Stamped Watercolor

[stampwilly]

Here is an easy and fun technique that I played with over the weekend.

Stamp solid images randomly on watercolor paper using dye based inks. I used Distress inks.
Spritz with water and let the colors bleed. Depending on how much you spritz determines how much the images bleed.
Let dry.

Stampwilly

Here is the link to the pictures -- http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=421#top_display_media

[howdyheidi]

Great idea to make a whole background using this technique!  As I said in the gallery, I have used this before, but not for a whole background.

[howdyheidi]

Did you let yours air dry or use a heat gun?

[stampwilly]

I blotted a little with a paper towel and let them air dry. You can also heat them if you want.

Stampwilly

[howdyheidi]

Thank you.  I was using this technique today.  I did notice how sometimes, colors were blending and getting muddy, just a bit.  I decided to use my heat gun, but I think that blotting those areas off may work better and get a more watercolory look.  I will try it. 

You can see one of my backgrounds in this card I did for KIAE.

Also, here is a background I did not use yet. (attached)

I want to try this more to see if I can get a background that will work for a Christmas card.  I think spring and autumn is easier, but I at least want to try.

Thanks for posting this technique.  I am enjoying it.

[howdyheidi]

PS, I was able to do a Christmas background. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. 

[Looser]

I just love techniques that are simple and allow you to play! Big TY for sharing it, Willy. Great pix from you & Heidi.

One thing I want to try is stamping, misting & drying each color before adding the next one. I want to see if/how this might affect the bleeding.  I know the mist will re-activate the already dried color, but guessing it might be different than activating all of them at one time.

Another thing I want to explore is color choices. With the possibility of color-mixing, I want to see what various combinations produce.

Gonna have me some fun!

And ITA that Distress Inks are great 'bleeders'!

[howdyheidi]

I agree about the simple techniques being really fun to play with.

About the inks, I think if you want a less bleeded look, you may want to use another ink rather than distress.  Or it might be fun to use distress and regular dye ink in combination. 

The color combination might be tricky, as I saw some muddiness in my trials.

[yellowcherrios]

I love the butterfly BG Heidi--absolutely gorgeous!

I am loving the results everyone is showing!  I hope to try this soon!

[lovepug2]

Thanks for sharing this! I love this technique but I haven't used smaller images. I wanna play around with this some later!

Love the examples you an Heidi shared!

[stampwilly]

Heidi, I love your card! It turned out great.

Daniel, thanks for trying some different approaches. Can't wait to see your results!

Stampwilly