avocado
Junior Member
Posts: 90
May 29, 2018 15:58:54 GMT
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Post by avocado on May 31, 2018 15:59:46 GMT
I am trying to use some more artsy techniques in my cards and have seen two things I want to try but am not sure how to do. The first is a watercolored background, like this:  The second is paint splatters, like this:  How are these done? I guess the first is done with different watercolors and mixing them randomly to get that effect? With paint splatters, is there a better way than just flicking a paintbrush with paint on it? Whenever I try this, the splatter isn't very controlled and it ends up all over the place. I feel like maybe I am doing it all wrong and there's something I'm missing! |
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Post by brenda89 on May 31, 2018 19:18:33 GMT
They are probably done just like you think, and the area is a giant mess that we can't see.  I would say just practice on scratch paper (really watercolor paper would be best for the top background) until you get the hang of it. And let it dry, they always look uglier when wet (at least to me). The top card looks like they water colored the background and let it dry, then did some splatters with more concentrated color. |
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amypeach1978
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Post by amypeach1978 on May 31, 2018 19:25:45 GMT
The top card looks like it was possibly done with the "ink smooshing" technique (google it, there are lots of examples for how to do it). As far as splatters, it does generally go everywhere, but you can mask off areas on your card where you don't want to to go by using post - it tape, masking paper, or even just by putting a solid object on your card to block the splatters from going where you don't want them to go.
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on May 31, 2018 19:28:20 GMT
Yes to what brenda89 said. The top one is probably watercolor paints or distress inks on watercolor paper. I usually use Canson XL Coldpress Watercolor paper (the blue cover) although I think the new "best" is Arches Coldpress. I haven't tried this one. I also use Ranger if I can get it on sale or with a coupon. Use a lot of water so the edges aren't hard. Check out videos from Kristina Werner. She watercolors a lot. The second one could either be tapped with a brush, or flicked with your fingers. Iv'e also ran my finger over the bristles of a toothbrush. That technique gets messy, but I like the fine drops. To keep the splatters contained I have an Amazon box that is the perfect size that I do all my splattering and spraying in. |
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avocado
Junior Member
Posts: 90
May 29, 2018 15:58:54 GMT
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Post by avocado on May 31, 2018 19:56:27 GMT
Thanks for the replies brenda89 , amypeach1978 , and @giantsfan! I don't know why I didn't think to mask off the sections I didn't want splattering in. Smart idea to use a box to contain the mess too. I will check out "ink smooshing" and the watercolor papers you suggested! |
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Post by brenda89 on May 31, 2018 21:02:01 GMT
And I agree with GiantsFan check YouTube for Kristina Werner. And that should link you to others along the same line. Or search for water color cards. |
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Post by gale w on May 31, 2018 21:27:28 GMT
Laura Bassen is also good at the ink smooshing technique. I like her method of using transparent sheets to do it. I'm kind of ocd so it's hard for me to make these kinds of artsy backgrounds.
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avocado
Junior Member
Posts: 90
May 29, 2018 15:58:54 GMT
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Post by avocado on May 31, 2018 21:41:47 GMT
Thank you, I will check these ladies out! I'm kind of OCD too but want to get out of my rut. |
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Post by joblackford on Jun 1, 2018 0:58:55 GMT
You can also use an acyclic block smooshed with ink and water to control the spread of the color. And some people flick ink splatters from the block too. Maybe that's Laura Bassen too? Once you start YouTubing ink smooshing techniques you'll get more suggestions.
I would definitely use a box to contain the mess. I learned the hard way how far tiny droplets can splatter...
For a more controlled application you can also do some ink blending on watercolor paper and then spritz it fairly liberally with water to get the watercolor-y movement/look. I think Jenn McGuire showed that method. I liked it for rainbow/galaxy backgrounds where I didn't want things to get too muddy. Good for control freaks and people who want specific colors in specific parts of the background.
ETA: drying between layers is important. I got some blah backgrounds at first because I didn't dry things enough in between. At least with oxide inks, you'll get more definition of colors and splotches if you dry each layer and then add more on top.
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avocado
Junior Member
Posts: 90
May 29, 2018 15:58:54 GMT
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Post by avocado on Jun 1, 2018 5:21:32 GMT
You can also use an acyclic block smooshed with ink and water to control the spread of the color. And some people flick ink splatters from the block too. Maybe that's Laura Bassen too? Once you start YouTubing ink smooshing techniques you'll get more suggestions. I would definitely use a box to contain the mess. I learned the hard way how far tiny droplets can splatter... For a more controlled application you can also do some ink blending on watercolor paper and then spritz it fairly liberally with water to get the watercolor-y movement/look. I think Jenn McGuire showed that method. I liked it for rainbow/galaxy backgrounds where I didn't want things to get too muddy. Good for control freaks and people who want specific colors in specific parts of the background. ETA: drying between layers is important. I got some blah backgrounds at first because I didn't dry things enough in between. At least with oxide inks, you'll get more definition of colors and splotches if you dry each layer and then add more on top. Thanks for the tips! I'm going to try it this weekend. |
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I would say just practice on scratch paper (really watercolor paper would be best for the top background) until you get the hang of it. And let it dry, they always look uglier when wet (at least to me). The top card looks like they water colored the background and let it dry, then did some splatters with more concentrated color.
