I posted a project last week using a wonderful piece of ultra smooth watercolor paper that I received as a gift from Michelle (mitchgitchgoomy). I didn’t know what brand of paper it was and promised everyone I would find out and let you know as soon as I was able to hear from Michelle. The paper is Artistico by Fabriano. It is Traditional White, 140 lbs. (300 g/m) weight, hot pressed paper. So, what does all that mean? I am putting a couple links here to give you a good description of the different weights, textures and uses of watercolor paper. I have always used a cold pressed paper with a rougher texture than this hot pressed paper. I thought I would never want to give up using it but after using this smooth textured paper I am convinced that it is much more suitable for my style of painting and stamping.
How to Choose Watercolor Paper
I also did some research to find a source for purchase and I always seem to find Dick Blick one of the most economical places to shop.
This little cabin scene card was made for the S
CS Sketch Challenge. The layout for the main image layer was the perfect size for me to use one of the little gift pieces of watercolor paper that I had. I used this little cabin from my Kittie Kits so many times for my holiday cards with snow and evergreens and thought it would be fun to show it in a spring/summer scene. I loved using the brown and cream designer papers as they match so perfectly with the off white color of the watercolor paper.
I stamped the cabin with Brilliance Black, heat set and then painted with a brush and a reinker/water mixture. I sketched in the trunks of the trees, painted and then hand painted in the leaf areas using two different colors of green distress inks. I painted in the ground area and then used a rigger brush to add little sprigs of greenery around the base of the cabin and the foot of the tree and added little dots of red for flowers. I sponged on yellow around the scene to highlight and make it pop. This was fast and simple and just the perfect size painting project for me to get the kinks out after going for over a week without painting.
Stamps: Rubbernecker-Kittie Kits The Moose is Loose, Stampin’ Up-All Year Cheer I
Paper: Stampin’ Up! Chocolate Chip, retired DP and Papertrey DP
Ink: Brilliance Black, Distress Ink-Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, Adirondack Lemonade, Lettuce
Accessories: Retired SU Twill, Brushes-Round and Rigger, Inkssentials Ink Blending Tool, Circle Punch
another pretty card love your work and thanks so much for the info on the paper will check it out
Hugs
Norine
Kittie, hot pressed is a much smoother surface to paint on. I love using Arches 140 lbs. hot pressed and have done a few pieces that I haven’t blogged. This paper is fabulous for multiple layers of glazes. Girl we’ve just got to get together soon. This is a super fabulous card, I adore your scenes. {{{hugs}}}
Thanks for the info on the paper! I will have to get me some and then try to find my watercolor brushes (hmmm…..been many years since I hunted those down!) Of course, I could get out my good ol’ watercolor pencils too!! hehe
Love the little cabin scene…..Makes me wish that I was there!
This card is so pretty. Thank you for all this helpful info. I just ordered this paper from Dick Blick.
Another great card!
Thank you so much for the information, and the link to Dick Blick. That is so helpful! You are such an inspiration to all of us…thank you for being so wonderful! =)
Beautiful Kittie, thanks for the info on the paper!!
Gorgeous card Kittie and thanks for the watercolour tips!