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Beautify Your Stamped Cards With Creative Colouring...
Stamping is one of the most versatile crafts around because there are so many
different options that you can use to enhance even the most basic stamp. When
you look at some coloured stamped images, you may be overwhelmed by how
beautiful they are. Some look like works of art that have been meticulously
painted by tiny little brushes. For a beginner, or even intermediate stamper,
they make look overwhelming. The truth is however, that colouring stamped images
does not have to be difficult, and it does not require any special artistic
skill.
Chances are if you are already involved with stamping, you have enough
creativity to colour in your stamped images beautifully. There are a number of
different tools that you can use to colour, and the most popular ones for
stampers are pastels, or chalks, watercolour pencils, markers or ink pads.
 Chalks
Chalks are a great way to colour in stamped images because they are inexpensive
and versatile. You do not have to spend too much money to get a full set of
chalks that you can use for a very long time. Most chalk sets will come with an
applicator or two. These applicators look similar to eye shadow brushes. Other
tools that work well to apply chalks are cotton swabs or cotton balls, small
sponge brushes, or clean eye make up brushes. It is always a good idea to
practice on a scrap piece of cardstock before you apply the colour to your
image.
Practice blending shades of chalk together to achieve the desired result. Press
very lightly for a softer look, and a little bit harder for a strong, sharper
colour. Shade with the applicator for effect, or hi light certain areas of your
image. You can mix chalk colours directly on the cards stock or image, or you
can mix the colours on the applicator before applying to your product, whichever
you prefer.
 Watercolours
Watercolour pencil crayons are one of the most versatile colouring tools that
you can find because there are so many different techniques that you can create
with them. If you want a strong coloured image, apply the pencil crayons
directly to the image just as you would with regular colouring crayons. However,
if you want water coloured look, you can use a blender pen to create that
effect. Simply colour along the edge of the image with the pencil, and use the
blender pen to "pull" the colour into the desired area.
Another way to apply colour is by rubbing your pencil crayon on a piece of scrap
and "dipping" the blender pen into the colour before applying. This will create
a softer effect. Another way to watercolour is by using your ink pad. With the
lid shut, push in the middle of the pad to create a pool of ink on the lid. Then
you simply dip your blender pen into the ink and paint into the image. By doing
this, you can create a stronger colouring effect.
Markers
 Markers are also a popular choice for colouring in stamps because of how easy
they are to use. Simply colour in the stamped image. If you have watercolour
markers you may be able to use a blender pen to mix the colours, or create a
softer look. Whatever colour method you choose, it is generally a good idea to
use a spray fixative to secure the colours. Do not use hairspray for this job
because over time it will yellow the images and the paper.
The Author Melanie Brown is an avid card maker and Stamping Up demonstrator.
Go to her card gallery
to view beautiful cards and submit your own creations while enjoying articles on
the many techniques of creating cards with rubber stamps.
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