Do you ever look at a stamp set and just know exactly what you want to do with it? The Lilac Poise stamp set by Unity Stamp Company instantly made me want to play with watercolor and mixed media techniques. It is a Double Take cardmaking day, which means I’m using the same supplies to make two cards at once. My favorite way to maximize my supplies and crafty time. Check out the full Assemble This video for all the deets and to create with me.
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. Watch on YouTube.
Featured Unity Supplies
 Lilac Poise USC |
 Lilac Lane Paper USC |
 Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies 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.
Technique Highlights
Start with the Right Paper: Use watercolor paper or mixed media paper when adding water, splatters, or paste. It holds up so much better and gives you more room to play without the paper warping or breaking down.
Use a Block for Splatters: Add ink to an acrylic block, mist it lightly with water, and tap the block on the paper for random splatters. It gives the background that mixed media feel without getting too wild.
Fill the Space with Watercolor: A little loose watercolor around the stamped image helps fill in the open areas and soften the design. It does not have to be exact. Just let the color move a bit.
Add Texture with Paste: Texture paste, modeling paste, or a lighter paste through a stencil can add so much interest. I like keeping it subtle so the flowers still stay in charge.
Go Easy on the Water: Start with a little water, then add more only if you need it. This helps keep the paper from getting too wet and gives you more control over the color.
Dry Between Layers: Let each layer dry before adding the next one. Watercolor, splatter, paste, more splatter. Giving each layer a minute keeps the colors and texture looking pretty instead of muddy.
Simple Lilac Layers
For the first card, I kept the design a little simpler. The lilac was stamped on watercolor paper, die cut, and colored with a mix of ink smooshing and watercolor using Distress inks. I love how loose and pretty the color gets with this kind of play. A little purple here. A little green there. Nothing too perfect, which is exactly the point.
Distress Ink Colors:
Lilacs: Wilted Violet, Seedless Preserves; Peeled Paint, Mowed Lawn
Ink Blending: Antique Linen, Vintage Photo
Then came the texture. I added light modeling paste through a stencil, and that soft pattern peeking through makes me so happy. It gives the background a little extra something. The patterned paper and lavender twine pulled it all together with that sweet layered look. I also snuck in a few gold pearls for added shine. Easy, pretty, and just enough messy goodness.
More Layers, More Lilacs
For the second card, I stamped the lilacs in two different directions to give the design a little more movement. I used the same watercolor and ink smooshing from the first card, so the colors still have that soft, loose feel. The flowers are die cut and layered over the patterned papers, which gives the whole card a fuller, more gathered look.
This one has more paper layers, and I love how the different pattern players frame the lilacs. The soft texture paste adds a pretty mixed media detail in the background, while the splatter, gold pearls and twine give it that finished touch. It still feels soft and floral, just with a little extra layering tucked in.
I really love how these two cards came together. The watercolor lilacs, soft texture, splatters, and patterned papers all work together for two lovely cards. I hope this gives you a few mixed media techniques to try the next time you want to play with watercolor and texture.
Crafty Deal Highlights
- Whit’s Birthday BASH — deals continue, new releases, and more at Unity Stamp Co.
- Scrapbook.com — Save an extra 12% this week with the code: CRAFTY
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.
Lilac Poise USC |
Lilac Lane Paper USC |
Deckle & Stitches Nesting Dies USC |
 Sparkle Weave Stencil HA |
 Fabriano 140 lb Watercolor AMZ |
 Nocturne ink SBC | AMZ |
 Water Brushes AMZ |
 Gansai Tambi Starry Set AMZ |
 Light Modeling Paste AMZ |
 Cream, Gold, Silver Pearls AMZ |
 Light Purple Twine 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 |
Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor, these are divine Lisa!