At Taylored Expressions, we love discovering new techniques to make our projects more creative, more beautiful, and more joyful. But, we know that sometimes learning something new can be a bit intimidating so we are always on the lookout for quick tips and tricks that are easy to master.

Today we are thrilled to share a step-by-step tutorial from Blog Team designer Amy Kolling, who shares how to use a simple watercolor technique to create a handmade Valentine's Day card that is sure to please.

  Step 2: Using a small paintbrush, add clean water to each heart.
Next, pick up some Distress Ink from the block and "drop" it into the clean water on each heart. (Tip: If your hearts dry before you can get to them, simply add more water.) Let this panel dry completely.

Step 3-4: You may add some shimmer with metallic watercolor paint (Amy used Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors) or a Wink of Stella shimmer pen. When dry, gently lift the die-cut areas of the hearts up to create dimension. Trim panel.

Step 5: Apply Stick It Adhesive to the front and back of a sheet of fun foam. Remove backing from one side. Watercolor a scrap of watercolor paper (large enough for die-cut sentiment from the Hearts a Flutter Cutting Plate) and adhere to fun foam sheet. Die-cut sentiment. Remove adhesive backing from die-cuts and adhere to panel.

Step 6-7: Tie twine around panel. Adhere panel to red mat (trimmed to same size as A2 white cardbase.)

We hope you are inspired to try out drop watercoloring to create your own beautiful Valentine's card. When you have made your project, visit our Facebook Page and share with us!