Monday

Inspire Me Monday - Put A Stem On It


Hello Friends, How are you today? If you celebrated Easter .... a belated Happy Easter to you. I hope you all had a lovely weekend with sunny skies. 

It's Kathy Racoosin here for another "Inspire Me Monday" post. I have two cards and a video to share with you today.


Who doesn't love a peony and this "Peony Muse" stamp set is drop dead gorgeous plus I love that there are coordinating die cuts ... that's a double woo hoo. Sometimes you might not have the die cut or might not have time to color more than one bloom ... if that's the case put a stem on it.

Watch the video here in HD.



Watercoloring doesn't come easy for me and I recorded my process in case you are curious. If you just want to watch my watercoloring unfold please watch ... if you are looking for proper instruction ... it's not that kinda of video.


When I was finished with the watercoloring I used a white colored pencil and a purple pencil to add some detail and remove some color ... I am always searching for what I call that "sweet spot".  To balance the large bloom I felt I needed one of the lovely sentiments from the stamp set. I also added a small bow with some twine for the finishing touch. 


This peony was colored with pencils only and I felt this one was best without a sentiment. I colored this one while I was traveling and it took a lot longer. I fussy cut a skinny stem and the bloom and used some foam tape to pop it on my card. 


Layers and layers of lines with pencils is the way I like to add color with pencils. I am sure you might be wondering what brand of pencils I recommend? I really don't have a favorite ... the only thing I favor is a very sharp tip & I continually sharpen the tip while I am coloring.


Marcella's illustrations always have beautiful detailed lines that guide you where to add darker pencil highlights. Thanks Marcy!! 


Almost finished here. I used a beige ink to stamp the peony and ... any lightly colored ink will do. I like to add some dark brown, navy or black to color in the nooks and crannies. 


Here is a close of both. So next time you are coloring a flower think about putting a stem on it. Have a great week and thanks for your visit today. Hugs, Kathy 


16 comments:

Berina RGA said...

This is so beautiful, Kathy. I love when you add stem to the flowers. I should try it one of these days.

Dianne B said...

Your coloring is stunning, especially the white flower. You are so right about the detail in Marcella's images that make them easier to color. That's why I love her stamps!

Deborah Kaye said...

Both your cards are beautiful! I really enjoyed watching the process video as I'm in learning mode.

Cheryl Crenshaw said...

Ditto what Deb just wrote. I'm learning by watching others and I think your watercolor came out looking good. I think a lot of what waterproofing is, a style of that individual. Thanks for sharing and don't apologize for your beautiful efforts on whatever medium you use.

Essie said...

Oh so very pretty!!! I love watching Kathy Rac create with Power Poppy. My favorite pairing for card videos, hands down. :)

Kathy said...

Thanks so much Berina and I hope you do give it a try. ;)

Kathy said...

Thanks Deb that is so good to hear and thanks for watching :)

Kathy said...

I am so happy you agree with me Dianne and so happy that you like my white flower ... THANKS!.

Kathy said...

Awww Cheryl you are so sweet thank YOU and thanks for your honesty. :)

Kathy said...

OMG Essie thank you!!! YOU totally made my day. Woo Hoo :)

Zena Mc said...

They're really lovely. Who ever you given these to will be honoured to have it. Although you felt unhappy with the water coloured one I love the vibrant colour.

Unknown said...

I love the flowers. My husband and I have a lot of Peonies in our yard. The whiter one I think is my favorite which surprises me because I love lots of color. They are both amazing Thank you for sharing Kathy

Nanasniftynitch said...

Wow!! Gorgeous cards. Lovely colors too.
TFS XO April

ann hunting said...

These are beautiful. Do you make "how to" videos? Your painting is amazing.

Joan said...

Gorgeous cards, you did an amazing job!!!!!!

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Kathy, these are both GORGEOUS! I love your coloring -- no matter the medium. And bravo for you to just color...something I struggle with "putting myself out there!" I love all your videos, and thank you SO SO much! I love your long-stem flowers, and both of these cards are stunning! {{HUGS}}