Creating Fall Magic with Watercolor Wash and Warm Hues

Today, I’m excited to share a card I created that combines elements for four different challenges, each of which sparked my creativity in a unique way. The Sketch Saturday #762 challenge provided the layout inspiration, while Inkspirational’s “Fall” #327 theme encouraged me to incorporate warm autumnal vibes. The Can You Handle The Pressure challenge motivated me to use an embossing folder, and the Color Throwdown #815 challenge called for the colors Aqua, Orange, and Green.

To start, I chose watercolor paper and soaked it thoroughly before applying Coastal Cabana, Old Olive, and Pumpkin Pie inks using my Water Painters. I used the color washing technique, blending the shades beautifully to create a soft, flowing background. Once the paper was dry, I layered it onto a card base of Lost Lagoon, topped with some Basic Black and a panel of Basic White to build up the card’s structure. For a bold contrast, I framed the water colored art piece with another layer of Basic Black and adhered it to the left side of the card front.

Next, I selected the sentiment “Sending You Lots of Love & Hugs” from the Heartfelt Hexagon stamp set, stamping it in crisp Memento Ink on Basic White cardstock. To complement the sentiment, I stamped one of the hexagon frames from the same set, then punched out the design with the coordinating Hexagon punch. I positioned this piece so it slightly overlapped the watercolored panel, creating a sense of cohesion and balance in the design.

To finish the card, I added some black Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems, which added just the right amount of shimmer without overwhelming the soft, colorful palette.

Here are the challenge images:

And – even more fun – the card won with Sketch Saturday, placing as a Top 3!!! Woohoo! How awesome is that? I’m so thrilled to be able to grab the badge and bragging rights:

Here’s the video from my YouTube channel with the step-by-step on how the card was created.

I love how the blend of aqua, orange, and green feels both vibrant and cozy, capturing the essence of fall while remaining fresh and cheerful. This card is such a sweet, colorful creation, and it was a joy to make!

Measurements (all in inches):

  • Card Base (Lost Lagoon) – 8-1/2 x 5-1/2, scored at 4-1/4
  • 1st Layer (Basic Black) – 5-1/8 x 3-7/8
  • 2nd Layer (Basic White) – 5 x 3-3/4
  • Watercolor Paper (or use DSP) – 3-1/2 x 2-1/2
  • Coordinating Layer for around watercolor paper (Basic Black) – 3-5/8 x 2-5/8
  • scrap for sentiment to be punched or die cut (Basic White)
  • Inside (Basic Black) – 5-1/8 x 3-7/8 and (Basic White) 5 x 3-3/4

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