Growing In Unity Day Three

Today, I chose to create a watercolor background wash with designs and used a Prima Wild and Free paper as inspiration. I had only planned to do one card... and ended up with 4 because I didn’t care for the first 3, but, I used them anyway! I used the You Are Forever Beautiful Kit and ended up combining it with sentiments from Hanging Botanicals, the 6/19 SMAK kit and a grab bag. The background stamps used were from the 12/18 SMAK kit, Make Today kit, Vintage Ledger and a background stamp from an older KOTM Kit.

So, as I stated, I tried this 4 times, changing up what I did each time to fix my issues and when I wasn’t satisfied, started up the next. I started the first 3 by stamping the image in red, then, in black and then, in brown archival inks and finally adding a color wash using a combo of Distress and Oxide inks. The last card I started by color washing the whole paper and stamping the image after... I finally learned it was easier to do when the image is busier. I painted the flowers on the first 2 using distress inks and Prima Metallic watercolors. I wasn’t happy with the metallic colors and had to darken the edges again with pens. In painting the 3rd image, I wasn’t happy with the paper I chose. On the first 3, I highlighted or low lighted around the images with either brown paint or watercolor pencils or white watercolor paint to highlight the flowers. Finally, I added the background stamp to each card. I decided to mount each one with minimal fuss, sometimes using the Prima paper, feeling the “Don’t give up just yet.” sentiment that I used on one. Made a tag and fussy cut a bouquet for another. 

Frustrated and having a hard time sleeping after that, I decided to try one more time. Used much better paints and watercolor paper. I really wanted to create a special birthday card for a very special friend’s birthday (from grammar school). She’s been struggling a bit so included a special message from the Your Life is Your Story Kit and another grab bag sentiment. I used the Prima paper for the background and even fussy cut one of the roses out. I am very pleased with how this one turned out and hope she likes it too!

Well, what can I say, if you don’t succeed, try, try again! Can you spell stubborn? I included the fails as I know we’ve all been there, but I think they still might be okay in a pinch! On to another option for tomorrow. Remember to comment on each day’s entry for a chance to win a Unity Grab Bag!