Watercolor Imprints

Lay stencils and stamps into wet ink to create beautiful patterned backgrounds.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Apply ink or watercolor directly to a watercolor panel.

   

2. Mist with water to activate the ink.
   
   TIP:
   If the panel begins to curl, mist the back side to allow it to relax the other way.
   

   

3. Step 2

   While the ink is still wet, lay a stencil over the panel.

   

4. Weigh down the stencil at the edges of the panel to hold it down into the wet ink. (If there is not much excess moisture in the open areas of the stencil, you can place a large block directly onto the stencil to weigh it down, but don't allow the block to lay into ink that is raised above the stencil.)
   
   Allow the ink to dry completely before removing the stencil.
   

   

5. Step 3

   Remove the stencil carefully. Heat set any areas that are not completely dry.

   

6. TIP:
   You can use the ink left on the stencil to create a print as well. Mist and lay onto another watercolor panel to create a print (See the Stencil Monoprints tutorial for more complete instructions). The sample here was actually created by repeating the process above on a new panel.
   

   

7. Step 4

   Use the panel(s) to complete a card or other project.

   

8. Step 5

   Experiment with other mediums to discover different effects. Watercolor paints can create an interesting granulated background.

   

9. Step 6

   You can also use a background stamp to create a similar effect. Apply ink directly to a watercolor panel and mist to activate.

   

10. Step 7

    While the ink is still wet, lay a background stamp over the panel.
    
    TIP:
    This works best with bolder or more solid patterns.
    
    Weigh the stamp down with a book until the ink has dried.
    

    

11. Step 8

    Remove the stamp carefully. Heat set any areas that are not completely dry.

    

12. Step 9

    For a bonus background, mist the stamp.

    

13. Use the residual ink to create a print.

    

14. Step 10

    Use the panel(s) to complete a card or other project.

    

15. Step 11

    Use the technique to add texture to a single area of a watercolored image. First, paint the area with a color wash.

    

16. Lay a stamp or stencil over the painted area, and allow the panel to dry as above.

    

17. Step 12

    Remove the stamp or stencil carefully. Heat set any areas that are not completely dry. Continue painting in other areas.

    

18. Step 13

    Use the panel to complete a card or other project.

    

Video!

Variations

1. Try the same concept with other flat-backed or flat-bottomed objects. Ink and mist a panel, and lay the pieces into the activated ink.

   

2. Steel cutting dies create wonderful results as well!

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Watercolor Imprints. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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