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To create the variegated coloring on the boy’s clothing I used the lightest color over the whole area to be colored then added each of the other colors beginning with the darkest and ending with the lightest. I used a quick layer of the lightest color over the whole image I was coloring to help blend the colors a bit further.

I used the same techniques with the pants and shirt.

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Learning to color skin and hair is a bit of a challenge for me. I can see that I am getting better but it is definitely a work in progress. If you also have difficulty with hair and skin you might want to check out Sandy Allnock’s Coloring the Human Rainbow tutorial or Taylored Expressions’ YouTube post with great skin and hair tutorials. Both artists also have free charts that you can download and practice with. Visit their website (Sandy Allnock) for those very helpful tools. You have have an account at Taylored Expressions to get the free download but it doesn’t cost and is worth the link up for the freebie (Taylored Expressions, click register. After registering, click the Get Inspired Link and click Free Downloads).

I decided to create a bit of weather for my little boy to be jumping around in so I used the die that accompanies the Puddle Jumpers stamp set to create a mask. When I am making a mask I expect to use more than once I like to use Gina K. Designs Masking Magic sheets. Once I have finished using the mask I simply adhere it to the die storage envelope and it is there and waiting for the next time I need it.

I have also recently discovered Post-It Removable Labeling Tape. It is 2 inches wide and makes great masks too. However, be prepared to spend a small fortune if you are going to buy some because it comes in a 36-yard roll. The Post-It tape would probably only be good for one use and, as you can see, my mask has been well used (at least six times) so the Gina K. Designs Masking Magic is an excellent.

Once I adhered my mask I chose three blue Distress Oxide Inks. I began with the lightest color then progressed to the darker colors and finally finished with a quick rub over the entire image with the lightest color to be sure the colors were well blended. I did not remove the mask until the very end of the project.

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What fun is a raincoat without rain to accompany it? I used My Favorite Things Rainy Circle die to create another mask using a clear transparency sheet. When the first card was created with this technique I simply cut the mask out of white cardstock, laid it on the card, and used a Taylored Expressions Blender Brush to add the raindrops.

That technique worked fine the first time I did it. However, I wanted to make several identical cards and when I attempted to speed the process up I ended up going off the mask and smeared ink on the face of the card. In thinking of a way to remedy this and to make the process quicker, I remembered that I had a box of transparency sheets and decided to try to create my mask using the clear sheet. Voila! I was able to see directly where I wanted the mask/stencil to be placed. I taped the template down and since the entire card was protected, my raindrops fell exactly where I wanted them with no smears. After removing the homemade stencil I cleaned it with a wet baby wipe and placed it the die envelope and it will be available for use on future cards. This was a valuable experiment and I can see myself using up by transparencies in the future. Add a little Pixie Spray and I think this will revolutionize my stencil and mask-making process.

I added just a few more misty raindrops when I rubbed the Blueprint Sketch Distress Oxide Ink onto my palate, spritzed it with water, and then flicked it onto the card front with a paintbrush.

With all fo the rain on the front of the card I decided that a puddle wasn’t absolutely necessary for my little jumper to stomp but I created a very light shadow using a C2 Copic marker. I then removed the Masking Magic mask and adhered it to my die envelope for future use.

I wanted the sentiment to be stamped directly on the card and to eliminate the possibility of an error, I used the Misti Stamping Tool. The Misti allows you to stamp an image once and if the ink isn’t dark enough or even you can simply rein the stamp and press it onto your card a second time for a perfectly aligned second try.

I positioned the next-to-largest A2 Layering die on the card and arranged it to create pleasing borders. Finally, I adhered a few Waffle Flower Clearly Enough dots and adhered the work to a yellow A2 card base using Scrapbook Adhesives 3D Foam Strips.

I originally stamped my image a few weeks ago in preparation for this blog but somehow got a smudge of ink on the card before I started coloring. I figured it wouldn’t hurt and wouldn’t show up but it just kept bothering me so I added an arrow element to hide the smudge. I think it actually added an interesting feature to the card. Mistakes are sometimes friendly like that!

I really love red envelopes for some reason and figured this little Puddle Jumper needed one. I added the ducklings from My Favorite Things Purrfect Friends and put this card in my “ready to send” pile.

I have been trying to post several times throughout the week on my Instagram page and would love for you to stop by to see them (@LynnHillIsACraftyMess) and my Facebook (@LynnHillIsACraftyMess).