Watercolor Tips with Markers Video
by Dave Brethauer

Hello everyone!

I had the chance to play with one of the new Christmas stamp sets and wanted to show a couple of tips for creating watercolor looks with markers. You can adjust the brightness of the color by using a few simple techniques to get the look you want!

To view this video in HD click here

I used two different techniques in the video – the first technique is to apply the marker directly to the paper and then work the color with a wet brush. The second technique is to apply the marker to a separate palette, pick up the color with a wet brush, and then apply it to the paper.

For all of the projects today I used 140 lb. cold press (textured) watercolor paper, Zig Clean Color Markers and a plain old paintbrush (waterbrushes will work great too!). I stamped the CL5226 Be Jolly Clear Stamp set with a waterproof black ink so that my stamp lines wouldn't run when applying the water.

I first used the technique of applying the marker directly to the watercolor paper and then blending it out with a wet brush. As you will see in the video, it takes a few layers to make it look smooth! The first layer will likely have a marker line that doesn't quite blend out – but after a few layers this will look a lot better.

The great thing about this technique is that you can get really intense color! The brown areas, for example, get a a really deep shade and create some nice dimension. Now take a look at the difference with the other technique…

…it is so much more pastel! For this card, I scribbled some marker onto a piece of plastic, dipped my brush into it and then started painting on the paper. The color is naturally more diluted – it blends easier and lays down less color. This is a great look too – it would just depend on whether you wanted a soft look or a more intense look!

Once I had made a few of these layouts I had some time to paint and die cut a few of the pieces (using the matching 32226 die)- and use them on some alternate cards. I did some easy ink blending with Distress Oxide Broken China and Wilted Violet to create a halo around the center.

I embossed the words "peace and joy" from the stamp set with white embossing powder and then set the skating bunny in the middle. I love how it turned out!

I repeated the same composition again – this time creating a "window" with the bunny die and adhering the bunny to the inside of the card. A little bit of sponged Fossilized Amber ink adds a glow around the opening!

I went ahead and colored in the sled and gift images too – and made a little scene showing the bunny pulling things along. A thin golden thread became a rope for the sled and fit just right with the card. The watercolor kept everything looking soft and gentle - 

As I got towards the end, I realized I hadn't used the "for you" words yet from the set – and I immediately thought of the Poppystamps 1857 Taglet and Bow die. There was just enough room on there for the words and the heart and I thought it would make an interesting collage element with the bunny. I used the tips of the markers to create stripes on the bow – trying to mimic a bit of baker's twine.

Of course, the card wouldn't be complete without a bit of glitter so I spread some Diamond Glitter Glue over the heart to give it some sparkle!

I hope you learned a few things with today's video – watercolor is so much fun and markers provide a few options for getting things to look just like you want them to.

Thanks for stopping by today!