Hello, friends! It really won't be long before the daffodils start popping up here on the Oregon Coast. It's hard to believe, right? We've had some beautiful days for working in the yard, but also some very wintry days. That's our typical January. Today I have paper daffodils with Power Poppy's Created to Create digital stamp.
The set has black line drawings with and without text on the sketchbook page. I chose the "without text" and did my own thing with a sentiment from the Hydrangea Hype digi. I filled in with stamped daffodils (retired) in hopes of distracting the eye from the too-straight sentiment.
About the coloring: I've been using the same set of Tombow markers since 2010. In the past I've always scribbled on a palette and picked up with a wet brush for watercoloring. Lately, however, I've been using just the markers without water. Blend a very light shade into a darker shade... it's a lot like using Copics or pencils. The marker tips can fray out with too much rubbing and scrubbing on rough paper, so I always use a light touch on good quality hot press watercolor paper.
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| Empty Copic marker filled with homemade "Tombow" blender fluid |
For a softer look I like the blender pen. The brush tip on the Tombow Blender frays out too quickly so I had the idea of using a blank Copic marker filled with homemade "Tombow" blender fluid. Found the recipe online:
- 2 tsp glycerin
- 4 tsp distilled water
- 1/4 tsp 70% rubbing alcohol
Shake in a small bottle to mix. Use eye dropper to fill pen.
Each individual has their own preferences, but for me this coloring medium/method is a nice alternative to Copics -- way easier plus less costly and lower maintenance. I still use all my other coloring tools, and love watercolor, especially. Just saying ...
I hope the new year is treating you well. Take care, and have a happy day!
33 comments:
I have been dreaming of daffodils so imagine my suprise when I saw your creation this morning! I love your coloring skills and think the image is amazing! We don't have terribly cold weather here in East Tennessee these days but mostly in the 40's. For me that is still too cold to be outdoors!
Fabulous card love the image and beautifully coloured
Carol x
Just beautiful, Leslie! And what a great sentiment. That is so cool that you can be out working in the yard in January. :) We kind of can't do that in Minnesota! LOL!
Great idea to make your own Tombow blender! I do love my blender pens for watercolor. The glycerin makes it extra smooth, too. The daffodils are exquisite, of course. Those will be the only ones I see - and if anyone else posts daffodils on their blog. They won't grow here. Daffodils are one of those flowers that always make me smile! Beautiful card, Leslie!
hugs,
de
Leslie, this is a beautiful piece of watercolor! Your use of the Tombow markers is remarkable and I'm so glad you inspired me to give them a try. They are in my cart along with my Copics. And the idea of using the Copic colorless blender pen with your own Tombow solution is a great tip. What a wonderful card!
P.s. Another move this past year. We sold our big house on Daniel Island and downsized - A LOT! We decided to rent and moved into a new 55+ Apartment Home complex here on Daniel Island. We love it!! No more maintenance, no high priced flood insurance, and the best part? Lock and Go! I hope to get a new blog up before the end of January.
So beautiful.
BEAUTIFUL. I only wish spring was around the corner... Although I can't really complain. The weather has been tolerable...
Interesting recipe. Have a great day
Oh my friend, this is gorgeous, what an amazing image beautifully and lovingly colored. Thank goodness my printer is working, this image is a must-have.
I use Canson Mixed Media 98lb. paper to print my images, I just have to let the ink dry, preferably 24 hours, after that, I can watercolor or use my Prismacolor pencils.
Thank you for sharing.
Stay healthy and safe.
Hugs, my friend.
Maria.
Hi Leslie,
What a gorgeous card! Our daffodils will be out soon too, and it was a happy reminder for me to be watching for them. You've chosen beautiful sentiments to combine for this card! I am grateful for the info on the Tombows. How many colors does your set have?
I have a set of 12 or so that are newer than yours but are too dry to use. I sure would like the option of having this work. Cost effective, AND you make it look easy! (But it's not, lol.)
What a nice surprise today to see your card with such beautiful daffodils. I always wait for mine to appear and that's a good sign that Spring is on its way. Your coloring is gorgeous and love the sentiment. It must be nice to be able to work outside in Jan. We are expecting some more snow early next week so will have to get all the shopping done this weekend just in case. Have a wonderful crafty weekend!
So beautiful and makes me yearn for Spring! Thanks for sharing so many wonderful tips/tricks! Snowing & very cold here in Ohio today but I must tell you I have noticed some of my spring bulbs are popping up and I just hope they don't get in too big of a hurry since the past couple of years many of my spring flowers popped up early and ended up 'burnt' after a bitter cold snap at the end of winter. Maybe I need to dig them up and plant them deeper lol Have a great day and thanks for beautiful inspiration!
Beautiful flowers and so wonderfully colored. I love the sentiment too. I will love to see Spring soon.
Amazing colouring of this card Leslie! I love the diffused look of the image. I noticed right away. It has a lovely softness to it! Thanks for the info on Tombow markers. I gave up on Copics a long time ago and I was thinking that I needed some new markers and Tombow sounds like it will work for me. xx
This is so fabulous. I love the image and how you made it your own. Beautiful coloring.
I am in awe, Leslie! I do good to get a print out of a digi much less do any editing! I love the blurred look to the outline and, as always, your coloring is beautiful! I've never had good luck coloring daffodils so I need to use this as a guide and try again! Thanks for the inspiration, my friend!
Thanks for presenting us with these lovely daffodils in the winter. I think I have SAD disease, and your blooms made me smile. Another big thanks for the blending tip. I would like to try that. (Yes, I still intend to make cards again.) Happy Friday, Leslie!
Wow that is just stunning, your coloring is just amazing, you are doing wonderfully with your tombows, I think I only have two of their markers. Just love the way you blended out the shading around the images too!!
I have quite a few Tombo markers but they aren't my go to colouring medium. When I see your amazing coloring I always think I need to come visit and have a lesson. Perhaps when COVID is over :)
Beautiful colouring and love the spring flowers.
Beautiful stamp and gorgeous card and colors. Daffodils are blooming here now.
Your colouring is just stunning, love it xx
Hi, Leslie
This is an outstanding card and so 3D I felt like I could pick up the little booklet and paint tube!!!! LOL
Lovely card. Daffodils are one of my favorite spring flowers (which some of mine are up already) - Your coloring is wonderful.
Awesome design here and fantastic colouring and stamp. These colours blend so well together it's absolutely gorgeous. xx
Wow! Not only are you the queen of watercolouring, but you have taken the tombow colouring to the next notch. I've never tried just the blender pen, always used water. You colouing is amazing, and love the blurred look you created in photoshop! wow totally love this. I'm just looking at all the shading around the edges, which I find hard to do at times, but you have nailed this, I'm in awe!
Yes, I think that is how old my Tombows are as well! I really must give this a try. Gorgeous Leslie! Take care,
Just love daffodils...so pretty! I can't believe they will be blooming soon. Your coloring is so realistic and beautiful!
I am in awe... this is so beautiful and your own added sentiment looks just perfect! We are already seeing the shoots of daffodils pushing up and I can't wait for them to bloom... They always make me happy. Stay safe!
I just love your colour palette on this one Leslie! So bright and fresh. A beauty, especially with the little daffodils on the sentiment.
Christine
Time sure flies...faster every year! We're buried in snow here so its hard to comprehend flowers coming up! lol Easy to enjoy your beautiful coloring and card though!
Just beautiful. You and Marcy's images = a happy combo!
I like your DIY Tombow blender, too.
Gorgeous! I like the softer feel to the filter you used also, but your coloring is gorgeous Leslie! Simply gorgeous.
Hi, Leslie! Thanks for dropping this link into my blog comments today! I might give this a try! I just ordered the Dove blender pen from Simon Says Stamp as my old one is dry. It is about 25+ years old! I do have a whole box of Tombo blender pens, too. I really should use my Tombo and Zig water pens then, right? Heehee
Sorry, my ipad wasn’t logged on as me…the above comment is from Gloria Stengel.
Thank you Leslie for sharing your beautifully Tombow colored daffodil floral card, Leslie. Your photo editing tips are wonderful along with your Tombow marker blender pen. You are always so clever and creative with every card you share. Glad to hear your back is getting better. Love and Hugs...Nancy
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