This week's High Hopes blog challenge, hosted by Jeanne, is to USE YOUR SCRAPS! And I did just that! Every piece of paper on this card (and several other cards I made tonight) was pulled out of my scrap bin. I even used scraps on the inside! Even the twill, twine and button were left over from a previous project that they didn't get used on.
I don't mind keeping and using scraps. Using scraps just means I get to hoard all the full sheets of paper LONGER! *grin* I keep six 12x12 stacking drawers right next to my paper cutter, so it's easy to look for a scrap before I pull out a new sheet of paper. I keep them divided by similar color families (red/orange/yellow, green/blue, brown/black, white/cream, etc.) to make it easier to find what I need. I used to have a rule that I would keep anything wider than my thumb. Well, that got a little out of hand (hahahaa!! I made a pun!) So now I keep scraps I know I'll use again, that are big enough to do something with. As it turns out, it usually means keeping scraps wider than my thumb, and I just purge the box of small pieces now and then.
Someone in the family will be recieving this card for Father's Day. The High Hopes Norman Goat image was Alan's request for the card, and I chose the forest background image not only because it's STINKIN' CUTE, but because the GUY who will be recieving this card likes to garden, and tend to his flowers and shrubs. It seemed appropriate for this "old goat's" Father's Day card.
I stamped the images in black StazOn ink and painted them with a water brush and various colors of Stampin' Up and Ranger Adirondack re-inkers. I used dimensional foam adhesive to pop the goat up off of the background.
I was recently asked how I get the colors in my watercolor paintings so vibrant. I use several layers of color on all of my painted images, and allow the layers of color to dry in between layers. If you build up your colors using this technique, you'll be able to increase the intensity of your painted images. I like good color in all of my painted designs! Don't be afraid of color!
In December 2006 I posted a short tutorial on how I paint -- you'll find it on my Tips & Tricks page. There are photos included, but if they do not display in the article for you, click the photo links and the photo should display in a smaller viewing window. When you read it, it will probably be obvious that I was really into Stampin' Up when I wrote it. *grin* Oh!! And one thing I should also mention... I no longer put the re-inker ink in the lids of the ink pads, even though that is a good thing to do if you want to. Instead, I use a painter's pallette. I guess I really should do a new tutorial ... I'll add it to my list of things to do.
Anyway, Happy Father's Day to my Dad, and to all Dad's! Hope you have a wonderful day!
I love your unique and expert coloring Anna, so beautifully done! I love it!!!
Posted by: Crissy | June 24, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Oooooh, love this watercoloring! Perfect card for a man (bet Alan loved it and whoever the recipient was (his dad?) got a kick out of it)!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | June 24, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Okay spill. Where is your tips and tricks page? Link please? I want to know all your secrets.
Posted by: alma de la rosa | June 23, 2009 at 08:44 AM
Absolutely fabulous - I love the stamp that you used!
Posted by: Erika M | June 22, 2009 at 01:47 PM
It's always a treat to see your High Hopes creations, and this is no exception!
Posted by: Lisa Hjulberg | June 21, 2009 at 01:04 PM
LOVE IT!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | June 21, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Gorgeous card, Anna!! Your coloring always amazes me :-)
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey | June 21, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Such a fabulous card Anna!
Posted by: Tracey | June 21, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Fab card hun, love the scene you have created and the images and colouring are awesome!
Hugs Tab xxx
Posted by: Tab | June 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Anna, this is so cute! I love the scene you created and your watercoloring is beautiful!
Posted by: Niki Estes | June 21, 2009 at 10:38 AM
I am loving that *Old Goat* I bet the recipiant will too :) Lucky Guy!
Have a relaxing Sunday and stay cool if possible.
Posted by: Carol Dee | June 21, 2009 at 10:11 AM
BWHAHAAA!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE the old goat!! (and your watercoloring is just FAB! (but of course!!) I really need to get over my fear of watercoloring and just got for it and give it a try
Posted by: Starla(star) | June 21, 2009 at 09:19 AM
I love the Old Goat! Very cute and your watercoloring is fabulous. I read your tuturial again. I bought me some good paper a few months ago. I just need to give it a try..
Posted by: Michelle | June 21, 2009 at 06:43 AM
Brilliant card love the image and the idea of using all the scraps up :0)
Posted by: Myra | June 21, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Anna, you are the master of colouring I just love the way you bring a stamped image to life! Great card:-D
Have a wonderful sunday,
Inge xOx
Posted by: Inge | June 21, 2009 at 02:34 AM