Watercoloring - Right as Rain

Father’s Day Inspiration | Penny Black Blissful Bears

Hello! Today, I am delighted to showcase the enchanting Blissful Bears stamp set by Penny Black. While I plan to use the card for Father’s Day, the image and sentiment can be used for a variety of occasions.

I brought the peaceful image of a bear napping in a rowboat to life with watercoloring. The bear exudes a sense of calm and contentment, inviting us to pause and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

I stamped the Blissful Bears stamp set image and sentiment on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper with VersaFine ink and heat set it. I colored the image with Tombow markers, Zig markers, and an Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencil.

Once the watercolored image was dry, I trimmed the image and matted it with black cardstock. I added the assembly to a dry-embossed orange cardstock background (which was added to a card base).

You can see more of the Penny Black Cherished Collection in this post.

Friendship Blooms in Miniature | Art Impressions Matchbook Garden Shed

Hello! Today, I am sharing a project created with the Art Impressions matchbook set – Garden. I enjoyed watercoloring a scene straight out of a gardener’s paradise – a dedicated gardening shed! Continue reading to learn how I created the card.

The Art Impressions Matchbook series has many different options. You can see an intro video here. For more inspiration, see my other matchbook creations here and here.

- Stamp Garden images in VersaFine ink on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set.
- Watercolor the images with watercolor markers using the No. 4 and No. 1 brushes and palette. I used a combination of Tombow markers, Zig markers, and Faber-Castell Albrecht Durer Watercolor Pencils. You can read more about watercoloring stamped images here.
- Once dry, cut the images with the coordinating dies included with the Garden set.
- Cut matchbook from patterned paper with the MB Template. Add watercolored Garden elements.
- Stamp Garden sentiment on white cardstock, trim, and add to scene.

It just so happens that there is currently a challenge at Art Impressions called Fabulous Flowers, in which I am entering the project.

Cruising with Cuteness | Lawn Fawn

Hello! I am delighted to share a card featuring the Lawn Fawn Car Critters stamp set that works for a variety of occasions including anniversaries and friendship. A single-layer background with a road and a cloud-filled sky sets the stage for the bears’ adventure.

- - Stamp Car Critters car and bear images on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set. Color with watercolor mediums. When dry, cut with coordinating dies. Note: I used Albrecht Dürer Watercolor Pencils to color some of the images. This is a watercoloring medium with which I am experimenting. You can read more about watercoloring stamped images HERE.
  - Mask white cardstock with vellum and apply Distress Oxide inks for sky, road, and grass. Add white pigment ink clouds with the Cloud Background Stencils. Trim stenciled panel to 5 x 3 3/4 inches. Add to textured white cardstock base.
  - Stamp Car Critters sentiment, trim. Note: The two-line sentiment is two stamps. I wanted to ensure that the sentiments stamped straight. I left the stamps on the acetate sheet and taped the sheet with the stamps on my stamp positioner.
  - Adhere sentiment panel and car to card front.

Art Impressions | Charming Birdhouse Neighborhood

Hello! Today, I am excited to share a card featuring the charming Art Impressions Birdhouse Neighborhood stamp set, which happens to be on sale at the moment. This “Hello” card is sure to brighten its recipient’s day. Keep reading to learn how I created the card.

- Stamp Birdhouse Neighborhood with VersaFine ink on Arches Cold Press watercolor paper; heat set.
- Color image with watercolor markers (Tobow and Zig) using the watercolor palette, No. 4, and No. 1 brushes. Set aside to dry. You can read more about watercoloring stamped images HERE.
- Cut a 4 x 5 1/4 inch cardstock panel (I used a now-retired My Favorite Things die). Use a square die to cut a window in the panel. Add foam to panel and attach to watercolored image. Add assembly to A2-size card base.
- Die-cut “Hello” letters with Journal Letter Die Set from textured white cardstock. Cut letters again from foam. Glue foam to back of letters. Add letters to card front.

Resources for Watercoloring Stamped Images

Hello! As someone who has recently dipped my toes back into the world of watercoloring stamped images, I’ve been on the lookout for inspiration and information to help me improve my skills. In this post, I’m excited to share resources I’ve discovered along the way.

First up, I highly recommend checking out Sandy Allnock’s blog, especially her Watercolor Inspiration. Sandy’s tutorials and tips are incredibly helpful. I also suggest the YouTube channels of Art Impressions and Penny Black. In fact, Jill Foster with Penny Black recently posted a video “Answering YOUR Watercoloring Questions” that shares her tips and tricks. Art Impressions has a strong Facebook group and regularly broadcast live.

After exploring online resources for watercoloring stamped images, I decided to experiment by stamping small images (from Lawn Fawn) on a variety of watercolor papers and using different mediums and brushes to color them. Through this exercise, I discovered which paper, ink, brushes, and mediums worked best for my personal style.

- Paper: Arches Cold Press (also called Cold Pressed)
- Ink: VersaFine Clair or VersaFine Onyx Black (from what I have read, these are the same)
- Brushes: Connoisseur White Taklon, Round Size 4; Connoisseur White Taklon, Round Size 1; Silver Brush Black Velvet Short Handle, Round Size 6; Silver Brush Black Velvet Short Handle, Round Size 8
- Palette: Watercolor Palette
- Watercolor Markers: Tombow Dual Brush Pens; Zig Clean Color Real Brushes

I apply the marker to the palette and pick up the color with a damp paint brush; I do not apply the marker directly to the watercolor paper.

I’ve also learned the importance of keeping an inventory of my supplies. One trick I use is to create a printout of the markers and circle the ones I have (see the chart links below). This not only helps me stay organized but also ensures that I don’t accidentally purchase duplicates. I store the markers in labeled containers. By keeping a well-organized inventory, you can spend more time creating and less time searching for supplies.

Chart of Tombow Markers

Chart of Zig Clean Color Real Brush Markers

I hope you find these resources helpful in your watercoloring journey.
I have a number of next steps in my own journey!