Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Happy New Year!

Hello and happy New Year from a very chilly southwestern Utah! Last night, we had rain, sleet, snow, wind, and plummeting temps! The storm system has long since moved out and it's now sunny, windy, and cold outside. Thank you for braving the weather and stopping by! LOL

What do you have planned for New Years? It'll be a quiet night for us. We like to have a nice dinner for New Year's Eve. It's been a tradition in our home. So, I've got lobster tails and steaks ready to go. Then, on New Year's Day, we'll just snack. There are lots of activities planned within the community for New Year's Eve, but we'd rather stay inside where it is warm and cozy! Do you enjoy the New Year's Day parades and football games? I wish we could see the Philadelphia Mummers' Parade. I miss seeing their beautiful costumes with the men struttin' their stuff! LOL When I was young, I had uncles that were involved with one of the bands. They had to make their own costumes and go to tons of practices. It was a huge commitment. I personally think the men had to spend so much time preparing because no women were involved! I don't know how it is today, but, back then, women were not allowed to participate in any way, shape, or form. It was a mens' only organization! It was always a tradition to see that parade.

Well, I finally decided to give coloring stamped images with distress inks a chance. Here is the very first result. It's my anniversary card to my DH. It really looks so much better IRL! Here's the funny part. Those of you who are comfortable and well practiced with this technique could have gotten the same results using, probably, less than six stamp pads. I used 14!!!! LOL Is that funny or what? Talk about blending! (not that you can even see that I used that many, LOL) I counted up the stack and 14 was the number, LOL. Isn't that hilarious?

The photo colors are a bit off. Edwin's jeans do look like the color of jeans - that nice deep blue. I left the pockets a lighter blue for contrast. I wanted to keep the card colors in the palette used in the PP. If I adjust the blues, then the rose gets a darker lavender. As it is, the flower color is pretty true.

I believe I had the wrong watercolor paper. I used what I had at home - the Strathmore Watercolor Paper (the one with the maroon and black cover on the pad sold at M's. I don't know much about paper, but since I had it on hand, that is what I used. Are you able to use the paper you use for Copics/stamping for this technique, too? I have Neenah, Gina K., and Cryogen. Can they handle the water?

I had an aqua brush in my supplies. I don't think I had a very good one. It's a Pentel. It just started leaving puddles of water until I shoved a wad of paper towel inside the pen to slow the flow. I also had trouble with the nylon bristles staying together. They tended to separate and resemble a rake. Water was coming out nicely, but the plastic bristles just didn't stay together. Any suggestions for a good water brush?

Well, here it goes:

Photobucket

Happy Anniversary


Is it OK?

Thank you so much for stopping by. I'm so glad that you took time to visit. You are such wonderful card makers, I learn so much from you. You give me courage and curiosity! Without the courage to try something new, I wouldn't be curious as to whether or not I can do the technique! You keep me motivated and challenged! Thank you with all my heart.

Happy New Year! I hope your New Year is filled with health and happiness.

XO,
Chris

17 comments:

Madge H. said...

Cute card Chris. I used to have the same problem with the aqua pens -- a friend showed me how to use it for distress inks -- don't fill the pen - but use it as a paintbrush and dip it into water to control the color. Also having a rag close by to clean the color off.
Lovely card.
~ rubber hugz ~
Madge

Cami said...

Beautiful card, Chris! You did a great job watercoloring with DIs! Happy New Year to you and your family! Hugs, Cami

megline said...

Very beautiful card, everything is perfect.
Hugs, Line

Rene said...

Ooh, I think it is super pretty!!! Have a Happy New Year!
Rene :D

Barb Hardeman said...

Awesome card Chris! You did an excellent job with your distress inks in spite of your funky aqua brush. I use the SU aqua brush and it works perfectly. I would love to use a regular water brush but I don't seem to be able to control the water well with it. Practice, practice, practice. Enjoy your New Year's Eve celebration and all the best of everything in 2011.
Hugs,
Barb

Only By His Grace said...

Hi Chris!
for a first time coloring with distress inks you have done a super job. you have managed to get great depth of color which is good.
I use distress ink re-inkers and am no expert. I prefer to use a very fine paint brush. I don't like the water brushes for the reason that they tend to give out too much water. Personal preference I think.
Happy anniversary to you and yours.
Hugs Maz

Candy said...

Hi Chris,
No, your Neenah, Gina K etc. can't do watercolours. You definitely need water colour paper.
There are many brands that you can use. 300 LB hard press is expensive and thick if you want to cut out your image. 130 LB cold press works OK. I am sure if you buy some pieces of different kinds singly you will find one that you love.
For brushes you can buy a new one that holds water - they come in 3 thickness - or you can buy an ordinary paint brush and dip it in water - blot on a paper towel and then pick up your colour. Which ever you find easiest.
Now! Your card is so pretty. I think you did a great job on your first try. I like that it has bright bold colours. Your DP is cute too.
Way to go :o)
Happy New Year to you - hugs, Candy

Card Crazy said...

That's a darling card. I like the layer on layer look of the frames.
Sue S.

Sandy said...

Chris you are light years ahead of me - I want to try distress inks one day but for now Copics say "keep on practicing Sandy" . you are my hero cause you dared to do it my friend and you did a marvelous job!
Sandy

cathylynn said...

Happy New Year Chris! Wow girl you did an AWESOME job with the distress inks. Love those bright bold colors. I'm also experimenting with the distress inks and H2O and I'm enjoying the process but I need more practice plus more practice. Have a marvelous and healthy New Year!
Hugs, Cathy-Lynn

Patti Jo said...

What a great job you did with your coloring! Look at the nice colors you achieved and matched your DP!!! Terrific card Chris!

Myrna said...

Way to go outside your comfort zone Chris!I haven't had the nerve to try it yet! You did a super job! You used my favorite color orange so I love it! :-) No snow here but we're in the -range for temps. Brrrr!

Christina C. said...

Happy New Year to you and your family!
You did a wonderful job with the distress inks....my first try was a disaster and I haven't tried it since! I really love the look of inks and I should really give it another whirl!

Sherry said...

I have never used DI, but I love the shading you achieved on your card. Very nice.
Happy Anniversary,
Sherry C

MyAuntKath said...

I think your card is really nice! I would never have guessed it was your first try! I am working up to trying them myself. Hope I am half as successful as you, Happy New Year, Chris. Kathie

Sharon Caudle said...

I think you did an awesome job on this card, Chris! Love the bright, bold colors!! I have never been able to master those water brushes, so I'm no help with that! Can't wait to see what else you come up with!!
big hugs! Sharon

Zoe said...

I think you did a great job Chris even though you were having troubles with the brush. I have never got used to the water filled brushes myself so I can't give you any tips but looks like you have plenty of advice to soak up. :) heehee hugs xxoo