Wednesday, April 9, 2008

O2M, N2U


Hi All! Hope you are having a good week! It is so hard to believe that it is half over! Why does life scream by? Today, I am sharing a card that I did forever ago - but I think it's a classic. It's a fun technique that never really gets old! The stamp is a PSX stamp that, of course, is no longer made. But, let's face it, this look can be achieved with other stamps - a cherry tree branch? A tea cup on it's own? I can see lots of potential here.

There are a few key things to pull off this look. First embossing the image with black detail powder on a dark colored card stock. Then, using a fine to medium tip brush to literally paint the image with bleach to remove the color. After this, you color every part of the image with a white or cream pencil to even out the color of the bleached area. The next step is literally to scribble with Prismacolor colored pencils! The only technique is to use an up and down motion - not circular when you apply the color. I used apple green and canary yellow on the leaves of the plant. The flowers were done with canary yellow and touches of hot pink. The pot, cup, plate and table cloth were all randomly - emphasis on randomly - colored with celadon green, peacock blue, yellowed orange, canary yellow, hot pink and apple green.

After you are done scribbling in the color, you can blend with either the blender pencil or with odorless mineral spirits and a paper stump. When you are done, you can seal your work with what's called a workable fixative to give the colored piece a vibrant look and prevent a waxy look. After that, take some crystal lacquer and cover all the "china" with it to give it that glassy look!

Here's a close up to show the random coloring....


Well, my mom and I haven't even really started to play yet! But, trust me, when we do! Watch out. Things in the stamp room might just fly!

Happy Wednesday!

31 comments:

Cassie said...

This is wonderful!!! I have this stamp and just love it!! Of course, I love pretty much EVERYTHING that PSX did - and am so sad they are gone. But oh well, at least the stamp lives on. This is a technique I've never tried - so thanks for sharing - I'm adding it to my "TO DO" pile!

Penny said...

This is just too gorgeous!! I love the random colours and the way you've made the china glossy.

I hope you're having a fun time with your Mum xx

Viv said...

Beautiful card! I have yet to try the bleach technique but your's is a terrific example. Love the coloring on everything! It reminds me of the old carnival glass!

Anonymous said...

oh my word this is beyond amazing. I love this look and I even have this stamp, in my box of stamps to sell, but not any more!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, my! This is gorgeous! Thanks so much for the great details about how you did the coloring. I actually have this very stamp too and will definitely have to try this technique. Beautiful!

Have a fab time with your mom!

Janine said...

Beautiful Julie!! I love using bleach on cards... Say hi to your Mom for me!!

Trish D said...

Wow, this is stunning! I love using bleach, but don't think I've ever seen an image colored in quite this way before. Thanks so much for sharing this oldie. Definitely a goodie!!

retiredheather said...

Wow. I am going to try this out right now...wish me luck. Your directions are great so I should be able to do something. Thanks
Retired Heather

Anonymous said...

I awarded you the 'You make My Day Award"

Meda said...

Lovely card! I first thought it was pastels on dark cardstock.

LeAnne said...

This is gorgeous....I have never had much luck with bleach, on cardstock or in the laundry! This makes me want to try it out!
LeAnne

Unknown said...

I never thought to seal after bleaching and pencil coloring. Does the pencil rub off? This is absolutely beautiful and PSX had some really wonderful stamps. I think I may still have a couple! And using Crystal Lacquer is a great idea! Thanks!
And have fun with "mom"!!

Julie Koerber said...

Carol,
I didn't want to get into the whole "science" of colored pencils in my post (didn't want to bore people!)-- but here's why sealing is a good idea - it prevents what is called "wax bloom." When you use waxy pencils like Prismacolor you get some amazing results because the wax is more blendable and creates such bold colors. The downside is, over time, a white milky film can start to show up on your work. The only way to prevent this, is to spray it with a workable fixative. There are a few different brands but I like Krylon the best.

Hope that answers your question!
Julie

Ann said...

A beautiful card, and a great class! I remember it well . . .

Pat - Arkansas said...

Beautiful, gorgeous, lovely and other superlative adjectives! Thanks for supplying the creation details.

Barbara Schram said...

Ooooohhhh...thanks for sharing how you did this, I can't wait to try it. This card is absolutely fabulous! Happy stamping with your Mom.

Anonymous said...

Oh, man. First you teach me to color in a circle and now I'm not to do it. I'm an old dog, Julie, but I wanna try this trick. Wish I was there to sort thru all your "old" stuff if this is just one example. So Gorgeous!! Hope you and your Mom are having a grand time.

Anonymous said...

That card is gorgeous!!!

Laura said...

It may be old to you, but I am glad you shared it. I will have to try it out for myself. I LOVE my Prismacolors, and enjoy learning new ways to use them.

Diane said...

Gorgeous with a Capital "C"!!!
Say Hi to your MOM and I hope you girls have lots of fun creating!!!
Please check my blog cuz there's an award there for you and your mom!

Anonymous said...

This is just so awesome!!! I definitely have to try this technique! What else are you hiding from us, lol? So glad you brought this out to share. I absolutely love it!!

Anonymous said...

Wow wow wow This is fabulous!!

Mescrap said...

Hi Julie,this is really beautiful. I've not seen anyone one else colour in that way. You're so creative !

Jamie Martin said...

This is beautiful! I don't think I would be able to give it away :)

SBS-Sister

Lesli said...

Awesome card Julie - I never thought to do this kind of thing after bleaching. Thanks for sharing something new wit me!!!!

lindsalita said...

This is b-e-a-utiful!

Daniela Dobson said...

Wow, this is stunning :)

Meow said...

Wow, what a georgeous card! You make it look so easy with your instructions. TFS.

Sandy Knecht said...

Beautiful. It looks like real china. The coloring is gorgeous.

Jacki Marie said...

wow, I'm going to try this Julie!

Sharon (notimetostamp) said...

Beyond fabulous - you make me want to try this!!! AWESOME, as is all your work!!!