Crafts & Hobbies Information

Beautify Your Stamped Cards with Creative Coloring


Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because there are so many different options that you can use to enhance even the most basic stamp. When you look at some colored stamped images, you may be overwhelmed by how beautiful they are. Some look like works of art that have been meticulously painted by tiny little brushes. For a beginner, or even intermediate stamper, they make look overwhelming. The truth is however, that coloring stamped images does not have to be difficult, and it does not require any special artistic skill.

Chances are if you are already involved with stamping, you have enough creativity to color in your stamped images beautifully. There are a number of different tools that you can use to color, and the most popular ones for stampers are pastels, or chalks, watercolor pencils, markers or ink pads.

Chalks

Chalks are a great way to color in stamped images because they are inexpensive and versatile. You do not have to spend too much money to get a full set of chalks that you can use for a very long time. Most chalk sets will come with an applicator or two. These applicators look similar to eye shadow brushes. Other tools that work well to apply chalks are cotton swabs or cotton balls, small sponge brushes, or clean eye make up brushes. It is always a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of cardstock before you apply the color to your image.

Practice blending shades of chalk together to achieve the desired result. Press very lightly for a softer look, and a little bit harder for a strong, sharper color. Shade with the applicator for effect, or hi light certain areas of your image. You can mix chalk colors directly on the cards stock or image, or you can mix the colors on the applicator before applying to your product, whichever you prefer.

Watercolors

Watercolor pencil crayons are one of the most versatile coloring tools that you can find because there are so many different techniques that you can create with them. If you want a strong colored image, apply the pencil crayons directly to the image just as you would with regular coloring crayons. However, if you want water colored look, you can use a blender pen to create that effect. Simply color along the edge of the image with the pencil, and use the blender pen to "pull" the color into the desired area.

Another way to apply color is by rubbing your pencil crayon on a piece of scrap and "dipping" the blender pen into the color before applying. This will create a softer effect. Another way to watercolor is by using your ink pad. With the lid shut, push in the middle of the pad to create a pool of ink on the lid. Then you simply dip your blender pen into the ink and paint into the image. By doing this, you can create a stronger coloring effect.

Markers

Markers are also a popular choice for coloring in stamps because of how easy they are to use. Simply color in the stamped image. If you have watercolor markers you may be able to use a blender pen to mix the colors, or create a softer look. Whatever color method you choose, it is generally a good idea to use a spray fixative to secure the colors. Do not use hairspray for this job because over time it will yellow the images and the paper.

Melanie Brown is an avid card maker and Stampin Up demonstrator. Go to her stampinaddict.com card gallery to view beautiful cards and submit your own creations while enjoying articles on the many techniques of creating cards with rubber stamps.

  


MORE RESOURCES:

Cub Scout families play together this weekend
Huntington Herald Dispatch, WV - 9 hours ago
"It is certainly a good time for families to learn new outdoor hobbies that will create better family spirit and will also help reduce obesity. ...


Town Notes
Wicked Local Boxborough, MA - 10 hours ago
Prize categories include produce; arts and crafts projects; baked goods; hobbies; and conservation projects. If you are a craft person and would like to ...


"Premier breaks commitment to working families" -- Ontario ...
Net Newsledger, Canada - 14 hours ago
Tickets are $10.00 per person - available @ the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium Box Office, Coran's music store, and at Thom Thumb Hobbies and Crafts on ...


Cayman Net News

Local Notices and Information
Cayman Net News, Cayman Islands - 12 hours ago
Book drive drop-off boxes are located at: Books and Books at Camana Bay, Hobbies and Books in Grand Harbour and Piccadilly Square, George Town, ...


The 'Wright' stuff: Young artist on display at MassArt
Medford Transcript, MA - May 15, 2008
Wright has a variety of hobbies, from studying guitar and violin to BMX cycling. But of all his creative ventures, the Columbus student feels a special ...


A gift of love: Spools of yarn and spare time make a big difference
Asbury Park Press, NJ - May 15, 2008
Many in the group, now retired, said they've lived full lives and are now taking time to enjoy themselves with the activities and hobbies they love, ...


Ribchester Field Day Queen 2008
Clitheroe Today, UK - May 11, 2008
Alexandra's hobbies include ballet, ice skating, art and crafts, reading and drama – she is a keen member of Young Rats (Ribchester Amateur Theatrical ...


Redefining a Room: Laundry Room Makeover
Tuskegee News, AL - May 14, 2008
Whether your laundry is in the basement, the upper floors or off the kitchen, why not turn it into a multifunctional space - perfect for hobbies and crafts. ...


Life 101: Let's fly a kite
Southtown Star, IL - Apr 21, 2008
... spend the afternoon with your kids, your date, your spouse or even just your dog," says Don Hendrick, manager of Pat's Hobbies and Crafts in Oak Lawn. ...


Hobby, frame shops moving in together
Emporia Gazette, KS - May 8, 2008
By Brandy Nance (Contact) Dayton’s Hobbies & Crafts and Tallgrass Art & Frame Shop are about to go Plum Bazaar. The two stores now are located at 811 and ...

crafts hobbies - Google News

Article List | Index | Site Map
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved.