I am taking a break from detailed card projects to focus on simple techniques I want to share with you. These cards that I designed for the Coffee Loving Cardmakers blog use a texture paste resist technique. In my video, you will learn how to create the background and discover some ways to shade cactus with watercolors.
To create these cards, I used some great items from Newton’s Nook. I just recently discovered this site and I am loving what they have to offer. These two coffee cactus sentiments are just too much fun.
On both cards, I created a coffee bean background using a stencil with transparent matte texture paste. When the texture paste dries, it has a soft matte finish that allows the paper underneath to show through.
To make those coffee bean images pop, I used a resist method with Distress Oxide ink. Using a blending tool, I applied ink onto the background and then used a paper towel to remove it from the texture paste.
The transparent texture paste allowed the kraft paper to come through that lovely deep vintage photo background. After the background was complete, I used a heart die to cut a window for the sentiment.
In the center of each heart, I added a little bit of ink using a mini blending brush. This created a nice backdrop and a soft shadow behind each of the images.
The cactus are shaded using watercolor paints. The more I practice with this medium, the more I fall in love with it.
When I first started using watercolor paints, I was frustrated with how free-flowing and uncontrollable they were. It was nothing like the tole painting projects I made years ago.
After taking some time to learn a few basics, I began to understand how they work. If you are looking for tutorials to help you out Let’s Make Art and Kristina Werner are my favorites.
With each session, I get a little better and I learn how to mix the colors and add shading to the images. It truly relaxes me to paint these images.
If you would like to learn how to create that texture paste resist background and discover a few new ways to add shading with watercolor, I have a simple video tutorial for you to enjoy.
Those two cactus images were so much fun to shade with the mix of green, blue, and brown watercolors. That little pop of red on the flowers is the perfect addition. These are simple techniques you can try on your next project.
I will be a guest designer with the Coffee Loving Cardmakers all summer long. Make sure to stop by each week for some coffee-inspired projects you can make. If you have any questions about the projects or the supplies I used today, feel free to leave me a comment below.
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