Bunny, Basket and Fabriano Artistico

Is the bunny supposed to be carrying a basket of Easter eggs? I thought he was just supposed to be magically hiding them everywhere for us to find.  This darling Bunny with Basket is one of many darling images in the Rubbernecker’s Spring Time Pals collection.  I thought it was just perfect to fit the layout for the SCS Sketch Challenge.  I paired the image up with Papertrey’s darling Polka Dot Basics and Aqua Mist paper and I used my brand new Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper.

I painted the bunny image with reinkers, cut out and popped up on the required layer for this sketch.  I added the little popped up layer of grass over and under his feet to give the feel that he was standing in the grass.  I love how the few bright colors used on the eggs seem to pop with the brown bunny and the white background. The little knot of twill seemed to be just the perfect touch to finish the project.

I have to take a side step here and tell you of my experience with the Fabriano

artistico paper line. A few weeks ago I posted a few projects using pieces of paper that I had been given as a gift and had fallen in love with but was not sure who the maker of the paper was. I promised I would let everyone know when I found out and in my final post was able to finally announce that it was Fabriano Artistico. I also gave several links with great descriptions of the different types of watercolor paper on the market. That week I happily ordered a block of Fabriano Artistico hot pressed paper and couldn’t wait to get it. When my paper came I excitedly opened and took my first piece out to use. It didn’t take long for me to realize that while this was lovely paper it was not the same quality of the paper I had received from my friend Michelle. She had sent me 3 small pieces of paper that had a deckled edge on one side.  The block of paper didn’t have that.  At first I thought there was no deckling since it had been pressed into a block.  But after researching for more information online I realized that Michellehad sent me pieces that had been cut off of larger sheets of loose watercolor paper. I then ordered two Traditional and two Extra White (not really pure white), 140 lbs. (300 g/m) weight, hot pressed paper 22”x 30” sheets.  I had seen these on Dick Blick when I ordered the block but didn’t think they would be nearly as convenient to store since they were so large. I got my paper this week and can I just say “Ahhhhhhhhh”.  It is gorgeous and just as beautiful to use as the pieces I had received from Michelle. Now with all this said I want you to know that the block paper is lovely as well and I will certainly use it.  But when I really want to create a special scene project with lots of color and landscape I will turn to my special stash. If you are watercolorist and are looking for a treat you need to purchase one sheet to try.

Check out the Rubbernecker blog Wacky Wednesday and how you can win a chance to win 25% off your next Rubbernecker order.

Stamps:  Rubbernecker Spring Time Pals, Kittie Kits

Paper:  Papertrey, Watercolor

Ink:  Barely Banana, Soft Sky, Pixie Pink, Distress Vintage Photo, Peeled Paint, Adirondack

Latte

Accessories:  Stylus and Foam Tip, Brushes, Twill, Crimper, Snips