In Praise of Sunflowers Redux

GOOD MORNING FRIENDS! I’m back today with another project using the In Praise of Sunflowers stamp set by Power Poppy. I’m still on hiatus from my Copic markers and have continue playing with Distress Ink watercoloring.

Rowhouse Greetings | In Praise of Sunflowers by Power Poppy

Like my last card, I started by stamping the image on watercolor paper using Verafine and immediately covered it with clear embossing powder. However, this time I did the coloring with an actual watercolor brush instead of a waterbrush. I have a handful of lovely Black Velvet brushes by Silver. These brushes are a blend of natural squirrel hair and black synthetic filament. They hold and carry the water and pigment beautifully and are much easier to work with than the nylon tipped waterbrushes. They are pricey, but well worth the investment if you enjoy watercoloring.

This time I also used a mixture of Distress Ink pads and reinkers. I smushed the ink pads on my craft mat and picked up the color with a wet brush. But where possible, I substituted the Distress Ink Reinkers in place of the ink pads. I placed a single drop of ink on my craft mat and watered it down as desired. Since the ink is concentrated, I could get a better range of shades than with the ink pads. I prefer using the reinkers, but I don’t have all the colors so I had to make do with the ink pads as needed.

Rowhouse Greetings | In Praise of Sunflowers by Power Poppy

In a couple of places, I accidentally colored outside the line. When that happened, I applied water with a clean brush and then blotted the area with a paper towel. The water reactivated the ink and could be easily removed.

I created the background stripe pattern using Versafine ink and a stencil from Wendi Vecchi. Again, I immediately covered the ink with clear embossing powder and heat set it. I matched it with a yellow gingham design paper from My Favorite Things.

Rowhouse Greetings | In Praise of Sunflowers by Power Poppy

But wait! There’s more! It’s Fun Friday over at Power Poppy so be sure you stop by my teammates to see what they’ve created. And as always – don’t forget to stop by the Power Poppy blog.

Barbara Campbell
Broni Holcombe
Christine Okken
Leslie Miller
Stacy Morgan

Disclosure: Below are the supplies I’ve used for today’s project. All items were personally purchased except those marked with an asterisk (*) which were provided by a store or design team. I never share a product I do not like. All opinions are my own. Read more.

Where available I use compensated affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you I receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I use this money to support my blog. If you like my projects, please consider supporting me by clicking through these links when you shop. Thanks so much! Read more.

Paper: Neenah Solar White 110#; Distress Watercolor Cardstock by Ranger; Tiny Check Paper Pad by My Favorite Things
Stamp: In Praise of Sunflowers by Power Poppy
Inks: Versafine Clare in Nocturne by Tsukineko; Distress Inks in Mustard Seed, Carved Pumpkin (petals); Tea Dye, Walnut Stain (flower centers); Bundled Sage, Shabby Shutters, Forest Moss (leaves)
Stencil: Dots and Stripes Borders by Stampers Anonymous – Wendi Vecchi
Embellishments: Nuvo Fine Detail Embossing Powder in Crystal Clear by Tonic Studios

7 thoughts on “In Praise of Sunflowers Redux

  1. We can all use some sunshine in our days right now. I appreciate the color that you got with distress inks. I am so addicted to Copics. I should try them.

  2. Oh sunflowers always make you smile don’t they. This is a great CAS design and I now have the urge to pull my sunflowers out. hee hee Enjoy today!

  3. Gorgeous card Nancy, I use my Distress inks too little, even though I love to use it for watercolouring.
    I love your so very well suited background.
    Thank you so much for sharing your inspiration, stay safe and have a great day.

  4. Distress ink is my favorite water color medium! I’m always sure of the color intensity. I love your fresh sunflower! Especially with the yellow gingham background!

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