Watercolor Rose Frame
by Jeanne Jachna
Jeanne here today! I recently saw a video made by Dave Brethauer the owner of Poppystamps called "Threaded Cards" (you can see it here). He used the same die I used today and added watercolor inlay to the Rose Frame die cut. Inlaid dies are smooth and expensive looking, but they're also very time consuming. The video got me thinking of other ways to add color to dies without all the extra effort.
I tried a few different techniques. First I embossed a piece of watercolor paper with the Rose Frame die. This created a panel that had clearly marked die outlines but it wasn't smooth. When I water colored it I found the water didn't absorb evenly into the paper and when my project was dry I found lots of white spots where paint never touched. For my second attempt I die cut the Rose Frame with a piece of water color paper. Because the paper is thicker than regular card stock, and this die is very intricate it didn't cut out the die. This normally would make me a little upset - I'd toss the panel and cut it again with a metal shim to get a clean cut, but for this project the sticky pieces were just what I was looking for. NOTE: Another way to keep your die pieces from cutting all the way through is to add a piece of packaging tape to the back of your card stock before die cutting. The die won't cut through the packaging tape. I use Scotch 3M Packaging Tape.
The die cut stays completely smooth allowing the water to absorb evenly and I the die cut image is easy to see. This technique is wonderful because you don't have to be absolutely precise about your coloring - and you can color the different areas quickly.
I topped the watercolor panel with a clean white Rose Frame die cut and a Pointed Square Frame.
The Pointed Square Frame gives the piece a finished look. The final dimensions on this card are 4.5" square.
This technique gives you the clean look of inlay without all the little pieces to insert.
The finished card reminds me of colorful leaded glass. I hope you give it a try some time!
Finished Size 4.5 x 4.5"
Supplies
Comments
Such a beautiful card, Jeanne! Love the watercolors panel and the top layer die cut. They are perfect.
Beautiful card!
This DOES make me think of leaded glass too, Jeanne! AND it also has a retro feel to it with the bright colors! A TOTALLY SUPER IDEA to cut the time on this card!!! (I LOOOOOVE this die & thankfully HAVE IT! LOL) ;) THANKS JEANNE!!! ;)
Wonderful, bright promise of Spring! Thank you for all the tips! I do love the inlaid technique but it can be time consuming like you mentioned so this is a beautiful "short cut"!
So bright and beautiful!!
Hi Jeanne, Brilliant tips here, your card is gorgeous and I would have tried your first attempt too. Very effective !!
Lots of love from Patricia xx
Beautiful!! thanks for all the great tips, love the coloring!
Gorgeous, Jeanne! :)
such a pretty card Jeanne brightened my day especially on a day like to day as its dull and wet here in the uk, so thank you for making me smile.
That rose frame has definitely caught my interest. Well done.
Stunning!! I was wondering how I could "easily" color/paint an intricate die like this. Thank you for coming up with the technique!!!
Another beautiful card! I've added your blog to my reading list. I can tell this will be dangerous to my wallet.