Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Watercolor Class Day 1 Homework and some Good News



I'm taking the new Watercolor class over at Online Card Classes and had the chance to work on some cards last night.  This first one is a technique that Jen Rzasa shared where you 'dress up' a watercolor wash by using a stencil on the watercolor while it is drying to create a subtle pattern.

I really like this subtle technique, you can see it at the bottom right portion of the card, I used The Crafter's Workshops Mini Hourglass stencil here.  When it was done, I thought it might look neat to have a more defined image at the top right....so they kind of fade together in the middle.  I didn't want it to be really defined, just more defined, so I just replaced the stencil and lightly added color starting at the top right.  



That gorgeous sentiment is from Neat and Tangled and a bit of AC glitter tape finishes it off.  

My second card is a riff on Laura Bassen's card, using a block to create a blended/ombre effect.  I've done similar techniques before, mostly adding multiple ink colors onto a block simultaneously as opposed to one layer at a time.



I thought it would be neat to create thinner layers, so I used a 1" x 6" block.  I like how it almost created the look of marble/limestone albeit in different colors.  The full panel was a bit much, so I broke it, adding a blank space for the sentiment in the middle, popping the watercolor panels out, and adding some black cardstock accents.  



One little hint - depending on the thickness of your paper and how saturated you get it, it can really warp/start to break down.  I mounted my watercolor papers on some scrap cardstock to give it a little extra strength since I wanted to pop those panels up.

Oh, and I mentioned some good news right?  There was a little whiff of it above in that first card.  I'm so excited to share that I was invited to be a guest designer over at The Crafter's Workshop this term.  Here's the official announcement.  TCW has some of my very favorite stencil designs/designers and I'm thrilled to part of the guest crew for this term.

That's all for me today.  Please come back tomorrow for a very special post!

Supplies Used
Card 1
Paper/Cardstock:  PTI - Black Cardstock; Strathmore - Mixed Media Paper
Stamps:  Neat & Tangled - My Favorite
Ink: Versafine
Other:  The Crafter's Workshop - Mini Hourglass Stencil;
Derwent Inktense Pencils; AC - Glitter Tape; Tombow - Mono Adhesive
Card 2
Paper/Cardstock:  Strathmore - Mixed Media Paper; Crafter's Companion - White Cardstock; PTI  Black Cardstock
Stampe:  Winnie & Walter - The Big, The Bold and the Happy
Ink:  Versafine; Ranger - Pickled Raspberry, Salty Ocean; Evergreen Bough; and Iced Spruce Distress Ink
Other:  Tombow - Mono Adhesive; CTMH - Dimensional Foam Tape

26 comments:

  1. Gorgeous cards Miriam...wow. Can't wait to get started on the class!
    Congrats on your good news!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wowwwwwwww! These are gorgeous! LOVING the colors on the second one!! And HUGE CONGRATS on the GDT!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful - and big congrats on your GDT! Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  4. yay for guest designing..congratulations... These cards are gorgeous.. I really LOVE the second one..

    ReplyDelete
  5. Congratulations Miriam on being part of the TCW DT! So happy for you ;-) Am totally in love with the watercolouring on your second card - its stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Both card are stunning! I'm drawn to the first one...love the softness! Congrats on your GDT!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats!!! Well deserved! I love your cards! I decided to take the class this morning and can't wait to try some things tonight!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on the guest spot, Miriam! Well deserved. I'm loving the watercolor looks on these beautiful cards!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Congrats on being selected to be a guest designer! Looking forward to seeing what you create! the watercolors are beautiful. I seriously would like to have at your give-away box soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Awesome job on your watercolor homework, Miriam! I love both cards! Ooh...and congrats on your good news! :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. These are both amazing! And congratulations on your good news!

    ReplyDelete
  12. These are gorgeous, Miriam. I'm taking this class too, but haven't found time to practice yet. (UGH, and deep sigh)

    BIG congratulations on the guest designer gig with TCW...you will surely have lots of fun, and create some awesome and inspiring stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  13. BEAUTIFUL class work, Miriam!! I adore that stenciled water-colored background. And congrats on your news over The Crafters' Workshop! Can't wait to see your debut there!

    ReplyDelete
  14. OHHH! I can't wait to see Day 1 of class! I'm sooooooo behind!

    Fabulous cards! I must get out my watercolors ASAP! LOVE LOVE LOVE visiting here- always inspired <3

    ReplyDelete
  15. First, CONGRATS on the GD position!
    Second, I LOVE your cards!
    THird, THANK YOU for sharing the techniques, it sounds like I would have loved that class, next time maybe....

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow LOVE the watercolor cards!! I love the colors in the second card!! And congrats on the guest DT!! (though i think you should have made the team, assuming you applied!! lol )

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful cards, Miriam! I love your watercolouring, especially that first one. Congrats on your wonderful news, too!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hey Miriam :) congratulations on ur a guest term !! U totally rock. These cards are so beautiful, I am amazed. Also congratulations on April gallery challenge win :) it feels
    Awesome to share the win with you !

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congrats on being a GDT Miriam;-) Awesome watercolored cards you did here.

    ReplyDelete
  20. These are simply stunning, my dear! Such great use of the techniques, and a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your Guest DT spot! You go, girl!

    ReplyDelete
  21. First, big congrats on the TCW gig! You are going to rock it, as evidenced by the stenciling in the first card. :) The stenciled watercolor wash is super cool. I like the ombre colors, too!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yay on your good news with TCW!! Each and every card here is just gorgeous. Your first card with the stencil is definitely my "most favorite"!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wow! Lots going on in your life, you talented girl! So pleased for your Crafter's Workshop DT term! The bunnies card is awesome and your HW for Watercolor is lovely. You always manage to add your own special touch.

    ReplyDelete
  24. So awesome! CONGRATS!! Well deserved! These are amazing! Inspiring me!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Fabulous cards, Miriam! And, congrats on TCW!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great job, Miriam. I especially like the subtle background with the blod black sentiment. Haven't tried Jen's tecnique as yet, but it's definitely on my to do list. I did have a lot of fun, though, using the monoprint technique that Tim Holtz showed.

    ReplyDelete