Die Debossed Watercolor

Impress a die into watercolor paper then use the outlines to guide your watercolor painting.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Prepare the die cutting machine for embossing. For the Big Shot, open the multi-purpose platform to Tab 1.
   
   Lay down as follows from bottom to top:
   Multi-purpose platform
   Cutting plate
   Silicone embossing pad
   Watercolor paper
   Die, cutting surface down
   Cutting plate
   
   Run the sandwich through the machine, following manufacturer’s instructions for use. For other machines, the sandwich may vary. The key to the technique is the silicone embossing pad that does not allow the die to cut through the paper.
   

   

2. Step 2

   Remove the panel from the sandwich. The lines of the die should have impressed into the card without cutting through.

   

3. Step 3

   If there are any creases in the card, smooth them with a bone folder.

   

4. Step 4

   Use a water mister to activate your watercolor palette, or prepare a palette of inks (press dye or Distress ink pads onto an acrylic block, or add drops of reinker or liquid watercolor into a palette).

   

5. Step 5

   Use more diluted watercolor to give the debossed image a base coat of color.

   

6. Heat set after painting each color area, so that different colors do not run together. Heat set this layer of color when finished.

   

7. Step 6

   Working in one section at a time, add a second layer of color. This color can be the same, or slightly darker. Note areas of the image that should be shaded:
   Areas that are hidden behind something
   Areas that are lower
   Areas that are farther away or curving away
   
   Use more diluted paint at first. As it dries but is still moist, you can dot in more concentrated paint where the image should be darker.
   

   

8. Use a clean, lightly damp brush to blend out hard edges as needed. Heat set or allow each area to dry before moving on to bordering areas.

   

9. Step 7

   Repeat the above step in each area of the image.
   
   NOTE:
   The debossed lines in the image will show while the paint is wet, but will disappear as the panel dries. They’re useful as a guide for adding details, but are really less important as they fade, so if you go out of the lines or don’t follow the details exactly, it’s ok.
   

   

10. When coloring a floral image like in the sample here, the shaded areas will be toward the base of each petal, and where petals overlap.

    

11. Step 8

    Continue layering and blending until you have the effect that you want.

    

12. Step 9

    Use a sharp colored pencil and very light pressure to define edges in your image and add finer details.

    

13. Step 10

    Fill in the background with a contrasting color.

    

14. Step 11

    Dot white acrylic paint or gesso onto the image with a small stylus to add highlights or other details.

    

15. Step 12

    Complete the card.

    

Video!

Variations

1. Turn the panel over. Using a ball stylus or other rounded tool, press the area inside the outline into a foam mat to increase the contour in those areas on the front.

   

2. Used here:
   Impression Obsession DIE250-Y Open Scroll Flower Die, C13215 To Live

   

Your Turn

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

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