QUICK LINKS

info@howtocraftnetwork.com
We just got smarter - shop and watch with the SBM appGET THE APPWatch us live on your smart TVSEE HOWDiscover our dedicated IPTV channel - go to my-telly.comWATCHCollect loyalty points on every orderFIND OUT MORE
Welcome to the How to Craft Network
 
SBM SHOP
FOLLOW US
GIVE YOUR FRIENDS £10 OFF REFER A FRIEND › DISCOVER MY-TELLY.COM › WE JUST GOT SMARTER GET THE APP › AWARD WINNING CHANNEL ON YOUR TV › JOIN THE CLUB FOR SAVINGS ›
 
As seen on the show · step by step

Mystical Watercolour Card with Aurora Background

A project from our live show STUDIO 3 - INDUSTRY NEWS - Join Toni for her latest updates - broadcast 13th April · 13/04/2022

Create a magical card featuring stamped books, paintbrush and stacked presents with a mystical aurora borealis-style watercolour background. The design uses layered watercolours, ink blending, oil pencil shading and white gel pen details to create depth and a night-sky effect.

12steps
14:15in the show
Step 1 of 12

Step by step

Tap “watch” to see each step being made
  1. 1

    Stamp the books and paintbrush design onto watercolour card using black waterproof ink, stamping three times to ensure good coverage on the textured card.

    ▶ watch this step 15:30
  2. 2

    Spray the watercolour card with water using a spritz bottle, keeping the spray away from the stamped image.

    ▶ watch this step 18:30
  3. 3

    Apply watercolour paint in blues, teals, purples, fuchsia and green around the stamped image, allowing the colours to blend naturally on the wet card.

    ▶ watch this step 19:45
  4. 4

    Spray the card again with water and tip it upside down to allow the watercolour to flow and create the aurora effect down the page.

    ▶ watch this step 21:00
  5. 5

    Paint the stamped books, paintbrush and jar with watercolour in warm yellows, oranges and reds, leaving some white paper showing for highlights.

    ▶ watch this step 26:30
  6. 6

    Apply dark ink pad colours around the edges of the card using a blending brush to add depth and make the background more mystical.

    ▶ watch this step 35:45
  7. 7

    Spray the inked edges with water and move the card to encourage the colours to flow and blend together.

    ▶ watch this step 38:30
  8. 8

    Add ink splats to the wet background by flicking colour onto the card whilst covering the main image with a piece of card to protect it.

    ▶ watch this step 42:15
  9. 9

    Use oil pastel pencils to add dimension to the books by colouring the outer edges whilst leaving a halo of watercolour in the centre, creating a 3D effect.

    ▶ watch this step 44:00
  10. 10

    Add white gel pen highlights down the spines of the books to make them pop from the page.

    ▶ watch this step 52:15
  11. 11

    Draw white gel pen stars across the background by drawing a cross, filling in the centre, and adding four small flicks to create a magical night-sky effect.

    ▶ watch this step 54:15
  12. 12

    Draw a wiggly border around the edge of the card using a fine liner pen, turning the artwork as you go to keep the lines consistent.

    ▶ watch this step 58:00

Tips from the show

You made it!

Share your make with the Stamps By Me community - and keep this guide for next time.

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly · the previous layout