Sending a special card...

Here's an example of the Distress Oxide inks (Peeled Paint, Fossilized Amber, Spiced Marmalade, Fired Brick) on lesser quality watercolor paper over a background image (Studio 490 Just Say It WVBG026) that had been stamped in Ranger's Watermark ink.  I used a plastic canvas to guide the black dots (Sakura black gelly pen) surrounding the card front.

The floral image (Studio 490 Flowers For Art SCS136) was stamped in Jet Black archival ink on mixed media card stock and colored with distress markers (Mustard Seed, Carved Pumpkin, Candied Apple, Twisted Citron, Crushed Olive, Peeled Paint) using a waterbrush.

A bit of black replacement window screen provide a nice backdrop for the flower (which I cut out leaving a tiny white border for better visibility).  I punched out a bow (Sizzix 660163) and a narrow strip from mixed media cardstock and colored them using the distress markers and waterbrush. 

Studio 490 enamel accents (Sunflower, Potting Soil) were added to the flower's center for dimension and interest.

Happy birthday, my friend!

I have found that this inexpensive watercolor paper is only good for backgrounds and such as any detailed coloring is lost to bleeding.  Distress Oxide inks are terrific on Ranger's heavy duty cardstock.  I've also tried them on glassine (remember that?) and was pleased with the results.