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!
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.
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