Watercolour Stencil Resist Card with Bleached Stars and Hearts

A project from our live show CREATE TOGETHER CLUB CHAPTER 3 - SHOW 6 - Broadcast 3rd Oct 23 · 03/10/2023 · watch it from 24:30

An experimental card using reactive inks and water to create a resist technique with stencils. Colourful inks are applied randomly to watercolour card, then water and tissue are used to lift and bleach out the stencil design, creating a semi-transparent, artistic effect.

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Step by step

1. Take a piece of watercolour card stock (not chalk-based card, as it won't work well). ▶ watch 24:45
2. Apply multiple colours of reactive, water-based ink randomly across the card using a sponge or applicator, covering the whole surface. ▶ watch 25:00
3. Spray the inked card lightly with water to activate and blend the colours together. ▶ watch 26:45
4. Place your stencil on top of the wet, inky card in your chosen position. ▶ watch 27:15
5. Spray water directly onto the stencil whilst it's in place to help lift the ink from underneath. ▶ watch 27:45
6. Use a damp tissue to gently lift and bleach out the design through the stencil, creating a resist effect. ▶ watch 28:00
7. Carefully remove the stencil and allow the card to dry completely. ▶ watch 28:30
8. If the bleach effect is too subtle, use white paint or ink and a brush to enhance the stencil design and create a faux bleached look. ▶ watch 35:00

Tips from the show

• Use watercolour card stock for this technique, not chalk-based card, as chalk absorbs the ink and water too quickly and prevents the lift.
• Pre-wet the card with water before applying ink to help the colours activate and blend smoothly.
• If the bleach technique doesn't work as planned, you can recover the card by painting over the design with white to create a halo effect.

More from this show

• Triple Embossed Heart Card with Mixed Metallics

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