Gouache is a watercolour, and I love exploring its possibilities. It is like a sister to traditional watercolours, having many of the same properties, but at the same time has its own personality. Gouache is opaque, which means you can easily paint over stamped lines to give a no-line painted look. It also means you can layer one colour over another, yes, even a lighter colour over a darker one which opens up a freedom when painting – if you make a mistake, just paint over it!
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creamy opaque gouache
I stamped the flowers coming out of a welly boot from the Garden Boots set on Arches Hot Pressed card for its smooth surface and then painted over the lines with gouache. There are many gouache options on the market. However, I find that a tube of white gouache mixed with pigment from my primary watercolours takes me a long way, especially with lighter colours. For darker shades, a few tubes of gouache are an excellent option to fill in the gaps.








I die cut the arrangement with the matching die from the Garden Boots set. I foam mounted the boot onto a circle of Ivory card I had run through with the Mandala Plate die and then cut using a Nested Circle die. Next, I added the circle, again using foam tape to a piece of Neenah Desert Storm card that I had again run through with the Mandala Plate die. I love the subtle stitched details, which add that little something extra without overwhelming the focal point. Finally, I added the panel with, yes, you guessed it, more foam tape to a card base cut and scored from Ivory card. I do love a bit of dimension!








For the sentiment, I stamped a greeting from the Garden Boots set in Versamark ink on Ivory card and sprinkled with Antique Gold embossing powder before heat setting. I then die cut the greeting with the matching die and added overlapping the welly boot. I must admit, although this was the perfect placement for the greeting, it did cover up a feature I had painted on the welly – a little label just like the Hunter wellies have. Ah well, next time.








I have these little cards that I like to jot down notes, to-do lists and such on, and I thought they were the perfect way to remember the colours I had used when painting this card. This way, after I have sent the card, I still have a record of it.








One final detail I forgot to mention is that the sequins are these gorgeous pale pink ones and the enamel dots are from my stash that I am trying to use up.








So tell me, have you ever tried using gouache? It is fun to explore supplies that are new to us. If not gouache, how about a gel plate. That is still on my list of things to play with.
Right, that’s me for today. Thanks for popping by and speak soon.








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A delightful card, Debby. Thansk for sharing it and the information about guache. Stay well.
Hi, Debby –
No, I have not really used gouache for painting. I just use it occasionally for spatter, but not even that very often. Your card is gorgeous and I have had those boots/dies on my list — they just got restocked in the combo pack. I’m going to have to pick them up! Thx for the lift this Friday!
L in PA
Hi Debby!
Love your card today. I use the Windsor Newton white gouache for splatter. I emailed you several years ago and asked about it as well as the gold ( splatter) you use on a card. Have been using those brands ever since.
Good luck with your surgery. Will be thinking of you!
Hi Debby, your card is so sweet. This is one of my favorite color pallets. The piercing plate detail adds great visual interest and texture without intruding on the the delicate wellie bouquet. I have a tiny tube of white gouache that I’ve only used for splatters I like the clever way you’re keeping record of art that you may want to revisit. Those cards would make a great addition to a journal. Keep creating!
Wonderful card! I didn’t realize that you can mix watercolor pigment with white gouache! Will have to try that! Thanks so much!
Love this and the swatch. So charming. Thanks for all you do Debby!!
This is so lovely Debby. Soft and pretty. I haven’t tried gouache, but I have tried a gel plate. So much fun! I would really encourage you to try it. I love the random and abstract nature of it, helps me to just let go and enjoy.