Beautify Your Stamped Cards with Creative Coloring

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 colored 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 coloring 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 color in your stamped images beautifully. There are a number of different tools that you can use to color, and the most popular ones for stampers are pastels, or chalks, watercolor pencils, markers or ink pads.

Chalks

Chalks are a great way to color 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 color 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 color. Shade with the applicator for effect, or hi light certain areas of your image. You can mix chalk colors directly on the cards stock or image, or you can mix the colors on the applicator before applying to your product, whichever you prefer.

Watercolors

Watercolor pencil crayons are one of the most versatile coloring tools that you can find because there are so many different techniques that you can create with them. If you want a strong colored image, apply the pencil crayons directly to the image just as you would with regular coloring crayons. However, if you want water colored look, you can use a blender pen to create that effect. Simply color along the edge of the image with the pencil, and use the blender pen to "pull" the color into the desired area.

Another way to apply color is by rubbing your pencil crayon on a piece of scrap and "dipping" the blender pen into the color before applying. This will create a softer effect. Another way to watercolor 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 coloring effect.

Markers

Markers are also a popular choice for coloring in stamps because of how easy they are to use. Simply color in the stamped image. If you have watercolor markers you may be able to use a blender pen to mix the colors, or create a softer look. Whatever color method you choose, it is generally a good idea to use a spray fixative to secure the colors. Do not use hairspray for this job because over time it will yellow the images and the paper.

Melanie Brown is an avid card maker and Stampin Up demonstrator. Go to her stampinaddict.com card gallery to view beautiful cards and submit your own creations while enjoying articles on the many techniques of creating cards with rubber stamps.



Embroidery Machine Use by New Owners for Good Results

Many new home embroidery machine owners have to learn on... Read More

Money Making Hobbies - Which Ones?

Which ones can be money making hobbies? A friend made... Read More

The Leather Look, Accents, and Punching for Your Scrapbook

A leather look can add elegance to your scrapbooking page.To... Read More

How To Make a Pinata

MATERIALSA Large Round or Oval BalloonNewspaper, torn into 1 inch... Read More

Marking Tools and Laser Marking Machines for Marking on Metals

Marking tools are used for marking metals and non-metal surfaces.... Read More

Gourd Enthusiasm Growing Around the World

Gourds played an essential role in the daily life of... Read More

Woodworking Tools: Right Selection And Care Will Save You Money, Part 6

Woodworking: Tools Of The Trade, Part 6 - Finishing EquipmentA... Read More

Sewing Embroidery Designs in New Ways

How many of you are always looking for new ways... Read More

What Do I Need to Start Scrapbooking?

The best thing about scrapbooking is that although there are... Read More

Sharing Journals

Creating a journal or diary that combines scrapbooking and journaling,... Read More

Turn An Arts And Crafts Hobby Into A Business

Are you searching for a quick way to make an... Read More

Leather Work Tips

For leather work, consider the basics: an awl and spare... Read More

How to Invest in Antique, Vintage, or Modern Jewelry

As Antique Jewelry is 'Really' based on the 'Collectability' and... Read More

Rare Depression Glass Pieces

Depression Glass - The Rare PiecesDid you know that if... Read More

Antique Delft and Very Collectible Tiles and Ceramics: Beginners Start Here

So you fancy starting a collection but you're not sure... Read More

Origami Instructions - Getting Started

The birthplace of origami is still a mystery. Paper was... Read More

Saving Family Keepsakes for Scrapbooking

I'm new to scrapbooking, and I still can't believe all... Read More

A Beginners Guide to Buying Authentic Swords Online

Looking at all the various swords for sale online can... Read More

Woodworking: Protection When Working With Wood - Ignoring Could Potentially Harm Your Health Or Kill

Woodworking: Basic Safety TipsWoodworking can be a dangerous undertaking if... Read More

A Few Tips About Comic Book Bags

We store comics to keep them valuable. Air pollution, ultra... Read More

Woodworking: The Best Wood For Beginners

Woodworking: Know Your WoodWood is made of cellulose fibers, held... Read More

Kids Crafts: Balloons, Bubbles & Balls #1

Craft: Colored Bubbles Activities: Flyswatter Bubbles, Cotton Ball Pickup,... Read More

Origami Secrets Revealed

Origami, or the art of paper folding, has been around... Read More

Rubber Stamps : 10 Great Tips For Making Multiple Cards

You know the feeling. The kids have tons of demands,... Read More

You Are A Diamond So Scrapbook About Yourself

As a devoted scrapper, you probably gain satisfaction from scrapbooking... Read More

If you'd like to keep up-to-date,
please complete the form below and we'll put you on the mailing list
to receive our twice-yearly newsletter for supporters

* Your email address:
* choes your language:
 

العاب منتديات هيدى Banner Exchange