Monthly Archives: April 2017

Add Color by Watercoloring with Pencils and Blender Pens

By | April 24, 2017

Just Stamp Watercoloring with Pencils and Blender Pens

Watercoloring with pencils and blender pens is one of my favorite ways to add color to outline stamps. The results are magical, bringing out the artist in those of us who think we have no artistic talents.

It’s also the solution for crafters and stampers who don’t have a huge stash of ink colors. The Stampin’ Up! set of Watercolor Pencils, priced at only $16, includes 13 pencils in the Stampin’ Up! colors. Use with the Aqua Painters or Blender Pens and you have the perfect watercoloring tools to create and blend infinite colors.

How To Watercolor With Pencils and Blender Pens

Get set right! Stamp your image on the right cardstock with the right ink. I love Shimmery White cardstock. It accepts moisture without pilling and it’s less bumpy than Watercolor Paper. Plus, it has that special shimmer to it.

Next, choose the right ink. I choose either StazOn Jet Black or Archival Basic Black. I must say I have more success with StazOn not bleeding when moisture hits it.

Begin watercoloring. Use a Blender Pen to pick up pigment and add to your art. Or use the pencil tip to scribble inside your outlined image, then use the Blender Pen to pull the color throughout the area. For bolder color, continue to add color from the pencil. Remember: Be mindful of the amount of moisture you add. The paper will pill with too much.

Don’t Forget Your Card’s Purpose

Today’s card was built with Helping Me Grow, a 15-piece set on the Retirement List, and One Big Meaning, a 7-piece set. Together these two sets create cards that convey kindness and gratitude. You will want to mail this beauty!

Stampin' Up! Helping Me Grow    Stampin' Up! One Big Meaning

 

Just Stamp Watercoloring with Pencils and Blender Pens

 

Just Stamp Tips

  • Watercoloring with pencils and blender pens was only one of the techniques I used.
  • Sponging created the background. I snipped a 1/4 wedge from a Stamping Sponge and dipped it into a Tempting Turquoise ink pad. Next, I applied it to the cardstock in circular motion. Remember: Add color in small amounts, continuing to add ink to your preference.
  • Add a greeting. I masked off the Thank You from one stamp image using a Post-It Note. After inking up with the VersaMark Pad, I removed the Post-It and stamped a 3/4 x 4 inch Basic Black cardstock scrap that was pre-treated with the Embossing Buddy to avoid random white flecks.  I sprinkled White Emboss Powder and heat set. Voilà

To view a how-to video and more cards created by watercoloring with blender pens and ink pads, click here.

Are you visiting Just Stamp? I’d love to read your comments. Click on Comment at the top of this post to leave your thoughts and suggestions. TFS!

Manly Tools Plus Snappy Sentiments Make the Best Cards for Everyone

By | April 10, 2017

Just Stamp Nailed It Screwdriver

Nailed It Bundle: Manly, Yes! But Perfect for Everyone

If you’re a cardmaker like me, we’re always in search of manly tools plus snappy sentiments that make the best masculine cards. The 16-piece Nailed It stamp set with coordinating Build It Framelits Dies does that and more! It can make the best cards for everyone.

The set’s hammer, wrench, saw and screwdriver reek of testosterone. The bonus of the set, however, are the darling sentiments.

Sorry I Screwed Up is my daily mantra at home and at work. Here I feature it on my belated birthday card. How apropos. I’m always late sending out birthday cards.

Just Stamp Tips

  • Designer Series Paper makes it a snap to choose a color palette. The neutrals in Urban Underground Speciality Designer Series Paper are a score for a manly card. For the lassies, Melon Mambo hits the nail on the head. For the kiddos, try bright Real Red and Pacific Point.
  • Snipping the tools is a breeze with the Build It Framelits Dies. I stamped and cropped the screwdriver four times to ease building the screwdrivers with colored handles.
  • A short rule is easy peasy with one pass through the Big Shot using a 5″ x 1/2″  Silver Foil Sheet. It makes a perfect seam cover over the Urban Underground and Delightful Dijon panels.
  • The Basic Gray nut on the focal point tag was also cropped with a Framelit.
  • Add thematic texture with the 3D Dynamic Textured Impressions Embossing Folder Hexagons.
  • Dimensionals prop up the tag to present the sentiment.

More Manly Tools Plus Snappy Sentiments

The elements of this tool set have endless possibilities. Take the saw and coordinating phrase I Knew I Liked You When I Saw You. How perfect would it be to gift that to a significant other or child? A treasure indeed, as are all handmade cards and gifts.

Here’s my punful card. Notice the saw cuts on the patterned paper.

Just Stamp Nailed It Saw Detail

Here are a few more possibilities.

 

Nailed It Girly

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Nailed It Happy Father's Day

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Nailed It Best Guy Ever

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Nailed it Number One

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Nailed It is a must-have and a keeper for the cardmaker who wants one versatile set that can make the best cards for everyone. If it’s one for you, hop over to my store to order today. The set will be available only only through May 31, or sooner if supplies run out. Click HERE to shop.

Remember: You save when you bundle the Nailed It stamp set with the Build It Framelits Dies.