Just a Scrap Dork

Growing in Unity Day 1:

I'm so excited to get started with Day One of being a Growing in Unity Girl! I am beyond honored that I was selected.  Sure, I raised my hand when no one else was looking, but the feeling is the same! However, reality hit pretty hard about 2 minutes after I got the call up and quite a bit of panic set in. Now what are you going to show them?!  Seriously, the only sound I heard for a good 30 seconds was the noise that the old school dial up internet made when you first connected.  (If you do not distinctly remember that sound we can never be friends.. you are too dang young).

Once the fog cleared from my brain, I realized I wanted to showcase how I color my Unity Stamps. Then my brain went to which method?!  Copics, Pit Pens, Distress inks, colored pencils, watercolors...... the possibilities for coloring Unity Stamps are endless. Therefore, my goal this week is to walk you through the different types of coloring mediums. Not necessarily a coloring tutorial, but more comparing and contrasting the end result.  I'll try and compare supplies apples to apples, but I might mix a pineapple in there just because I can.  If you have specific questions how I colored something or which specific supplies I used, I'll be more than happy to answer them.  I am no way claiming to be an expert on coloring, but I can answer some general questions to set you on the right path.

Unity Stamps:

• Image- Slow & Steady Doesn't that little snail just make you smile?  
• Sentiment- Bravely Planted 

Paper- it's all about the paper.  Ok, it's some about the paper, some about the medium, a lot about your technique.  Really, I don't know the rations exactly; and I could be talking out my keister here. (Now is a good time to say "Bless her heart ". ) Using the correct type of paper for a specific medium is critical for the result, I do believe that.  Not as much as I believe in Santa Claus, but enough to write about it here.

• Markers used on smooth cardstock
• Water mediums- 140 lb Cold press paper

 Mediums to compare today-

• Alcohol Markers
• Watercolor 
• Water Soluble ink pencil

 As you can see.  Easy type of medium gave a different appearance.  Can you tell which one is which?

Color Mediums:

Alcohol Markers are definitely easier to control.  The color of the pigment is easy to blend.  But, they don't necessarily give you the translucency that watercolor provides.  Generally speaking, once you lay down your color it takes a bit of effort using a blending pen to "erase" any mistakes. Consistency in the amount of color that is released is an asset here. The color will be the same if you lay down a layer of ink now, or you come back two days from now.  You can achieve some great effects using the blending pen, or just simple rubbing alcohol. I'll be honest, you are going to lay down a good bit of ink to get a smooth background.  That can be a challenge even for the skilled artist.

Watercolor is great for laying down layers and layers of translucent pigment.  The process takes a bit more time, because you have to wait for each layer to dry.  Correcting mistakes is much easier to manage (at least while the paint is still wet). Background are so easy to achieve with a few swipes of a paint brush. Water control is your biggest challenge here.  Too much water and you dilute the pigment, too little and the color balance is off.  Maintaining consistent color blends can be difficult.  

However, the versatility of watercolor is unmatched.  Strong vibrant colors, cool soft colors all can be achieved by the amount of water you use! Most people will tell you watercolor has a mind of its own You decide if that's a pro or a con!

Water Soluble Ink Pencils are the easiest to use out of these three.  Just like a colored pencil. Great for getting into tight spaces, or use on small images.  Can be used dry or wet.  But, the pigment is more difficult to control when wet, and once the ink dries, there is no correcting mistakes. Furthermore, there isn't a lot of erasing the pencil marks prior to the ink being activated.  So, maybe not your best choice after a glass of wine or two.. (I don't judge drinking and coloring activities- just know you have to have a steady hand while in use! ) Personally, I have a limited palette, but just through layering, I was able to achieve similar results.   The water soluble ink takes more practice to mix multiple colors together, ( you have to mix them wet on a non-porous surface first). Then there are all of the challenges associated with water control.  Creating smooth background requires a bit of practice to avoid any splotchiness.

Which method do you prefer?  Do you need to run out an get a new coloring implement?  Or do you have something in your stash that will give you similar results? 

If you are still unsure which image I colored with which product the answers are as follows:

• Top- Watercolor
• Middle- Water Soluble Ink Pencils
• Bottom- Copic

Which comparisons are we looking at tomorrow?  You better just come back and see!

Don't forget to comment and enter yourself into the drawing for a prize pack from Unity.  2 Winners will be selected from this weeks entries on Saturday.

-A.