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

Encouragement card with yellow flower stamped image, vintage text background, subtle stencil texture, and watercolor details using Unity Stamp Company stamps and Distress Watercolor Pencils, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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.

Encouragement card with yellow flower stamped image, vintage text background, subtle stencil texture, and watercolor details using Unity Stamp Company stamps and Distress Watercolor Pencils, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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
Serenity Circle

USC
Inked Intention
Inked Intention

USC
In My Thoughts, Girl
In My Thoughts, Girl

USC
Scallops & Arches Dies
Scallops & Arches Dies

USC
Scallops & Banners Dies
Scallops & Banners Dies

USC
Hay. There. {paper}
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

Watercolor encouragement card with yellow floral stamp, layered postage die cut, stenciled background, and sentiment that reads "Taking it one day at a time is all anyone can do and you are doing great" in brown ink. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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

Handmade card featuring a tall yellow flower colored with watercolor pencils, layered over patterned paper with grungy text and soft purple stenciling, finished with a sentiment tag that says "Here for you both." Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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

Vintage-style handmade card with watercolor coneflower, soft green butterfly accents, layered torn paper pieces, and a stitched sentiment label that reads "Here for you both." Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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

Simple scrap-based handmade card with tall yellow flower, green patterned paper background, floral strip, and sentiment reading "Wishing you everything wonderful and lovely" stamped on a stitched banner. Designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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!

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
Serenity Circle

USC
Inked Intention
Inked Intention

USC
In My Thoughts, Girl
In My Thoughts, Girl

USC
Scallops & Arches Dies
Scallops & Arches Dies

USC
Scallops & Banners Dies
Scallops & Banners Dies

USC
Hay. There. {paper}
Hay. There. {paper}

USC
Neenah Desert Storm 80lb
Neenah Desert Storm 80lb

AMZ
Cream {cardstock}
Cream {cardstock}

OTH
Chocolate Truffle Amalgam
Chocolate Truffle Amalgam

SBC | OTH



SBC | OTH
Distress WC Pencils {sets 1-3}
Distress WC Pencils {sets 1-3}

SBC | AMZ
Distress WC Pencils {sets 4-6}
Distress WC Pencils {sets 4-6}

SBC | AMZ
Water Brushes
Water Brushes

AMZ
Light Modeling Paste
Light Modeling Paste

AMZ
Palette Knives
Palette Knives

SBC | AMZ
Mini Paper Clips
Mini Paper Clips

SBC | AMZ
Ivory Burlap String
Ivory Burlap String

AMZ
Butterfly Punches**
Butterfly Punches**

AMZ
Scribbles Stencil**
Scribbles Stencil**

SBC | SSS

Most Used Tools

MISTI - Original
MISTI – Original

SB | SSS
MISTI - Original - Black
MISTI – Original – Black

SB
MISTI - Mini
MISTI – Mini

SB | SSS
White Glass Mat
White Glass Mat

SB | OTH | AMZ
Foam Roll Combo Pack
Foam Roll Combo Pack

SB
Foam Roll - 2 Inch
Foam Roll – 2 Inch

SB
Stamping Tool
Stamping Tool

SB
Grip Mat 6x6
Grip Mat 6×6

SB
Media Mat Mini
Media Mat Mini

SB | SSS
Mini Stencil Mat**
Mini Stencil Mat**

SB
Multi-Use Mat
Multi-Use Mat

SB
Cutter Bee Scissors
Cutter Bee Scissors

SB | SSS
Reverse Tweezers
Reverse Tweezers

SB
Glossy Accents
Glossy Accents

SB
Glue Bottle
Glue Bottle

SB
Connect Glue
Connect Glue

SB
Blending Brushes
Blending Brushes

AMZ
Mini Blending Brushes
Mini Blending Brushes

AMZ
Finger Blending Brushes
Finger Blending Brushes

AMZ
Jewel Picker
Jewel Picker

AMZ
Rhinestone Pencil
Rhinestone Pencil

AMZ
Post It Note Tape
Post It Note Tape

AMZ
ATG Adhesive Tape
ATG Adhesive Tape

AMZ
Big Shot
Big Shot

SB
Mini Trimmer
Mini Trimmer

SB
White Pen
White Pen

AMZ
White Gel Pens
White Gel Pens

SB | AMZ | EH
Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive
Artist-Tac Micro Dot Adhesive

AMZ
T rulers
T rulers

AMZ
1.5
1.5″ block

SB | OTH
MISTI Corners
MISTI Corners

SBC | AMZ
Ink Off {stamp cleaner}
Ink Off {stamp cleaner}

USC | AMZ
Encouragement card with yellow flower stamped image, vintage text background, subtle stencil texture, and watercolor details using Unity Stamp Company stamps and Distress Watercolor Pencils, designed by Lisa Arana dahlhouse-designs.com

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