Have you ever had a crafting tool sitting on your shelf just waiting for a second chance to shine? That’s exactly how I felt about my Stampin’ Write Markers—especially all the colors beyond my well-loved black one! So today, I’m bringing them out and pairing them with Stampin’ Up! acrylic blocks to create gorgeous watercolor-style backgrounds with just a bit of marker, water, and creativity.
This technique works with a variety of blocks—from “B” all the way up to the long “H” block—and it’s so easy to adapt completely based on what you have in your stash. Simply color the block with the markers, slightly overlapping the colors as you go – I go from the lightest to darker when coloring the block. Add a spritz of water and then put the block on the cardstock. It’s that easy to create an amazing, one-of-a-kind look that’s all yours!
Ink colors can be whatever you have on hand, too. To finish my cards, I used some bold black stamped images. Experiment, though, because bold ink colors also pair beautifully with these backgrounds. I did that with the Berry Burst card below and just LOVE how it turned out!
This technique works on watercolor paper, too! Watercolor paper is actually made for using with water, so the colors will be bolder; however the stamped images will not be as clear due to the natural texture of watercolor paper. Also – watercolor paper is often an off-white so I try to keep other whites away from the watercolor paper on my finished cards or it’s very noticeable! That’s just me, though. It may not matter to you.
This technique is truly one of those that looks different every single time, and that’s part of the fun. If you don’t have water-based markers handy, you can use ink pads instead. Whether you decide to spritz your inked up acrylic block after tapping it into the inkpad or not makes a huge difference in the end result, too.
I hope all these examples spark ideas for using your markers and/or acrylic blocks in a fresh new way. I’ve created a free downloadable PDF for you with step-by-step instructions, helpful photos, measurements, and a full supply list of what I used.
I’m so glad you’re here crafting with me. Whether you watch the premiere and chat Live with me or catch the replay later, I’d love to hear what color combos you’d try first—so please be sure to leave a comment!
Thanks so much for stopping by and spending time with me today. I can’t wait to see what you create!
This week’s Paper Party Live card 8 pm EDT (7-10-2025) supplies/measurements:
- Stamp set sentiment you love (I’m using Comforting Thoughts)
- Ink that will coordinate with papers you are using (that’s Early Espresso for me)
- Embellishments are optional (I snagged some Linen Thread to tie into a big loopy bow)
- Cardstock/Paper:
o A neutral color for card base that is light enough for the stamped sentiment to show up: 5 ½” x 8 ½” (I am using Thick Basic White)
o Designer Series Paper/Patterned Paper (I grabbed Nests of Winter):
▪ (3 pieces) ¾” x 3 ½”
o Coordinating Cardstock (I’ve got Garden Green): 5 ⅛” x 3-7/8″ for inside the card
o An optional die cut piece to decorate – such as foliage (I’ve got a die cut fern from Beautiful Motifs in Garden Green) - o Basic White for inside the card: 5″ x 3 ¾”
- Adhesive of choice (I’m using Seal, Dimensionals, and glue dots)
Supplies Used:
Green Card –
Blue Sailboat Cards –
Pinks Flower Card –
Yellows and Browns Card –
Pretty Peacock Card –