The festival greetings, crafty friends! Today I have another card in my Merry Christmas Card Series – Edition 2015 and it features the most gorgeous Christmas tree stamp by Purple Onion Designs.
I am going to color it using my Inktense pencils and then I am going to add some subtle dimension to this card using embossing paste and doing my very own embossing on the stamped image. Check it out:
I have a few tutorials on how to use your Inktense pencils which you can find here, here, and the entire YouTube playlist here. The one thing that I’ve learned is that I usually get the best results when I color in layers, so that’s what I did to create those rich shadows on the tree to give it a very dimensional look. By working in layers you can also ensure that you have enough space for your highlights, which is important to make sure that it looks realistically. If that’s not the look you’re going for, then don’t worry. It’s just something that I like very much.
While you don’t need fancy brushes to work with intense pencils, I would recommend getting brushes in various sizes. For an image like this, a small brush like a #0, #1, or #2 (those are the sizes) are best suited. They allow you to get into all those nooks and crannies and not color over any other details. You don’t need the most expensive brushes, but having them in different sizes will really help you out. As you can see in the video, I am switching to a much wider brush when I work on the background.
As for the subtle dimension: embossing paste is always a great choice, especially for seasonal Christmas cards. Embossing paste adds virtually no bulk and no weight. Additionally, I flipped my card stock around and on the back of the tree used a tool with a round nib to gently but consistently just to against the card stock. That made the baubles on the colored side of the card stock pop out a little bit. You should check that first before doing that on a finished project! You will need heavy card stock for this, otherwise you will punch through. Make sure to have a squishy surface on the other side that gives.
I hope you got inspired and you enjoyed the project. Let me know what you think and have a fantastic day!
I’m also sending this card off to the following challenges: Addicted to Stamps and More “Anything Goes”; Simon Says Stamp “Christmas”; Addicted to CAS “Dimension”.
I haven’t seen anyone do dry embossing in many years. Such a fantastic use of it to make the baubles POP! Love the use of the Falling Snow stencil with the fine glitter. And of course, Purple Onion stamps always make me happy 🙂 Beautiful coloring and wonderful techniques Julia!
Another beautiful creation Julia, love the inktense creations. I just did a couple of these trees as cards for Christmas but with Zigs. Must get out my Inktense, you keep showing me how beautiful it is.
Your videos/ tutorials are one of the best I watch for watercoloring. If there’s two things I’ve learned from you, it’s using a damp brush and ‘grounding’.. Love how you added perfect pearls and your stylus to deboss the baubles. On another note, what is your process for storing unmounted stamps? Thank you for sharing your amazing talent.
I store them in the Avery Elle or Simon Says Stamp pockets. I cut a piece of acetate to size and then the rubber stamps stick to it when they are mounted on EZ Foam. When they are not mounted, I just put down a bit of glue with the tape runner onto the acetate so the stamps will stick to it.
Wow another fabulous card. Now I want to play with my inktense pencils. Thanks for the inspiration.
Awesome coloring Julia and the card is too cute! Love PO stamps!
What simple, gorgeous watercoloring! I’m always looking for tips to help me sharpen my limited skills. This card is fun and beautiful. I’ve only recently discovered your blog and I’m already hooked! Thanks!
Wonderful card, Julia. I don’t have Inktense pencils, will this still work with regular watercolor pencils?
The details you added to this lovely colored card just make it sparkle. Taking the time to dry emboss the baubles was a brillliant addition.
You color so well and make it look easy. I am horrible at it but will keep trying. I don’t have the right supplies because I am so bad. I will work with my markers and paint. Love your work and the embossing idea was great.
Don’t feel bad about what you have, Barbara! You can use all sorts of different supplies to achieve a similar effect. Just don’t forget to have fun 🙂
I really love your card, it is super pretty!! That tress is gorgeous!
You have put so much depth into this tree…it is incredible!
I always struggle with single layer cards so I was really interested in watching your process…thanks for sharing your techniques. Great idea to increase the dimension of the baubles.
Di
This is beautifully done, Julia. I love all of the thought and the different techniques that you used to put life into this card. Thanks for playing along at Addicted to Stamps and More. Melissa – DT
Absolutely stunning Julia, always love your professional colouring videos.
Your take on dimension is so subtle and elegant but perfect for our challenge this time
Thanks for sharing and playing along in our birthday challenge at ATCAS.
Sarah x
Julia, Your videos are wonderful. I love the idea of making the baubles dimensional. Excellent card and excellent video. Thank you.
So pretty Julia, love this Christmas design.
Thanks for joining in at Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge.
Hugs
Caryn xxx
Its just beautiful! I absolutely love the coloring – makes everything look so bright!
What an adorable card! I love the idea of “embossing” those baubles on the tree, great idea. TFS!