Watercolored Panel

Hello! Welcome back to the BPM blog. Today's project features 3 products from Blank Page Muse:

• Butterfly with Woman Mariposa Eyes rubber stamp
  
• Vintage Text with Bird & Flowers Background Rubber Stamp
  
• Butterfly Trails Circles patterns Mixed Media Stencil
  

I trimmed a Strathmore Bristol paper into a 5" x 6" panel. 

I adhered the rubber stamp to the stamp positioner using a washable glue stick. 

I inked the rubber stamp with a Versafine Onyx Black ink which is a watercolor friendly ink.

I lightly pressed the rubber stamp to the watercolor paper. The great thing about using a stamp positioner is I can restamp the image again. 

This is how the image looks when stamped. Isn't she gorgeous?

I dry the ink of the stamped image by heat setting it before adding more watercolor to it.

I used different ink mediums on this project. On the hair, I used Tim Holtz Distress Stains in Rusty Hinge and Ground Espresso colors. You don't need a lot when using these mediums. You can also use a dry brush to apply the color. But if you want a lighter shade, dip the brush in water and/or add drop/s of water to the ink.

When I color, I usually start with the lighter shade and work my way using the darker shade. It is usually easier to add more pigment to an area being colored but water reactive inks are very forgiving. Just add more water to the area that you want to re-do, pick the pigment with a dry paper towel, then start all over again. 

If you noticed, I left areas without color. This will add hightlights to the hair, making it more realistic.

I used a metallic gold watercolor on the dress trim. 

Before I start a project, I usually search the web for ideas on color themes. I went with a rainbow gown for a unique look. I used Gansai Tambi watercolor from here on. I used a pearlescent watercolor ink on the wings. 

Time to work on the background. I taped the panel to a hard board to limit the warping that can happen when I start adding water and inks to the paper. I used an artist's tape but a masking tape will do. Lessen the stickiness of the masking tape by sticking it to your skin and/or your clothing then lift and re-stick it several times. This step will prevent tearing the surface of the paper when you start peeling off the tape after watercoloring the panel.

I switched to a flat brush so I can just paint the background evenly. 

I carefully added watercolor to the area close to the image. I don't want to re-activate the colors on the dress. If you are not comfortable doing this, you can create a mask or use a masking fluid. I used a round brush to paint the areas close to the girl image.

I dry the watercolor in between layering the watercolor. 

I used a round brush so I can create a ground for the image. This is just my preference and you don't have to do it. I just don't like my images floating.

I heat set the wet watercolor to speed dry it.

When I started this project, I only planned to use the girl stamp. Sometimes as you work on a project, ideas come. Here, I am inking the background image with a Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Vintage Photo.

I stamped around the girl image to create a text background. I did not use an acrylic block which is a great thing about using rubber stamps.

I used the stencil to add more layers to the panel. I used the holes of the stencil to add dots to the panel. I used another Tim Holtz Distress Spray Stain in Victorian Velvet.

I continued to move the stencil and kept adding dots of color.

Some of the ink seeped underneath the stencil. I used a paper towel to absorb the excess ink.

I used a white gel pen to accent the eyes. 

I used a black glaze pen to accent the dots on the wings.

I hope you like today's project. 

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Have a blessed, brilliant and creative day!

Maria Giselle B.

of Maria Giselle's Creative Cuts 

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But if there is nothing on the sale category that interests you, BPM is generously offering a 15% discount to their online store. Just use the code BPMMaria when you check out.

Only 1 code per transaction please. Enjoy!