Monday, January 15, 2018

Watercolored Azaleas

Hello again!  How about starting off the week with a watercolored Azalea?  Probably one of Power Poppy's best selling stamps, but I'm just guessing.  They're so pretty!




I made this card for someone amazing, as you might guess.  Stamped in Ranger Distress Tea Dye ink and watercolored with an old never-been-used set of SU's Watercolor Wonder Crayons.  Do they even still sell them?  Hanging my head... I've had two sets of those watercolor crayons for years and just now used them for the first time.  What is up with that?  They're actually very nice watercolor paints.

I picked up ink from the crayons with a wet brush.  The progression of color on the blooms is Summer Sun, Pumpkin Pie, and Ruby Red.  Interesting how it turned out with those colors.  Garden Green on the leaves.  When all was dry I did the stamen filaments with Gansai Tambi white paint.  Since the image was so soft I kept the rest of the card soft and simple, as well.  More details in the recipe below my signature.

Have a happy day and I'll see you again soon!


Stamps:  Power Poppy Azalea  Paper:  Arches 140 lb cold press watercolor, soft yellow, vanilla Bazzill  Ink:  Ranger Distress Tea Dye, Palette Noir  Coloring:  Stampin' Up! Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolor paints  Accessories:  Sequins, Scotch brand foam mounting tape

29 comments:

Pauline said...

Stunning! It doesn't matter what kind of medium you use to colour your images they are all done to perfection! Leslie, this is exquisite! Colours are so soft and pretty, the watercolouring looks like suede, it's that smooth. I like your idea of the white paint for the stamens, it makes them pop. The sequins is a nice addition to finishing this off along with your perfect so straight stitching! You know, I have those SU crayons as well and never used them, what a shame isn't it, but you have inspired me to pull them out and give them a whirl. It was a nice surprise to see your card in my Feedly today, thanks for sharing. Have a wonderful day!

Glenda said...

Oh Leslie! Your coloring skills always impress me no matter what medium you use. You do play well with color and these blooms are stunning! The soft yellows just soothe my soul this morning as I sit here typing with cold toes. But it is January and I just need to get my socks on. Hoping you have a lovely day!

Donna Ellis said...

Well, I left my comment, explaining all the reasons I am in love with your sunshine yellow azaleas, pressed the publish button, and received the "aw snap" something went wrong message, and lost the entire comment! LOL Maybe it was too wordy, and google didn't like it. But I am in love with your gorgeousness, Miss Leslie! hugs, de

nancy littrell said...

Oh my, Summer Sun and Ruby Red...those colors have been retired for quite a few years..your crayons are pretty old. I never got the SU crayons, but I have 3 sets of the T.H. crayons that I never use...I had not tried watercoloring with them...hmmm..I need to see if it works. TFS your gorgeous yellow azaleas, Leslie. Spring will be here before we know it:-) Hugs..

ednamburgess said...

Very pretty. I'd have never thought to use the crayons either and have some. Great job. Thanks for the reminder. Will have to try them.

Darlene said...

This creation is just GORGEOUS (and I know that for a FACT, teehee) Your coloring skills are like none other and I am always in awe of it's perfection. The colors are soft and beautiful ... and truly brought a big smile to my face (hubby too ... he thinks you are quite the artist! Thanks for your kindness and awesome inspiration! BIG HUGS

Verna Angerhofer said...

Wow! What gorgeous water coloring! I am just so amazed at how beautifully you did this and of course, the floral image is spot on wonderful as well. Thanks for sharing your talents. I love this and the awesome colors.

Yogi said...

Beautiful. Love the colors. Have a great day

pam said...

Wow stunning card Leslie, wish I had your talent for stamping and colouring! you amaze me with your beautiful CAS card designs, make mine look over the top lol.
Hugs Pam x

Nanny's Pansy Patch said...

I'm always so impressed with your coloring skills. This card is just gorgeous! I'm sure the recipient will cherish it!

Bobbi-spapertrail.blogspot.com said...

Absolutely stunning Leslie. Stampin up no longer makes the watercolor crayons but they do have watercolor pencils now. I also have some old water color crayons that I got off the clearance rack but unfortunately they are not a complete set. And I have not used them ever either. I find it amazing all the things that I buy and never use. I guess it's because we don't seem to have enough time to make all the things that we want to make. Anyway your card is absolutely breathtaking. TFS

Kathy Krug said...

I just love that you are using some of your neglected coloring mediums. This water coloring is beautiful. You make me want to try coloring again. Gorgeous.

Sherri said...

Wow! There is nobody who can hold a candle to your coloring....in ANY medium! Your flowers just look like photographs they are so realistic! I am just in awe of your talents!

Lynette said...

I think YOU'RE amazing, Leslie! Love the beautiful, soft flowers. That's cool that you're using your older things. I still have SO much to use, too.

Conniecrafter said...

I will have to say it's your beautiful coloring that makes it so amazing, this being your first time using these watercolor crayons you certainly did a terrific job with them. Such lovely soft coloring!

Susie said...

I'm speechless! This is what drew me to your blog and art long ago. I am mesmerized by the beautiful watercolor. The card, the photograph, everything is perfect! I don't know anything about these watercolor crayons you speak of - all I know is what I see -- stunning results! Wow, is this ever gorgeous!!

Evelyn S. said...

Ditto to all the compliments about your fabulous coloring! These truly are realistic azaleas. This is an elegant card, Leslie.

Cindy Beach said...

I am beyond amazed at your beautiful creation, Leslie! I have used SU's crayons and I really liked them but no longer have them. I do agree, that your masterful watercoloring could shine through any medium with beauty!
The colors you've chosen are just gorgeous and the softness is exquisite. I LOVE yellow and the red tones with it are so so pretty.
You've really been on a roll, busy creating. I love coming by to visit. : >

laurie said...

You have encouraged me to get out my never used crayons and give this a try after seeing this gorgeous card!Such a pretty image!

Linda E said...

Beautiful card, Leslie! I too have so many unused/unopened things in my craft room. I'm working on that in 2018!Speaking of that, did you ever manage to get through your unused stamps. If I recall correctly, you were doing it alphabetically.

Stacy Morgan said...

Gasp... Well I am glad you used them as this is gorgeous! I love the feel of this and the pierced edging is perfect! Gorgeous Leslie!

Pam Sparks said...

WOW! Gorgeous, gorgeous watercoloring Leslie! Beautiful card! hey, link up to the daily marker 30 day coloring challenge with all your coloring cards! It's fun! I'm just posting on Instagram at this point...

Bonnie said...

This is gorgeous, Leslie! Beautifully painted!

Pretty Paper Junkie said...

You upped your game on this one. I love how you've blended the ruby red, pumpkin pie and summer sun. The flowers really pop with the contrast of the background. I also like that the green washes to nearly white. This so beautiful and I think you are so amazing!

Diane said...

GORGEOUS!! Colored perfectly, like I have mentioned before, if we lived closer I would be begging you to teach me to color like you, it's beautiful!
When we bought this house 23 or so years ago, there were 2 beautiful Azaleas here, well they weren't in a great spot so I decided to move them, never should of done that, I haven't had good luck with them since, so it was refreshing to see them on your card!

Ida said...

Beautiful. I have an Azalea that is just that color and I love it.

Ros Crawford said...

Oh My Word!!! This is stunning... Oh how I have missed your creations my friend.. I'm so lucky to have some of them. Your painting here takes my breath away!

Hannelie said...

Yes... Amazing you are! so so very beautiful!

CherylQuilts said...

Be still my heart, Leslie! I love this card and your amazing watercoloring! The softness and simply elegant layout are perfect with the black sentiment and sequins. Love your stitching. Haha! I still have an original SU watercolor crayons box that I bought from my stamping friend. I need to pull them out and try them before I ditch them. LOL! So I am hanging my head low too. Hugs!