Thursday, January 12, 2017

Watercolor markers two ways

Hello, I am glad you are here!  I have two cards to share today, both using watercolor markers to color the image, all the same color markers too.  The difference is that one I blended out with water and the other I did not.  It was fun to see what kind of difference that made.

I started by stamping on mixed media paper with archival ink.  Here is the version where I blended with water.

(Click on photos to enlarge.)

I fussy cut the image (not so easy with the thick paper) and applied it to some textured cardstock.  The background was some light blue textured cardstock that I embossed.


Here is the second card - you can see the deeper colors.  I colored the darker hue of marker to an area first and then blended it out with the lighter marker.  I really find that the mixed media paper works well for watercolor markers.  Some other cardstocks absorb the marker too quickly and you get more streaks and less blend.


I added white gel pen to the image to accent the details and to break up the colors a little. The same accent patterned paper was used on this card, but I used a smooth cardstock for the base with some tone on tone stamping.



I hope you enjoyed my cards today.  Which is your preference?


(I thought I would like the lighter colors better, but I really found myself loving the chartreuse in the deeper colors!)

Supplies:  Power Poppy Short Stacks stamp set, Archival Ink, Hero Arts Leafy Vines, Hero Arts Soft Pool shadow ink, Tombow water based markers, Elizabeth Crafts Embossing folder, K&Co Susan Winget matstack, Strathmore Mixed Media Paper, Darice white textured cardstock, other cardstocks from my stash, self-adhesive gems, Spellbinders Labels 4, white gel pen.

I would love to participate in the following challenges:
ModSquad Challenge blog - Sequins, Rhinestones and Glitter

15 comments:

Mac Mable said...

Although both cards are really pretty and so well coloured but my preference is the darker one too x

*Vicki* said...

Awe! These are so pretty creations Heidi!! I really love them BOTH, but I can see more boldness in the second one like you mention. I happen to be drawn to both soft and dark colors and noticed that when I create, I reach for softer tones...I don't know why...but I do love BOTH! :) The birds remind me of a couple of parakeets I had as a child. TFS! HUGS

Diane said...

Oh I love the pretty parakeet and what wonderful designs Heidi.

Hugs Diane

Wendy Bellino said...

Great tip about the mixed media paper. I'm going to try that. Super cute cards, theyva both fabulous!

Megan J said...

Hi Heidi, a great stamp and you have coloured it to almost the same as Ben my bath loving Budgie! Two great cards love the more vivid colours of the second card. Have a great weekend... Megan

Carol L said...

Playing with inks can be so much fun and you always get such different results! I really like the green bird with the more colorful cups, as well as the rounded sentiment. I usually prefer lots of color as opposed to pastels but these are all very pretty!

scrappymo! said...

Oh my gosh...this is so much fun to look at your card two ways!
I love them both but have a fondness for the brighter colours. I always love them on other peoples blogs and yet do not have enough courage to try them enough, on my own!

Beth Norman said...

To be honest I love them both because they have an individual look of their own. I thought it was going to be the blended one but when I scrolled down, I saw another awesome card. I love how you fussy cut the budgie and placed them on your teacups.

Conniecrafter said...

They are both terrific but I really love the first one just a bit more, lovely blending of the colors and love how you colored the bird in that one too!

Viv said...

Loving them both really Heidi but think maybe the bright colours on the second just takes 1st place for me;) Viv xx

Barbara said...

I am so happy to see a Power Poppy image here. This one is a favorite of mine. It cute parakeet reminds me of a childhood pet that we had. You did a great job coloring it and fussy cutting it. You get two chances for a great prize. I hope we will see you again. Thanks so much for joining us at the Mod Squad Challenge this week. Barbara Mod Squad DT member.

Cat Craig said...

Beautifully colored.

Theresa's Studio said...

Both are beautiful cards. Hard to decide which I like best. Will have to dry Mixed Media paper...never used.

Karen Dunbrook said...

very pretty...love the spring colours you used...

wannabcre8tive said...

I love both of your cards. The cup stacks are awesome. Great colors, too.