Have you ever watercolored on kraft? I have not, until today! I’m excited to share with you two Christmas cards featuring this technique using Distress Oxide inks. The new October 2022 Unity Stamp Company sentiment kit is here and it is a great one to get your Christmas cards started with. Join me for a video on how this card came together and all my tips for using Distress Oxides for watercoloring.
Featured Supplies
Merriest Wishes Darling USC |
Scallops & Rectangles dies USC |
Top Fold Card

The Details
I had this vision of what watercoloring on kraft would look like with the beautiful bird from Merriest Wishes Darling. I knew it had to be an opaque ink so it would sit on top of the paper instead of soaking into the paper. While I usually reach for my regular Distress Inks for watercoloring, I noticed my oxide reinkers staring at me wondering “why don’t you use us”? So I did.
Distress Oxide Ink Colors:
vintage photo
scattered straw
speckled egg
iced spruce
shabby shutters
peeled paint
festive berries

Coloring Tip: You can use one or two different tones of ink to create shading. The leaves were done with two colors while the flowers were done with just one. By adding water you can make different levels of intensity of the color for light and dark tones.
Side Fold Card

The Details
I stamped my image in a watercolor friendly ink on some kraft cardstock. My ink was sitting on top of the kraft cardstock more than sinking in. Waiting for it to dry was important so I could tell what the color would truly look like.

Accent Tip: Add some gold splatters. It adds a rich elegance to the card that is especially nice for the holidays.
The Video
Watch along as I assemble this card sharing my process and tips on how this card was created. Watch here or in HD on Youtube.
Thanks for joining me today. I hope today’s project inspires you. If you create something, tag me – @dahlhousedesigns – on social media because I’d love to see it. Join us in the Unity Show & Tell Facebook group to share your Unity creations. It is such a fun and loving group of creators.
Supplies
*Affiliate Links may be used at no additional cost to you. I appreciate the support if you are inspired to shop through my links.
Merriest Wishes Darling USC |
Scallops & Rectangles dies USC |
Neenah Desert Storm 80lb AMZ |
Black Licorice USC |
![]() Nocturne SB |
![]() Speckled Egg Oxide SB | SSS |
Vintage Photo Oxide SB | SSS |
Scattered Straw Oxide SB | SSS |
Iced Spruce Oxide SB | SSS |
Shabby Shutters Oxide SB | SSS |
Peeled Paint Oxide SB | SSS |
Festive Berries Oxide SB | SSS |
Water Brushes AMZ |
Kuretake – Gansai Tambi SB |
Nuvo Deluxe Adhesive SB |
Glossy Accents SB |
Cutter Bee Scissors SB | SSS |
MISTI – Mini SB | SSS |
MISTI – Original SB | SSS |
Foam Roll – 2 Inch SB |
Foam Roll Combo Pack SB |
Big Shot SB |
Stamping Tool SB |
Pixie Tape SB | OTH |
Glue Bottle SB |
Jewel Picker SB |
![]() Media Mat Mini SB | SSS |
Multi-Use Mat SB |