Direct To Stamp Effects

	Assorted Bold Rubber Stamps	Paper Towel for Cleaning Stamps
	A5 Card Pale Coloured	Spritz Bottle filled with Water
	Twinkling H20s Paints	Paint Brush
	A5 Card

	Place 10 drops of water into the pot of each colour of H20s that you intend to use on your image. Leave the water to sit for 5 minutes. When paint is the correct consistency (thick) it will not drip from the end of a paint brush.
	Dip paintbrush into H20s and apply colour to the stamp surface – bold stamps work best, though stamps with thick lines can also produce acceptable results (not great on detailed stamps).
	Stamp onto the card/watercolour paper straight away for a bold look or leave the H2Os to dry and reactivate with a spritz of water and then stamp, which can give a misty watercolour effect.
	This is a difficult technique to master as many stamps cause the Twinkling H2Os to bead up – keep trying until it works – rub stamp with a pencil eraser if no other cleaning methods do not work, also try leaving the H20s to thicken for longer.
	For a different look, try stamping on a previously made watercolour wash background (when dry).
	Trim image and mount onto card, multiple layers echoing colours of image often help to set off a direct-to-stamp image.

HINTS & TIPS

	Twinkling H2Os or Twinkling Waters are beautiful sparkly watercolour cakes sold in sets.
	Use them on both dark and light card, paper, vellum, cloth, shells etc.
	Some colours are better on dark card than others, for example the iridescent colours really pop on dark card!
	Not all stamps are suitable for this technique – try a few different stamps to find one that works well.
	If a stamp is causing the H20s to bead up on the surface, lightly rub a pencil eraser over the stamp. Some stamps have a coating from the manufacturing process that prevents inks from adhering to the surface of the stamp properly. Rubbing with an eraser removes this coating and should allow a better image to be produced.
	Bazzil card is not generally suitable for use with H20s as it is far too absorbent.
	*Try this technique using Distress Ink Pads for a gorgeous watercolour effect to the stamped image.*