Faux Watercolor with Layered Die Cuts

What if you could get that loose watercolor look without actually painting? These new layering dies from Papertrey Ink June Release had me picturing a colorful sunset, and a few simple Distress Ink techniques gave me all the blended color, texture, and watery details I wanted. Let’s take a closer look at how those inky layers came together to create this bright little forest scene.

Just A Minute {JAM} Session Videos are quick videos with simple ideas or techniques to help spark your creativity. Watch it on YouTube.

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Featured Supplies

Through the Forest Die SBC | OTH

This is Big Sentiments: Hello Stamp Set SBC | OTH

This is Big Sentiments: Hello Die SBC | OTH

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.

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Layering All That Inky Color

The tree layers were all cut from watercolor paper first, which helped me plan the color placement and keep a defined edge around each layer once the water was added. I used a mix of ink blending and direct-to-paper color so each layer stayed bright and defined, but still blended into the next. That balance kept the forest from turning into one solid block of color.

Distress Ink Colors:

• Half Circle Layer 1: Scattered Straw | Saltwater Taffy
• Treeline Layer 2: Saltwater Taffy
• Treeline Layer 3: Picked Raspberry | Seedless Preserves
• Treeline Layer 4: Villainous Potion
• Sun: Scattered Straw | Dried Marigold

The water is what gave everything that loose faux watercolor look. A little ink block stamping added the darker pooled areas and those uneven edges that make the color feel less controlled in the best way. This is such a fun way to get a painted look without needing to paint each layer by hand.

The sun sitting partly outside the circle was the little design choice that made the card feel finished. It adds something unexpected on that side and balances the hello sentiment below. The white paint splatters were the final touch, adding just enough texture across all those bold layers without covering up the color.

I love how all that bright ink and water gave these layers a watercolor look without any actual painting. The color stayed bold, the tree layers kept their definition, and that little sun outside the circle was just the right finishing touch.

Which part is your favorite, the sunset colors or all that inky texture?

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. I would be thrilled to see it and leave you some love.

Supplies

Some links provided are affiliate links. If you shop through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a lovely way to support both the crafty companies and me too. 🩷
Please Note: Product names with ** are suggested supply substitutions if I use something discontinued or hard to find.

Through the Forest Die SBC | OTH	This is Big Sentiments: Hello Stamp Set SBC | OTH	This is Big Sentiments: Hello Die SBC | OTH	Hammermill Cardstock AMZ
Distress Ink Set #2 SBC	Distress Ink Set #1 SBC	Distress Ink Set #17 SBC	Distress Ink Set #4 SBC
Distress Ink Set #9 SBC	Canson XL AMZ	White Gesso AMZ

Most Used Tools

1.5″ block SB | OTH	Big Shot SB	Black Stamping Tool SB	Blending Brushes AMZ	Blending Brushes Large AMZ
Blending Brushes Medium AMZ	Blending Brushes Mini AMZ	Blending Brushes Small AMZ	Connect Glue SB	Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS
Die Cut Envelope AMZ	Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB	Foam Roll Combo Pack SB	Grip Mat 4.75×6 AMZ	Grip Mat 6.5×8.5 AMZ
Grip Mat 6×6 AMZ	Media Mat Mini SB | SSS	Mini Blending Brushes AMZ	Mini Stencil Mat** SB	Mini Trimmer SB
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS	MISTI – Original SB | SSS	MISTI – Original – Black SB	MISTI Corners SB | AMZ	Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB
Post It Note Tape AMZ	Reverse Tweezers SB	Sticky Mat SB	Triangle Trays AMZ	White Gel Pens SB | AMZ
White Glass Mat SB | OTH | AMZ	Adhesive Roll SBC