Bookmarks: 3 Creative Options using Watercolor, a Wedge brush, and Stamps

Pretty, vintage-style bookmarks with watercolor, a wedge brush, and stamps? Yes please! These come together rather quickly and most importantly, they're so fun to make. By working on a smaller area we eliminate the pressure and stress of painting big ole compositions. 

I use a wedge brush (also known as a triangle or petals brush, depending on the brand) but feel free to substitute your favorite floral brush and adapt the designs as necessary.

All artistic levels are welcome!

What you'll learn:

• 3 bookmark techniques & processes
  • 1st design: Paint a blue floral stem from start to finish. See important tips for using a grommet tool and adding a pretty ribbon
  • 2nd design: Grab some old art pieces! These bookmarks involve strategically tearing up old artwork or practice pages, and adding stamps and a ribbon as above 
  • 3rd design: Your last bookmark involves using a very simple hack on Kraft paper. These eye popping florals are shown step by step. If you don't want to make a bookmark, feel free to hop into class anyway to learn how to paint these florals. 
• Learn effective ways to use tools for stamping and attaching ribbons 
• Learn valuable tips for when and where to stamp & how to make it an accent that doesn't overwhelm your bookmark (or other art piece)
• Techniques for creative stamping that eliminates the pressure to "get it perfect"
• See artwork with florals and stamps, beyond bookmarks, to help spark inspiration and your own creative ideas
• 95% of class is in real time. A small fraction is slightly sped up in the last section to save time

Supplies

Please know you do not need everything listed here to join class. Come to class and see what it's all about then grab whatever supplies you have. And who knows, maybe you'll add something new to your wish list!

• Paper
  • I use Canson XL cold pressed watercolor paper, Stonehenge Legion Kraft paper, and black paper (but only to mount some of the bookmarks to)
• Brushes
  • Wedge, Triangle, or Petals brush if you intend to follow along and make wedge brush florals
  • Or, use your favorite floral brush and adapt the designs as necessary
  • Small rounds and/or detail brushes
• Watercolor 
  • any colors, any brand. I tell you the specific colors I use in class
• White Gouache
• Old artwork you're ok with tearing up
• Stamps 
  • If you have some, grab 'em and bring to class
    • I use a variety of wooden stamps and vinyl stamps on acrylic blocks
  • If not, no worries, I'll share all of my stamping supplies and where I get them
• Waterproof, permanent ink pad (any color but recommended to keep them neutral - black, grey, or brown. I'll use white too) 
  • This can't be stressed enough - you need waterproof, permanent ink
• Grommet tool (Optional) for making the eyelet for your bookmark
  • Or, grab a hole punch
• Ribbons (optional) to attach to your bookmark
• Scissors and/or large paper cutter
• 1/2 inch corner punch
• Double sided tape, dot glue runner, or glue stick
• Regular or white Pencil
• Ruler 
  • 6 inch 
• Other optional supplies: Tracing paper (1 piece), paper towels, damp sponge, water jars, and anything else you use to paint with. Snacks and drinks are always encouraged too!

If interested in seeing my favorite supplies, including my stamping supplies, you're invited to check out my Amazon Storefront.