Blended Watercolor Backgrounds

Master the art of stunning watercolor blended backgrounds with Brandi Mahan! Learn multiple techniques for creating gorgeous ombre and free-form watercolor washes that become the foundation for beautiful handmade cards. From rainbow drips to masked stripes to organic blends, discover how to make dozens of unique backgrounds that dry beautifully and die-cut perfectly.

What You'll Create

• Full-page watercolor ombre blend (pink to yellow)
• Free-form organic watercolor shapes
• Masked stripe technique for clean lines
• Multi-color blended backgrounds (4+ colors)
• Rainbow drip effect with separated colors
• Multiple card-ready backgrounds to use later
• Complete finished card with die-cut sentiment

Techniques You'll Learn

• Wet-on-wet watercolor blending basics
• Color flow control by tilting and moving paper
• Creating smooth ombre transitions between colors
• Free-form shape watercolor techniques
• Masking with tape for crisp lines
• Managing water pooling and intensity
• Preventing muddy color mixing
• Rainbow stripe technique with clean color separation
• Using heat tools vs. air drying
• Flattening warped watercolor paper with a laminator
• Die-cutting on watercolor paper
• Layering dimensional die-cut sentiments

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate - Perfect for anyone wanting to explore watercolor backgrounds! Complete demonstration with tips for troubleshooting makes this accessible even if you've never used watercolors before.

Class Features

• Live interactive format with 500+ attendees
• Real-time Q&A throughout the class
• Multiple background techniques demonstrated
• Color combination guidance using Altenew Essential pan set
• Tips for preventing common watercolor mistakes
• Laminator technique for flattening finished backgrounds
• Complete card assembly demonstration
• Access to replay video

What Makes This Class Special

This isn't about perfect watercolor painting—it's about creating stunning, usable backgrounds quickly and confidently! You'll learn to embrace the organic flow of watercolor while controlling it just enough to get beautiful results. By making multiple backgrounds in one session, you'll have a stash ready whenever inspiration strikes. The laminator trick alone is worth the class—it transforms warped watercolor paper into perfectly flat card panels!

Resources Included

• Complete supply list with product links
• Altenew Essential Watercolor Pan Set color guide
• Color swatch reference showing all 36 colors
• Strathmore watercolor paper recommendations
• Pink Fresh Studio die recommendations
• Black Friday craft deals compilation
• Amazon craft supply deals list
• Access to replay video
• Supply shopping links

Perfect For

• Card makers wanting to add watercolor backgrounds to their repertoire
• Anyone intimidated by watercolor techniques
• Creating unique, one-of-a-kind card backgrounds
• Building a stash of pre-made backgrounds
• Learning color theory through blending
• Making professional-looking cards with minimal effort
• Batch-creating multiple backgrounds efficiently

Important Supply Notes

Core Supplies Needed:

• Altenew Essential Watercolor Pan Set (36 colors)
• Strathmore watercolor paper (140lb cold press recommended)
• Round watercolor brushes (size 10 and 12)
• Flat wash brush
• Frog tape or delicate surface tape
• Clipboard or board for taping paper
• Heat tool for drying
• Laminator (for flattening - Royal Sovereign recommended)
• Die-cut machine and sentiment dies
• Q-tips and paper towels for lifting color

Recommended Brushes: Wunder Forest brushes (vegan-made, available on Amazon)

Join Brandi from Stamp Me Some Love for this fun, technique-packed class where you'll create beautiful watercolor backgrounds with confidence! Learn to control the flow, embrace happy accidents, and build a stash of gorgeous card panels ready for any occasion.