"Watercoloring" with Spectrum Noir Markers

My Spectrum Noir markers definitely don't gather dust on the shelf.  I saw this amazing technique that creates a watercolored effect using stamps and markers and wanted to replicate the effects. I wish I could remember where so I could attribute it the technique! It creates a soft image without the harsher lines of a black outline.

To accomplish this technique, stamp your image in a color that's similar to the markers you'll be using. This particular stamp is from STAMPlorations's Bloom Sketches. The sketched flowers are already painterly, and it created a good complement for this particular technique. Since I was going with a golden yellow flower, I used Distress Ink Scattered Straw. I then colored a base with LY1 and shaded with GB4. After the shading was complete, I went back with GB 4 and made the outline darker and delineated the internal portions, too.

I have been having lots of fun experimenting with my new jar of embossing paste and created a textured background to go with the image. I used DI Scattered Straw, Wild Honey, and just a hint of Bundled Sage. I used a hexagonal stencil and smeared the corner with crackled embossing paste. I sprinkled Perfect Pearls in Perfect Gold and Perfect Pearl and really like how it turned out because it looks a little bit like pollen. Then I covered everything with white pearl embossing powder and dried it with a heat tool. 

I embossed the sentiment (which is also from the Bloom Sketches set) in gold and raised the image using mounting tape. Lastly, I added a couple of glitter sequins to give it a little dazzle.

 I'm going to enter this into the following challenges:




1. STAMPlorations "Anything Goes" challenge - If you have STAMPlorations stamps this is a GREAT way to earn some more for free. It's a never-ending challenge and they will give away free product every time 50 cards are entered. Don't have a STAMPlorations image? They currently have a free digi available so you can start playing!!

2. Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge "Stamps and Stencils" 

3. Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge "Anything Goes"

4. Crafting When We Can's Challenge "No Designer Paper"

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