CLICK HERE to list all videos in this series.
Welcome to the third card in my series! Today I’m using distress markers to color my Spring Flowers. If you are just starting out with watercolor, distress markers are a great medium to learn with. You can apply the color where you want it, then spread it with water. Here is the card:
I added some black enamel accents to the center of each flower. Here is a close-up:
The up-close photos really show you how imperfect watercolor generally looks. You’re probably better at watercoloring than you think you are!
In the video, I show a cute set I got for under $3. I forgot to tell you what it is… it’s Random Act of Cardness by Technique Tuesday. Isn’t it so cute?
It’s not too late to play along! Simon Says Stamp is offering $5 off your order when you purchase the set – use code darlene at checkout.
I hope you are enjoying the series. One more left! I decided to use Zig watercolor markers for the final card, but then I changed my mind and went in a different direction. Stay tuned to find out. 🙂
Enjoy the video!
Card Measurements:
| Element | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Watercolor panel | 3 3/4 x 4 1/4 inches | 9.5 x 10.8 cm |
| Sentiment strip | 3/8 inch | 1 cm |
| Card base | 4 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches | 10.8 x 14 cm |
Supplies:
To purchase at Ellen Hutson, click the EH link. To purchase at Simon Says Stamp, click the SSS link.
Distress Markers used: Twisted Citron, Salty Ocean, Squeezed Lemonade, Pine Needles, Broken China
 SSS Spring Flowers |
 Distress Markers AMZN|BLSY |
 SSS Circle Sayings |
 Random Act of Cardness S.COM|SSS |
 Black Enamel Accents EH|SSS |
 Versafine Black Ink EH|SSS |
 Versamark Ink EH|SSS |
 Hero Arts White Embossing Powder EH|SSS |
 Ultra Fine Clear Powder |
 White Gel Pen EH|SSS |
 Canson Mix Media Paper BLSY|AMZN |
 Neenah Cardstock EH|SSS |
 Black Cardstock |
 Ranger Artist Brushes EH|SSS |
 Absorber |
 ATG Tape Runner EH|SSS |
Connie
I love everything about this card. To watercolor with Distress markers is easy and effective. I am glad you chose to use them because I’ve been neglecting my markers for a while. The black enamel accents really set off the flowers too. I’m going to have to get some in black and white. Could you please provide the links to other. Area where you’ve used the enamel accents on other cards?
Andrea
Connie, if you can get them for a good price where you are, you might look into the Nuvo Crystal Drops. I just price-checked on Simon Says Stamp, and you get twice as much product as Enamel Accents for the same amount of money. I haven’t tried them myself yet, but I’ve seen Nina-Marie Trapani demonstrate them on YouTube, and she said they hold up really well. You can also drop that onto a non-stick craft mat, let it dry, and make your own enamel dots. If you apply them directly to paper, Nina said that if you try to remove the dried dot, you will tear the paper–that’s how well it sticks. I’ve got one of the Jewel Drops, but like I said, haven’t used it just yet. 🙂 ~ Andrea
Connie
Thanks Andrea. I can get the Nuvo Crystal Drops in black and so I’ll get some to try. The enamel accents are hard to come by over here.
Darlene DeVries
Hi Connie. I’ve used them on this card (for the eyes) and on this card (for the flower centers). There are a few others you can find by typing “enamel accents” into the search box (link HERE for your convenience).
Connie
Thanks Darlene.
jpklehm
This is such a pretty card, Darlene! I’m really enjoying this series. It’s funny…just about the time I think I don’t need to add to my Distress Marker set because I rarely use them, I see a wonderful video that inspires me to use them again! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
jsupport
Love this card! I really like this flower stamp and couldn’t figure out how to add it with the others. Oh goodness, just use it alone, duh! I really like your instructions for random stamping and adding the grey background is simply brilliant for highlighting the flowers. Thanks again!
Bertie
Love the card. I don’t have distress markers so I would have to improvise. Thank you for sharing this technique.
LJ
Lovely card, will work on one this evening. Thank you Darlene!
Valshim
Love this card. You have given us so many ideas as to how to use this stamp set in many different ways. Thanks so much!
Teresa S
Favorite card of the series thus far. Love the colors. I don’t have distress markers yet, but see I need to save up money. Would love to learn more about watercoloring and you make it look extremely easy….. thank you for breaking down the techniques in an easy to follow manner!
Dayse
Loving this series, the colour combos are endless with distress markers but inks would work the same too. I’d love to try this with my zigs and Bristol paper, I’ve heard the blending is smooth as butter. I’m interested to see what you use for your last medium if you’ve decided against zigs. Can not wait x
Becka
I enjoyed the video on this watercolor technique. It is always fun to watch you pull a card together. This one will be a nice addition to your already wonderful gallery. Speaking of which, I just want to take a moment to say that I appreciate your gallery. I’m glad you keep everything on line for easy referral. It is very helpful. I sometimes go way back to review a technique. Thanks.
Darlene DeVries
Thanks for taking the time to let me know, Becka. I appreciate it! 🙂
Carol Mac
What? Not using the zigs next…awwww….oh well, I eagerly await your next technique! I like the black soot as the background!
Cheryl
Love this card – very cute! When I get my stamp set, I’m definitely going to make this card.
jennyjo88
Pretty card! Also, thanks for the tip on how to handle older enamel accents 🙂
Glenismaree
I really like this card. The colours, the simplicity of it appeals. Why does everything you do look so simple Darlene???
My husband lost his sight (12% left in one eye) just before Xmas and life has changed dramatically but we decided life still goes on and we are off on a cruise from Australia to New Zealand for 12 nights one week from today so I will miss your videos and our little chats so will catch up on 10th February. Keep Smiling …. Glenis
Darlene DeVries
Hi Glenis. I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s eyesight, but I love your attitude. I hope you have a fantastic trip!!
Glenismaree
Thanks Darlene. See you soon.
MelanieR
Such a pretty card, Darlene! Thank you – I am really enjoying this series.
swimbikerunat60
Darlene, I love the Versafine Black Onix ink heat embossed with clear embossing powder for some water color projects, like you said, the little raised edge on the image, keeps your colors from running into each other.
Beautiful card, love the tip about repeated stamping, makes perfect sense to start in the middle.
I wanted to ask you if there is a difference between the Zig Brush Markers and the Tim Holtz Distress Markers, as I was watching the video, it looks like this markers don’t have a brush tip?
I was also wondering if you’ll ever consider trying the Prismacolor pencil/paper stumps/baby oil technique, I’ve used it for my cards and it’s truly beautiful and so easy, specially to get shadowing and dimension on your images.
Thank you for another fabulous video.
Big hugs,
Maria.
Brenda L.
Love how this card turned out Darlene, so pretty! It is amazing all the looks you get from this one stamp set! Love it! Hugs, Brenda