Altenew Paint-A-Flower Hydrangea Two Ways
Watercolor or color pencil? Altenew Paint-a-Flower: Hydrangea looks fantastic dressed in both. So grab your fave and let’s color it!
If you made your way here from Ashlea Cornell‘s blog, her projects were sure to delight you! To start at the beginning of the hop, visit the Altenew Card Blog.
Paint-a-Flower: Hydrangea
The color changing properties of hydrangea fascinated me as a child. I was always shoving nails in the dirt to elicit that magical color shift. Just me, or did you do this too?
Encouraging and cheerful sentiments abound in the Paint-a-Flower: Hydrangea Stamp Set.
Paint-a-Flower Monthly Subscription
Did you know Altenew has three monthly subscription plans? Build-a-Flower, Paint-a-Flower and the newest plan is the Mighty Mini. Automatically receive a guaranteed stamp set at a fabulous price point with a subscription plan.
This is a monthly subscription plan for our Paint-A-Flower set. When signed up, you are guaranteed a spot in our monthly PAF releases and will receive a set each month – at a specially discounted price! ($15.99 →$12.99)
Card Making Video | Color It Two Ways
Learn to color Paint-a-Flower: Hydrangea two ways in this card making video tutorial. Watch here or in HD on YouTube. While you’re there, I’d love it if you liked and subscribed.
Watercolor Paint-a-Flower: Hydrangea
The Altenew Artist’s Watercolor 24 Pan Set is so vibrant that I couldn’t resist using it to create these lovely two-toned blooms. Recreate this color palette with, Clear Waters, Cherry Blossom, and Green Hills.
Stamp the image with Limeade Crisp Dye Ink to create a no-line watercolor effect. Create petal edges by allowing each petal to completely dry before painting an adjacent petal.
The arrangement looked a little lonely so I framed it with a piece of turquoise cardstock cut with two rounded rectangle dies. Altenew Tide Blue Crisp Dye Ink for the sentiment coordinates perfectly.
Finish the flower centers with Ebony Nuvo Crystal Drops and I splatter the panel with Clear Waters watercolor. It’s funny how those small dots of black make the flowers pop off the page.
Color Pencil Hydrangea
As you can see, I put the positive turquoise die-cut to use in this color pencil card. If you’re going to color on dark cardstock, color pencils are an easy choice.
When you use color pencils it’s important to use a light hand and cardstock with slight texture. Although smooth, colored cardstock typically has a slight tooth to it.
A light hand will prevent the pencils from smashing the tooth which diminishes the ability to add more color.
Let’s look at the shadows. Small touches of black pencil make your projects pop. Now, I know what you’re thinking, what are small touches and how do I know when to stop?
Here’s the thing, you don’t want to outline your images. Otherwise, you may as well stamp your image in black vs. doing no-line coloring. So one or two flicks at the petal’s base, creases of petals and leaves, and anywhere elements overlap is enough.
Creative Challenge
This week I challenge you to add touches of black to your cards. Now if you’re creating a card with warm colors, perhaps a rich dark brown is more apt for your color scheme.
I love to see and share what you’re creating so tag me @notableink and your project may be featured in my Instagram stories.
Feeling adventurous? Check out my Design with Black category for inspiration to add more than small touches of black to your handmade cards.
Pin Me
If you love it, pin it, and share it with your crafty friends! Visit me on Pinterest for more design inspiration, patterns, and color combinations.
Fancy a Giveaway?
To celebrate this release, Altenew is giving away a $30 gift certificate to 5 lucky winners! Please leave a comment on the Altenew Card Blog for a chance to win.
We’ll also draw a winner to receive a $15 gift certificate from the comments left on each designer’s blog on the blog hop list below. All winners will be announced on THIS POST on 04/30/2020.
Next Stop
Hop on over to Nathalie DeSousa’s blog for more Paint-a-Flower: Hydrangea inspiration. Missed a stop? Check out the full list below.
Altenew Card Blog
Laurie Willison
Lilith Eeckels
LauraJane
Therese Calvird
Maryam Perez
Mindy Eggen
Jaycee Gaspar
Norine Borys
Kelly Griglione
Ashlea Cornell
Amber Rain Davis
Nathalie DeSousa
Virginia Lu
Nicole Watt
Sveta Fotinia
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Both cards are stunning, but my favorite is the watercolor. Thank you for the tutorial. I hope to be able to learn from you.
So inspired these cards are rich in color and style!
Thank you, LaQuieta!
I’m in awe of your work. I’ve been applying some of your tips and tricks to my projects and it’s made all the difference. Thank you for sharing your talent!
Oh my goodness that is so awesome! Thanks so much, Penny!! Happy crafting!
wow, stunning card!
Cards are beautiful Amber. I am always looking out to see what you create when these new stamps come out. Thank you for sharing
Thanks lovely to hear, Sandhya! Thank you!
Thank you SO MUCH for teaching us with your projects! I am definitely going to work on what you suggested we do for the no-line coloring. I really like the look of adding the drops in the centers of the flowers, too! Thank you so much for sharing with us!
Yay! That’s great to hear Judy! Thank you! It’s easy to lose small flower centers so the drops are a great trick to add a bit of contrast.
Both cards are stunning but the second one…took my breath away. Loved the video
Thanks so much, Bernice!
Oh your pencil coloring on that dark paper is wonderful. I color in pencils, so it was really nice to see one here done in pencils.
Thanks so much, Monica! I don’t use them often so that’s great to know.
The detail in the first card is amazing. It looks like you have layers of flowers popped up on the card. It is truly remarkable how well it was done.
Thanks very much, Hannah! I think letting the petals dry before coloring the adjacent petals made all the difference.
Both cards are beautiful, but I’m totally smitten with the colored pencil one! You achieved such amazing color variation and depth!
Thanks so much, Andrea!! 🤗
Beautiful cards! I love the second card. I’ve only colored on kraft and gray but I’m going to try other colors. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Kathy! Pink, green, and yellow cardstock turn out really pretty too.
Gotta try both of these cards because colored pencils and watercolors are my go-to ways of coloring. Especially love that greeny-blue hydrangea
Thanks so much, Kimberly! Have fun coloring!
As always Amber, your cards are fantastic, love both coloring techniques, but must confess I gravitate to watercolors the most, I seriously need to give pencils a chance though. I agree with you the sentiments on this set are cheerful and encouraging, another design marvel from Altenew! It seems like you read my mind, I need to go check out your Design with Black section, I have entered a “staring” contest with a bottle of black gesso that has been sitting on my desk for a long time and yet I have been stumped, black “frightens” me *sigh*… thanks for all the inspiration!
Ooo, a black gesso Project is intriguing! Mixed media definitely frightens me! I hope you find some inspiration in my Design with Black category. Some of my faves are in there. Thanks a bunch Liz and have fun exploring outside your comfort zone!
Those cards are stunning! It’s impossible to pick a favorite. I can’t
wait for my stamp set to arrive. Thank you for sharing the video.
Yay! I’m so glad you liked them. You’re gonna love the set!
I love all of your cards and this time I love your cards even more. Amazing pencil coloring !! So detailed. I can’t wait for my garden’s hydrangea. Thank you for sharing
Oh, thanks so much!! Have fun creating!
Love the coloring on the colored background!
Great samples, as always, Amber! That’s a great tip about the black pencil, will definitely be trying that. I love that you go bold on dark cardstock, it’s a great look. Thanks for the great video tutorial too.
Thanks so much, Liz! I do hope enjoy the results off adding black pencil.
Gorgeous cards!! I love your coloring of each, the colors are beautiful!!
Thanks, Lisa!
Amber you are incredibly talented!! Hydrangeas are at the top of my favourite flowers & you’ve done them such justice in your immensely gorgeous cards. Watercolour is my very favourite medium but I’m not at all good at it. I’m a tad better with pencils, but mostly I just use inks. Your videos are always great &you give such interesting tips & instruction. I love the way you cut out the thin frame around some of the image. Such a unique idea. Thanks.
Teri, your comments are so lovely to hear. Thank you so much for sharing and supporting!! Have fun experimenting and creating!! Hugs!
Stunning cards. Love the difference the black pencil adds to building shadows. That is something that I will need to practice, but not to a finished card. I’m still trying to get the hang of adding white highlights using a gel pen.
Oh my goodness. I still overdo white gel pen highlights. I can’t seem to stop myself 🤣🤣 Thanks Pamela and have fun creating!
So, did the nails work? Gorgeous coloring and beautiful cards! Love your compositions and color choices.
Lol! You know, I think they did. Rusty nails are supposed to turn the soil acidic which turns the blooms blue. We definitely had a lot of blue blooms when I was growing up. 🤣🤣 thanks so much, Dana!
Beautiful cards! Love your video!
I’m so glad! Thank you!
Gorgeous! I love the thin blue frame on your first card!
Thanks, Lauryne!
Wow! I can’t believe how much difference the black makes on that second card. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do that before. Thanks for the tip! These are so pretty!
Yay, I’m so glad you learned a new trick. Dark shadow really makes colors pop. Thanks, Annette!
Stunning cards. Love the colors you chose for the flowers. Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Teresa!
Your cards are beautiful! Thank you for taking the time to teach concepts! The black colored pencil adds a lot of dimension and makes a big difference!
Thanks so much, Judy! Dark shadows make such a big difference!
Your cards are beautiful! I especially appreciate you taking the time to teach! The black colored pencil really does add a lot of depth and makes a big difference.
Both of these cards are beyond gorgeous. Great video!
Thanks, Laura! I’m so glad you like the video!
Beautiful colors on both of these.
Amber girl!!!!!!!!!! Your cards are exquisite–do you need my address to send them to me—- teeeee heee! I love your work!!
Lol!! Thanks, Christine! I’d love to send you a card. PM me your address and I’ll pop one in the mail.
You are so talented. I love watching you do watercolors. Learn something every time. And then it makes me want to go try what I just learned. I have ordered this stamp and want to make this year’s Mother’s Day cards for my girls with it. Altenew make a very beautiful stamp. Staying home, blog hopping, crafting and staying safe. Take care of yourselves.
That means everything to me, Jeane!! Thank you! This will make lovely Mother’s Day cards.
I want to color like you! What gorgeous results and you make it look so easy! WOWza…I’m intrigued with your techniques and your cards are BREATHTAKING!
Aw, thanks, Joanne! I hope you give it a whirl!
Love the added effect of the Nuvo crystals in the center of the flowers. And the 2nd card blue on blue colour choice is stunning!!
Thank you, Amber!
Gorgeous cards! Love the way you colored each of these beautiful blooms! Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers!
Thanks, Denise. Such a gorgeous and unique flower!
Two gorgeous cards. Thanks for a great video. Loved watching your process and was amazed at the difference the black made in your finished flowers. Great tips & technique.
Thanks so much, Rose! I hope you try adding black pencil.
Your cards are always so awesome, Amber, and these are no different! Two totally different techniques and each one so lovely. Thanks for a comprehensive tutorial, too—it makes me brave enough to try your styles on my own cards! Cant wait to get this new Hydrangea card in my mailbox so I can play!
Yay! I hope it arrives soon so you can color too. Thanks so much, Kathy!
Both cards are so gorgeous. I can’t pick a favorite.
Both your cards are stunning – I love the blue on blue of the first card and the colours and painting on the second card are breath-taking!
Thank you, Bonnie!
WOW! Both cards are amazing. I love them both. Thank you for sharing both styles of coloring this stamp set. Beautifully done.
Thanks and you’re so welcome, Geri!
Both cards are beautiful. I love the coloring on a dark background. Adding that to my to do list!
Yay! Thanks, Kathleen!
Gorgeous cards. Love the painting video too!!
Thank you, Angela!
Wow! These are so beautiful. Watercolor and colored pencil are my two favorite mediums for creating cards and paired with this gorgeous hydrangea, these are amazing! Thanks for the all the tips for creating these.
Thanks so much, Barbara!
Beautiful card. You make watercolor appear so easy. I will try your technique
Yay, definitely give it a go! Thanks Sally!
You are becoming one of my favourite blogs to visit. And I love how you always have a video! I learn so much better by watching. I loved both of your cards, but the pencil crayoned one a bit better. I am horrible at watercolour, but pencil crayons I seem to do better, as I find I have more control. And I just love how you were able to do it on coloured cardstock. So striking! Thanks for all your tips and inspiration.
So lovely to hear My blog is one of your faves, Annette! Thank you! Isn’t it funny how comforting that feeling of control is. I feel the same about Copics compared to watercolor.
I love your unique color choices! So fun!
Great show of the coloring in both mediums.
What beautiful work. I love both of these amazing cards! Your video is very helpful and I appreciate your clear instruction. I’ve saved it on Pinterest so I can refer back to it! Thanks!
Thanks a bunch Jane!! I’m so happy to hear the video is helpful!
Thank you for your beautiful cards and the helpful tips!
You’re so welcome, Judi! Thank you!
Ohhhh this stamp set is gorgeous. Hydrangeas is my favorite Spring flower. Your cards are totaly beautiful.
Thank you, Helen! Hydrangeas are a fave of mine too.
Absolutely beautiful coloring! I LOVE your shading and colors!
Thanks, Meghan!
Such a lovely color this limeaid green hydrangea contrasting with the blues and turquoise.
Thank you, Jennifer!
I am a fan of your teaching videos and creations!
I enjoy all the tips of the trade you impart in your videos; very helpful – I’ve started a list of them. I especially liked your in-depth narrative about how to outline petals and what color to use depending on petal color being a warm or cool color. Thanks for sharing information about frame application and use of cutout to help keep frame shape! If you are not creating instructional videos you should consider doing this. Thanks for the effort you put into this project.
Wow, I’m honored that you’re saving my tips and finding them helpful! Thanks so much Mary! I have considered offering online classes on my blog. I’m not sure why I’m so scared to make the leap.
Stunning coloring and hydrangeas!! The you two very different and SO PRETTY cards! Thanks for sharing and creating!
Thank you, Heather!
My favorite is the watercolor card. I love the way you added the frame.
Thank you, Barbara!
I love your water coloring on this new Hydrangea set. I actually love both but I am a litter better at watercolors than pencils.
Thank you, Carolyn!
I love your beautiful, colorful cards. The hydrangea set is gorgeous and your coloring is amazing.
Such striking card designs, lovely!
Love the way you showed two ways to color the hydrangeas. Adding black is a great idea. Really nice touch.
Thanks, Karen!
Absolutely beautiful – both cards. Thank you for the tip about using the black or another dark pencil at the end. Gonna try this!
Thanks, Sarah! Have fun with it!!
I love the look you achieved with colored pencils. Thanks for the tips too!
Thanks, Catherine!
Both beautifully coloured. The frame is a great addition.
Thank you, Christine!
You are SO TALENTED. I love your Hydrangeas. Both with the dark background, and light….
Thanks so much, Sharon!
So beautiful! The coloring is just amazing! I really like the turquoise card.
Thank you, Nandini! Hugs!
Thank you for sharing both techniques, I never would have thought of adding black to create shading on an image other than to outline the image to make it pop more. Love both cards.
Thanks, Barbara! I hope you give it a whirl!
Love both cards! The watercolor one was simply amazing! You do have such patience, and it pays off in such a beautiful result. Thanks for the well done videos to explain your technique!!
Thanks ever so much, Pat!!
Just stunning!! Love these beautiful flowers.
The pencil coloring is really fabulous.
Both cards are beautiful. I haven’t mastered colored pencils so I’m interested in trying the dark cardstock/colored pencils. Thanks!
Thank you! Have fun adding small touches, Susan!
I love the contrast in these two cards. Thank you for showing that colored pencils can still make a beautiful card!
Thank you and you’re so welcome, Melanie!
Absolutely STUNNING!!!! Each flower is color perfect!
TFS
Thanks, Jan!!
Love both cards! Also love the idea of the frame you added. Your video was very helpful.
I’m so glad it was helpful. Thanks Lori!
Lovely cards! The colors on the first (watercolors) are really nice. I also love the challenge of coloring on a darker colored surface, fabulous.
Thanks so much, Valerie!
Absolutely gorgeous cards. You are very talented. Thanks for video showing how.
Thank you, JeanMarie!
What incredible cards. I love them. The colored pencil card has very lovely rich blue colors. I like how you watercolored the hydrangeas in two different colors. I am blown away by both cards. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Jade!
Love the colours your used especially the blue background.
Amber! What gorgeous cards! I love them both – and am so thankful you included a video.
Thank you and you’re so welcome, Nina!
Your coloring is beautiful and I like the blue frame around your flowers! Both cards are a knockout!
Thanks, Carol! I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I like it too.
Oh WOW! These are both amazing. I myself would do the watercolor method before the pencil, even WITH the drying time. I absolutely love the dark outline it leaves on the petals.
Thanks a bunch, Terri!!
Your video is so helpful. Can’t wait to color my own.
Yay! Have fun coloring!!
Amber, absolutely beautiful cards!! Thank you for sharing your awesome talents.
You have great patience to wait for each petal to dry completely before moving on. Doing 4 at a time helped but the shades drying completely did add that gorgeous deep colored edge really added such beauty! The second card with the polychromos coloring is beautiful as well but the watercoloring you did was mastery.
Thank you, Beverly. Normally, I wouldn’t have the patience to wait, but my daughters were all creating cards with me that day so I was taking mini breaks to encourage them. Worked out perfectly.
I am going to stand by my mail box and wait until this stamp arrives! I want to water color along with this video. Your water coloring is beautiful! I’ll say it again . . . you need to teach a class on Altenew Academy.
Aw, thanks so much Pam! I would love to host classes in my own blog. I haven’t quite built up the courage to do it yet.
Beautiful cards. Your video was very informative. Thanks for sharing
Thanks so much Susan. That’s great to hear!
Beautiful colours. Thank you for sharing.
Beautiful cards. I love watching your videos. I always learn something, even though I can’t seem to get the hang of it. Those white flowers look incredible.
Thanks so much, Annette! Take the tips and make them your own. I practiced for a long time and learned that my work will never look like those I learned from, it will always be uniquely me. As it should be for you. Take what you need to grow and above all, you do you. Hugs!!