Tuesday 7 June 2016

Playing with watercolours, stamps and inks

 I follow a few stamping and card making blogs - not because I make cards, because I don't, but for the inspiration.  I had noticed a few mentions of a particular make of watercolours called Kuretake Gansai Tambi which people seemed to be raving about.  I am not a 'proper watercolourist' but I do like painting, so I thought I would do some research, which I did.  People said that these watercolours are creamy and can be used like a watercolour or a gouache, you don't need much as they are highly pigmented and they are beautiful to use.  Of course, I had to buy some to try them for myself, didn't I?  They come in a box as above...
 ...and are things of beauty!  This set even included silver and gold.  It was suggested that you should make a  colour chart on the lid, as although the colours are numbered, they aren't named in English.
 A little more research and I found a colour chart on a blog, which I really enjoyed creating on the lid.
 I also loved a range of layered floral stamps made in America by Altenew.  They had been sold out on a UK website, Seven Hills Crafts for ages, but I got hold of them in the end.  I have been really enjoying experimenting.
 Here are some examples of the layered effect the stamps give.
 They look like hand printed wallpaper.
 I haven't been quite so successful with the rose stamp...yet.
The peony stamp works beautifully.  Here I have embossed the outline using coloured ink and clear embossing powder and then used some of my other watercolours to fill in. 
 A simplified version using coloured ink pads and black details. Chris really likes the green one in the top right corner.
This one is my absolute favourite so far.  I used the tiniest amount of my lovely new paints in pastel colours and then overprinted an outline with a black ink pad.
The paints are wonderful to use and in my experience, they deserve the rave reviews they have been getting.   I am loving all the playing I am able to do and the different techniques these layered stamps can inspire.  Here's to lots more playing!
( I have bought all these products with my own hard-earned cash. No sponsoring going on here!)

10 comments:

  1. Beautiful new crafting endeavours! Hope you keep having fun!

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    1. Thanks, Amy. I am really enjoying all the experimenting - and I don't need much space to work in (which is a bonus in a very full-of-stuff house)!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. O they do look lovely..i love water colours ..but can't paint worth a damn..your flowers look really good..i love the roses
    sara

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    1. Thanks, Sara. I would love to be able to use watercolours to paint landscapes/flowers etc. but I am not skilled in that way. I do enjoy using them in my own way though.
      I have only used the roses stamps once or twice so far, so I am sure I will improve with practise. It is all about lining the stamps up (and choosing the right colours).
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. Oh what fun.
    And Chris is very right about the green peony.

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    1. Thanks, EC. It is a lot of fun and I can lose myself for hours just playing. The stamps are lovely to use and I am improving with lining them up too, although a wobble here and there shows that they are hand made, I always think! (That's my excuse, anyway). Here's to lots more playing...
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. Ellie -
    these are beautiful! Your talents are limitless.
    xxx

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    1. Thanks, Kim. That's very kind of you. I enjoy lots of crafts but I know my limitations, although sometimes I do surprise myself! (Mainly, I just enjoy playing!)
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  5. I'm surprised looking at Japanese characters in the first photo.
    My father used to paint water-colour pictures when I was young. At that time, there was no such nice item, I think.
    I do not paint now, but I want to paint pictures after retirement.

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    1. Thanks, Poirot. These are lovely watercolours to use - they blend so easily and are so smooth. I hope you enjoy your painting when you retire.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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