varadasharma
- Feb 14, 2017
- 3 min read

Background check – use watercolors to create a background

Hello my crafty friends! I am here with another installment of background check series posts. Today is idea #4.

If you are new here, a warm Namastey! :-) This month we are exploring ways to enhance the background for our card focal point. You can check out the earlier posts in this series by clicking here.

Just because of the sheer number of alternatives you have in terms of colors/color combinations and types of watercolors you use (from kids ones to professional grade, and even distress inks or die inks!), this idea is super versatile. Here’s my card using this idea:

Here are different ideas to pick a good color to watercolor the background with:

Pick a couple colors which are not used too much on your focal point and create a background using those. I did this in the card above. I picked very light shades of blue / yellow combo by picking them up from the little patterned paper strip on which my tea cups are sitting. I let these both colors blend in the center to create a little green. I did not choose pink because in addition to being on the teacup, I knew I wanted my card base to show through and that was pulling enough pink into this card.
Pick a contrasting color if most of your focal point is going to be largely using shades of a single color.
Create an ombre effect of a single color by gradually increasing the pigment or increasing the amount of water. (By the way, we will be exploring a lot more watercoloring techniques soon. Stay tuned to this space!)

Rest of this card was simply arranging all those shaped sprinkles by letting them rest on the colorful strip of paper and adding a sentiment at the top. I added a couple star confetti that also came with the kit for some fun element.

Supplies List

All supplies used on this card came in the Simon Says Stamp card kit for Feb 2017. You can subscribe to this (no obligation) card kit of the month program for $24.95 plus shipping and handling. Kits can also be purchased individually at Simon Says Stamp store for $29.95 plus Shipping and Handling. And you can also buy many of the elements of the kit separately.

This particular Simon Says Stamp card kit was sold out. But for your convenience, I am sharing links to the supplies I’ve used for these cards – click on the picture or link to go directly to the product. Wherever available, I have used affiliate links, which means when you make a purchase, I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) which I use to run this blog. I truly appreciate your support!