Welcome back everyone! Today I’m over on the Hero Arts Youtube channel showing you how to use the new Hero Arts Contour Ink for no-line coloring.
If you are not familiar with no-line coloring, it simply means that your images are stamped in a light color of ink and as you color the image in your favorite medium, the lines of the image seem to disappear.
This technique is very beautiful but can also be intimidating. In my video, I’m sharing some tips on how to overcome that fear and embrace the no-line coloring.
The Hero Florals Lotus stamp set is a great image to start with. There are some nice open petals and when it comes to coloring florals, you really can’t go wrong because nothing is exactly the same in nature.
I stamped the lotus flower and lily pad onto Dove White cardstock with the Contour Ink. The first impression was very light, too light for my troubled eyes, so I stamped over it 2 more times. It is still a light color but not so dark that it will be seen after I’m finished coloring.
I’m using Copic markers to color my image today but watercolors or colored pencils also work well with the Contour Ink. I’m sharing a Copic technique in the video that really helped me with the transition of colors on the petals.
When working with no-line coloring I encourage you to keep going, even if you think it’s not looking right. When all the coloring is done, you will be amazed at how the image pulls together.
I also feel you have a little more freedom with the Contour Ink because there are no barriers like when stamped in a black ink. If you go outside of the lines, no one will ever notice because they won’t be able to see the lines once finished.
I used the coordinating dies to cut out my images but you could also mask the images to create a one layer card.
You can also use the Contour Ink to add subtle interest to your background, which is what I did here using the Script Background Bold Prints stamp.
I die cut the background using the Nesting Rectangle Infinity Dies and added to a card base created from Meadow cardstock. I chose the Meadow for my base to pull the green of the lily pad out a little more.
I finished off the card with a simple die cut sentiment. The “Thanks” is from the Happy Thanks Stamp & Cut XL die cut from Holographic cardstock and adhered to the front with foam tape.
I hope you enjoyed today’s inspiration and will give this technique a try! Thanks for stopping by!
Ooooh, GIRL!!! Those nails are FABULOUS!! And I am guessing the shade of polish you chose was not just a happy accident b/c it so beautifully matches the color of the water lily.
Now, about the card: WOWSERS! Love it! I am going to get that contour ink. I have at least two other ink pads that claim to do the same (lay down a light outline for no-line coloring) but they are both too dark for me. I could not see your first stamped impression and could just barely see the second. That is of real interest to me. Not sure I would need to stamp it the third time; would depend on how bleary-eyed I was that particular day (how much computer work, how much sleep I got, etc.). I love the use of the holo paper for the sentiment and I was fooled… at first, I really figured you had used colored pencils on the lotus flower. Ah, well… not the first time I have guessed wrong. This was a terrific video (IMO) – I learned quite a lot here. I thank you as always for imparting knowledge and tips.
L in PA
Absolutely gorgeous, Mindy! Just stunning!