i'm having way too much fun with this technique, if there is such a thing as "too much fun"! as stated in this post, my inspiration came from an example that was colored with alcohol-based markers. the technique is quite different when using Stampin' Write markers, which are water-based. although i have both types of markers, i really love all the coordinating colors offered by Stampin' Up! and wouldn't trade them for the world!
this post is kind of a review of my findings on the differences between the two types of markers so bear with me. but first, here's the 2nd card i made with this amazing technique:
if you look at my 1st card here, you'll notice that my coloring is slightly different. the reason for that is that instead of wanting to imitate the effect obtained with alcohol-based ink, i "tamed" it. what i mean by this is that because of its properties, water-based ink is a whole different category and need to be used in a totally different way. here's a closer look at the image so you can better understand what i'm talking about:
if you notice, the shadowing inside my flower is very delimited -- not blended! blending with water-based markers CANNOT be seamless. it just doesn't work that way. if you persist with trying to blend perfectly you'll end up with a very dark muddled color (totally not attractive) on a pilled surface. no paper is equipped to handle so much water without getting damaged. and that's the sad truth of it, crafties!
but if you understand that, you can change your way of thinking and work with what water-based markers can offer you. what i did is laid down my first coat of color with Ruby Red in the center of the flower, then Cameo Coral on the outer petals. then i shadowed with the same colors without blending. i simply went over the areas i wanted darker and accepted the delimitation mark between light and dark. i quite like the effect -- it's sort of like a watercolor look. the leaves were done the same way, but using Certainly Celery and Old Olive -- mixing 2 colors for a more layered look. both methods give you gorgeous results.
i also want to share with you two other things i found out while playing:
1) Kraft Cardstock is a lot more receptive to the markers (as opposed to Whisper White CS), leaving barely any marker marks.
2) Blush Blossom and Sahara Sand are great colors to use when shadowing around the image. Going Gray and Basic Gray are too dark for that use.
so there you have it! i hope i haven't bored you with all those details but i really wanted to answer some of the questions i've received.
Happy colorin'! CeeCee
