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Stamping Tips and Techniques
Do you use stamped images in your creative projects? Today we will be covering stamping tips and techniques using ink and paint that will help you get consistent results. Stamping is a huge part of my creative practice. If you find yourself stuck with a project and not sure where to go, try using stamps. The process of stamping is very therapeutic. You may start with not having an idea, but the more use you stamps, you may discover a project waiting to be uncovered. Stamping can be frustrating if you get mixed results. We are going to cover stamping tips and techniques that will help you work with a…
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How to Create a Traveler’s Notebook
There are so many fun Traveler’s Notebooks available for sale, but have you ever tried creating your own Traveler’s Notebook? Today I will be demonstrating how to create a Traveler’s Notebook using a stitched binding. Why Make a Traveler’s Notebook I have shared about how to use a Traveler’s Notebook in a previous post. In that post I share some of my ideas on how to use a Traveler’s Notebook in a variety of ways. Traveler’s Notebooks are not only fun to use but are also quite easy to make. The process of cutting the paper, sewing the binding, and assembling a book can be a great self-care activity. It…
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How to Create Layers Using Ink Blending
Creating in a journal is a great self-care practice but it can be challenging to add layers and dimension to a page. Today we will discuss how to create layers using ink blending in your creative projects. Layering Inks Layering inks is a great way of creating dimension in your projects. There are several things to consider when you are creating layers with your inks: Color Values In my last article I shared about how to use color values when creating a monochromatic project. By using a variety of color values this creates different shades and intensity of color, which adds dimension to your project. Type of Ink Certain types…
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Using Alcohol Inks with Stencils
Have you ever tried using alcohol inks with stencils on a large project? It can sometimes be challenging using stencils with alcohol inks because of the loose nature of the medium. If the stencil is smaller than the surface that you are using, it can leave harsh lines detracting from the overall design. Layering Alcohol Inks One of the ways to prevent harsh lines in your alcohol ink project is by layering alcohol inks. One thing to keep in mind when using this technique is that when you add more ink, it rewets and often resists the ink below. When it resists, the ink will push the previous layer of…
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How to Paint a Night Sky
This week we will be learning how to paint a night sky using watercolor paint. This is one of my favorite self-care exercises as it is simple and so relaxing. What makes learning how to paint a night sky so fun is this technique can be used with other colors and other applications. This provides practice and an understanding on what colors you can create from blending watercolor paints. The Inspiration The inspiration for this project was thinking about the warm summer days when I can get out of the city and see the stars. I love the night sky, there is something about the expanse of it that is…
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How to use Watercolor Pencils
Have you ever wondered how to use watercolor pencils? If you have not tried using watercolor pencils in your artwork or crafting projects, they are a very easy and fun medium. What are Watercolor Pencils? What are watercolor pencils? Watercolor pencils look like a colored pencil and they write and color very similarly. The big difference is that they are also water soluble. What this means is when you draw and blend with a watercolor pencil and add layers of color to your work. You can come in after applying the color and add in water to blend and intensify the color. How are Watercolor Pencils Different than Watercolor Paints?…
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3 Easy Ways to Trace Images onto Paper
Have you ever struggled with tracing images onto different surfaces? In today’s tutorial I will share 3 ways to trace images onto paper that I use in my own art practice. Tracing is a great way to quickly transfer images but depending on the surface it can be challenging. Today I will show you how to use a light table, graphite paper and tracing paper with Contè crayon to add images to your paper or canvas surfaces. Hop-A-Long Studio is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. So Why Trace Images? So why trace images? For…
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How to use Pan Pastels
Today I wanted to show you how to use Pan Pastels. Pan Pastels are a new addition to my mixed media work, and I have enjoyed using them to enhance my art. If you have never heard of Pan Pastels, these are a fun and versatile medium. So what are Pan Pastels? Pan Pastels are a soft, highly pigmented pastel that is in a pan form. These are not oil based but instead have a chalk-like feel. One of the benefits of using pan pastels is that you can apply color quickly and easily. They blend well, are highly pigmented and are created to produce very little dust. I enjoy…
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3 Ways to Use Brusho Crystal Colours
As part of building Creative Foundations in our artistic practice, I will be demonstrating 3 ways to use Brusho Crystal Colours. These powders are a versatile medium that can be used in multiple applications including cards, journal projects and watercolor projects. What are Brusho Crystal Colours? Brusho Crystal Colours are highly pigmented watercolor crystals. These crystals can be used in a variety of ways including mixing with water to make a watercolor paint and sprinkled onto surfaces and misted to create interesting patterns. What makes them such an interesting product is that there are multiple colors of crystals within each color. This means that a green color will not just…
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How Grid Drawing Can Improve Composition
As it is the month of Inktober, I wanted to share with you about how grid drawing can improve composition. I have spent a considerable amount of time this year working on my drawing and painting skills. One realization that I have had is how much I rely on grid drawing in my compositions for drawing and painting. Learning to Draw As I have been learning to draw this year, I realize that sometimes I struggle with good composition and perspective in my drawing. I used to believe that I was really observant. The more I draw, the more I realize how my eyes sometimes play tricks on me.…
The Art of Self-Care
