Get Ready to Color Those Stamped Images
One of the things I love about card making is that you can take the exact same stamped image and create a completely different look simply by changing how you color it.
And that’s exactly what I’m sharing today!
I used the beautiful Radiant Sunflowers Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up!® and created the same card three times. The layout, colors, and stamped focal image stayed the same. The only thing I changed was the coloring method.
The result? Three cards that definitely have their own personalities!
Sometimes we get so comfortable using our favorite coloring tools that we forget about all the other options sitting in our craft rooms. So today we’re pulling out three of them and seeing what happens.
One Image, Three Different Coloring Techniques
I kept the card design exactly the same for all three versions so you can really see how each coloring method changes the finished look. If you’d like to recreate these cards, you’ll find all the measurements on this week’s Inspiration Sheet in the Crafty Klock Inspiration Vault.
For this comparison, I colored the sunflowers image using three different methods:
- Shimmer Brushes and Wink of Stella
- Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen
- Stampin’ Blends
There really isn’t a winner or a “best” way to color the image. Each method gives you a different result, and which one you choose depends on the look you’re trying to achieve.
Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Shimmer Brushes — Bring on the Sparkle!
For the first card, I used the Golden Glow, Peaceful Pine, and Crisp Cantaloupe Shimmer Brushes.
These are so easy to use because you’re adding color and shimmer at the same time. And if you’re someone who believes a card can always use a little sparkle, this may be your favorite of the three!
For the centers of my sunflowers, I wanted a little more contrast, so I added Pecan Pie ink using my Wink of Stella brush. Simply pick up a little ink with the brush and use it to color your image.
One important tip: don’t squeeze your Wink of Stella directly over your project! Sometimes you get a little more liquid than you bargained for. Ask me how I know.
This version definitely has the most sparkle and shine of the three cards.
Watercolor Pencils — Soft and Forgiving
Next up were my Watercolor Pencils and Blender Pen.
This is one of my favorite ways to color because you really don’t have to be perfect with the pencils. I colored the image fairly quickly and didn’t worry about pencil lines or leaving a little white space.
That’s where the Blender Pen comes in.
As you move the Blender Pen over the Watercolor Pencil, it smooths the color, softens those pencil marks, and helps fill in the little areas you may have missed.
Be sure to clean your Blender Pen between colors by rubbing the tip on scrap paper until it runs clear. You also don’t want to work one area for too long because too much moisture and rubbing can begin to damage the cardstock.
Of the three methods, I think the Watercolor Pencils give this image the softest look. It’s a completely different effect from the shimmer of the first card.
Stampin’ Blends — Bright Color and Easy Shading
For the third card, I pulled out my Stampin’ Blends.
Because these are alcohol markers, the color is much more vibrant. They’re also a great choice when you want to add shading and dimension to your stamped images.
I generally start with the light Stampin’ Blend and color the image first. Then I come back with the darker marker to add shadows, accent lines, and deeper color where I want it.
Starting light gives me more control because I can always make an area darker. Taking dark color away? Not quite so easy!
And don’t think you need to create complicated shading for your image to look good. Sometimes simply adding the darker color along an edge, around the center of a flower, or over some of the detail lines in the stamped image is enough to give it dimension.
This version is definitely the brightest and boldest of the three.
Ready to Try a New Way to Color?
Whether you love the sparkle of Shimmer Brushes, the soft look of Watercolor Pencils, or the bold color of Stampin’ Blends, having a few different coloring options in your craft room gives you so many more ways to use the stamps you already own.
If today’s comparison has you wanting to add a new coloring tool to your crafty stash, you can shop my Stampin’ Up!® store and find the supplies I used in today’s projects.
So Which Coloring Method Is Best?
Here’s the answer nobody likes: it depends!
That’s why I purposely kept the card design exactly the same for all three versions. When you see them side-by-side, you can really see how much the coloring medium changes the finished card.
Want sparkle and shine? Grab the Shimmer Brushes.
Want something softer and a little more forgiving? Try Watercolor Pencils and a Blender Pen.
Want brighter colors with more opportunity for shading? Stampin’ Blends may be the way to go.
But there are no rules saying you have to pick just one. Experiment with the coloring supplies you already have and see what YOU like best.
After all, that’s part of the fun of being creative.
Now I want to know — which of these three versions is your favorite? Shimmer Brushes, Watercolor Pencils, or Stampin’ Blends? Leave me a comment and tell me which one you’d choose!
Stay Crafty!
Judy