Technique Strip Series #2 - Watercolored Embossing Paste

The second strip project started with a full A2 size piece of watercolor paper. This technique is water heavy and regular cardstock will not work. 

I followed the inspiration pin pretty close, changing the strip mat, sentiment and gems. I also omitted one cardstock layer, chosing to heat emboss the sentiment on the base itself which is something I rarely do. I was concerned with the 1/4" max thickness and one ounce weight for the most economical USPS first class non machined mail.

This card at a minimum will include the two layers of Whisper White thick (at around 110lb), 140lb watercolor paper and the embossing paste thickness. As far as weight goes, making this a strip card is the perfect way to ensure it will be under the one ounce weight limit on a non-machinable first class stamp.

This technique uses a large brush to apply the colored water. For the color,I used re-inkers, adding a couple of drops to each Stampin' Spot lid. Two drops was one drop too much so I had to water down each color quite a bit. I then applied each color as a wash on one third of the strip to end up with a three color ombre look.

This was a messy, but fun technique. I've never used watercolor to color dried paste already applied to the surface. For previous projects, I've colored the paste directly with re-inker ink mixed into the paste prior to application. If you've never used this method, give it a try.

I then cut the dried project into two 2 1/8" strips.