Sunday, April 12, 2015

Watercolored Butterfly Hello

Hello!

I was able to head into my crafty space this afternoon and I tried something new for me. And I think it worked out better than I'd hoped it would. :)

My friend Kay participated in a blog hop for Papertrey Ink way back in February. She posted a sneak  peek of  her card here. One of the things I especially liked about this card was her use of the quatrefoil pattern and distress inks. I copied this idea with a Memory Box stencil I picked up at my local scrapbook store (probably back in February). I used the same inks and that was as far as I got that day. This background piece has been sitting on my desk ever since. 

Then a week or so ago, I took a bit of a drive to a store that sells all the colors of Prismacolor pencils. I had some holes in my collection and wanted to fill them. :) They were having a watercolor demonstration. As you regular readers know, I am very much watercolor challenged, but I stopped to chat with the gal working the demonstration. She showed me how to use watercolor crayons and watercolor pencils. I have had a set or two of watercolor pencils collecting dust for years. I even have some watercolor crayons somewhere. Seeing someone demonstrate the technique in person was so helpful! I even got to try it under her watchful eye. Ever since that demo, I've wanted to try my hand at using my watercolor pencils. (I still have to look for the watercolor crayons I think I own).

I have to say, I'm quite pleased at how this turned out!


I used a new Hero Arts butterfly stamp and die set that I found at Joann's. Last month I came across this post and the idea came to mind of what I would try to do!

I used a Dazzle Versamark ink in Champagne and clear embossing powder to emboss the butterflies. Then I used General's brand watercolor pencils to lightly color along the edge of the embossed lines. I pulled out the color with a paintbrush dipped in water. 

I actually achieved a look that I liked! Whoo hoo! I have to say, I do like the control I felt I had with the pencils. 

I popped the large butterfly up with some foam dots. You can't really tell in the photo, but the body is covered with Wink of Stella shimmer. 

Finally, a watercolor session that didn't end in my being completely frustrated. 
There may be a little hope for me yet. 


Thanks ever so much for stopping by.
I hope you have a great day!

Hugs,
Jeanne

10 comments:

Alanna said...

Your background looks amazing. I'm so glad you were able to get a bit of instruction on the water color. And i love the butterfly. It's very pretty.

Kay Miller said...

WOW!! That's stunning! I don't want to hear anything about you being watercolor challenged anymore! haha! You did a gorgeous job with your watercolor pencils! So glad you found out how easy it is and how good you are at it :) Really beautiful card! So glad you had time to do some fun crafty things! Hope you have a great week! :)

Kay Miller said...

Totally forgot to THANK YOU for mentioning me and for the link to my card!! You really did a beautiful job CASEing it! :)

stampmonkey said...

What a GORGEOUS card, Jeanne!!! I haven't played with watercolors at all {and don't even know what the Dazzle VersaMark is --yikes!), but I'm loving what I'm seeing everyone else do...and your butterfly card is no exception! So glad you hung in there and mastered the learning curve --it was totally worth any past frustration you may have had. ;)

big hugs,
Christi

Sharli Schaitberger said...

Outstanding!! I love this card! I am just starting to learn about watercolor, but I do love it! Your card is so beautiful; soft and exotic!
Hugs!

Pop's Cards said...

Good morning sweetie, this is simply stunning, I cannot stop playing with water colours made some right messes but I am having so much fun, you do not look water colour challenged at all this is fabulous and I love it lots have a great day hugs Pops x

Barb said...

Well, well, well...Just LOOK at you! This is GORGEOUS! You have done an outstanding job with your watercoloring, Jeanne! I knew you could do it. You just needed to find the right medium. I look forward to seeing more watercolored creations from you.

Hugs,
Barb:)

Darnell said...

You NAILED watercoloring with pencils on this card, Jeanne! I love using them, too, and I also had them for literally years before I figured out what the heck they/I could do! It really is one of the best lightbulb moments in stamping. I also love the colors you chose and how you kept so much of your card CAS, yum. Kay is one of my card artist heroes and you did her proud!! It's good to see you! Hugs, Darnell

Kelly Latevola said...

Oh wow! Your coloring is beautiful!! I love all the soft tones. Watercoloring is no easy feat and you knocked it out of the park :)

Faye Wynn-Jones said...

Oh Jeanne, this is fantastic. What pretty colours too x