Earlier this August, I had the incredible honor of teaching at StampAway 2025 — a truly magical craft show held in Cincinnati, Ohio. This year’s theme, Once Upon a Stampaway, set the tone for a weekend filled with creativity, connection, and a touch of fairy-tale wonder. And I was thrilled to be part of it!
My class, Discover the Magic of Watercoloring with Lovely Bouquet, was designed for anyone who’s ever felt drawn to watercolor but unsure where to begin. If past attempts left you frustrated or overwhelmed, this class was all about changing that narrative — with a brush in hand and a little encouragement, magic happens.
🎨 What We Created
Using the Lovely Bouquet stamp set from Pajama Crafter Stamps, we dove into the essentials of watercoloring:
- Understanding light sources and how they affect your composition
- Playing with color theory to make your florals pop
- Exploring fun techniques like ink smooshing for added texture and flair
Each student created three handmade cards, and watching their confidence grow with each brushstroke was the highlight of my weekend. We used Tombow markers, which you can find at your local craft store or online at Art Impressions— they’re perfect for vibrant, blendable watercolor effects.
💐 Why It Mattered
Teaching at StampAway was more than just a professional milestone — it was a personal dream come true. To be surrounded by passionate crafters, inspiring vendors, and a community that celebrates creativity so wholeheartedly was a gift I’ll never forget.
If you’re ever in the Cincinnati area in early August, I can’t recommend StampAway enough. The lineup of classes is phenomenal, the vendors are top-notch, and the atmosphere is pure magic. Whether you’re a seasoned stamper or just dipping your toes into the crafting world, there’s something here for everyone.
🖌 Stay Connected
If you missed the class but want to explore watercoloring with me, be sure to follow along on my blog and social channels. I’ll be sharing more tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks from my creative journey.
Until next time — keep creating, keep connecting, and always believe in the magic of handmade.
With gratitude,
Amanda, the Nerdy Krafter
nerdykrafter.com | @nerdykrafter on IG, FB, and YouTube
📌 Hashtags to Share the Magic
#StampAway2025 #WatercolorWithAmanda #LovelyBouquet #PajamaCrafterStamps #CardMakingMagic #TombowMarkers #InkSmooshing #HandmadeCards #CraftingCommunity #CincinnatiCrafts #CreativeRetreats #FaithAndCreativity #NerdyKrafter
Card 1 – YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/0Owakd6C6SE
Card 2 – YouTube Link – https://youtu.be/oyaNgrZXYL0
Card 3 – YouTube Link -https://youtu.be/8OPLEvoL5CA