Watercolor Ikat

Want to know my secret? I love the watercolor effect and never use watercolors. Instead I use acrylic for everything. Gasp!

Okay, so maybe that's a lame secret. 

Still, I have to admit that I feel bad when I label a tutorial as watercolor and have no intention of opening a single watercolor paint tube. Acrylics do the job! Plus they are brighter and more intense while using much less paint. 

I've had my eye on Ikat patterns ever since I saw this lovely little thing. Colorful diamond patterns  that seem to look better the messier they get? Yes, please!

Materials

• watercolor paper
• paints and brushes
• paper towels

After lightly outlining my basic shapes I relied on the same technique to achieve the uneven borders. First I dabbed some paint on the page in the general area and shape that I wanted it. Second I used a piece of a paper towel to streak the paint above and below its path. Do this quickly while the paint is still wet! 

Also, it's meant to be messy and easy so don't even stress!