Colouring Creativity

Today I worked on finishing so.e cards I started a few days ago.  I stamped 5 images exactly the same, and dug out my alcohol markers. By then of the first card front, I knew I needed to change it up. I just wasn't happy with how it was going. That piece of paper hit the bin and I decided to switch it up. 

Pencil crayons. Coloured pencils. Whatever you call them, you likely used them lots when you were young and in school. I honestly miss the ones from back then. Nothing beat Laurentian and I wish they were still made.  Alas, all I have currently is Crayola. I may decide to invest in some others at some point, but for now these work. I do have a regular set and the metallics, so there is a bit of variety. 

I started with my favourite colours, because I just never know where to start when I venture into "adult" colouring.  I even gave away my 100 pack of pencils to my daughter because I got so frustrated. Nothing ever looked as good as I wanted it to and imagined in my head. I often feel like this and end up thinking I  not that creative. Truly. 

I started in, and picked away at scales, the wings, the details, and kept layering colours. I was actually feeling pretty good about it, but still not quite happy. I added and blended and used pressure difference for more variation and felt... just ok. But by the end of the card, when I added white gel pen highlights, enamel dots and inks to give the stark white background some depth, I was finally happy. 

I have to remember that as I go further into the process of making a card, it changes and evolves. I can't judge until I step back at the end and everything has come together. 

It took a few days after the first one for me to take the time to venture back down the stairs (it's a long way on bad knees and crutches... long story). Today I sat down at noon and worked on tidying my desk a bit, rearranging, then colouring. I didn't come up for air until supper time. But I was very pleased with the final product. 

it was hard choosing the colours, but I think I am happy with how they all turned out. I could still do a red and black one yet, but... another day. 

The pink one I think is really nice, but I really do see the need for a larger selection of colours. Another day.  

If you like my cards, please let me know with a comment. I love making custom cards by request, and have finally posted some things for sale on Etsy.  Look me up!