Colour Pencils on Kraft Paper

I don’t think I am the only card maker who finds inspiration among their fellow crafters and with all the different social media platforms, it’s easy to connect with like-minded people. For me, one of them is Debby Hughes from Lime Doodles Design, I’ve not only been inspired by her work but I’ve also learned many tips and techniques such as the one in this card, colouring in kraft paper.

When searching for colour pencils, I opted for Faber-Castell Polychromos, for one good reason, they are available at a nearby art supply store and I like to support local business as much as I can. There are, however, different good quality brands, that will most likely give similar results.

I started by stamping the image, Maple Girl from Unity Stamp Company, on a 5.2 X 4.5 “ piece of kraft paper, then selected 2 or 3 different shades of the same colour per each of the elements of the image. I began with the pants, colouring with a medium shade starting from the outside of the image, being careful no to colour the centre. Then with the darker shade, added a few strokes, blending with the previous colour, still trying to stay closer to the outer edge and finally, with the lighter shade (which in most cases was a cream colour) blended with both base colours to add highlights.

The same process was applied with all the other elements of the image, the top, the shawl, the hair and even the shoes. I decided to leave the skin natural because I was already happy with the way the image looked once all the clothing pieces were coloured. I also stamped a maple leaf that came with the stamped set.

I cut the image using the Wonky Stitched Rectangle Die from My Favourite Things . Then, I covered the image and sprinkled a little of a reddish brown and Fine Tec Bronze Pearlescent watercolour.

I placed the kraft paper on a 4.5 X 5.5” piece of cream heavy cardstock as a card base. I chose a sentiment that went with the theme, but short enough to keep the focus on the main image. After a few tests, I liked the white writing on black cardstock the best. Finally, I added a few extra details like the green pearlescent twine on the maple leaf and a few sequins for a bit of shine.

I was very pleased with the result of this card, especially since this was the very first time I was adventuring with this technique (at this scale). Certainly, it won’t be the last time.