Compendium of Curiosities III Challenge #5: Distress Watercoloring

Another fantastic Compendium of Curiosities Challenge! The 5th challenge can be found on page 39 of A Compendium of Curiosities Vol. III and it's "Distressed Watercoloring."

While I can't share how the technique is done (that's for you to discover with your own CC3 book) I am happy to share my creation.

(Be sure to read all the details about this challenge at the end of my post.)

For this technique I decided on a 5" x 7" greeting card. The base is a nice bright red Kraft-Core card stock and the rest is across the color wheel using blues and greens. I love using the color wheel as a reference tool when designing projects. I keep one attached to the wall in my craft room.

The first step for my card was to color the background of a piece of Distress Watercolor Cardstock with some blues and greens using the honeycomb layering stencil. I stopped short of the middle when swirling on the color for my stamped image.

Archival Ink is best for this technique since it's waterproof. I think this dragonfly is one of my all-time favorite stamps from Stampers Anonymous. Love it!

Next, the technique...

I embossed a sheet of teal Kraft-Core cardstock with the Springtime Background Texture Fade, then sanded the outer areas of the rectangle to reveal the kraft core.

Then I hit the raised edges with some Gathered Twigs Distress Ink. I only need to focus on the outer edges since I'll be covering the center of this piece.

I mounted the embossed piece flat to my card base, added two layered foliage flowers with a brad to the stamped circle, then popped up the watercolor unit with foam tape to my card.

I added Alpha Tiles to spell JOY, stamped a bee and cut him out for the lower right, then painted some metal photo corners from the craft store for the two opposing corners.

A few Chit-Chat Stickers added to an Adage Ticket complete my sentiment. I've attached it to a Memo Pin adorned with some natural twine. And as you can see, I added some die-cut Kraft-Core leaves using the Spring Greenery die.

Did you know I have this weird fascination of all things bees?  (yep)

Here's another look at my finished card. Now I can't wait to see what YOU come up with! 

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Do you have fabulous Compendium of Curiosities Vol. III book by Tim Holtz? (the master of all things vintage and distressed.) If not, you can find one at your local craft store, scrapbook store, or you can get a signed copy by Tim himself by going here. 

You can find all the CC3 Challenge details and FAQs here.  The lovely Linda Ledbetter is our hostess of this fun series of challenges, and all you have to do to participate is create your project and upload to her site. Be sure, though, to read through all the FAQs so you're eligible to win. (Win? Keep reading below.)

We're working our way through this fantastic book of techniques and tips, and challenging you to join in the fun. This round's challenge is sponsored by the great folks at Inspiration Emporium who have a fabulous gift voucher to give away to one lucky random winner. Also, the Curiosity Crew's Choice scores a giant prize pack of goodies straight from Tim and Mario!

Now it's your turn to try this fabulous technique. Get watercoloring!