SSS Fun and Festive Blog Hop (Day 1) - Suzy's Snowmen Watercolor Cards

Today is day 1 of a 2 day blog hop celebrating the Simon Says Stamp new Fun and Festive product release. I'm excited to be sharing with you a new set of watercolor cards called Suzy's Snowmen. Here is an image: 

I'll be showing you all 12 of these cards colored and made into greeting cards below. I have a lot of images as I wanted to show you both a full image and a close up image of each card. This is because I went crazy with the Tonic Nuvo Drops on these and I wanted you to see all the dimension and sheen they add to the cards. At the end of all of these images, I'll list some basic techniques I use when coloring them you might find helpful. And then you will find the actual BLOG HOP DETAILS (so keep scrolling if you want to get right to the business!).

Yesterday I posted a Making Backgrounds Ahead of Time blog post where I talk about all my watercolor and other techniques I use to make card backgrounds all at once. You might want to check that one out. Also, ere are two cards I shared on THIS BLOG POST the day of the release using some of the new products (directions for each and more images on the post). These cards both use backgrounds I made on the first post. 

This is an image of the Tiny Christmas Words stamp set that I used on the first card. It works perfectly with a die set by Honey Bee Stamps called Sentiment Banners as you can see here:

WATERCOLOR CARDS:

Card 1:

Card 2:

Card 3:

Card 4:

Card 5:

Card 6:

Card 7:

Card 8:

Card 9:

Card 10:

Card 11:

Card 12:

 WATERCOLOR CARD COLORING TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTS USED:

• I use several coloring mediums on these cards and know that ANY coloring medium you prefer will work as they are printed on Ranger Watercolor paper which is super thick; I always start with watercolor for the backgrounds of each card and for larger areas; then I use colored pencils for the details and shading; then I add the final details with Tonic Nuvo Drops
• I love using the Kaiser Craft Glitter Pens to add shading, details, and sheen after I color these
• Let's talk Nuvo Drops - they are the best investment ever! I use them on all my watercolor cards for big areas and only one color is almost out - white which I use the most. They are not just DROPS. Think of them more like Glossy Accents where you can cover any area of an image with them. Try them over letters, over areas you want to pop like clothing, use for eyes (I use a drop of white, let dry and then a drop of black), etc... - SO MANY USES! (((yes, I love them))) (((no, I am not paid to say so)))
• I also use a White Uniball on all of these cards for details AND to cover mistakes - I often color out of the lines and this pen covers all my mistakes so it is a must have for me.
• Add gray shadows behind letters and images to make them pop (I use my Copic N2 marker the most)
• Add patterns to large areas such as the gift boxes and the clothing on the snowmen - use colored pencils, glitter pens, or Nuvo Drops for this - I love using the glitter drops the best
• Let's talk snowflakes! I used the Hero Arts Unicorn Spray on the card with the dark sky - it is great for adding white splotches on night time skys; I used the PPP snowflake sequins on almost all of these cards; and of course I use white glossy Tonic Nuvo Drops for snow. I also love the White Blizzard Nuvo Drops for snow - it is clear with glitter in it. 
• For the red berries on many of the snowmen's hats, I used Red Gloss Nuvo Drops with a White Uniball on top 
• Check out my Making Backgrounds Ahead of Time blog post from yesterday showing some of my background techniques for cards. 

BLOG HOP BUSINESS:

• Don't forget to add your creations to the Fun and Festive Gallery. It's a great place to visit to get inspiration using all of the new products. 
• When making a purchase, use the code FEST587 which will give you a free festive Stickles with any purchase. This code will expire Sunday, 10/14 at 11:59 pm ET.
• The entire Fun and Festive product release can be seen HERE
• SSS is giving away a $25 coupon on every stop on the hop from each blog comment section; they will choose winners over the weekend and post on the Simon Says Stamp store blog on Wednesday. You can then email them to claim your prize!
• And last is the Hop List - next on the hop is HEATHER HOFFMAN, but the full list of participants is here:

  Simon Says Stamp Blog 

  Cathy Zielske

  Laura Bassen

  Nina-Marie Trapani

  Amanda Korotkova

  Nichol Spohr

  Jessica Frost-Ballas

  Suzy Plantamura (you are here)

  Heather Hoffman

  Elena Salo

  Ankita Gupta

  Karin Åkesdotter

  Emma Williams

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR VISITING!!! Hope you enjoyed all these creations and happy creating! Suzy

Comments

[Karen Sanville]

awesome cards.

[Beth Myers]

You must have had a blast coloring all those snowmen. :) Love the mini sentiment stamp set.

[Jo]

Love the coloring cards- a snowman melts my heart!

[Kelsey Thomas]

Love that seashell wreath! :)

[Jill Buysse]

These cards are adorable. I love all the products you used. Thanks for sharing your trick for covering up “coloring outside the line” mistakes :)
I too love nuvo drops. I’m slowing getting all the main colors.
I’m saving up for copic markers. I’ve been using my stampin up water-based markers.
Thanks for all the inspiration!

[Jill Buysse]

I just reread some of the blog. YOU created these fantastic cards. WOW!! They are so adorable. I just thought you colored and embellished them. Your talent has blown my mind!!
Double thanks for sharing your incredible talent. I’m going to subscribe to your blog so I can keep up on all your creativity.
Oh, and congratulations on your grand-babiy.

[Trisha L Jensen]

These snowmen images are so adorable! Watercolor is my favorite color medium! I really like all the bright, fun colors you used. Thanks for all tips and technique ideas!

[Debbie Titus]

Your colors are so Happy and Bright!

[Dee Earnshaw]

These Christmas themed cards are so beautifully colored - thanks for sharing:)

[Carol Ross]

I love snowmen... your cards are beautiful and each one melts my heart!

[Anne Hathaway]

your coloring is superb on these! very nice!

[Johanna T.]

Adorable cards! The mixed media approach looks great! Thanks for sharing.

[DGolly]

So many wonderful crad. Thanks for sharing.

[Carol Ross]

I love snowmen. Your coloring is so awesome. Each and every card melts my heart! Thank you for sharing your tips.

[Jane]

Love your adorable cards Suzy!

[Pami Ballington]

That wreath! Love!

[Angela R.]

Amazing coloring! And the wreath card is beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

[Bunny]

Beautiful cards. I really love the Tiny Words.

[Sharon Gullikson]

Your snow people are really sweet. LOVE them.

[Cheryl Stauffer]

What wonderful creativity. Thanks also for your helpful tips. which I desperately need!

[NatQuebec]

Beautiful designs as usual, make perfect cards :-)

[Jan Elmore]

What fun to see your art! Love 'em!

[super stick chick]

Fabulous release! So fun! Love your cards and designs, Suzy, esp those cute snowmen.

[Becca Yahrling]

Oh. My. Cuteness overload!! Your snowmen are just as
adorable as can be! I love every single one. All of your
cards are just glorious.

[Judy W.]

Awesome cards! Love your coloring and the added touches of sparkle and and dimension. Thanks for your tips!