Sepia-Toned Leaf Design Card with Watercolour

A project from our live show Stamping Techniques - Invisible Ink Pads - Light and Shade Design - Watercolour Techniques 22ND Dec 21 · 22/12/2021 · watch it from 2:15

A simple yet striking card using invisible ink paper with pre-printed sepia-toned leaf designs. You add transparent watercolour on top to reveal instant light and shade effects without needing artistic skill.

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Step by step

1. Remove one design sheet from the invisible ink paper pad, choosing one with large leaf elements. ▶ watch 2:15
2. Mix a single shade of green watercolour on your palette with water. ▶ watch 2:45
3. Paint the first leaf by laying down the green watercolour, following the sepia-toned guide underneath. ▶ watch 3:15
4. Paint the second leaf with the same green, observing how the two-tone sepia underneath creates instant dimension. ▶ watch 4:00
5. Paint the third leaf, noting how areas without sepia tone appear as simple green stems. ▶ watch 5:00
6. Allow the watercolour to dry, watching as the sepia tone pushes through to create natural light and shade. ▶ watch 5:30

Tips from the show

• You do not have to be an artist; the sepia-toned image underneath guides you and pushes through the transparent watercolour.
• As the paint dries and water evaporates, the sepia underneath will shine through, giving you light and shade automatically.
• For more creativity later, you can add darker shades of green or highlights by going back in with your brush.

More from this show

• Slimline Watercolour Card with Splats and Sequins
• Mounted Wreath Card with Sentiment and Sparkles

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