A project from our live show THE BRAND NEW LAUNCH - Join Toni in her UK Studios - Broadcast 23rd July 2026 · 23/07/2026 · watch it from 51:45

Reflection Collection Tomorrow Card with Painted Background - the finished project — The finished project

Create a romantic scene card featuring elegant swans on water with beautiful reflections and foliage. This project uses watercolour painting to create a soft blue background, then layers stamps from the Tomorrow reflection collection to build depth and atmosphere. The built-in reflection effect in the stamps creates a realistic water scene without extra work, framed with dark reeds and foliage for a striking finished piece.

You will need

TV - A5 Reflection Stamp - Tomorrow - 140422GSEE IT

Wow! Ultimate Embossing Ink Pad - 180726ASEE IT

Stamps By Me - Premium Pigment Ink Pure White - Cotton - 121022MSEE IT

DOWNLOAD THIS GUIDE (PDF)

Step by step

Place your A5 watercolour card stock on your craft mat. Using a flat brush, apply blue ink across the card to create the background for your scene.
▶ watch this step (52:00)
Spray the inked card with water and blend the blue ink using horizontal brush strokes, working from light at the top to darker at the bottom. If white spaces appear, leave them to add interest to the background.
▶ watch this step (52:30)
Use a heat tool to dry the painted background completely. Move the heat tool over the entire surface until the paint is fully dry.
▶ watch this step (53:00)
Position the swan stamp from the Tomorrow collection on the upper portion of your prepared background card. Stamp the image using black pigment ink, placing the swans where they will appear to be sitting in the water.
▶ watch this step (59:00)
Using black ink, stamp the water reflection lines below the swans to create the illusion of ripples and depth in the water.
▶ watch this step (59:45)
Stamp the foliage silhouette in black ink on the left side of the card to frame the swans. Position the stamp to create a natural border alongside the water scene.
▶ watch this step (1:01:45)
Stamp additional foliage in green ink on the right side of the water area, moving the stamp slightly between impressions to create texture and layering.
▶ watch this step (1:02:30)
Use the orange ink pad to add colour to the swans' beaks. Add a hint of orange to the reflection below each beak.
▶ watch this step (1:04:45)
Using a white ink pad, layer white ink over the swans to bring them forward and create contrast against the blue background. This adds depth and makes the swans stand out.
▶ watch this step (1:05:30)
Apply clear glue in random lines across the water area of the card. Sprinkle clear sparkles over the glue to create shimmer when dry.
▶ watch this step (1:07:00)

Tips from the show

You can use normal card stock for this technique, but watercolour card stock gives a smoother blend.
The packet provides a reference image to guide you on stamp placement and layering.
Use clean water and a clean brush to lift colour out if you make a mistake, creating highlights in the water.

Reflection Collection Tomorrow Card with Painted Background

You will need

Step by step

Tips from the show

More from this show