Grateful for You: Using Stencils on Galaxy Backgrounds

The Happy Little Stampers Watercolor Challenge Inspiration for this month is optional Stars. Lately I’ve been obsessed with creating galaxy backgrounds. I don’t know what it is about galaxy backgrounds – but it does transport me to another place. When I look at it, sometimes I imagine floating out there in space feeling a sense of peace. We all need that nowadays, with what is happening in the world. Which brings me to why I created this card. This is one of the many cards I created to send to the amazing frontliners in all the hospitals and to all the essential workers who keep us safe and secure. I encourage you to do the same!

I used Nuvo Shimmer Powders to create the galaxy background for this card. I chose this coloring medium because it is so easy to use and creating fabulous backgrounds is almost foolproof.

I taped watercolor paper on my glass mat. Then I sprinkled several colors of Nuvo Shimmer Powders on the paper. I used Catherine Wheel, Violet Brocade, Green Parade, Blue Blitz, Solar Flare & Atlantis Burst. Then I sprayed the watercolor panel generously with water. I used a paintbrush to help the colors move around. I also used a paper towel to dab off excess water collecting on the sides of the panel.

Then I took the Stormy Cloud Nuvo Shimmer powder and sprinkled it onto my glass mat and added some more on the card panel . I added water and then picked up the color with a brush and began applying it to the panel – dabbing it here and there but not completely covering the panel with it. After I was satisfied with the look, I set it aside to dry completely. You can also use your heat tool to dry it if you are feeling impatient.

Then when the panel was completely dry, I took the Wood Cuts Stencil (March Stencil of the Month) by Brutus Monroe and spritz it generously on one side with water. Then I placed the stencil onto the watercolored panel. I left it there for a few seconds. Then I placed a large piece of paper towel on top to pick up all the excess water.

After a few seconds, I lifted up both the towel and stencil to reveal a cool and subtle galactic pattern.

After the panel dried completely, I splattered white acrylic paint all over for the stars. Then I stamped the beautiful Tree of Thanks image on the panel using Raven Detail Ink. I filled in the image with black copic markers to create a silhouette.

Then on a separate piece of black cardstock, stamped a sentiment So Grateful for You from the Altenew Paint-a-flower Poppy stamp set with Brutus Monroe Embossing Ink and heat set it using the Alabaster White embossing powder.

I hope this project inspired you to try using your stencils on your watercolor backgrounds to create interesting effects.

Hop on over to the HLS Watercolor Challenge and create something wonderful! I can hardly wait to see it!

‘Til next time!

❤️

Anna

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