Watercolor for Non-Watercolorers + GIVEAWAY

Hi there, stampers. One thing I know for sure – I am not great with watercolor. I don’t know the “rules” and honesty don’t have a desire to learn them. 🙂 Instead, I like to find ways to use watercolor in a carefree, effortless way! And today I am sharing those ideas with you, along with lots of tips.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

[All supplies are linked to multiple sources in the thumbnails at the end of this post. Multiple stores are also linked in the parentheses following the product name. Compensated affiliate links may be used at no cost to you.]

Watercolor is a beautiful medium with the potential for amazing results. There is a lot to learn about them… and lots of resources! (See below.) But for me, I just like to PLAY… without learning longer techniques or “rules”. If you are like me – and want to play with watercolors without being a “watercolorer” – these ideas may be for you.

In the video, I used the new Altenew Watercolor 36 Pan Set (SSS | ALT). I will be honest – I was not planning on being in this hop (more on that below) because I didn’t think I needed to use a new watercolor. But I tried them… then emailed Altenew asking them to add me in the hop last minute. 🙂 That is how much I like this watercolor!

The Altenew Watercolor 36 Pan Set (SSS | ALT) is a set of 36 vibrant watercolor half-pans. They are smooth and easy to use. And the best part? The colors match the Altenew Ink Line (SSS | ALT)! This makes this cardmaker’s heart very happy. Be sure to watch the video to learn more about them.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

My video also shares a few effortless watercolor techniques. All of my images were stamped with VersaFine Onyx Black Ink on Tim Holtz Watercolor Paper and clear heat embossed. I find the heat embossing acts as “walls” to control the water I add.

My first card shows what I call “tilted watercolor.” I painted in the embossed Altenew Perfectly Perfect (SSS | ALT) flowers with a heavy amount of water. I then touched a bit of Puffy Heart Altenew Watercolor (SSS | ALT) towards the center of the petals. I tilted the paper up about 45 degrees when it was still wet and let it dry in that position. This causes the bottom of the image to be vibrant in color… and the top tips much lighter. I did the same with the leaves using Forest Glades Altenew Watercolor (SSS | ALT).

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

For my background, I made an impression of the Altenew Leaf Frame Die (SSS | ALT) onto white cardstock using my die cut machine and a Spellbinders Embossing Mat. However, before making the impression, I lightly rubbed Puffy Heart Altenew Ink Pad (SSS | ALT) over the cutting edges. I love this soft look… and that the ink matches the watercolor perfectly.

The sentiment is from the Altenew Cross Stitch Flower Stamp Set (SSS | ALT).

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

My next card features the Altenew Happy Heart Stamp Set (SSS | ALT) and another simple watercolor technique. I painted in the heat embossed flowers with a generous amount of water. I then touched a bit of Puffy Heart Altenew Watercolor (SSS | ALT) towards the center of the flowers… and a bit at the tips. I let the water do the work for me… creating darker areas and soft highlights between. So. Very. Easy.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

For a soft backdrop, I added a bit of pink ink over a Altenew Feeling Dotty Stencil (SSS | ALT) stencil. The sentiment is from the Altenew Starry Flowers Stamp Set (SSS | ALT)… and I added dots of Black Nuvo Drops at the center of the flowers.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

You can also effortlessly use more than one color together. Here, I painted in my heat embossed Altenew Perfectly Perfect (SSS | ALT) flowers with water. I dropped a bit of Coral Berry Altenew Watercolor (SSS | ALT) towards the inside of the petals and a touch of yellow towards the outside. I let the water do the work as it dried… and the results are vibrant.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I stamped the Altenew Starry Flowers Stamp Set (SSS | ALT) sentiment with the matching ink colors… and added it to a panel cut with the Altenew Dotted Scales Debossing Die (SSS | ALT).

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Here is another example of easily using two colors together. I painted in my heat embossed Altenew Starry Flower (SSS | ALT) with soft blue Altenew Watercolor (SSS | ALT). I then touched dark purple to the centers. So easy.

I stamped the sentiments with the matching Altenew Inks (SSS | ALT) and stamped a portion of the Altenew Pinstripe Stamp Set (SSS |ALT) along the side.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Here is a closer look at the results. Effortless!

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

I also like to use watercolor for carefree, non-realistic looks… such as my rainbow flower. 🙂 Just fill the image with a generous amount of painted water… then add in the colors. Easy!

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

Watercoloring images like this is a great way to experiment with the colors you have.

No-Effort Watercolor Video by Jennifer McGuire Ink

LEARN MORE

As I mentioned, I like to use watercolor in simple ways… just to play. If you want to learn more and improve your watercolor efforts, I recommend these:

BLOG HOP

Today I am part of the Altenew Watercolor 36 Pan Set Release Blog Hop. As I mentioned, I changed my mind to be a part of this hop after trying out these new products. I honestly love them! You can find them all HERE at Simon Says Stamp or HERE at Altenew.

The next stop on the hop is the blog of Svitlana Shayevich. You can always start at the beginning of the hop at the Altenew Blog.

PROMOTION

Limited time offer! Receive a FREE watercolor pan case (value $5.99) with the purchase of the Watercolor 36 Pan Set for a limited time. The free gift will be added to cart automatically.

GIVEAWAYS

How would you like to win a $30 gift certificate to Altenew? For your chance, leave a comment here by 11:59pmEST on 8/15/18 telling me if you enjoy to watercolor. (To leave a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post and click the green “leave a comment” button. The winner’s name will be randomly selected, emailed and posted on my “Winners page” after the giveaway closes. International folks are eligible, too!)

Also, Altenew is giving away a $50 gift certificate to SIX lucky winners! Head to the Altenew Blog.

SUPPLIES

Want to find the products I used? I have listed them below. (Compensated affiliate links used at no cost to you. Thank you! Affiliate and product disclosure can be found here. All products were personally purchased except those with from Altenew or with an asterisk. As always, this post was NOT paid for or sponsored.) Click on the icons below each product picture to go to a favorite store.

Altenew Perfectly Perfect Stamp Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Happy Heart Stamp Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Cross Stitch Flower Stamp Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Starry Flowers Stamp Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Pinstripe Stamp Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Leaf Frame Die
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Dotted Scales Debossing Cover…
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Feeling Dotty Stencil
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Watercolor 36 Pan Set
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Watercolor Pan Empty Case
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Large Watercolor Palette
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Medium Watercolor Palette
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Fine Watercolor Brush
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Medium Watercolor Brush
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Large Watercolor Brush
[ ALTN | SSS ]
Altenew Watercolor Brushes Bundle
[ ALTN ]
Water Wash Bottle
[ AMZUS ]
Tim Holtz Watercolor Paper
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Stamping Tool
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Mouse Pad Insert
[ SSS | ELH ]
MISTI Bar Magnet
[ SSS | ELH ]
Tim Holtz Tonic Glass Media Mat
[ SSS | ELH ]
Gina K Connect Glue
[ SSS | GNK ]
T-Ruler
[ SSS | ELH ]
Laminator
[ AMZUS ]
Laminating Pouches
[ AMZUS ]
Anti Static Powder Bag
[ SSS | ELH ]
Hero Arts Heat Gun
[ SSS | ELH ]
Altenew Ink
[ ALTN | SSS ]
VersaMark Ink
[ SSS | ELH ]
VersaFine Onyx Black Ink
[ SSS ]
Tonic Blending Sponges
[ SSS ]
Sizzix Big Shot Express
[ SSS | AMZUS ]
Spellbinders Embossing Mat
[ SSS ]
Lucy’s Cards Soft Snowball Pearls
[ SSS ]
Black Nuvo Drops
[ SSS ]


Leave a Comment

479 thoughts on “Watercolor for Non-Watercolorers + GIVEAWAY”

  1. The new Altenew watercolor set seems like a wonderful set. The price seems very reasonable, the assortment of colors is amazing and the quality seems to be terrific. Would love the chance to win a set!

    Your videos are always so amazing in your creativity and your ability to break it down and explain it in very simple steps. I always love looking at your amazing creations and am always awed at the new techniques that you are always coming up with.

  2. I love to watercolor! May not be very good at it, but simple watercoloring it great, just to add color is great. I’ve been learning to make flowers, ha! Mixing isn’t the easiest so I’ve stayed away from that, but as they say, practice makes perfect!! 🙂 .

  3. Loving your cards and this new watercolor set. I do love to watercolor, I find it relaxing and also a very forgiving medium.

  4. I love your cards Jennifer! I love the look of watercolors but find them uniquely challenging! Still, I would love to win this set and continue to learn more.

    Thanks so much!
    Catrina

  5. I, too, am a watercolor novice so I really loved your technique using these awesome paints. All your cards were gorgeous. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration and techniques.

  6. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and your tips. Your cards are so beautiful and inspiring. I keep working on my watercoloring and I so appreciate your ideas. Thanks

  7. Your cards are so amazing and inspirational. I am new to paper crafting, and I can’t wait to try this technique.

  8. Even though I already watercolor, I love your tips and use of color. Perfect for the type of cards I want to do.
    Thanks.

  9. Hi Jennifer! I can’t tell you if I like to watercolor with the paper crafting water brushes and water colors of today because I haven’t tried it. Yet. I remember trying it with the tiny ?camel hair? brushes of yesterday and it was a disaster to put it mildly. I’m so glad to hear your recommendation on these for those who don’t water color normally. I believe that’s me. Every single one of your cards is amazing!!! Thanks for your honesty and inspiration 🙂

  10. Hi Jennifer,
    How much I enjoyed watercolor, I’m not an expert, but this easy technique I can manage to do!
    Thanks for sharing your knowledge!!
    Blessings!!

  11. Your cards are lovely as always. I like the tilt method you used on the first card. I shall be trying that soon!

  12. I do like to watercolor; however, I don’t have any “real” experience with it. I really appreciate this video and the simplicity of the directions. As always, your cards are beautiful and inspiring. Thanks!

  13. Thank you for these great tutorials. I love playing with watercolours and your examples are very inspiring. I love the clean, fresh look your cards have. Can’t wait to have a go!

  14. Wow , so many great techniques used on your cards! I love your “simple” watercoloring”. I have watercolor pencils and distress inks so far and I appreciate all of the background interest you achieved with dies and stencils. Will try all of these great ideas with those to start. Thanks for sharing all of the links.

  15. Just getting back to cards after a long break and watercolour is the first medium I am playing with. I love this set so I am glad you joined the hop or I wouldn’t have found out out about them. You make everything look so easy and your cards are great!

  16. I’m new to water coloring, but I really like my altenew inks. I’m leaning toward these watercolors for my next purchase!!
    Patonslake

  17. Loved this video! You always have great ideas! Is there any way we could get a copy of the color chart you put in the lid of your watercolor box?

  18. I love all your cards Jennifer! I love the watercolor look but never have much success with it. This video has made me want to try again. Thanks for the inspiration ☺

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *