGE, hope you play along next time.
Hugs,
Maria Rodriguez.DT

Joan V said...

Ooooh, so pretty.

Inkyfingers said...

Wow Heidi this is such a soft and beautiful scene! Thank you for all your tips - you make me want to have a try!
Hugs
Carol x

Anonymous said...

What a pretty card. I really love and appreciate all of your tips and techniques.

Cat Craig said...

Heidi, I am so glad you pulled out your AI stamps, your scene is beautiful.

Viv said...

This is so beautiful Heidi, great water colouring...so delicate looking too.Thanks for the tips also ;) Viv xx