Falling Snow Scene

by Heather Telford

Use inks, masks and masking fluid to create a snowy scene.

Supplies

  • Dye inks (Memento Northern Pine, Nautical Blue and Bahama Blue used here) or other watercoloring medium
  • Paint brush
  • Watercolor paper (Fabriano hot press watercolour block used here)
  • Splatter brush or old toothbrush
  • Masking fluid
  • Mister bottle filled with water
  • Painter's tape
  • Tree stamps in varying sizes (Penny Black “Prancers” transparent stamp set used here)
  • Other supplies as needed to complete the project (Penny Black “Hello Winter” transparent stamp set)

Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1

    Splatter masking fluid over watercolor paper with a splatter brush or tooth brush. Leave to dry.

  2. Step 2

    Use painter's tape to keep the panel in place and mask edges for stamping. Cut a hill-shaped mask and punch a circle mask from Post-it notes. Position masks on watercolor paper to expose the top third of the panel. This will be the sky area.

  3. Step 3

    Ink small tree stamp with dark green ink. Spritz stamp lightly with water and stamp twice over horizon. Ink stamp again, stamp, then spritz paper so color will bleed.

  4. Step 4

    Press blue inks onto an acrylic block to use as a palette. Add water with a paint brush and paint sky area. Add darker blue in areas away from the moon.

  5. Step 5

    Remove masks and throw away.

  6. Step 6

    Cut a new hill mask and position it halfway down the remaining white area. Ink medium sized tree and stamp twice. Spritz paper with water and remove mask.

  7. Step 7

    Using diluted blue ink, paint a snow bank from one side of panel to the other. Stay in line with the base of the two medium sized trees. Rinse brush and use water to dilute and pull color from snow bank line upwards. Dab with cloth or paper towel to soften and dry the edge of pale blue ink.

  8. Step 8

    Cut another Post-it note mask. Position it below previous snow bank and stamp large tree. Spritz with water to let ink bleed. Remove mask.

  9. Step 9

    To frame the scene, paint around lower borders of panel and dab with cloth to soften the edge. When the panel is completely dry, gently rub off the masking fluid to reveal the falling snow.

  10. Step 10

    Trim the panel and choose a color to mat it, then add a sentiment to complete the card.

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Falling Snow Scene. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

***Please note - Internet Explorer/Edge is not a supported browser, and will not allow you to see the videos. Please use Chrome, Firefox or Safari to view our tutorial videos.

Questions and Comments

We'd love to get your feedback or questions. Leave your comment below.

I'm besotted with this finished card and the technique you shared with us. It's out and out fabulous! Thank you.
Harvey's mum  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 3:54 AM
Absolutely beautiful!!
Bonnie Deibel  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 4:15 AM
The more I watch these water color tutorials the closer i am to taking the plunge and wet the brush! This landscape painting looks fantastic! I love the soft shading effects and of course, the masking fluid for the snow. Thank you Heather and I do look forward to any other watercolor tutorials you may make.
Dottie  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 4:48 AM
What a beautiful scene! I am going to have to buy the liquid masking. And how clever of you to create a stamp positioner out of legos!
Kathy H  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 7:30 AM
Absolutely stunning!
Julie Heyer  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 7:42 AM
Oh my goodness. How pretty! Thanks
Beverly Parkison  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 8:29 AM
Thanks for sharing! I was just looking at masking fluid yesterday in the store! Looks like it's a must to go on my shopping list! You make it look so easy!
muscrat  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 8:53 AM
This is gorgeous.
MariLynn DeGroot  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 9:18 AM
This is gorgeous. I can't wait to try it. Your tutorial is excellent. Have a blessed day.
Cecily Farwell  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Heather, the card is breathtaking and your video is excellent. Thank you so much for the tutorial.
kab  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Thank you Heather for this exquisite card and tutorial. I will be looking for the masking fluid on my next stop to craft. I loved seeing exactly how to mask and work the watercolors.
prissequito  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 10:05 AM
What a beautiful card. I've never heard of liquid masking - will definitely be on the lookout for it NOW. Great tutorial too - thanks so much!!
Cindy  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 12:24 PM
WOW!!! Gorgeous, and inspiring! Love this, thanks for the tutorial smile
Darla  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 1:38 PM
Beautiful technique, new to me, especially the masking fluid. I love water coloring and your card is gorgeous. TYFS
Kathy Beaver  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 1:46 PM
Holy Shnikes that is AWESOME!!! I want to run out and buy some masking fluid, that's a new one for me! smile Your card is stunning, the tutorial seems easy to follow, and your ACCENT is ADORABLE!!! smile Thank you, Heather!!
Karen Barber  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 2:23 PM
Beatiful card! Thanks for the great tutorial!
Vickie Buehler  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 3:03 PM
That was an awesome tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing!
Susan Sieracki  |  Wed Nov 26, 2014 at 3:10 PM
Heather, Thank you for this wonderful tutorial. I have masking fluid on order and can't wait to try this technique. Your snowy moonlight scene is gorgeous.
Kittie  |  Fri Nov 28, 2014 at 7:24 AM
Heather, Thanks so much. I found time on Thanksgiving to check out Splitcoaststampers and wow, there it was. Just what I have been looking for...something fabulous for my Christmas cards this year. Went to Michael's Midnight Madness sale at 11:30 pm and bought the only bottle of masking fluid in the building! Well on my way to some beautiful cards. Will post when I'm finished so you can see what wonderful kindness you put out to all of us you shared with. Happy Holidays to you.
Pamela Danielle  |  Fri Nov 28, 2014 at 8:11 AM
I was so impressed when I opened my email and found that you were the weekly guest on Split Coast Stampers! What an special honor! I've admired and followed your work for quite awhile. This is another amazing video! Thanks so much Heather for sharing and for the continued inspiration! I encourage everyone to follow your blog. Happy Holidays! God Bless!
Mary Jensen  |  Fri Nov 28, 2014 at 8:33 AM

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