How I  did it without thinking ...

• Using my Tonic Maxi Guillotine, I  cut  300grams watercolour paper to create a  4-1/4" x 5-1/2" panel.
• I stamped the first layer of balloons using  Antique Linen Distress  Ink on the watercolour paper. I tried not to get a perfect stamped image BTW. 
•  I  apply the ink of the Zigs directly on the paper and on the base of each balloon.
• I spread and blend the ink using a water brush. 
• I repeat the colouring process for each balloon using a darker shade of the same tone to add shadows.
• I allow the ink to dry.
• Then,  I  stamped another layer of balloons trying to overlap the balloon just a little bit.
• I  coloured the new balloons in the same way  I colour the first layer.
•  I allowed the panel to dry.
•  Using a yellow glitter marker and SSS Confetti stencil, I  stencilled the confetti image over the balloons. 
• I used a white paint  Posca marker to add highlights on the balloons and confetti.
• To add a little bit something to the balloons, I used a black coloured pen to add dark areas on the base of each balloon. This is barely noticeable but it makes a difference.
• With the help of the Tim Holtz Stamping Platform, I  stamped the sentiment 3 times using Simon Says Stamp Clear Ink . I then sprinkled black Fine Detail Nuvo embossing powder and  I heat embossed the sentiment.
• I  trimmed the watercolour panel a little bit and I added a black backing panel.
• Although I thought of making a C6 card. I cut the card base to  4-1/2" x 5 -3/4". I know is not a standard card size but I liked the white edge around. 

I stamped the images with Black Simon Says Stamps Ink which is a tick, super yummy and super intense black ink. Incredible to use with water-based markers.

An alternative ink is Versafine Black Onix Ink. As a stamper, I couldn't live without any of these inks, I strongly recommend them.

The paper used is called  Bristol Smooth paper by Strathmore.  If you ever buy this paper you won't be disappointed as it will allow you to achieve beautiful results when using water-based markers easily and effortless. It also easies the stamping as the paper do not have texture like watercolour paper. You might still need to use a stamping platform to get sharper and crisp stamped images.

The paper holds nicely light watercolour washes and it allows you to blend colours easily. It is amazing to use with distress inks and Gouache paint, Acrylics as well or any water-based product. I repeat this in many many blog post.

If you are using copics or alcohol markers this paper will also perform amazingly but I know there are many other smooth paper alternatives to use with alcohol markers. Actually,  I think alcohol markers perform ok on cheap and ordinary cardstock.

I'm very picky about the paper and although Bristol paper is not pure white-colour and it tends to be a bit ivory,  it is still beautiful. It provides a luxury finishing touch as well.. so in other words, the cards look good when using Bristol.

Ok  so if you love Dogs as much as I do check out the images below.  I used Woof You stamp set and papers from the Great Outdoor designer's paper pack.

I coloured all the images using Zigs and  I mixed with Arteza watercolour markers. These are my 2 fav colouring solutions and you can get the packs of 36 or 48 water-based markers for just over  £30 on Amazon UK. That's incredible value for money.

Kuretake Clean Color Real Brush Watercolour Brush Pens (Set Of 36 Colours) Price £36.44

Arteza Real Brush Pens - 48-Colors - Water-Based Ink - (Set of 48) £31.99

Supplies