Technique for the Cheap and Easy

Hold on to your wigs and keys! I'm about to post a technique! Is there a full moon tonight?

This really is cheap and easy - just like me! You'll need watercolor paper for the best results but regular card stock will work to a point. The good thing about watercolor paper is that you can get it really wet and it will still be workable. So first, spray a piece with water - enough so you can see it but not so much that it's dripping all over you... unless you're into that sort of thing. Drag a dye-based pad across a couple of times - here I used Memento Summer Sky.

Next, take a darker pad and sort of zig zag it across using just the edge. I think this is what 'artists' call 'movement' - I call it 'zig zagging the edge of a pad across wet watercolor paper'. Just keepin' it real!

Then, for some more solid areas, lightly pat a darker color off the edge of the paper. Test how new or juicy your pad is before diving into your project - a dryer pad needs a little more pressure.

I wanted a little more color in the background so I lightly dragged the brown across the whole piece. You can see in the bottom right where there were some droplets which intensified the color. You can't really plan that but it's nice when it happens.

I dragged around the edges with black - perhaps an unnecessary step but if it makes you happy, go for it.

Then, for some reason, I sprayed some copper Glimmer Mist over the whole thing. You can't really see it unless you look closely so I'm not sure it's worth it. Maybe a darker spray would have been better... or it might have screwed the whole thing up. We'll never know.

Then stamp some images with your wonderful Deadbeat Designs stamps. I'm pretty sure this will only work with Deadbeat Designs stamps - feel free to try some other brands but don't blame me if they ruin your project!

Wrap some ribbon or twine around, layer something pertinent on top and your done! I went around some of the edges with deckle scissors which are indispensable when cutting straight is an issue, like if you're enjoying a cocktail while you stamp.

Here's another version. I stamped the images in purple instead of black which is a little softer. While you're making a mess, you might as well make several cards. Actually, you could do an entire piece of 8.5" X 11" piece and just cut it up as you need it. Then when you need a quick birthday or thank you or when someone drops dead, you're ready.

Unless it's you that's dropping dead and I guess no one's ever ready for that. So get busy! This may be the last card you ever make!

That took a grim turn, didn't it? See what techniques do to me?

Comments

[Curt OBrien]

You are an absolute hoot! Great technique and two of my most favorite sentiments of yours too. Always love reading your blog entries. . .such a treat. I consider you to be the male version of Erma Bombeck. I LOVED her work. Best, Curt

[Myrna]

Love this technique. (and your refreshing sense of humour).
Myrna

[Joan]

Great cheap & easy technique!

[Mary]

And I was just needing a "someone dropped dead" card. Thanks for easing the pain!