Help me finish this art journal page & marker winner announced!

Hi Friends! Today I will show you some more coloring techniques with the fabulous Spectrum Aqua Markers, I’ll show you how I colored this:

But first I need to pick 4 winners for the Spectrum Aqua Marker giveaway sponsored by Hallmark Scrapbook! If you are a winner please check your email because I have sent you info to claim your prize!

The winners are:

Ramona Wallace (USA-Nature Set)

Barb Macaskill (USA-Essential Set)

grandmastovall (USA-Floral Set)

Juliana H. (Germany-Primary Set)

Congratulations to all the winners! If you missed out don’t worry, the Spectrum Aqua markers are still on sale and available at Hallmark Scrapbook. I know a lot of you have picked up these marker sets so today I want to share how to color and blend skin tones since they seem to give people the most trouble. Color along with whatever watercolor markers you have.

I have heard from many of you that your paper tends to “pill” when you try to color with watercolor markers. To avoid that you want to use a paper that can handle the water that is in the markers. Typing paper and most cardstock are not sized enough to handle the water. A watercolor paper or mixed media pad works much better. When you are shopping for paper look for pads that say “can handle light washes” there are many papers that are designed for kids that will work well (like the cheap white sulphite paper I used on the jellyfish last week.) If you are still having trouble with your paper scribble your markers on a dish and use a damp brush to color with, a soft paintbrush will be less abrasive on your paper. Also notice how I did not work any of the paper on today’s sample too long. I use a Canson XL Mixed Media pad which is an affordable option and most craft stores, even Wal-Mart has it.

As always try out these techniques with what you have, practice and do not be discouraged. It takes a bit to get the feel for how long you can let the marker set and how much water you need. One of my favorite things to do with new markers is to scribble some out and try blending them with a wet brush. Just playing with the colors on paper will teach you a lot and you won’t worry about making a mistake. I hope you found this helpful! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!