Today I’m sharing 2 simple watercolour background ideas using the So Refreshing bundle from the 2023-2024 annual Stampin’ Up! catalogue.
For these techniques I’d recommend using watercolour paper, or if you have any, our retired Shimmer White card stock. Because we are adding significant moisture to the paper, our basic white, regular or thick, don’t work well.
For this first card, we are going to use the widest water painter and add three stripes across it. I did a stripe in Pretty Peacock, one in Lost Lagoon and one in Lemon Lolly. This colour combination is fabulous! It’s such a simple way to create a background.
I left space between the three stripes because I wanted each one to have a cluster at the end but you could add additional stripes in between. I’m thinking Daffodil Delight after the Lemon Lolly and then Pool Party, Lost Lagoon and Pretty Peacock.
Measurements:
- Thick White: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
- Inked Botanicals DSP: 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ and 1/2″ x 4-1/4″ for inside
- Watercolour Paper: 3-3/4″ x 5″
- Basic White: 2-3/4″ x 4-1/4″ for stamping
- Pool Party: 2″ x 2″
- Lost Lagoon: 2″ x 2″
- Old Olive: 1″ x 1″
- White Twine: 6″
- Pastel Gems: x2
For the second card, I did a watercolour wash technique. To create this background, add a layer of water to your paper and then add your watered down colour. Ensuring that your colour is watered down, and having your paper wet, will help the ink spread better and avoid brush marks.
Measurements:
- Pretty Peacock: 5-1/2″ x 8-1/2″
- Basic White: 4″ x 5-1/4″ (inside) and 2-3/4″ x 4-1/4″ for stamping
- Watercolour Paper: 3-1/4″ x 5″
- Lost Lagoon: 2-3/4″ x 2-3/4″
- Lemon Lolly: 1-1/2″ x 5″
- Inked Botanicals DSP: 3/4″ x 4″
- Herringbone Ribbon: 10″ (separated)
Here’s a video where I walk you through making both of these cards.
If you’re looking for more ideas using this fun summertime bundle, there’s still time to register for the So Refreshing class to go. Find all the details here.
Until next time,

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