SSS Make Merry Blog Hop Day 1

Today is day 1 of the Simon Says Stamp new release called Make Merry blog hop. When the product was released yesterday, I posted this card made with the new Santa's Sleigh Ride Slider stamp set - you can see that blog post HERE:

Today I want to share my new set of Suzy's Watercolor Cards with you called Sweather Weather. I basically drew sweater patterns for the backgrounds and then added some Fall designs to the middle of the cards. Here is an image. The set comes with 18 cards now (instead of 12), which has six designs with three of each design all printed on Ranger Watercolor paper.

Here are my six colored cards and I'll give you some tips and tricks at end of the images:

TIPS/TECHNIQUES:

Here are some of the things I do when coloring my sets of watercolor cards. I've been drawing these for over 4 years now and there are at least 40 some sets. The are all HERE at Simon Says Stamp.

• This paper works well with ALL coloring mediums. So why not use them all on one card? I almost always mix watercolors and colored pencils as I like to use the pencils for small areas and extra shading and details. I also used Copics on the one with the argyle background.
• I usually die-cut the cards so you can attach them to a card base and it will mat them with a matching color. I use the SSS A2 Frame dies - the largest frame gives you just the right size for this. 
• When coloring the sweater patterns, darken the areas that are "deeper" in the sweater" and leave the areas that would be at the top of the weave lighter for contrast. I especially did this on the navy one since the sweater pattern in so detailed. I love using Karin Brushmarkers when I am trying to get really dark darks and really light lights. I applied a light coat of paint to the entire card by wetting it first, then touching the brush to the top of the marker and moving the color around. Next, I used that same technique to add more color saturation in the darker areas. Last, I used the pen directly on the paper for the really dark little strips in the pattern. If you get too much color in an area, just add more water and press a paper towel over it to remove some color.
• I add shadows behind my letters with either a gray Copic or gray colored pencil. I also add these shadows behind some of the drawn elements. 
• I love adding Nuvo Drops to my cards to add texture and shine. Use them around the design as I did to the wreath. Or add them to the actual design as I did on the mushroom spots. On the first card, I used glitter drops all over the leaves combining several different colors on each leaf. I love how they sparkle! 
• Use die-cuts such as the new Thankful for you die on the cards without greetings. I like to leave some plain so you can add whatever greeting you need a card for. Because these are Fall designs, I thought the word Thankful was perfect.
• Use Shimmer Powders for the background of these cards. There is a new color that has been added to the mix called Sunray Crosette. This is the only new color they have added since they first came out, so I was super excited. I want more! I love these powders so much. I used this one on the second to last card with the wreath on it. It is a cream color with pops of red and yellow, but really shimmery!

BLOG HOP DETAILS:

• Visit the Make Merry Gallery to see all of the projects from this 2 day blog hop in one place. Each card links you to the designers blog so you can get all the details on how they made it. Make sure to add your cards to this gallery as well. And add the hashtag #sssmakemerry to all of your projects you put on social media. I love clicking on the hashtag and looking through all the inspiration at oncThe graphic includes our free gift with purchase for the hop:
• The banner on the top of this post shows the promotion that is running for purchases from this new product line. Use the code FSTV25 to receive the Stickles Festive Glitter Glue with your purchase. The promotion expires on 10/11 at 11:59 pm EDT.
• SSS is giving away a $25 coupon on every stop on the hop from the blog comment section. They will choose winners over the weekend and post on the Simon Says Stamp blog on Wednesday, the 14^th of October. All winners can email them to claim your prize :)
• This is day 1 of a 2 day blog hop, so make sure to visit the SSS Blog tomorrow to start on day 2 of the hop. Next on today's hop is:

SIDNIE DES JARDINS

Thank you so much for visiting today. You can see the Make Merry release here at SSS and all of the products I used in this post are linked below. I hope you all enjoy this 2 day blog hop and this new product release. It certainly has me in the spirit of the holidays and ready to make lots of Christmas cards! suzy xoxo

PS: I HAVE A NEW POST UP USING LOTS OF NEW PRODUCTS THAT IS A "ONE STAMP, FIVE WAY" POST HERE 

Comments

[Paola Cubillo]

I love the Santa Scene!! Thank You!

[Nandini Karmarkar]

These are amazing! I love the beautiful coloring. I also love the way you have illustrated the knit style backgrounds.

[barbara lassiter]

Your slimline card is beautiful and I love your sweater background cards! Awesome coloring and designs!

[Mary Holshouser]

The cards are gorgeous.
Love the ones with the
mushrooms. the 'shroom
shading the little squirrel
is cute. thanks for
sharing
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

[Sunshine HoneyBee]

Your coloring is wonderful. I'm still learning on coloring. Like the Santa card. Ordered the Santa Slider stamp/die set.
Melissa
"Sunshine HoneyBee"

[Lindar C]

I always look forward to your card sets, these are fantastic and your coloring is amazing!

[SueB]

Beautiful cards. Beautiful coloring.

[Gayle Chrvala]

Awesome coloring and new set of watercolor cards.

[Kit A]

Great cards Suzy! I love the Santa flying about the houses. This is a wonderful release.

[Angela Lunn]

These are gorgeous!

[Leslie Scholes]

Your cards are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

[Glenda Demorest]

I love the slim line Santa card! Everything is gorgeous.

[Kristin Johnson]

These sweater cards are so beautiful! Thank you for the inspiration!

[Lisa H.]

As a knitter I'm in love with your knit stitch backgrounds! The make my heart smile.

[Sheri Kempke]

Gorgeous cards--I always love to see your new watercolor designs to color as well. Thanks for all you do!

[MP]

Santa Xmas card is very appealing; such a cute street scene.

[BECCA YAHRLING]

Your w/c images are always so beautiful ... and then you color them and they're stunning!

[Miesje Flach]

I love the Santa card - so pretty as a slimline! Your watercolor cards are amazing as always!

[Joanne M Hoffmann]

WHOA!! These are gorgeous and such a wonderful collection of autumn cards...Love your coloring!!

[Cyndi Morris]

Wonderful cards. I especially love the first one. The Santa's Sleigh Ride set is so sweet. Your water color cards are gorgeous.

[Lisa B Harvey-Reber]

Wow, so much inspiration! They are all beautiful, can't choose a favorite!

[Susan McRae]

Wonderful cards and gorgeous coloring!

[Monika Davis]

Fantastic cards Suzy... those backgrounds are amazing... such fun and pretty prints... great coloring! I can't decide which is my favorite! I love them all! Thanks for the inspiration! Be safe and God bless!

[Suzie Quebedeaux]

I absolutely LOVE your watercolor cards. I can't wait to order these!!! Your coloring is gorgeous!

[Andrea Arce]

love your designs and the coloring is gorgeous. Thanks for these