Sweet Visit
Posted: March 6, 2015 Filed under: Sweet Visit, Watercolour | Tags: Fabriano Watercolour Paper, Penny Black stamps, Tsukineko Memento inks 20 Comments
It is always a thrill to see a hummingbird suspended in mid-air to take some nectar. I have never been successful in getting a good photo so I’m settling for a stamped and painted one. I have played with this stamp three times now. The first time I was happy with result but in a momentary lapse of reason stamped a sentiment in such a way as to render it pretty unappealing (I’ve saved it in case I get a brainwave for fixing it). The second one worked fairly well and will be in the Dirty Dozen gallery later this month. But this one is my fave. The other two panels had one bird and one flower; I think it makes way more impact with one bird on a panel full of flowers. But, enough of the comparisons with cards you haven’t even seen.
I started with the flowers at the bottom keeping in mind that I wanted the bird in the top right hand corner so I had to leave space. The three main flowers were inked with Memento markers, as seems to be my current habit, spritzed with water then stamped on watercolour paper. I blended the stamping with a waterbrush adding extra colour here and there. When the flowers were dry I used a marker to define the veins in the petals and the stigma. To create the paler background flowers I spritzed the stamp again without re-inking, stamped on scrap then stamped the remaining watery ink on the paper. I blended with a waterbrush to make the images even less distinct than they already were. The bird was also inked with markers, spritzed, then stamped and blended on the paper. To finish I splattered some pink, orange and green around the flowers. Sometimes when I want a bit of splatter I grab a watercolour pencil the same colour as the ink I’ve used and splatter that for more intense colour.
To finish the card I popped it up on a textured watercolour paper card base. I tried a narrow blue mat but it wasn’t needed; the little sentiment in blue ties in with the bird. I am linking up with the Spring Blooms challenge at the Inspiration Journal and the Spring is coming challenge at the Artistic Stamper.
(Please don’t be mad but this one was almost a video…I just got all inspired and started creating without turning on the camera! Soon, I promise.)
Supplies:
Stamps: Sweet visit, snippets(PB)
Inks: Nautical Blue, Bahama Blue, Danube Blue, Paris Dusk, Olive Grove, Bamboo Leaves, Desert Sand, Rose Bud, Tangelo, Potter’s Clay Memento markers (Imagine Craft/Tsukineko)
Cardstock: Fabriano hot pressed watercolour paper, Demco cold pressed watercolour paper
Also: Faber Castell Albrecht Durer watercolour pencils
Heather Telford 
Gorgeousness
I agree! Gorgeousness! The watercolor effect causing all the color variations is so appealing.
Wow – stunning card. You are a master at this technique. I wish I could do anything near as gorgeous as this.. These flowers are gorgeous. I love the way you did the sweet little hummingbird. The small “with love” sentiment is perfectly understated and positioned to let the image shine.
So beautiful! Wish I could sprtiz ann inked stamp and get it to look this good. You have a gift….
Hummers are a fav at our house, and love this one with the beautiful w/c flowers. This is just a happy Spring card, with the lovely soft watercolors. Well done & TFS. Happy wkend.
Hi Heather, beautiful card and your colouring is fabulous TFS
Beauty! An amazing beauty!
Beautiful, as usual. Thanks for the idea of using a watercolor pencil for more intense spatters.
YUM…stunningly gorgeous Heather!!!! I am keeping this one in my file to look at again and again….sooooo beautiful! YES, a video would be such a delight!
TFS
Jan
This is so pretty. We spent hours watching hummers when we visited friends in San Diego and I love seeing them hover near the flowers. This captures the scene so well.
This is a fabulous card Heather. I love the colours you have used and the stamp with the pretty flower and hummimgbird is a beauty and think you are right about adding more flowers. x
Heather, this is frameably gorgeous! Your work is so delicate and ethereal. Just lovely. 🙂
I subscribe to your blog Heather so that I never miss a beautiful creation. This little one has taken my breath away and as I wanted a much closer look so I came to visit. I love it and now know I need some more markers and I need to practice this technique too – love it! TFS Karen x
[…] Sweet Visit → […]
Love your card. I am practicing watercolor and I CASED your card on my blog (and linked to you) http://paperfinesse.blogspot.com/2015/03/flower-as-focal.html
Beautiful! The hummingbird is so striking against the flower background.
Ooh I love this! The whole thing is divine and the little hummingbird is wonderful! xxx
I forget to say, I can’t wait for a video! Perhaps sometime you could your new watercolour paints in a video? xxx
Stunning card, Heather…. beautiful watercoloring !
Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us at Artistic Stamper this month.
Wow so so beautiful yes frame worthy for sure