First of all, I should tell you the paper is Strathmore Mixed Media Vellum Surface. Prices vary. I got it on Amazon for about half the price shown on the link I provided, as I chose one of the other sellers. I didn't know what to expect with the "vellum surface". It's not vellum as we know it, but very smooth and it handles ink beautifully.
On my first card I mixed two media on my mixed media paper. Three, if you count the glitter.
The media I mixed are Copic coloring for the image, and ink smooshing for the background. I'm happy to report the paper works as well with Copics as it does with water-based inks. You know how you can use the Colorless Blender for removing inks outside the lines? Well, with this paper you can cleanly remove every hint of color. I've never had another paper on which the Colorless Blender worked so well.
After the Copic coloring was done I painted water around the areas I wanted to smoosh, then scribbled a Tombow marker on an acrylic block and used it like a stamp on the paper. The Memento ink I used for the image outline will smear when wet, so I had to be careful to avoid it. Another option is to smoosh first, then do the stamping and coloring.
To finish the card I stamped the retired JustRite sentiment in Versafine Onyx Black and touched the snow first with clear Stickles glitter, then sprinkled micro-fine glitter over that. The image is Penny Black's Pretty Perch.
That was so much fun, I had to try another, this time watercolored with Tombow markers.
Another Penny Black image, Poppy Gems , with a very old Uptown Design sentiment from my collection
Ink moves like crazy on this paper. It's probably not the best for watercoloring because you can lift the ink right off with water. However, I like how it enabled the marker ink to move around, rather than soak in and get stuck in one spot. Layer the inks one color at a time, dab with water, but not too much water. I like the loose, splotchy effect. More smooshing in the background. I have a lot more experimenting yet to do.
I will have more stamping next week, but first there are some things around the house and garden that need my attention. The forecast calls for a couple of dry days coming up. This rain has been relentless! I hope you're enjoying a better spring where you are. Have a happy day!
30 comments:
The only word that comes to mind is WOW! Both of your creations are stunning and I'm on my way to amazon to try and find some for my craft desk! Both of these are simply gorgeous!
I'm lost for words for what I see today! STUNNING are both creations Leslie. I have just literately sat here for 5 minutes starring at both of them. Amazing colouring, your smooshing is perfect, and also love the colour combinations in both. Both are a piece of art! I will have to find that paper and give it a try. I'm so happy you shared these today, as I always look forward to your posts. When I see your cards it gets my mojo going. I hope you have a wonderful day.
Your cards are gorgeous!So soft and spring like!!!
I don't normally read the other comments, but I'm glad I did, because mine would have been a repeat:) The word is "WOW!" I really, really love both of these cards, Leslie, and am once again amazed by your artistry.
Leslie! No more new products!!! Just kidding, but my point is when you make something so jaw dropping gorgeous, I want to buy everything! I am so ready for spring, but your little blue bird could convince me otherwise. Then we get to the yellow flowers and I'm ready shop for flowers. Yellow never looked so good. Amazed me again!
both are beautiful. Love the 1st one a lot. Have fun playing. I'm finally getting into playing myself... It's been a really long dry spell. Have a great day
Strathmore 140# mixed media is my favorite. I love how white and smooth it is, but do have to be careful not to use too much water. I LOVE how you smooshed your backgrounds using an acrylic block and stamped. I have always done my smooshing before my main image. Your coloring is gorgeous with your Copics, Leslie. TFS I can't wait for more examples using your new paper.
BTW, Leslie, I get all my watercolor papers from Art Connection (our local home owned store). Their prices are very comparable to online and no shipping and....they have a great selection. That is where I get my Cold and Hot papers and Yupo :-)
FANTASTIC! Your coloring on that first image is STUNNING ... love the rich earthy colors and I too am now in search of this paper (you're such an enabler! LOL) I can only hope mine come out half as good as yours! Both cards are amazing! Thanks for inspiration (as always). Rainy here too but I'll be loosing crafting time to the great outdoors before long so while it rains I will craft! LOL
Wow! You just continue to amaze me! I've never tried mixed media yet either, but these gorgeous cards have got me itching to try it! I know mine won't be as awesome as yours because your coloring (in ANY medium) is beyond compare! LOVE both of these!!
Well, I am giving you the BRAVERY AWARD. You smooshed after you colored that image so beautifully!!!! Gorgeous coloring and beautiful designs. Every time I see your coloring I want to pull out my markers and color away, but... it only lasts momentarily because I just end up pulling out my dies. Every design you make is frame worthy.
Two beautiful cards, Leslie! I have some mixed media paper, but haven't tried it. First, I was struck by the realistic terracotta pop you colored and those darling snowdrops (and rose hips?) peeking through the snow. Then I scrolled to that dazzling yellow beauty with the coloring, painting, and smooshing--all one one surface. Just terrific!
What beautiful cards you created! The coloring is gorgeous and I especially like the little bird with a great sentiment! I guess we have your rain as it has been pouring here but better than snow!! I see my flowers popping up which gives me hope!!
I said "oh my gosh" with each of these beauties Leslie. Just stunning. I just love your coloring of the terra cotta pot, so real and the pop of color with the gorgeous yellow poppies!
Rain here too Leslie! But so glad we've got lots of lovely Spring on the blogs! lol Both of your cards are gorgeous! Stunning Leslie! I love all your techniques here and am inspired to try even more with this paper now! I did try coloring direct with Tombows on it and love how it blended. So fun! Pretty sure I have this Poppy Gems stamp but I have to go look and see if I have the Pretty Perch! hehe
Two stunning cards you have design Leslie, what amazing delicate colours for winter and spring, love the image`s you have used, poppies are one on my all time favorite flowers, those backgrounds are gorgeous.
Hugs Pam x
Your cards are beautiful...I especially like the one with the yellow flowers.
Thanks for the info on the paper....I love experimenting with different materials and I am a Copics addict. I am trying to improve my skills using other inks and I'm trying to learn to watercolor. It's not been easy for me, but I won't give up.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful art.
Jan D., FL
Oh my goodness you never cease to amaze me with your talent!! I have not use this paper either but almost bought it at Michaels, I may have to give it a try the next time it goes on sale, I love the results you got on both cards!!! Stunning coloring on both and I just love your touches of snow on the first card, and the backgrounds on both is just wonderful. Love your attention to detail like the highlighting of the center of the flower, perfection all the way around!!
Watch yourself out in the yard, My hubby and I were moving things around and I hurt my back real bad, nothing seems to be helping :(
Oh what stunning cards today Leslie ... I just love how you achieve such a clear clean look ... I'm itching to create but I've been spending days preparing for the club project ...Maybe I'll get it all finished later. Have a great weekend!
Your background smooching looks fabulous! Sounds fun too! Both are your usual picture perfect cards in coloring and design!
I have only tried one pad of mixed media, but it sure didn't bring these results!! Your backgrounds are so pretty...love the airy feel and of course, no one water colors like you!! Extraordinary results...and a breath of Spring for sure, Leslie!
Leslie you have been enjoying this paper I see. These are both beautiful! Have not tried this type of paper but you are tempting me too. Love the springy yellow and fresh feel of your spring card. Just awesome!
Sigh - how incredibly, gorgeously, magnificently colored and arranged are these incredible, gorgeous, magnificent creations, Leslie. Melts my heart. I can hear the hive of activity in your garden, smell the nectar of your blossoms, hear the soft sounds of creatures enjoying the beauty, and watch Wally and Lulu enjoying their surroundings. Both are lovely! I ordered some of the paper off the link you provided. Thanks! I keep forgetting to purchase MM paper, and this is great. I also have a ream of some vellum papers at home, but it is nothing like vellum as we know it. It is white. So now I am going to attempt to try it with copics and see how it does. Will let you know. I've been using it for layering since it is only 67 lbs.
Leslie, with every visit to your blog, I longingly admire at the beauty you create. Such artistic detail, it's as though your heart falls into the image and imagines it as Mother Nature intended. Loveliness, Serenity, and heartfelt appreciation of nature just exude from your masterpieces.
Wishing you a great week! hugs, de
Both of these cards are as lovely as can be. - I'm with you on the relentless rain of March...hope it's gone soon.
These are both so beautiful. Thanks for all of the tips. I would find it very hard to smooch after the beautiful coloring you did on the images. But, what a lovely result. Thanks and enjoy your dry days of gardening.
Your smooshing on this paper is FANTASTIC! I will have to try this myself. Thank you for the beautiful inspiration, Leslie!
Stunning work Leslie.
Beautiful cards and I can't believe I didn't comment on them earlier...both are gorgeous, they look like frame-able water color paintings! Wouldn't it be fun to have several little framed cards like this in your creative room...totally gorgeous...soft and dreamy!
Both cards are just lovely! I did find this paper at Michael's and used a 50% coupon on it. I'm going to try stamping and watercoloring on it! Thanks so much for sharing your work - beautiful!
Two wonderful cards, I love your style, Leslie.
Greetings from Germany
Anke
Oh, what gorgeous cards, Leslie, and I love these Penny Black images. They are always so classic. I absolutely am in love with your mixed media work, and I enjoyed reading about your process. We continually learn, and we best learn by doing! I need to play more, because mixed media has not been "my bag!" ...yet! LOL! Thanks for sharing these gorgeous cards, my friend! Hugs!
Post a Comment