Saturday, November 5, 2022

Friends of Unity November Blog Hop ~ Watercolor

 Hello, Friends! 

Welcome to November and welcome to our FOU monthly blog hop!

This months cue is a FAVORITE of mine! All about Watercolor!! 

*****AttnThere will be a lot of text in this post as I will share in detail about my own watercoloring processes, papers and mediums used, and tips & tricks. Hope you will take the time to take it all in and read to the end ;). If you do, (and I hope you do) please express in the comments. ;) I plan to choose an extra winner for your efforts!

Many of these cards you have seen in the past. They are perfect for illustrating my explanation of various papers and mediums!

When I first started to explore watercolor I wanted to give up so many times. I just could not get the hang of it!! I am so thankful that I kept practicing and watching other makers who's watercoloring I admired! There are many, but the two main influencers were Angie Blom and Gracie Chavez.

If you are just learning and frustrated; can I please encourage you to keep trying! Keep practicing! Keep messing up, but don't give up! I PROMISE your perseverance will pay off!

Keep in mind, you can learn alot from someones technique even if they do not post videos of their process. I studied Angie's cards and Gracie's videos. I learned so much from both!

I transitioned from pretty clean and simple to loose and somewhat messy and I love it. I make lots of mistakes, but the beauty of watercoloring is you can usually cover or fix a mistake by adding or taking away ink. I don't try a lot of techniques because I discovered what I most enjoy.

I, personally, use 4 specific types of paper for watercoloring; Canson XL, Fabriano Hot Press, Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cover 100 lb and Bristol Smooth.  The two I use the most are Canson XL and Fabriano. The 2 coloring mediums I use are brick pan sets (my favorite is Prima Marketing) and Watercolor Brush Pens ie Zig Kuretake, Stampin Write, and Karin BrushMarkers Pro.

Canson XL works so well with all the mediums I use. Whether applied directly to the paper or from my glass mat. The ONLY issue I have with Canson XL is that it is a very off white. I, typically, only use a white card base and prefer a white panel, as well. 

Here are a few cards I made using Canson XL with the various mediums I like to use.

This card I made for this weeks Brown Thursday mega release using Prima watercolors on Canson XL. Oh, how I love this Petals and Wings Ledger

I predict this to be a best seller! Agree??!!

On this Balloon Party Background, made a couple years ago, I used a Prima pan set on Canxon XL. See on the green balloon? I had too much water on my brush and it pooled the ink. I still love how this card turned out!


On this sunflower cluster from Sending Love and Prayers I used my Zig Kuretake Markers both directly to the Canson XL paper and from my glass mat.


See the small grooves in the Canson XL watercolor paper below? It makes for great contrast. Also, notice the off white tint the paper has. (as mentioned above) I always make my card panel smaller than my card base and do wish the whites were the same tint. This wc paper is best for overall fluidity with your inks and a favorite of many watercolorists.

On this adorable Santa Pup (Feliz Navidog)  I used Karin markers both from my mat and directly to the paper. The ink moved beautifully!


Let's look at some cards using Fabriano Hot Press. This paper works so well with Karin Brushmarkers.

This Newsprint floral uses Karin on Fabriano. I applied the ink both directly to the paper and from my glass mat.  You do have to move quickly before the ink sets in leaving you a rough line at your blending point. Especially when applying the ink directly to the paper. Sometimes I add water to the paper first, but most often I add ink and then my slightly wet brush.


Karin Markers definitely have a learning curve. I find they work best for me in smaller areas when applying directly to the paper. If I am coloring a larger area I apply ink to my mat first. Natasha Vacca is excellent with Karin markers. She gave me the tip of using them with Fabriano!

On this card using Magical Lilac I applied Karin's directly to paper because the coloring areas were small. Love the vibrant blue here!


The next two cards were created using Prima pan sets on Fabriano.



These handsome men below were stamped on Hammermill 100lb premium color copy paper. It has somewhat of a silky feel to it unlike traditional copy paper. I am still learning how to use this paper as it is tricky until you learn how to apply the ink and move your brush. I start very light and gradually darken. 

With this paper I typically apply my ink to my mat first, unless I want a deep defined area, as this paper absorbs pretty quickly. Definitely the hardest for me to learn to use, but I love this finished look of ink to this paper and it is cost effective. I am finding myself starting to use this paper more and more. This is the paper Angie Blom uses for most all of her cards!



Here's another card I made just this week using one of my Prima pan sets on Hammermill. I am not entirely happy with my watercoloring on this one and the lighting was terrible when photographing. I still love the card and wanted to share! 

Again, for me, this paper has the biggest learning curve! Oh how I admire Angie's ability to use it!

If you happen to buy this paper, remember it must be Hammermill 100lb Premium Color Copy. Basic Hammermill paper will not work. ;)


I am not sure why, but I use Bristol Smooth the least. This card with Oh, Dear Pooh uses Zig Kuretake both directly on the paper and from the glass mat. I do love the look of the loose watercoloring on this card! This loose somewhat messy style of coloring is my favorite where I feel the most free to create!


Below is another card I made this week using Winter Awaits by Graciellie Design with Karin BrushMarkers on Bristol Smooth. Both directly on the paper and from my glass mat. (The sentiment is a new Itty Bitty called Look Forward Trust God)

Bristol Smooth is very similar to Fabriano. Bristol is less expensive, but I do feel Fabriano is just a bit smoother allowing for better flow of the ink. 

Sometimes I like the edge of my ink to look smooth and blended out and sometimes I like it to look, well, edgy! ;)

Pretty sure this will also be a best seller!


You're still here!?! Yay!! 

Thank you so much for sticking with me to the end!! I sure hope you were able to make sense of the explanation of MY own PERSONAL watercolor style.

I know this was a load of information, but I pray you find it useful and insightful!

I'm not sure if I have a favorite paper and medium as all the ones I shared with you offer me a different creative form and result. It is interesting learning how your brush moves with different inks and papers. 

If I can leave you with any advice it is to define your own style! This will bring you the most joy!

I hope you’ll  join our cue and create with "Watercolor"! Please, TAG ME if you do. I would truly love to see it!

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.) 

Speaking of winners! The winner from my September FOU blog is - Doreen G.

BobbieSue, I adore your holiday tags!! These would be beautiful as tree ornaments, as well! 😍🎄😍 Fun to look back on last year's beautiful tags, too.
- Doreen @ whereisyourhappyplace@blogspot.com

 Congratulation, Doreen!! Thank you so much for visiting my blog  and for leaving such a kind comment! Please claim BEFORE next months hop. Message me here please so I can get your winnings to you!

Please read the following few paragraphs:

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name or first name only that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :) And I really want you to get your winnings! 

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored. 
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with the most awesome
Crystal 

You came to me from my friend

Next up is the wonderful

There are 12 of us hopping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed as we ask you to give love to each blog to be included in the giveaway. :)

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends!

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Friends of Unity October Blog Hop ~ Anything But a Card

Hello, friends! Welcome to October and welcome to our monthly FOU Blog Hop!

I am joyfully welcoming October in hopes it ushers in much cooler temps here in Houston Texas.  Whew, I am sooo ready!

Last October I created Christmas gift tags using Festive Wreath by Graciellie Designs. I loved them so much I decided to recreate them!


This blue in the Karin (Sapphire Blue) markers is my absolute favorite blue!


Karin BrushMarkers work so well on Fabriano Hot Press paper!


 


Oh hey, happy World Card Making Day! It is funny today is WCMD, but our cue is "anything but a card"! We loooove making cards, but sometimes it is good to challenge ourselves creatively!






It is fun to look back at last years creations and see how much I have grown as a watercolorist! If you would like to see the first set of these ornaments I made last year using this same set visit here!

I hope you’ll  join our cue and create "Anything But a Card"! Please, tag me if you do. I’d love to see it!

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.) 

Speaking of winners! The winner from my September FOU blog is - AnonymousSeptember 6, 2022 at 7:21 PM

Love your card (and all your creations)! Your coloring is fantastic! Glad your back, Thanks for the inspiration!
Aurora Loaiza

 Congratulation, Aurora!! Thank you so much for participating in our blog hop and for leaving such a sweet and welcoming comment! Please claim BEFORE next months hop. Message me here please so I can get your winnings to you!

Please read the following few paragraphs:

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name or first name only that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :) And I really want you to get your winnings! 

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored. 
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with the most awesome
Crystal 

You came to me from my friend

Next up is the truly wonderful

There are 12 of us hopping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed as we ask you to give love to each blog to be included in the giveaway. :)

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends!

Saturday, September 3, 2022

Friends of Unity September 2022 Blog Hop ~ Coffee, Tea & Cocoa

 Welcome to our September FOU Blog Hop! 

I try to appreciate every season, but oh how I am so thrilled for September as it ushers us into Fall!

Like many of you, I am a coffee fanatic. I do love hot tea and cocoa, but there's something extra about sitting with a cup of coffee early in the morning. It is one of the many things that brings me great joy!

There are so many Unity stamps centered around coffee, tea and cocoa!  I used Flutters to Go for this cue as it has always been one of my absolute favorites. Especially when making a card for a friend inviting to share a cup of coffee with me!


The sentiment is from a set called Been A While. This set also has a beautiful large fern leaf. 

I am always drawn to earthy colors, so how fitting they are for our approaching season!


I wanted to showcase another stamp set featuring coffee, but my printer gave me fits and this is all I could muster! ;)  Off to drop this in the mail to remind someone I miss them and would love to visit over a cup of coffee, tea or cocoa!

I hope you’ll join our cue and create with Coffee, Tea & (or) Cocoa! Please, tag me if you do. I’d love to see it!

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.) 

Speaking of winners! I've missed creating for the hop the last several months. So, the winner from my May FOU blog is -
(AnonymousMay 7, 2022 at 3:40 PM
That brown one is gorgeous! Looks like you took a real butterfly and put it on the card! GORGEOUS!!) Congratulations, but I need to know who this was, please! Thank you so much for participating in our blog hop and for leaving such a nice comment! Please claim BEFORE next months hop. Message me here please so I can get your winnings to you!

Please read the following few paragraphs:

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name or first name only that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :) And I really want you to get your winnings! 

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with the most awesome
Crystal 

You came to me from my friend

Next up is the truly awesome

There are 14 of us hoping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed as we ask you to give love to each blog to be included in the giveaway. :)

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends!

Saturday, May 7, 2022

Friends of Unity May 2022 Blog Hop ~ Things with Wings

 Welcome, friends! And welcome to our May FOU Blog Hop!

This months cue is Things with Wings.  Unity has sooo many stamps with wings! 

One of my favorite sets with wings is Forest Butterfly by Graciellie Design. Both butterflies in this set are quite large, and just beautiful!

 I paired this set, on two cards, with my absolute favorite sentiment set of faith called Having Hope. I’ve used this particular scripture stamp on several cards. So encouraging… I pray it brings you peace.


Did you know Unity has several die sets available?! The border die I used on this card is from the set Scallops & Rectangles. It is a 4 piece set of nesting dies. Unity has priced their dies very affordable!


Of the two cards I made this one is my absolute favorite. 


I just love earthy tones. Growing up in the woods I feel so connected to nature. I think it’s why I’m always drawn to these hues on the majority of my cards. 

Speaking of nature! My husband and I are at our farmhouse in Arkansas. I’m surround by simple country living and so many wonderful  “Things with Wings”! My favorite place to be…


I hope you’ll join our cue and create with Things with Wings! Please, tag me if you do. I’d love to see it!

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.) 

Speaking of winners! The winner from my April FOU blog is (RobinApril 6, 2022 at 5:20 PM
I love these both and am a huge fan of yours. The camisole is creative but my favorite is that succulent card. I would never have thought to pair that paper with that stamp but I love it 😀.)  Congratulations, Robin! Thank you so much for participating in our blog hop and for leaving such a nice comment! Please claim BEFORE next months hop. Message me here please so I can get your winnings to you!

Please read the following few paragraphs:

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name or first name only that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :) And I really want you to get your winnings! 

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with the most awesome
Crystal 

You came to me from the truly wonderful

Next up is the ultra fabulous

There are 12 of us hoping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed as we ask you to give love to each blog to be included in the giveaway. :)

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends! 

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Friends of Unity April 2022 Blog Hop ~ Patterned Paper

 Welcome, friends! And welcome to our April FOU Blog Hop!

Are you having Spring or Winter temperatures? We typically do not get much of a winter in this part of Texas (unlike in my Arkansas home state). However, the temps have drastically fluctuated this year! Cold mornings and hot days. Either way I am blessed and have learned to appreciate both!

This months cue is patterned paper. I am in awe of those who use patterned paper for paper piecing

I am drawn to using black and white pattern paper as a background. Especially lines and polkadots!

My first card is one I created in February and decided to change it up a bit. I love this beautiful woman and sentiment from the February KOM

I added a black camisole to her bust line for a more modest look. :) The fun polkadot patterned paper makes this card perfect for my teenage nieces birthday. 





The succulent stamp from the June 2018 Uniquely Unitt has always been a favorite of mine. I just adore the white on black sentiment stamps from the Sept 2021 Sentiment Kit

Hug perfectly pairs with this happy script die cut. (I can not recall who this die is from)

Loving these dots, as well! 

(I have drawers full of patter paper so I am not certain where either are from.)






I used to use patterned paper quite regularly, but my style changed over the last year or 2 and is typically more Clean and Simple so I wasn't hugely creative here. I did have fun incorporating pattern paper, and am inspired to use it more often. 

Let's go way back to cards from 2018 when I did use patterned paper. Wow!! Why did I ever stop! 



I hope you are as inspired to use more patterned paper as much as I am! I would love to see your cards using pattern paper! 

I would love to know which of my 2 newest cards are your favorite! I love them both as they creatively differ!

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

If I may, I'd love to invite you to follow my blog.
There is a "follow" button up a bit and to the right. --->
Not the follow by email, it's up just a bit from it. Thank you so much!
It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.) Speaking of winners! The winner from my February FOU blog is Jan Vint. I love that you loved my masculine card! Congratulations, Jan! Thank you so much for participating in our blog hop and for leaving such a nice comment! Please claim BEFORE next months hop. Message me here please so I can get your winnings to you!

Please read the following few paragraphs:

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :)

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with
Crystal 

You came to me from

Next up is my friend

There are 12 of us hoping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed as we ask you to give love to each blog to be included in the giveaway. :)

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends! 

Saturday, February 5, 2022

Friends of Unity February Blog Hop ~ Sketch

Hello, friends! Welcome to our FOU Blog Hop and happy 1st Saturday of February!

For the second year in a row we are having record breaking temperatures for our part of Texas. I pray you are all safe and warm!

This months FOU Blog Hop is a sketch challenge. Our last sketch challenge was in March 2021. This cue is always a favorite of ours and yours as you participate with us and share your makes. 


Here was my vision for this sketch challenge! The top portion of this design inspired by a beautiful card Angie (Blom) created with images from the February Kit of the Month.  See her card here. :)

This handsome guy just released this week! He is called PS I love you, Guy. You may recognize him from a digital stamp at Angie Blom Digital Designs. I am so excited he is now in red rubber at Unity Stamp Co!


I love monochromatic coloring and knew grey would be perfect for him. I finally purchased Karin Brushmarkers again and am so happy I did! (I bought them when they first came out a few years ago and quickly sold them before taking the time to learn them.)

The always is from one of my favorite word sets called "Adore" Words. I asked Angela to include this set in this weeks sale and she did! Click "Adore" above and you can see another card I made using this set. I think it will inspire you! :)

It's hard to see the awsome grey watercolor wash shadowing him. Visit my Instagram for a better view!


I hope you love this card as much as I do! Would love to interact with you here on Instagram!

I would love for you to tag me (as Bobbie Sue @Two38 Creations) in your make using the sketch below and the hashtag #friendsofunitybloghop ;)





Don't forget! We would love for you to play along in this sketch challenge! Tag me in your social media post and I will pick an extra winner to receive a small prize pack! Did I mention how much we LOVE when you play along with us! ;)

A very special shout out and thank you to our friend Meg C. This hug is for you ((())). 

My hope is that you read through the entire blog. Makes my heart so happy thinking you do!

I pray you find a blessing in even the smallest thing today! 

As always~

Thanks for spending time with me today!

It brings me so much joy sharing my thoughts and creations with all of you!

Until next time~

Be blessed, friends!

Bobbie Sue

Please read the following few paragraphs:

I hope you have a chance to visit each blog and leave a little (or a lot of :) love along the way . I know they are all equally as wonderful and unique!  

There are some pretty awesome giveaways with each hop! Including one from myself! Be sure you comment on EACH blog post to be entered in the drawing.

This months winners will be announced during next months blog hop!!
(I have a feeling you will comment anyway as a way of support and admiration to the artists.)

Speaking of winners, my January Blog winner is BeatriceMI! Thank you for your sweet comment on my CAS blog post! Please message me here on Instagram so I can get out your winnings! Thank you for supporting our fun little hop and loving on my cards. ;)

To help us identify you as winners, please sign your comment with your full name. It often only shows a blog name that leaves us uncertain of who you are. :)

The links I share are NOT affiliate links. I just love sharing MY LOVE of Unity products with you! :)

Friends, please know that our hops are not sponsored
(Although, I know Unity Stamp Co. lovingly approves) Because your support is so valuable and so appreciated, prizes are given from the creators own private stash of Unity stamps.


The hop started with
Crystal 

You came to me from

Next up is 

There are 11 of us hoping this month! Be sure to go back to any you may have missed!

Forgive any grammar mistakes you may find. However, I am always open to friendly and constructive criticism or correction. Please know, I write my blog out of absolute enjoyment and do not stress overlooked errors. Thank you, friends!