Hi Friends! Small projects are a great way to try out new techniques. I used a combination of stamping, drawing and water-coloring to make these 3 bookmarks:
I used a few Caran D’ache watercolor pencils I recently purchased at MerriArtist, I ordered these and some other goodies last Saturday and got them on Tuesday! Fast service, great prices and wonderful customer service. I am not affiliated with them but they did give me a coupon code to share: 10off for $10 off an order of $100 or more and free shipping. Today I am reviewing the Caran D’ache Supracolor pencils, Caran d’ache water brush (a gift from MerriArtist) and Aquabee 90lb watercolor paper (a real bargain!) Have a look at the video for the tutorial and review.
Video!
After the picture was dry I cut it into 3 panels. I inked the edges and added some stamping with black ink. The edge swirls are by Autumn Leaves, the corner flourish is by Inkadinkado and the Chinese calligraphy is retired from PSX. When I was happy with the look I ran it through my laminating machine (I got my laminator from LTD commodities for $17 and the refill pouches come in a 100 variety pack for $5, another steal of a deal and it has worked well for me for a couple of years, unfortunately I could not find a link to this online.) You can also use contact paper or packing tape to laminate them even cheaper! The lamination really enhances the color and will protect the bookmarks (and your books) from color migration. I also wanted to mention the there is another watercolor pencil by Caran d’ache called “museum” which are more light-fast and expensive that are probably better in quality. I did not know about them when I ordered these or I would have bought a few to compare. I do not know how light-fast these are but the laminating will help prevent fading.
I think I see more bookmarks in my future! Thanks for stopping by and til next time happy crafting!
The Frugal Crafter Blog 
These are so pretty!
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Such pretty bookmarks!
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They are just gorgeous Lindsay!
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Well I’ve been a big fan for a while now & there is no backhanded compliment here – I honestly love your video tutorials and your chatter is part of the appeal. Love how you explain what you are doing and why, how you compare, and even how you share little tidbits – like the cats are always on your table etc – makes it much more fun and real xo
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I love your chatter too. It’s like we are in the room with you. The person who isn’t valuing the chatter is missing out on a lot of great tips.
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I love your video’s. I am new to water coloring, I do more rubberstamping. I am on a budget and would like to know what is the difference between cold press and hot press and the weight of paper I got some Strathmore 90lb not sure if it is ok or if there is a better kind.
Thank you
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hot press is smooth like cardstock and cold press has some texture. (90lb should be fine for stamping and watercoloring because you do not get it as wet as when you paint. 🙂
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The stamping really adds to the look. It makes it more finished. I never would name thought of that.
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“Have”, not “name.” Darn auto finish!
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These are so beautiful!!
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Lindsay,
I’ve got a question for you. Can I use my regular colored pencils (Derwent) as watercolors? I don’t want to wet them up to test them as I fear I would ruin them, can you tell me if they would work? I really like your above project and I’m gonna try some stamps that size too! Thanks for your tuts!
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It works great, I used my Derwent watercolors in that fashion in this video: https://youtu.be/oVCRT5338qM
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Derwent watercolor pencils I mean:)
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So, Can I use my REGULAR Colored Derwent pencils too?
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sorry for the delayed response, the regular ones will not wet with water but you can color with them and use baby oil or mineral spirits to blend them. Have fun!
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Hi Lindsay 🙂
Your bookmarks are beautiful and would make lovely gifts. Thank you for showing us how to make them and for letting us know that we can use packaging tape to protect the bookmark. You are fantastic!!!
Best regards.
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Just sign me, Love Anything with Butterflies! Thank you.
Think I will cut my paper to make 4 bookmarks with the fancy tag cutout at top (Stampin Up punch) and put ribbon tails through hole! 🙂
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Love to watch you color Lindsay…you make it look so easy. Soooooo, I ordered the Kuretake Gansi Tambi walercolor pans (set of 36) and played with them last night after they arrived!!! YOU ARE RIGHT – watercoloring is such FUN and I am sooooo impressed with the outcome of my little project! It was a big blob on my first leaf and out of the lines, but picked back up with water and repaired easily….all I can say is WOW!!!! Now, if only I could draw – LOL! Thank the Lord for stamps!!!!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
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Hi Lindsay. These bookmarks are beautiful. Thanks so much for showing us how to do them. I’m going to try this soon and make some for my grand children. By the way, I love your tutorials….Linda E.
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These are really gorgeous, Lindsay. Thanks for always sharing your knowledge in such an encouraging, fun way. You’re a peach g/f. hugs
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I really loved these! You are so talented it’s crazy! My family is crazy about bookmarks so I’m gonna try doing these right now. I’m not a big fan of watercolor pencils, so I think I’m just going to stick with the watercolor paints thought.
Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us how to paint, I’m a beginner myself, and I really appreciate it. You have no idea how much you helped me!
And if it’s any consolation, in the beginning I had a little hard time to understand what you were saying, because english is not my first language and let me tell you, you speak fast, like omg. But now I’m always checking your youtube channel and blog for new videos, I can’t seem to go a day without doing it. So don’t let haters get to you, you are very unique and that is very rare, which is why I love your videos so much.
Anyway, I meant to say thank you for everything, and that I love your videos.
Lots of love from Brazil! xx
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Love your tuts…you are so fun! Wish we were best friends…lol
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I saw you color the bookmarks earlier, but the inking and stamping really took these to the next level. So beautiful!
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Hi
Lindsay
The 10off coupon does not work for
Merriartist. Is there a time limit?
Thanks iris
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Ignore above tried again and it worked.👍
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Love your video. Love your bookmarks and love your chatter!
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They are gorgeous, and the stamping really finishes them off.
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The effects of the watercolors really make these bookmarks appealing. The vibrant colors and shadings are especially attractive. Thank you for the step-by-step. Makes it easy to follow and master this. Thanks, Lindsay.
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Very very nice !!!
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They are Beautiful! I like how you finished them with the stamping.
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Help Lindsay! I wanted to learn to watercolor, so, I bought the Spectrum Aquas, water color pencils and water color palate. I’m having a very difficult time getting a good result. Do you think I’m expecting to much, since I’ve been using copics and they are neater. Do you think I have a big learning curve. Do you offer classes? Please advise. You make it look so easy and effortless. Thank you for any advice.
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They are about as differnt to using Copics as night and day, you just need some experience with them. I have a playlist of watercolor pencil and watercolor marker and watercolor panting tutorial videos on my youtube channel. Just play!
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Lindsay,Was wondering if you can tell me more about the caran d’Ache watercolor brush th
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it is a nice quality synthetic brush that you fill with water and squeese the barrel to let the water flow so you do not need a bucket of water when you paint. This is best for watercolors, watercolor crayons or watercolor pencils.
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