Watercolor Flowers + Lovely Grunge Layers for Encouragement Cards {VIDEO}

Hello! I have a sweet set of cards to share using two beautiful new stamp sets from Unity Stamp Company. I used Distress Watercolor Pencils for all the coloring and kept the layouts simple with layered patterned paper and soft stenciled textures. It’s a great mix of vintage charm and easy techniques. You’ll also find a quick bonus card at the end using up some scraps.
Lots going on in today’s Assemble This Video. I’m comparing two watercoloring methods for using the Distress pencils and why I prefer one over the other. Then we’ll do all the things to assemble these cards to maximize your supplies and time. Hope you’ll join me for a little crafty time.


Assemble This! Videos are more detailed as we create this card together step-by-step. You’ll get all my tips and tricks to inspire your next card. I’d love it if you’d subscribe to my channel! You’ll be the first to know when a new tutorial goes up too. Watch on YouTube.
Featured Unity Supplies
![]() Serenity Circle USC |
![]() Inked Intention USC |
In My Thoughts, Girl USC |
![]() Scallops & Arches Dies USC |
![]() Scallops & Banners Dies USC |
![]() Hay. There. {paper} USC |
Compensated affiliate links may be used at no additional cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop using my links. Unity Stamp Company usually has a new sale almost EVERY week. Check the website for details. Stamp sets go on and off sale all the time. If it is not on sale this week, just add the stamp set to your wishlist and wait for the next sale so you get a great deal.
Card #1

This is the card that kicked it all off. It’s the most detailed of the bunch. I used the Serenity Circle flower and colored it with Distress Watercolor Pencils, building up layers for a soft but bold result. In the video, I share how I approach coloring on cardstock and why I prefer one method over the other. To add a little something fun to the text background, I used a floral stencil with light modeling paste for subtle texture.
What Makes This Card Set Special:
- Soft Watercolor Vibes: Each flower is colored with Distress Watercolor Pencils for a hand-tinted look.
- Grungy Vintage Base: That background stamp gives instant texture and warmth to every card.
- Subtle Texture Layering: Light modeling paste and stenciling break up the busy background without overpowering the design.
- Thoughtful Sentiments: Every card carries a message of love or encouragement, perfect for any occasion.
Card #2

A little simpler but still so pretty. I used two postage die cut shapes layered from that gorgeous patterned paper set. The grungy text background might just be my new go-to for adding a little mood and vintage charm. A tiny paper clip and bit of string tie everything together and add just the right amount of detail without making it fussy.
Distress Watercolor Pencil colors: Mustard Seed, Fossilized Amber, Rusty Hinge, Aged Mahogany, Peeled Paint, Bundled Sage.
Card #3

Anyone else still hoarding tools from 20 years ago? I brought out a classic butterfly punch to add a sweet nostalgic touch to this one. It’s fun mixing old with new. The layout shifts everything to the side for a slightly different look that still ties into the rest of the set. As our supplies dwindle, the card get a little simpler but still oh so lovely.
You may have noticed that the stenciling looks a little different. I tinted it with a little brown ink. Which do you prefer, the white or the more muted tinted version?
Creative Tips & Techniques:
- Use Watercolor Pencils on Cardstock: No need for watercolor paper—these pencils blend beautifully with just a light hand and a little water. If you are struggling with the cardstock, just pull out your favorite watercolor paper instead. Both work lovely.
- Revisit Old Tools: Pull out those classic punches and dies—you might be surprised how fresh they still feel.
- Vary Your Layouts: Shifting your design elements from center to edge makes each card feel unique while using the same supplies.
- Scrap Smarts: Save every piece and let them inspire a bonus card. You’ll be glad you did.
Bonus Card

This came together as a way to use up the weird leftover paper scraps. I had punched all my butterflies out of the green patterned paper, so I covered those holes with a couple of torn scrap strips and used that extra flower I had already colored. This one is super simple but still sweet. It’s the kind of card you can pull together in a pinch or when you just want to use up those bits you can’t part with.
I hope these ideas spark your creativity and help you stretch your supplies even further. Whether you’re going for detailed layers or a quick and easy layout, these watercolor florals work so beautifully across styles. It’s such a satisfying way to make the most of your crafty time while still ending up with cards that feel meaningful and one-of-a-kind.
It’s Unity Birthday!
- Unity’s 17th BIRTHDAY BASH — up to 62% off stamps site wide — plus FREEBIES with purchase and lots of new supply goodies at Unity Stamp Co.
Thank you for joining me today. I sincerely hope that today’s project inspires you. If you create something, feel free to tag me, @dahlhousedesigns, on social media as I would be thrilled to see it! Plus, join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.

Supplies
Some links include affiliate links. I may receive a small commission for the referral but at no cost to you. I greatly appreciate the support should you choose to shop via my links.
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.
Discontinued Country Cowboy Stencil** {Carta Bella}
![]() Serenity Circle USC |
![]() Inked Intention USC |
In My Thoughts, Girl USC |
![]() Scallops & Arches Dies USC |
![]() Scallops & Banners Dies USC |
![]() Hay. There. {paper} USC |
![]() Neenah Desert Storm 80lb AMZ |
![]() Cream {cardstock} OTH |
Chocolate Truffle Amalgam SBC | OTH |
![]() SBC | OTH |
![]() Distress WC Pencils {sets 1-3} SBC | AMZ |
![]() Distress WC Pencils {sets 4-6} SBC | AMZ |
![]() Water Brushes AMZ |
![]() Light Modeling Paste AMZ |
Palette Knives SBC | AMZ |
![]() Mini Paper Clips SBC | AMZ |
![]() Ivory Burlap String AMZ |
![]() Butterfly Punches** AMZ |
![]() Scribbles Stencil** SBC | SSS |
Most Used Tools
![]() MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
![]() MISTI – Original – Black SB |
![]() MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
![]() White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ |
![]() Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
![]() Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
![]() Stamping Tool SB |
![]() Grip Mat 6×6 SB |
![]() Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
![]() Mini Stencil Mat** SB |
![]() Multi-Use Mat SB |
![]() Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
![]() Reverse Tweezers SB |
![]() Glossy Accents SB |
![]() Glue Bottle SB |
![]() Connect Glue SB |
![]() Blending Brushes AMZ |
![]() Mini Blending Brushes AMZ |
![]() Finger Blending Brushes AMZ |
![]() Jewel Picker AMZ |
![]() Rhinestone Pencil AMZ |
![]() Post It Note Tape AMZ |
![]() ATG Adhesive Tape AMZ |
![]() Big Shot SB |
![]() Mini Trimmer SB |
![]() White Pen AMZ |
![]() White Gel Pens SB | AMZ | EH |
![]() Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive AMZ |
![]() T rulers AMZ |
![]() 1.5″ block SB | OTH |
![]() MISTI Corners SBC | AMZ |
![]() Ink Off {stamp cleaner} USC | AMZ |

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