Little Bird On Branch Watercolor Painting

 Hello friends!  It has been a while since I've been posting here.  It's a long story, but I will sum it up with one word..... LIFE.

But, I am back, and I've been making art.  Watercolor, pastels, pen and ink, line and wash, colored pencil, and drawing/sketching, along with Zentangle.  

This is my latest watercolor.  I created it in a paint-along/tutorial by Kathy with Sunset Peonies.  Here is a link to Kathy's blog/tutorial https://sunsetpeonies.com/spring-bird-on-pink-blossom-branch-watercolor-paint-along-tutorial-demo/

I found Kathy's style very relaxing, and her instructions were clear and very well conveyed.  She is an amazing teacher, and extremely talented artist.  I plant to take more of her tutorials.

I used Daniel Smith watercolors, on a Canson XL watercolor pad for my journal.

I will be painting more birds for a while, trying to build my technique.  Practice is the key, so the more birds I paint, the better I should get.

I will be posting here again, so if you are still with me, I hope you will come back. I will post some of the other work I have been creating.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings,

lynda joy 

Watercolor Poppies With Boku Undo ESumi Watercolor Palette

 Hello friends!  It is a lovely day today, so I am heading out to my garden shortly to start my 'fall garden pruning and cleanup.'  But first, I wanted to post this watercolor painting I did in my watercolor journal.

My watercolor journal is a Canson Montval watercolor pad, cold press, 5.5 x 8.5.  I used Boku-Undo E-Sumi watercolors to paint, in the Shadow Black palette. 

First, I created the background by taping the edges of the page with washi tape, then used a large brush to apply water inside the entire area.  This was rather wet, but not running off the page.  

When the background was entirely dry, I hand-drew the poppies and pods onto the background lightly with pencil.  I painted them in layers of color from the palette, gradually building up color to create shading and highlights.  

When dry, I added gold highlights in the stamen area and on some of the petals with a nib pen and gold paint.  

To finish, I spattered with gold paint onto the page.

I was really trying for a loose watercolor look, which I feel I achieved in the background.  However, for the flowers and pods I got a little carried away, and really wanted to see how well these new-to-me paints would work for shading and highlights.

I really like these paints.  They go on easily, and blend beautifully.  The colors are strong, yet not really too bright or too pastel.  They layer nicely, to build up color intensity.  I think I will be using this palette often!

And now to head outdoors, with a nice glass of iced tea to relax on the deck, then onto the garden work.  Or not.  Wherever the mood takes me.  Thanks so much for stopping by.  

Blessings,

Watercolor Azalea Duo With New Paints

Hello friends!  I'm stopping in with a quick post to share a card I made using a new-to-me type of watercolor paint.

I used watercolor paper, and stamped the C.14651.Q Azalea image from Magenta.  This is a lovely stamp image, and I thought it would be a good subject on which to try my new paints.

I painted the image with these Boku-Undo E-Sumi Watercolor Palette - Shadow Black Mei - 6 Color Set watercolors I purchased from JetPens.    The colors in this set are unique.  The shades are not bold and bright, nor are they typical pastel shades.  Rather, they are somewhat muted or subdued, as you can typically only get by mixing colors. 

I decided to paint the flowers in layers of glaze.  This is my first attempt at this, and my initial use of these paints.  I really love the way they blend and layer.  I used a mixture of the shadow purple and shadow green to create the grayish tones for the background.

I used Magenta images with distress inks for the background swirls, and for the verse.

I didn't like the stamens in black, so I went over the black with a white gel pen.  I wish I had left them be, as the pen didn't work well over the black ink, and I had to keep adding more, creating a bit of a smudgy look.  But, I am trying to let go of my perfectionist tendencies, and post it anyways.  Next time, I won't ink the stamens, rather I will draw them in with the gel pen afterwards.  Lesson learned.

I really enjoyed these paints, and I'm sure I will be reaching for them often.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings,

Watercolor Apple Blossom Bouquet

Hello friends!  Welcome to the cafe, where we have all things paper, and there's always a pot of coffee brewing.

Today I have a card using stamps from Magenta.  I used artistic license with the apple blossom bouquet, and painted it in shades of pink.  

I used Altenew watercolor paints and watercolor brushes to paint the background.  I stamped the flowers using my Misti and antique linen distress ink, so that I could do no-line painting with watercolor.  I added touches of colored pencil to create depth in the shadows, and some highlights.

I attached it to a green A2 card front. 

 

On the inside, I stamped the image with pink distress ink, and used a bit of water with light pink and green to softly add color to the image.

INSIDE

And a shout-out to my helpers, Daisy and Bella......

Thanks so much for visiting.  Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Blessings,

Birthday Hugs Floral Card

Hello friends!  It has been a while since my last post.  Life.  Summer.  Family.  Yadda-yadda.  All of the above.  But, I'm back.  All of the other is still going on, but I am carving out more me-time.  For my health and sanity!  So I hope to be on here a little more often now. 

My card today is for the Altenew Ultimate Challenge Blog Hop.   Several blogs are participating, and it sounded like fun.  

I used one of Altenew's Watercolor Coloring Book pages.  I LOVE this book.  Each flower is beautifully drawn, and each design has two flowers, one in regular black line, and one in very light gray for no-line coloring.  

I used Altenew pan watercolor paints to paint my image and background.  These watercolors are very high quality, and I found them a delight to paint with!  The Altenew watercolor brushes are artist quality also.   I have been using them for a while, and they are my go-to brushes now.  And they are reasonably priced for a this quality brush.  I used Polychromos colored pencils to add highlights and shading.

With a micron pen, I drew lines for borders along the top and bottom of the image, and along both sides.  I like the way they frame in the flower. 

I used the same pen to write the Happy Birthday, and drew in some black dots for texture and interest.

I attached the painting to a white A2 card front.  Inside, I used an image from the Wonderland and mask stencil, with some distress ink.  The inside verse is from the Altenew Beautiful Day set.

INSIDE

That's it for today.  The hubs and I are quarantining for 14 days, as we were with a friend Thursday who wasn't feeling well.  She took the Covid test the next day and was positive.  Thankfully, we are both well, and have tested negative for Covid, but the state mandates 14 days quarantine because of our exposure.  We have both been vaccinated, but apparently can be carrying the virus.  We are on day six.  Not fun.

So, I am brushing up on my watercoloring, taking a course that I am really enjoying.  I will post some of my work as we get a little further along.

Stay well.  Stay positive.  Be kind.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings,

Impression Obsession June 2021 Die Cut Obsession

 

We have set aside today to share some fun themed projects 

at Impression Obsession.  

This month's theme is Birthday. 

Have fun checking out what our Designers have made today.  

Today's participants can be found on the Impression Obsession blog.

 

IO Stamps/Die links:

Birthday Words Die Set DIE1076

Small Candle DIE1084

Pinked Stitched Sentiment Banner DIE814-U

 

How I made my card:

• From white card stock, I die cut the Birthday Words and Small Candle, and Pinked Stitched Sentiment Banner from the die cuts.
• On a white A2 card front, I used a stencil to create the rectangle in the center, brushing distress ink through the stencil.
• I used distress ink to brush color onto the candle flames and the Birthday Words.
• I added the die cuts to the card front.  
  

I just love these candles, and the birthday words dies!

Don't forget to check out the other participating designer's projects HERE.

You can find the entire June Release stamps HERE.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  

 

Blessings,

 

 

Impression Obsession June 2021 Release Team Favorites Hop

 Welcome to the Impression Obsession 

June 2021 Release Team Favorites Hop!

The Impression Obsession Designers are sharing their 

favorite projects from this month’s release today!

We will be giving away THREE Impression Obsession Grab Bags, 

so the more you comment through our Favorites Hop,

the more chances to win! 

Comments will be open until June 21st at midnight CT. 

All winners will be announced on June 22nd on 

the Impression Obsession Blog.

 

You can find the June Release stamps HERE.  

For today's card, I chose the adorable little pooch.

 

IO Stamps Links:

Dog Collar With Heart D21396

Dog's Birthday Hat C21398

You Had Me At Woof (inside)

 

How I made my card:

• On  bristol card I stamped the Dog Collar With Heart with VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink.
• I painted the Dog Collar With Heart image and Birthday Hat using Derwent Inktense Pencils.
  
• I used a circle die to cut the image, then added it to a dry-embossed blue panel, along with some ribbon.
• I added the panel to the front of an A2 card front, and added some heart shaped buttons and ribbon from my stash.
  
• INSIDE:  I added a blue panel, then a white circle die cut with the verse You Had Me At Woof.

INSIDE

 

I hope you are enjoying our cards for the June Release.  There are so many fun stamps to work with in this fabulous release.  

 

You can find more of the team's favorites on the Impression Obsession blog HERE.  

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,

   

 

 

Impression Obsession June 2021 Release Blog Hop Celebration - Day Two

Welcome to Day Two of the Impression Obsession June 2021 Release Celebration!

The new stamps are available NOW! You can find them all HERE.

 

If you came from Impression Obsession blog, you are in the correct place. 

  

We will be giving away THREE Impression Obsession $25 gift certificates for the event - so the more you comment through our Release Celebration the more chances you have to win!

 

All comments for each of the event days will be open until June 14th, at midnight CT. All winners will be announced on June 15th, on the Impression Obsession blog.

  

Ruff Day

 

 

 

IO Stamps Links:

Dog Face E21394

Ruff Day C21387

 

How I made it:

• In an ivory card stock panel, I stamped the Dog Face and Ruff Day.
• I colored the images with Tombow markers.
• A strip of dotted washi tape along the top of the panel.
• Some pink spatters, and a pink die cut heart in the background.
• I attached the panel to a gray A2 card front.

So, there you have my card for Day Two.  I will be back throughout the month with more cards from this fabulous release.

Next on the hop is  Vicky Garrett's blog.  Be sure to check out the hop's participants' inspiration:

Impression Obsession Blog 

Laura Fulcher

Laura Williams

Lee Ann Barrett

Lynda Pleckan 

Vicki Garrett 

Angela Bode

Anna Wight 

Dina Kowal =

Giovana Smith 

Ilina Crouse 

Jeanne Streiff 

Kia Gibson Clapper

 

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Don't forget to comment on each blog for your chances to win one of three $25 gift certificates to the IO Store!

Blessings, 

 

Impression Obsession June 2021 New Release Blog Hop Celebration - Day One

 

Welcome to Day One of the Impression Obsession June 2021 Release Celebration!

The new stamps are available NOW! You can find them all HERE.

  

We will be giving away THREE Impression Obsession $25 gift certificates for the event - so the more you comment through our Release Celebration the more chances you have to win!

 

All comments for each of the event days will be open until June 14th, at midnight CT. All winners will be announced on June 15th, on the Impression Obsession blog.

  

I have two cards for your inspiration today. 

Card One: Be Blessed

 

IO Stamps Links:

Small Bloom 1  D20938

Small Bloom 2  D20939

Be Blessed D20937

Mid-Size Frame DIE930-Z

How I made it:

• 
  On a white A2 card front, I distressed the edges with distress ink, and added some spatters.
  
  
• I stamped the be Blessed and Small Bloom 1 and 2 onto bristol card, painted the flowers with Kuretake Gansai Tambi watercolor paints.  I also painted the inside of the be Blessed.
• I cut a panel from the be Blessed, distressed the edges, and added it to the card front.
• I added a green die cut from the Mid-Size Frame Die, and added it, weaving one end of the verse panel under it.
• Added the flowers.
• INSIDE:  I used a stencil to create a distressed edge, and added a fussy-cut flower.

INSIDE

Card Two:

IO Stamps Links:

Greeting Card L20941

Love Is Patient SS-342-H

How I made it:

• On a white A2 card front, I stamped the Greeting Card, using VersaFine Clair Nocturne ink for the card, and pink marker for the bow.
  
• I used blending brushes to add pink distress ink to the card, masking off the edges with washi tape.
• Finally, I stamped the Love Is Patient stamp inside the card front.
  

So, there you have my Day One cards.  I will be back tomorrow with two more cards for Day Two.  

Next on the hop is Vicky Garrett's blog.    Be sure to check out the team's inspiration:

Impression Obsession Blog 

Laura Fulcher 

Laura Williams

Lee Ann Barrett 

Lynda Pleckan 

Vicki Garrett 

Angela Bode

Anna Wight 

Dina Kowal 

Giovana Smith 

Ilina Crouse 

Jeanne Streiff 

Kia Gibson Clapper  

 

Thank you for visiting my blog.  Don't forget to comment on each blog for your chances to win one of three $25 gift certificates to the IO Store!

Blessings, 

Impression Obsession Die Cut Obsession With May Release Stamps & Dies

 

Hello friends,  Today we are using our Impression Obsession dies on our cards.  I am also using a couple of the new dies and stamps from the June Release.

IO Stamps/Dies Links: 

Stars L5756 

Adventure Awaits C21382

Coffee Under Stars C5752

Thermos & Mugs DIE1063

Compass E5751

This is how I made my card:

•  On an eggplant A2 card front, I attached some gold shimmer paper.
• I created a panel with distress inks, and stamped the Stars with gold pigment ink, and added it to the card front.
• I stamped the Coffee Under Stars verse onto some of the gold paper, and attached that.
• I gold embossed the Compass, added some color, fussy-cut and attached it.
• I cut the pieces from the Thermos & Mugs die, colored them with distress inks, added some gold pen lines, and attached them.
• INSIDE:  I added a piece of the front background and some gold paper strips, and gold embossed the Adventure Awaits verse.

INSIDE

I hope you get a chance to play with some of your dies and/or stamps this week. 

 

Thanks for stopping by today.

 

You can find other participating designer's project links on the IO blog HERE.  

Blessings,

 

Impression Obsession May 2021 Release Theme Day - Adventures

 

We have set aside today to share some fun themed projects 

at Impression Obsession.  

This month's theme is Adventures. 

Have fun checking out what our Designers have made today.  

Today's participants can be found on the Impression Obsession blog.

 

IO Stamps/Die links:

Compass E5751

Adventure Awaits C21382

Adventure Coffee A5753

 

How I made my card:

• On kraft card stock, I stamped the compass image. I also stamped it onto teal card stock.  I stamped the Adventure from the Adventure Coffee image.
  
•  I printed a computer image of world globes, fussy cut them, layered them with teal, and attached them to a kraft A2 card front.
• I added some banner cuts of black, kraft, and teal.
• I fussy cut the Compass images, layering the teal onto the kraft, then added them to the card front with foam tape.
• Some punched circles added for embellishment.
• INSIDE:  I stamped the Compass and Adventure Awaits images. 

INSIDE

 

And that is it for my Adventure Theme card today.  Don't forget to check out the other participating designer's projects HERE.

You can find the entire May Release stamps HERE.

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  

 

Blessings,

Impression Obsession May 2021 Release Team Favorites

   Welcome to the Impression Obsession 

May 2021 Release Team Favorites Hop!

The Impression Obsession Designers are sharing their 

favorite projects from this month’s release today!

We will be giving away THREE Impression Obsession Grab Bags, 

so the more you comment through our Favorites Hop,

the more chances to win! 

Comments will be open until May  at midnight CT. 

All winners will be announced on   at

the Impression Obsession Blog.

 

You can find the May Release stamps HERE.

IO Stamps/Die Links:

Pack Your Bags E21375

Baxter C21288

Life Stuff Sentiments CL491 

Tag With Reinforcements Die 1064Y

 

How I made my card:

• On a kraft card stock panel, I stamped the various words, and attached the panel to a blue pp A2 card. 
• I added the Tag With Reinforcements die cut with foam tape to the card front.
• I stamped the Baxter and Pack Your Bags images.  I watercolored Baxter.  I fussy-cut both images and added them to the Tag With Reinforcements.  Added to the tag with some ribbon through the hole. I curved the Have a safe trip verse from the Life Stuff Sentiments set on an acrylic block and stamped it.
  
• INSIDE:  I added a strip of pp, and stamped the Pack Your Bags image on another, fussy-cut, and added it.

Inside

I hope you are enjoying our cards for the May release.  There are so many fun stamps to work with in this fabulous release.  

 

You can find more of the team's favorites on the Impression Obsession blog.  Next on the hop is the talented Vicki Garrett.

Impression Obsession Blog  

Laura Williams  

Lee Ann Barrett

Lynda Pleckan

Vicki Garrett

Angela Bode

Anna Wight

Dina Kowal

Giovana Smith

Ilina Crouse

Jeanne Streiff

Kia Gibson Clapper 

Laura Fulcher 

 

Thanks for stopping by.

Blessings,