Coloring with Distress Inks

Learn how to watercolor with distress inks.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Stamp your image on a piece of watercolor paper with waterproof ink.

   

2. Step 2

   Add ink to the moistened waterbrush and wipe off excess ink on a paper towel before you start.
   
   

   

3. Step 3

   Color the background of your image. Weathered Wood reinker was used here.

   

4. Step 4

   Color the leaves with a light green reinker. Bundled Sage was used here.

   

5. Step 5

   Use a darker color reinker to the areas you want to shade. Peeled Paint reinker was used here. Use a clean, moistened brush to blend the colors together.
   
   Wipe off excess color from the brush with the tissue.

   

6. Step 6

   Color the flowers with a light color. Spun Sugar was used here.

   

7. Step 7

   Add a darker color to the parts of the flower that you want to shade. Victorian Velvet was used here.

   

8. Step 8

   To add even more debth, add an even darker color to the shaded areas of the flowers. Aged Mahogany was used here.

   

9. Step 9

   Add the color to the center of the flowers. Wild Honey was used here.

   

10. Step 10 (Optional)

    For a soft look, sponge a light color around the edges. Antique Linen Distress ink was used here.

    

11. Your colored image is finished.

    

12. Step 11 (Optional)

    Finish your card.

    

Video!

Your Turn

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

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