My favorite Art Tools

 Welcome!

All kaleidoscopes by inkspired and KaleidoCam 

Thank you for visiting!

I recently did a blog on things that have made my creative endeavors easier. Today I thought you might like to see what tools I love to use, and perhaps you will find something new for you to try.

Disclaimer: I get no kickbacks, freebies or anything like that. This is just me sharing what I like.

Craft/Art space

As you can see, when I craft I spread out!

However there are some things I always have close to me to use frequently.

Having art supplies that work with me are part of that!

A good set of permanent ink pens is a must for Zentangle and ink & wash technique water coloring. These Sakura micron pens are my favorite.

An original Zentangle elephant by inkspired

This is a handy size chart if you forget what the numbers mean.

They also come in colors, which I have used for this Zentangle Fox:

Zentangle Fox by inkspired

For coloring after using a permanent pen outline I really enjoy the look of watercolor pencils.

I have used several different brands and truthfully right now I do not have a preference. My first set was by Kimball.

Something I invested in was this great carry-all case for pencils. Look at all the different features to fit your needs. I found mine on Amazon. This one I have filled with regular colored pencils.

It even has elastics to hold pencil sharpener and erasers.

You can have great pencils, etc. but if your paper is lousy, it won’t matter much. I have found Strathmore to be a consistent brand I look for. I like the mixed media weight paper, spiral bound for much of the zentangles I do. For a larger piece I use same brand, tape bound.

I have also used Canson.

I have many different brands of colored gel pens I use for all sorts of things like lettering on envelopes and cards and coloring stamped images. Some are great, some are ok. I look for them at Costco during the holidays when they have large assorted packs of things in the art department. Crayola also carries some nice assortments.

BUT 

For white gel pens I only buy these:

Gelly Roll white opaque. Any other brand just seems to be a waste of money.

I love to color whether it is an entire image or just accents. I cannot say enough good things about Stampin’ Up! Duo-ended water-based markers. My dh bought me a complete set some 30 years ago and many of them are still juicy! And I do ALOT of coloring. They come in a set of 10 colors, with 4 different color groups. At least mine did. They might have added a 5th set of neutrals.

These are ‘Brights’ with a softer brush tip and a thin writing tip.

Stampin’ Up! Duo water based markers

Another brand that seems to be consistent and long lasting is Tombow duo-ended markers. Here is a chart someone else made that shows the 2 sizes you get in each duo marker.

Tombow duo markers

 Next, watercolors.

For years I was quite happy with any cheap pan watercolor set, similar to these:

Then I received a set with even more colors! Used it for years; still have it!

A few years ago I was able to take some watercolor classes from a true professional. She had been painting for 40+ years and had a great reputation as both an artist and a teacher. I have learned so much from her, including different paint qualities, brushes and how important the right paper is.

These are 2 brands that I now like:

Daniel Smith extra fine watercolors

Winsor and Newton

If you are having to use a lot of pigment to get the right color shade, try buying the next more expensive paint tube in the same color, different brand. This really made a difference for me, and I ended up using less paint from the tube to get the right color I wanted.

Next I would like to share a product that has made a world of difference to me.

A power Punch tool.

I had seen punches for years of course, and found them cute but not too practical to use frequently. Until the Power Punch tool was shown to me. Super easy to use, it uses weight dynamics so that I can punch cardstock without trying to step on the punch, jump up and down on it or completely smash my hand trying to get a clean, punched image. 

Yep. Tried all of those.

Punch Bunch made the best Aid. It is discontinued now. I did find this one:

It looks flimsier than the Punch Bunch one. I would still give it a try.

Polished Stone is an inking technique with several different variations. I like to use metallic pens to get a great ‘ribbon’ of metallic ink through the paper surface. I think the best is made by Krylon:

For other metallic highlights I like these:

Be sure to use in a well-ventilated area.

Here are a few samples of Polished Stone backgrounds I have made:

My favorite ink is discontinued art pen refill inks Studio II. Try different brands to see which you like best. Not all reinkers are alike.

SplitCoastStampersCommunityFunBoard; Pinterest

Let’s talk Acrylic Paint Pens.

Paint pens have been a game-changer for me in my painted rock endeavors. 

My first set was by Artistro and they remain my favorite. I have tried many other brands. Some good. Some okay. Zeyar is a good brand.  I do lots of detail work and miniatures so the ultra-fine tip is my favorite.

The last product I want to mention is Glitter Glue.

If you are not using Stickles then you don’t know what you’re missing!

Purchasing any other brand glitter glue, for me, is a waste of money.

Made by Ranger, it has the most glitter-per-drop and best variety of color choices available. You might think that larger $1.50 bottle of sale glitter glue is a better deal? It’s not!

I sincerely hope you find a new-to-you product that you fall in love with. Missed my blog on fave tools? Go back a few blogs and you can catch up.

Being creative, no matter the medium, is such an essential part of being human I believe. You were created in the image of an incredibly creative God. So go ahead and explore some new avenues of creativity to discover more about

You!

‘Til next time,

inkspired

You can find me on Pinterest: K.Kloberdans

I love feedback.

I love to see what others are creating.

Flower Rock Painting Tutorial

 Welcome!

All painted rocks by inkspired

I have been enjoying painting large flowers on rocks so much.

I am currently rimming my large honey locust tree with them.

Each rock is larger than my fist, so you can see my tree ring is quite large. 

I love the bright colors!

Sometimes I paint a few rocks with different flower shapes than most.

Above I was attempting a marigold.

Some turn out better than others!

Let’s get started!

First, you need a rock. They are all around us. You can also buy some great shapes from home improvement type stores, or rock & gravel stores.

A back road in Bridgeport, Nebraska, USA

If it’s not your property be sure to ask permission before removing any rocks.

You can paint any size rock. For around my tree I chose rocks that are a bit larger than the palm of my hand. Some are smaller, some are larger.

When choosing a rock try to find one as smooth as possible.

Next you want to wash your rock. I use 

water and a scrubby brush. Some people 

use dish soap but I really think 

that’s overkill.

Set aside to dry well.

Gather your supplies.

These are some of the brands of paint I use. I will say if you pay just a bit more you will get a better paint.

Tip:

Put a dot of paint on the lid. Then you know the exact color paint, no matter how you store it.

You will need a white pencil to draw your flower shape on the rock. Any brand works.

Tip:

If you use a lead pencil it may be difficult for your paint to cover it.

Here are some different brush sizes I like:

You will need some Mod Podge. There are 19 different formulas, so choose a matte or glossy, whatever you prefer.

I like to use a small plastic container with lid when I use Mod Podge. It helps it to not dry out, get thick and form globs and strings.

Tip:

Be sure to wash your brushes immediately after use with water and your preferred brush soap. I like Murphy’s.

This particular rock was difficult because the paint was so cheap. It took me numerous coats to get a decent look.

Here it is, finished.

I added several more colors to get it to not look washed  out; and to give it some dimension.

After painting your flower, add in some green leaves to set it off.

No need to paint the whole rock. I leave the back plain except for my name.

When your Mod Podge is dry, time to spray with a clear acrylic coat to make it water/weather resistant.

I like Krylon brand, but you can use whatever you prefer. Spray 2-4 coats for good coverage. Dry in between coats.

You are done!

These look great along a sidewalk too!

After you are done painting, it’s time to seal your rock. If you have used Permanent Marker for any details it is essential you do a coat of Mod Podge BEFORE you spray with a clear acrylic finishing coat. Otherwise you can watch all that detail melt away when you spray to seal your rock.

Tip:

If you have room, set aside a cardboard box for spray painting only. Tape up the flaps to make the sides higher. Always ventilate when using sprays.

Now that you have been practicing painting flowers, why not expand on that and make a large garden rock?

These make great gifts!

Tip:

When lettering ANYTHING always practice on a scrap piece of paper the same size as what you will be painting them on permanently. 

This will save you so much grief.

Here are some rocks I have painted for friends’ gardens -

I have even taught this at 

the local Senior Center.

The more flowers you paint, the better you will become.

Now…nothing is safe from our paintbrushes!

Do have a fun day,

and don’t forget to laugh at something.

‘Til next time,

inkspired

Questions?

Just leave me a note.