How to Color BetterPress Scenes with Watercolor and Colored Pencils

Want to move beyond simple ink blending when using layering stencils? In this tutorial, you'll learn how to combine BetterPress printing, stencil coloring, watercolor painting, and colored pencil shading to create a detailed scenic card. By mixing coloring mediums, you can build additional texture, depth, and realism while using supplies you may already have in your craft room.

This project features the Scenic Kyoto Press + Foil Plate and Layered Scenic Kyoto Stencils from the Autumn in Kyoto Collection by Alex Syberia Designs. Rather than relying solely on ink blending, we'll enhance specific areas with watercolor and colored pencils to create a truly dimensional finished design.

Hello, crafty friends! Lisa Tilson here on the blog today, and I'm excited to share a card featuring the beautiful Autumn in Kyoto Collection by Alex Syberia Designs. In this tutorial, I'll show you how to combine layering stencils with watercoloring and colored pencils to create extra depth and detail in your scenic card designs.

Project Snapshot

Project Details	A scenic landscape card combining BetterPress, layering stencils, watercolor painting, and colored pencil detailing.
Skill Level	Intermediate
Approximate Time	60–90 Minutes
Project Type	Handmade Scenic Greeting Card
Techniques	BetterPress, Ink Blending, Watercoloring, Colored Pencils, Layering Stencils
Occasion	Thank You, Friendship, Everyday Greetings
Finished Size	A2 Card (4.25" × 5.5")
Featured Products	Scenic Kyoto Press + Foil Plate, Layered Scenic Kyoto Stencils, Autumn in Kyoto Collection

What You'll Need

Spellbinders Products

• Scenic Kyoto Press + Foil Plate & Layered Scenic Kyoto Stencils Bundle
• BetterPress Letterpress System
• BetterPress Porcelain A2 Cotton Card Panels
• BetterPress Black Ink Pad
• Stampwheel
• Blending Brushes
• Jet Set BetterPress Ink Mini Set - 4 Pack
• Happy BetterPress Ink Mini Set by Dina Wakley
• Nature Tones BetterPress Ink Mini Set - 4 Pack
• Leaf Flower Garden BetterPress Ink Mini Set - 4 Pack
• Jet Set BetterPress Ink Mini Set - 4 Pack
• Classic White ColorWheel Cardstock
• Best Ever Craft Tape
• Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue + Tip Kit
• White Foam Squares Mix - 1mm
• Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine
• My Sweet Petunia MISTI

Hero Arts Products

• Raspberry Jam Core Ink
• Say It Inside and Out Stamp & Cut Set

Other Supplies

• Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink
• Daniel Smith Watercolors
• No. 2 Round Brush
• Faber-Castell Polychromos Colored Pencils
• Water Cup

How to Color BetterPress Scenes with Multiple Mediums

This project combines stencil coloring, watercolor painting, and colored pencil shading to build depth and realism in a scenic landscape design.

Step 1 – Press the Scenic Kyoto Plate

Place the Scenic Kyoto Press + Foil Plate onto the BetterPress Chase and align it using the A2 registration guides.

Secure a BetterPress Porcelain A2 Card Panel to the Platen using small pieces of Best Ever Craft Tape.

Ink the plate using BetterPress Black Ink with a pounce-and-pivot motion for even coverage.

Place the Platen onto the Chase and run the system through the Platinum SIX Die Cutting Machine.

Remove the finished panel from the BetterPress System.

Designer Tip: BetterPress Black Ink is ideal for mixed-media projects because it remains crisp when additional coloring mediums are applied.

Step 2 – Ink Blend with the Layering Stencils

Place the pressed panel onto the Stampwheel sticky mat.

Align Stencil 1 and blend Garnet BetterPress Ink through the stencil openings.

Replace it with Stencil 2 and apply Raspberry Jam Core Ink.

Position Stencil 3 and blend Malachite BetterPress Ink for the sky and stream. Use Tawny Brown BetterPress Ink on the architectural elements.

Position Stencil 4 and blend Leaf BetterPress Ink onto the hills and Thunder BetterPress Ink onto the rocks and pathways.

Skip Stencil 5 for this project.

Place Stencil 6 over the panel and add Leaf BetterPress Ink to the small hill above the building and Thunder BetterPress Ink to the remaining rocks and bridge railings.

Designer Tip: Skipping a stencil layer creates opportunities to introduce additional coloring mediums and achieve more texture later in the process.

Step 3 – Add Watercolor Details

Mix coordinating watercolor shades that complement the stenciled inks.

Paint additional shadows into the hills, trees, and landscape areas, focusing on depth rather than complete coverage.

Use darker tones where objects meet and lighter tones toward highlighted areas.

Allow the watercolor to dry completely before moving to the next stage.

Designer Tip: Watercolor works best here when used as an accent rather than as a replacement for the stencil coloring.

Step 4 – Enhance the Scene with Colored Pencils

Once the watercolor is completely dry, use colored pencils to add texture and details.

Add shadows around architectural features, foliage, and landscape elements.

Use lighter pencils to build highlights and create variation within larger areas of color.

Add additional definition to the bridge, buildings, and trees.

Continue building color gradually until the scene has the depth and detail you desire.

Designer Tip: Colored pencils are perfect for reinforcing details that may have softened slightly during stencil blending and watercoloring.

Step 5 – Add the Sentiment

Select a sentiment from the Say It Inside and Out Stamp & Cut Set.

Stamp the sentiment using Versafine Clair Nocturne Ink.

Trim or die-cut it as desired.

Apply foam adhesive to the back of the sentiment.

Adhere it to the completed scenic panel.

Step 6 – Assemble the Card

Check for any final areas that could benefit from additional pencil shading or highlights.

Make any final adjustments before finishing the card.

Your scenic Kyoto card is complete.

Tips for Better BetterPress Landscape Cards

• Combine multiple coloring mediums to create more depth and realism.
• Use watercolor sparingly to enhance the stencil layers rather than replace them.
• Allow each coloring medium to dry completely before adding the next.
• Use colored pencils to sharpen details after watercoloring.
• Don't feel obligated to use every stencil layer exactly as intended.

Ways to Customize This Project

• Use autumn-inspired colors for a seasonal look.
• Create a spring version using bright greens and pinks.
• Swap watercolor for alcohol markers.
• Add metallic pencil highlights for extra interest.
• Create a monochromatic scene.
• Use different sentiments to fit birthdays, thank-you cards, or friendship cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine watercolor and colored pencils on the same project?

Yes. Watercolor provides soft color transitions, while colored pencils add detail, texture, and definition.

Do I need to use all of the stencil layers?

No. Skipping certain layers allows you to customize the design and create opportunities to introduce additional coloring techniques.

What paper works best for BetterPress and watercolor?

BetterPress Porcelain Cotton Card Panels handle light watercolor beautifully while retaining crisp BetterPress impressions.

Why add colored pencils after watercolor?

Colored pencils help restore detail, sharpen edges, and create texture that watercolor alone may not provide.

More BetterPress Ideas from Spellbinders

• Creative Ways to Use Layering Stencils
• How to Make an Autumn Kokeshi Doll Card with Layered Die Cuts
  
• Autumn in Kyoto Collection Inspiration
  

Conclusion

Combining stencil coloring, watercolor, and colored pencils creates a richer and more dimensional finished design than using a single coloring medium alone. The Scenic Kyoto landscape provides the perfect opportunity to experiment with layering techniques while still ending up with a polished and professional-looking card.

Whether you're an experienced colorist or just beginning to explore mixed-media cardmaking, this technique is a wonderful way to add depth, texture, and personality to your BetterPress projects.

About the Designer

Lisa Tilson

Lisa Tilson enjoys creating detailed cardmaking projects that combine die cutting, layering, coloring, and mixed-media techniques. Her tutorials focus on approachable methods that help crafters build confidence while creating polished handmade cards.

For more inspiration, visit Lisa on her blog, Instagram, and Facebook.