Sunday, June 30

Patriotic vintage post card tutorial


A Facebook friend asked if I would share a post card painting
Step by step... I want to share with you, too!


I do not paint directly on my vintage/antique papers.
I scan them into my computer & print them onto card stock or
80 lb. watercolor paper. I also have color copies made onto these papers.
If you could try both ways... they have unique results.


Leaving the white of the paper for the stars & white stripes...


Once my colors are down I like to add a natural tone to antique it~


My first ink in this piece is Nut Brown from Winsor & Newton~


Allow to dry completely...


Add black ink to finish the fine details of the nest~


While allowing to dry completely... pick out the perfect stamps!
I find bags of used/canceled stamps at antique stores.


Once your artwork is completely dry you can lay it face down
onto a clean, dry towel & press it on low heat.


Red, white & blue stamps... 
Old & worn~ they had brought a note to somebody years ago!


Curious toes!
Tippy boy finds me semi-entertaining...
As much as humans can be to fancy cats~ 


Wishing you a safe 4th of July holiday, Sweet Friends!

9 comments:

Deb said...

Wonderful tutorial Michelle, thank you so much for sharing your process with us all. Happy 4th to you and yours as well! Deb

Rustic Vintage Country said...

Oh, to have your talent!! Thanks for the tutorial. x

Mary said...

I loved this, watching a creative person at work is always a thrill for me. Thanks for the tutorial - and that peek at Tippy's furry feet is adorable! You do such lovely paintings Michelle, bringing all the delicate beauty of Nature to your 'canvas'.

Happy 4th of July - goodness this year is flying by so fast - halfway gone already!

Hugs - Mary

Sandra Busby said...

You are so creative Michelle! You are an inspiration! :0)

Tammie Lee said...

hello,

i completely enjoyed you sharing how you made this lovely piece.

does the iron set your paint, or do you need to fix it with a fixative?

thank you.

Michelle Palmer said...

Thank you for your sweet comments, Friends!
Iron will not set watercolor, Tammie Lee~ I had printed the vintage post card image on a thin-weight paper. The iron can help flatten some pieces. My only experience with fixatives is when using chalk pastels. Always make sure products you use are archival.

Happy 4th of July holiday, Friends!

Tammie Lee said...

thank you Michelle.
I had a feeling that ironing had no effect on fixing it. i have played with watercolors this year and a couple times a tiny drop of water landed on it and left a mark.... so i figured for selling they need to be fixed. so kind of you to respond.

Michelle Palmer said...

You're welcome, Tammie~
I sell my original watercolors but make sure to mention they need to stay dry & to not hang in direct sun light. I write it on the back of each watercolor along with my signature & copyright. I put them in plastic to protect the surface from dirt, hand oils etc. Dick Blick may have information about the best way to fix watercolor.

Unknown said...

Wow!
Very nice Blog, i really like this picture!

Greetings from Germany

Rob