Monday, February 29, 2016

Watercolor Mail Art

I keep trying to make watercolors work for me.  When something happens that I like, I'm always shocked and pleased.  I did these envelopes and card fronts with Tombow markers and water.



When I tried to recreate the same look, of course it didn't work.  That is not always a bad thing.  But this envelope below and card really needed some help.  I pulled out my neocolors to fix both.  I forgot to take a photo of the fixed envelope.  This one isn't totally lacking, but it was much brighter when it was mailed.


The marker watercolors were really lacking on the card, but the neocolors blended well.


I did the brush lettering with the Tombow markers.  They were reviewed on amazon that their brush tips hold up well.  I don't find that to be true, so I'm pretty disappointed on that point.  With some practicing and writing the envelopes with black, then a bit more practicing play, the tip on the black marker is done.  I need to work on how not to let that happen. 

Wishing everyone a good mail day.
xxx
Annie

15 comments:

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

Love the veritable explosion of colour Annie.....like a packet of melted skittles sweets ;) Ah now watercolouring is hard, I've yet to master it at all,it can be frustrating. I love Neocolors,they really are the best. Have you tried the Distress Markers? I've got some good effects from them and they're ideal for smaller creations too
Hugs
Donna xxx

jenclair said...

They are all beautiful, and the colors so bright and cheery! I really love your lettering! Lettering can make such a graceful addition to any card.

Carol Swift said...

I saw "Carol" on that card, but I'm not sick so I know it isn't for me. Darn! Not "Darn I'm not sick" but "Darn that card isn't for me!" Great job on all of them!

Tera Callihan said...

Great watercolor fun! Love the circus stamps with it😊

Lesley said...

You have such a way with anything artsy! Love the watercolour cards!

Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studio said...

Annie I just found a tutorial on making your own alcohol ink using cheap markers (even old dried up markers work) and alcohol. I have never tried using alcohol ink before, have you? It gives you a watercolor look and you can spray it or squirt it or paint it on. Anyhow, maybe you should give it a try on your next watercolor adventure. I think what you have made here are all so pretty however you created them.

sheila 77 said...

These are so different. I've never used Tombows as watercolours, only as markers, so no guessing what my next experiments will be. Your writing is exquisite as ever. I like the minimalism of "hello" with the double stitched borders, and the delicate splashy effects of "jackie and jamie". And you do have pretty postage stamps in your world.

Sandy said...

Is there anything - anything at all, that you cannot do!!!! You are most talented my friend. The stitching around the design is an added touch of your artsy fartsy skill - especially with the bow. I would probably sew my finger to the paper. Then go to the hospital and then go to bed for a week with a good book to get over the trauma!
Love your art work Annie - Sandy xx

Deb said...

I think they are all lovely Annie! Watercolours certainly do have a mind of their own though don't they?! And I saw a tip by Kelly Klapstein (www.kellycreates.ca and @kellycreates on Instagram and Periscope) on writing with the Tombow markers that you should use the side of the brush tip rather than the point to prevent fraying. She often has clips on IG and practice drills on Periscope using the Tombows if you have access to those sites. Thanks for sharing your beautiful mail art, Deb xo

Carla said...

Pretty pretty and colorful

West Michigan Quilter said...

I agree with Sandy. These cards are sunning. You are a true artist. Love what you've done.

Margik said...

Hi Annie! Fantastic cards and envelopes with a beautiful color combo... great mail art! Love the fabulous use of watercolors.
Mar :)xx

Createology said...

Always love your "Annie Art". I own lots of these products but they just sit and grow stale. Why don't they jump off their shelf and create such JOYful artsy mail? I need the "Annie Touch of Magic"...

Kay Wallace said...

These are all gorgeous, Annie, so full of color in just the right places. Your stitching is like frosting on a cake!

quiltingbydawn said...

Is there anything that you aren't dabbling in? I'm so impressed! These watercolors are beautiful! Lovely mail art...I'm sure the recipients will love them!