Quick & Easy: 3 Watercolor Techniques in Card Making

Are you looking to add a gorgeous watercolor effect to your stamped images? The Framed Scenes Bundle is perfect for creating beautifully detailed designs, and with the right techniques, you can achieve a stunning watercolor-inspired look effortlessly. Today, I’m sharing three creative techniques that will give your stamped scenes that soft, artistic flair. These easy watercolor techniques for card making will help you create beautiful handmade cards with a professional, artistic touch. Let’s dive in!

Three Easy Watercolor Techniques

1. Water-Based Ink with a Blender Pen

This technique is perfect for effortless blending! Stamp your image using water-based ink, such as Tuxedo Black Momento. Next, use a Blender Pen with your Classic Ink Pads to softly blend colors creating a watercolor effect. The Blender Pen allows you to pull and distribute the color for a seamless gradient, making your images look hand-painted. This method is a great example of techniques for watercolor in card making that can elevate your designs.

In the card, below, I dabbed ink from my ink pads onto an acrylic block. I then used a Blender Pen to spread the ink out before applying colors to my stamped image.

Key Points:

• Work in small sections to prevent the ink from drying too quickly before you blend.
• Clean the tip of the Blender Pen when changing colors. Lightly roll or wipe the sides of the tip on scrap paper or a paper towel to remove the ink. When the tip wipes clean, you are ready to go!

2. Direct Watercoloring with a Water-Painter or Brush

For a true watercolor look, stamp your image on watercolor paper using a waterproof ink such as StazOn. Then, use a Water-Painter or a fine brush with water to apply dye inks or watercolor pencils. This technique allows for beautiful shading and dimension. It’s one of the most easy watercolor techniques for card making because it gives you full control over color intensity and blending. Exploring different watercolor techniques in your card making can lead to more impressive results.

In the card below, I colored the stamped image using the Stampin’ Up! Classic Ink Pads with a watercolor brush and a small amount of water.

Key Point: 

• Use light layers, letting each one dry before adding more color to create depth and prevent over-saturation.

3. Watercolor Pencils with a Blender Pen

Watercolor pencils offer precise coloring with the magic of watercolor effects! Color your stamped image lightly with watercolor pencils, then use a Blender Pen to activate and soften the pigments. This technique gives you more control over shading while maintaining a painted appearance. If you’re looking for easy watercolor techniques for card making, this is a great beginner-friendly option! Trying different watercolor techniques in your card making helps to refine your skills.

In the card below, I applied color to the stamped image using Stampin’ Up! Watercolor Pencils. I then used light, wispy strokes with a Blender Pen to blend my colors.

Key Point: 

• Start with a light hand and build up color gradually for a smooth blend.

Final Thoughts:

The Framed Scenes Bundle pairs beautifully with watercolor techniques, helping you achieve an elegant, hand-painted effect with ease. Whether you love the effortless blending of inks with a Blender Pen, the fluidity of Direct Watercoloring, or the precision of Watercolor Pencils with a Blender Pen, these easy watercolor techniques for card making will elevate your crafting projects. Experimenting with different card making watercolor techniques can lead to discovering new favorite methods.

For a step-by-step guide on these three easy watercolor techniques, be sure to watch the video tutorial where I demonstrate each method in action!

Give them a try and let me know which one is your favorite! Share your creations using

Supply List

Stay Up To Date

If you are looking for some inspiration and ideas for crafting, 2-3 free downloadable tutorials per week, and staying up-to-date on Stampin’ Up! products and news, sign up to receive my weekly newsletter. You can find the sign-up form either in the right-hand column of each post, the bottom of each page, or on my “Home” Page. Whether it’s new ideas or a simple fun fold card, you’ll stay inspired.

Do you want to be notified when I publish a new post? If so, subscribe to my blog for updates on new posts showcasing a variety of projects. You can find this at the bottom of the “Home” Page.

Earn a free stamp set/supplies when you purchase from me using my current Host Code which can be found in the right-hand column of the page. Keep up-to-date on Stampin’ Up! Promotions and Specials.