Techniques with Traci: Adding depth with watercolor pencils

Posted by Tara Smithberg

Introducing a brand new segment for AccuCut's Craft Blog: Techniques with Traci!

Our designer, Traci Armbrust, uses many different techniques in her work. I'm very excited to announce that a few times each month, she will be sharing with me a new technique that I will then pass on directly to you. These techniques would be great to use in the classes you teach or in the project idea samples you display in your store.

Today, Traci showed me how to add depth and dimension to any flat shape simply by using watercolor pencils and a little bit of water.

Step One: Once you've determined your project and the shapes you are using, cut them out in the appropriate colors using the GrandeMARK Machine. Here, we are adding dimension to a pumpkin shape cut with the large Pumpkin #6 die.

Using a dark brown watercolor pencil, draw lines on the pumpkin where you would like to show the most depth and definition. The pumpkin die we used has perforation lines, so we were able to simply trace over these lines without having to create our own.

Step Two: Next, outline the entire pumpkin shape with an orange watercolor pencil. Go over your dark brown lines with the orange color as well.

Step Three: Don't forget the green pumpkin stem. Shade in the bottom portion with the dark brown watercolor pencil.

Step Four: Here is the fun part. Take a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of water and go over the dark brown and orange outlines made with the watercolor pencils. This will soften the hard lines, fanning the color out from dark to light. 

Step Five: Here, you can see how the pumpkin shape has been transformed from a flat shape into an object with dimension and texture.

Step Six: Now, this pumpkin is ready to be used for any type of project--on a card, a scrapbook page or as it's shown here, on this adorable gift bag. To make this bag, cut chipboard using the Bag #7 die. Attach the pumpkin shape with double-sided adhesive tape and accent with ribbon and flower embellishment.

A big thanks to Traci for teaching us an easy technique that can be used to bring any flat shape to life.

Also, we'd love to hear from you. If there are any techniques you would like to learn more about or if you have any ideas using today's technique, please add a comment here and let us know.

Comments

[Donna Polley]

It is fun to use the fun embossing folders out there with your die cuts. I have several ideas on my blog using then with my die cuts.I die cut my favor box's and emboss them or part of them. I have die cut card mats and then embossed them. People love to see new things and new ways to use die cuts and they love using their toys.( the embossing folders)Check out my ideas and hopefully you will get enspired to try something new.
Donna
Die Cut Lady

[Clarissa]

I Love the watercolor pencils and Traci's work is awesome! The final project is just great! (BTW I always have used paintbrushes but like the effect from the cotton swap- thanks for the tip)(no pun intended)

[Allie]

Wow, this is great, and using the Q-tips makes it cost effective for customers! Thanks for the great idea.

Allie Gower
Croppinsville.blogspot.com