Simple Watercolor Wash Backgrounds for Your Cards

[@conniedenaples2791]

The first one reminds me of a Caribbean sunset ❤️

[@lauradimitriadis4371]

I agree black card base or black mat would really make it pop but what a fun technique

[@handmadebylubomira]

I've been loving the non traditional color Christmas Cards lately. These are fantastic.

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@bjuracek21]

Oh how fun!!!! Your videos make me smile Cathy!!!!! 😁

[@mck9496]

I love your watercolor cards! It is fun to see how each watercolor background is unique. Love the 'snowstorm' using the toothbrush, too!

[@czdesign]

Thank you so much!

[@amybeth928]

Agree on the ivory choice. Beautiful job

[@aprilynnebarrett3239]

Ivory for sure! Such a HAPPY card!

[@JenAultman]

Love this! I liked the ivory card base you chose. 😀 you’re right...East, fun, not stressful!

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@marylehett1127]

Thank you, Cathy, for a simple technique. Born cards are so pretty.

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@bettelousmathers3064]

I might have gone with ivory or navy. Love the simplicity!

[@Love2Create62]

You are a wonderful teacher! You make the most beautiful, inspiring cards! I love your sense of humor too! Thank you!

[@czdesign]

Thank you so much!

[@lauralaforest309]

I love that your cards are simple or at least seem that way. When you're making 50 or so homemade Christmas cards, who has time for complicated cards? I love your videos.

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@joyelleforjesus]

@@czdesign really enjoy all of your tutorials! Thank you so much for your fun personality. My question is- should watercolored cards be protected and sealed when they’re being sent through the mail like you would a watercolored envelope? Just thinking about whatever weather conditions a card might endure when traveling cross-country, and if it’s best to maybe distress micro glaze it before mailing?

[@kennyfry3421]

NOW I know what to do with all my oversized sentiment stamps - thanks! 👍🏻

[@czdesign]

Have fun!

[@kimbain4368]

These are so pretty. Very simple and clean, but they make a big impression. Thanks for sharing!

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@vrwood11]

So simple and cheery! Ivory was the good choice. 🥂

[@marybuxbaum7847]

So pretty and easy! I think that the ivory card base was the right choice. The other was off just enough that it wouldn't have looked intentional -- only a mismatch! And now my toothbrush is going to be repurposed! Thank goodness I have more!

[@czdesign]

We always have a good stash of them, too!

[@MsJet1]

Thank you Cathy!

[@lynnlohne6578]

Very good idea. I am a huge fan of cool colors, especially purple. Really could crank out quite a few of these in one crafty session!

[@czdesign]

Totally!

[@Oraclestwin]

Lovely cards, as always, thank you for the great ideas. Cathy, you are looking fabulous and gorgeous lately! I agree with ivory.

[@czdesign]

Thank you so much!

[@deborahm.2460]

I would have gone with a black card. I love the contrast.

[@RainbowObsidian777]

Hi Kathy. Thank you for sharing your video with us. I have been working toward getting a bit of painting into my day today or soon, just for some sort of joy. Good to see you are enjoying some painting. Much love to you and yours

[@czdesign]

Wonderful!

[@1953Buss]

pretty pastels--I like the flicking with the toothbrush--I will try this.

[@czdesign]

Have fun!

[@Jakesmom09]

ivory or a navy blue for the base. I love the purple shadow for the happy Christmas too. Love love love silver sequins too. Thanks for that additional video on sequin placement!!

[@lynnerourke2979]

You have given me courage to try water coloring. Thank you as always.

[@czdesign]

You can do it!

[@andrewandberthapilgrim999]

Thanks for the encouragement to break out those watercolors! Great cards.

[@czdesign]

Any time!

[@justclaycrochet]

So simple but so very pretty. Love them 💕

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@racheljolley26352]

Fabulous cards, gorgeous colours, thank you ⭐️

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@natasam.3308]

Very pretty card, I love the simplicity, I enjoyed watching the video. Thank you Cathy for an idea,...again. Have a nice day.

[@czdesign]

Thank you! You too!

[@roxanneklinger3828]

Love the card. I agree... use the ivory card base. Love the colors of the ink as well. Nice.

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@helenparry5676]

Great simple way to make a load of cards Cathy! Thanks for all your inspiration! 💐 I can’t wait for your next tutorial! 🤗

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@amyfouts9781]

Another beautiful set of cards. Thank u. Have a great day as well.

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@mesideesenpapier6353]

Wouaouw ... thank you Cathy. I was a little bit stuck this year trying to find a different way to send some holiday greetings

[@czdesign]

You are so welcome

[@carolsiegle3254]

I am one of the people who has paint 🎨 in my drawer. Thanks for the idea Cathy, you made it so look so easy for to try now

[@czdesign]

You can do it!

[@suzimetcalfe8423]

Ivory on ivory, good choice! Like I know anything! Ha! But I know what I like, I guess! And I like your simple water coloring! I've done it with just swaths of one color, and it looked good, but 4 colors? Oooh, scary! Thanks for sharing!

[@czdesign]

I do think I was getting a little wild with doing four colors but it turned out and I'm so happy that I broke out of my usual 2 to 3 color approach!

[@743linda]

I love making these!!!

[@elaineb1336]

Great greeting stamp set Cathy! Definitely want it for my collection.

[@bonnieallen2658]

Nice. I do this every year for my Christmas Cards. My focal point is a tree, embossed in black, with a smaller sentiment to finish it. Or sometimes an ornament. Same idea though.

[@jenniferdrake1210]

I’m going to hang out with my card making friend tomorrow, think I’ll do some water colouring thanks Cathy

[@czdesign]

Do it!

[@Cards4Cancer]

I am in love with the simplicity but a dash of posh, in this card. You get me, Cathy. 💞

[@jillmackellar9562]

Thanks. That was fun & I love the new glasses.

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@moreiss1]

I love your cards!!! Beautiful color combo!!!

[@czdesign]

Thank you so much!

[@CraftingwithSlavie]

I love your sense of humor so much 🤣 “nothing heroic” 🤣 I’m behind on your videos I’m totally feeling a binge watch of what I’ve missed this fine Halloweeny Saturday

[@czdesign]

Yay! Thank you!

[@desireejones1917]

Absolutely gorgeous!

[@czdesign]

Thank you! 😊

[@cindybearj]

Beautiful cards! I love the colors.

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@giselled.4149]

Love it! Your CAS sentiments are perfect for this technique!

[@cropnkathy]

Love these cards!! You do make it look easy. 💗

[@czdesign]

They are!

[@brendadainton7497]

Love them. Easy peasy. 😊

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@melaniefisher8823]

Cathy, thanks for making me feel like I really could do it! Is it your humor? Your fingernails? Your timid ways like mine? For whatever reason, I am thankful.

[@czdesign]

You can do it!

[@debrashaw9130]

I love your stamps very much! Put some on my Christmas list! Love the cards! 💖💖💖🌹🤓

[@brendaelainewaddell1682]

Hi Cathy. Loved how they turned out. Mi think the ivory was a good choice. Somewhere I thjnkminhave a small water colour paint set ... hmmm, maybe I will try this out. 😊

[@czdesign]

Do it!

[@angiem6789]

Thanks for the confidence booster! I’m goin’ for it!

[@czdesign]

Wonderful!

[@PhyllisMiller2]

Love the background color choices and your approach to keeping it simple!

[@tradefishdesigns7734]

Great card. I wonder how it would look with a different color card base instead of the ivory. Maybe pick one of the colors in the watercoloring. Great job and fun as usual.

[@czdesign]

That would be cool!

[@kimgrimes632]

Beautiful! What would I have done? Hmmmm.I would probably have been tempted to put a very skinny frame of a neutral metallic mirror card behind it....gold,silver,copper,etc. I don’t think I would be able to stop myself. Love the simple water coloring and resist backgrounds!

[@czdesign]

Go for it!

[@teresasanner-fecto3690]

What fun! I have to say...I know people love it...but I never mix ivory and white...I just can't do it. Cute cards! You're so lovely!

[@czdesign]

That's me too, I have a hard time mixing the two! That's another reason I often reach for the Tim Holtz distress water color card stock. It's so much wider than regular watercolor paper stock!

[@hannexo8039]

So easy and so pretty😍 I will certainly give this a trie.

[@allysonberry8708]

You could have use a coordinating colored background card for som additional pop of color. Might try splashing a metallic paint for a little additional bling. Love these! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@czdesign]

Thanks for the tips!

[@margaritanavarro-rivera4126]

I would have done the ivory too! Love this CAS technique!

[@czdesign]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Kb1901kb_kris]

Love that nail color

[@czdesign]

Me, too! I was never a neutral pink girl until I found this polish from Olive & June! It's called GH. I have it linked below the video!

[@shellyp8731]

So easy! So pretty! Love the ivory card base best...so, of course, I think you made the best choice! 😉 Great new stamp set, CZ, so full of holiday cheer! ❤️

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@crystall.e8098]

I love them Cathy! Thanks for making it look so easy! :) I hope you are recovering well!

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much 😊

[@ammof9042]

Super inspiring Cathy!

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@cindym9851]

I bought a small set of watercolours about a month ago, as I look at Kristina Warner’s videos and drool. This video is really more my speed to get me brave enough to break them out, considering I’ve not ever watercoloured before! 🥴🥴. Your cards are awesome!! Thanks for the push!

[@czdesign]

Wonderful!

[@jodibarnett6383]

Ivory is a good choice. I prefer a brighter white card but when you have the off whites layered it’s un-whiteness is not as obvious as you’d expect and doesn’t stand out like off white on whiter.

[@junem4102]

That's really cool...and simple! :-) Thank you for sharing.

[@czdesign]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@burschgirl]

Love your designs!

[@czdesign]

Thank you! 😊

[@AyasPaperCrafts]

Love the colors! Thank you

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@glennistrotman8421]

I need to try this out thanks for sharing

[@czdesign]

Please do!

[@jessicajobe9969]

I just love how this card turned out! You are amazing! Love the stamp set too!

[@czdesign]

Thank you so much!

[@vikkiart]

You’re soooo awesome and classy!

[@czdesign]

Oh thank you!

[@zaralemon6977]

Nicely done! You continue to inspire me! Hehe I tried watercolor on my channel but it didn't turn out too good!

[@angieevans6558]

Love the watercolor washed backgrounds. I recently made some cards with this technique and just love how simple yet beautiful they come out.

[@czdesign]

Wonderful!

[@schradischrader9286]

Amazing idea 💡 thanks for sharing 😍

[@czdesign]

My pleasure 😊

[@michelled6431]

This is so pretty! I may have to venture out of my comfort zone and try it! Thank you for another great video ❤️

[@czdesign]

You are so welcome!

[@carolsiegle2857]

The ivory l would have done. Beautiful, so COOL Cathy, enjoyed watch.

[@czdesign]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@karenmunson4401]

That's so awesome and looks really easy to do.

[@czdesign]

It is!

[@carolweatherspoon3005]

Perfection!!! 💜

[@czdesign]

Thank you!!

[@joannevargas9638]

Excellent video of your excellent ideas! Thank you so much!❣

[@czdesign]

You are so welcome!

[@hdb80]

Lovely cards Cathy, tfs.

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much!

[@alisonleadbetter9471]

Omg😍 I just adore these, the colours are fab! Thanks for sharing Cathy x

[@czdesign]

Thanks so much 😊

[@judywing9897]

Great idea!

[@czdesign]

Thanks!

[@christabeard5128]

Cute idea

[@czdesign]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@carolynpicken6949]

Great idea

[@czdesign]

Thank you! 😊

[@DelandArtie]

hehehee... always crack me up. super. fun. videos. every. time.

[@czdesign]

Glad you like them!

[@alicespringer8781]

Hello cathy ,how are you doing , another beautiful card .

[@kathleenfink207]

Such a great easy technique!!

[@angelitanelson]

I would have chosen ivory card base as well or chosen a layer that compliments one of the watercolors. This would break the color difference between your watercolor paper and ivory card base if they are not a direct match. Love this card 😍

[@czdesign]

I totally agree!

[@ChrystalsChreationsWycoff]

So very beautiful 😍 a great idea.

[@czdesign]

Many many thanks

[@ChrystalsChreationsWycoff]

@@czdesign you are very welcome ❤️😊

[@rizaepfiefle5362]

Love the card! I'm going to try this but may use colored cardstock instead of the ivory. Just to give it some more "pop"... P.S. The new glasses are really cute.

[@czdesign]

Sounds great!

[@bethjackson8727]

Today I remembered to splash some paint over my card when I finished. That in itself was exciting but tomorrow I’m going to try some watercolour backgrounds. Im getting really adventurous😅

[@czdesign]

Have fun!

[@kathygroff4526]

Lovely colors! Could the embossing be done second, though? Your stamp set is very nice, Cathy! 💌

[@czdesign]

Yes you can!

[@saadiahaynes5812]

Such pretty color choices. Cathy, do you have a favorite watercolor set that you would recommend?

[@czdesign]

I actually like this set for the price! If you are looking for another idea, there is one from Kuratake Tambai Gansai that is also great! Or, Mission Mjello Gold (but it's pricey!)

[@saadiahaynes5812]

@@czdesign thanks for the info.

[@jennifermitchell9282]

So pretty, you make everything look so easy! What was the white product you used for snow? That’s a nice touch. Thank you.

[@czdesign]

It's Amsterdam Titanium White Fluid Acrylic Ink: ldli.co/e/640579 [ SSS ]

[@valsfaves787]

Great idea! My watercolors have probably given up on me...but maybe they will agree to play if I do something like this😬.

[@czdesign]

You should!

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Ivory!

[@nicholeh9180]

So I went on a CZ card making video binge. I noticed that you loved Brutus Monroe embossing powder, so I bought them and love them as well, thanks! Do you have a suggestion for silver and gold metallic ink? I've tried a few different brands and can't find one that works for stamping. Thanks!!!

[@czdesign]

Hey Nichole! So… I do not. Because I assume metallic inks need to be pigment and I have none. I just use embossing clear and add gold or silver powder! then emboss!

[@nicholeh9180]

@@czdesign I super appreciate it! I think maybe it's one of those products that definitely could use a new formula. I'm honestly just tired of buying them, because they always end up in the trash. I can build up decent color when stencilling, but for straight stamping, I haven't found the magical silver and gold as of yet. If you ever come across one in your professional life, please keep me in mind!!!

[@bucsr.6106]

Hello past Cathy!

[@czdesign]

A little thinner in the face back then. hahahah!

[@bucsr.6106]

@@czdesign beautiful inside and out then and NOW.

[@nurseratchet8566]

💖💜💙

[@uthikalikestoread2462]

Do you do art journalling?

[@czdesign]

I do not!

[@myador4217]

I'm afraid of watercolors (in italian we call it "ansia da prestazione"😅 Sorry, I don't know how to translate it in english!) BUT I will try again following your tips! 😊💪

[@czdesign]

love that! ciao!

[@uthikalikestoread2462]

I would have done what you did. Ivory

[@kathykenny1782]

I’m not comfortable with watercolors so don’t have them - should I be able to do this with Zigs?

[@czdesign]

Yep! Totally! Zigs are water-based!