Articles : Tutorials - Paper Crafting

Creating "Watercolor" Paper from Vellum

A tutorial to transform vellum into beautiful watercolored designs

"Watercolor" Tutorial

By JulesinParadise - Jules Eickmeier

This is a card and slip case that I made using chalk inks to create a "watercolor" appearing vellum.   One of my favorite techniques is to use chalk inks to create lovely 'watercolor' papers.  I use three chalk inks in the same color family and one chalk ink that is gold or a dark yellow.  I get my vellum in pads in the art or drafting section of a business supply store.



The first step is to cover about 80% of the sheet of paper with the lightest of the three colors of chalk inks. Use a circular motion to avoid lines.  It is important that you heat set the ink after each new color or the colors tend to muddy.  I use a heat gun rather than a blow dryer although I have seen that work as well.  Be sure to keep the tool about six inches from the paper so the paper does not buckle.



Next, apply the second darkest color and follow the same directions as for the first step. This time cover about 50% of the paper in circular motions.



Apply the darkest of the chalk inks to about 35% of the paper making sure to heat set each after applying.



I add a light coating of the gold chalk ink to give the paper soft hightlights.  If you have any lines, use the lightest ink over them to blend.  I also love to stamp images over the 'water color' paper.



The possibilities are endless for the paper's use.  I use these often to make slips for tags and for the tags themselves or turn the paper into blocks for journaling.  I love the soft and pretty look.


 

Published on 03/01/2009.