Finishing Card Sets

I have been a bit focused on getting some of the card fronts I'd previously watercolored to finished cards.  These two cards are some of that effort.  I had colored these white embossed images with Brusho watercolor crystals months back and they went into the stash.  Now, I've finished them simply with some Prima Oil Pastels around the edge.  I used a baby wipe to run along the edge and activate the oil pastel.

These cards represent a bit of a departure from my usual style and other than some inital hesitation, I'm pleased with how the cards finally turned out.

More Techniques with Brushos Watercolor Crystals

I am back today to share more of my photos of card fronts I created using my new (to me) Brushos watercolor crystals.  For this first one, I stamped an image in black Archival ink onto Strathmore watercolor paper.  Then, I applied water strategically, sprinkling the Brushos into the water.  the different colors had to be applied one at a time, so this technique was far more time consuming.




The stamping onto the watercolor paper is a little less artful - the texture causes unevenness to the stamped image.  At first, I didn't like how this turned out, but I like it a lot more after living with it.  You can see the vivid nature of the Brushos in the purple surrounding the butterfly.  It is even more bright and cheery in person.

For this next couple of card fronts, I embossed the flower and swirls with white embossing powder onto the watercolor paper.  I used the same technique - applied water to the areas I wanted the color and then sprinkled the Brushos into the space.

I found that the embossing kept the coloring edge a little cleaner, though I played a bit on the swirls by applying water around the embossing.  The water wanted to travel with the embossed edge and so it created a watercolor look that I am surprised how much I enjoy them.

In this last one, I used my Distress markers to add a little definition to the center of the flower.  I think it really worked well.  You can see I've been having a fair amount of fun with the Brusho watercolor crystals.  I am really pleased to have added this tool to my stash and would highly recommend them to anyone willing to play around.  They don't spring out of the box with nearly finished projects - I had to play around a bit to get these finished projects.  However, the colors and the possibilities are endless.  I will say - the price has come down $10 since I bought my set so it seems as though the time is now if you've been thinking about it!  Either way, I hope you are inspired to get your watercolors out and give it a go!

ETA:  I've linked up with Simon Says Stamp's Wednesday Challenge Simon Says Make It Colorful and Word Art Wednesday's Challenge Challenge #199 - Anything Goes/Family.  Come join the fun.