Faux Watercolor with Copics

 Everyone loves the look of watercolor but we don’t always want to drag out the watercolor pencils, the brush, towels, and clean it all up when we’re done, so I found a way to create a faux watercolor using Copic markers.

First you’ll stamp your image, color it with Copics and then use the reverse side as your main image.

You will need:

  • Rubber Stamp
  • Copic proof ink pad (Palette, Brilliant, or Adirondack but NOT StazOn)
  • Copic Markers
  • Georgia Pacific 110 lb. cardstock (SU and Papertrey will not work because the ink won’t bleed through)

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1. Ink your stamp using your Copic proof ink.

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2. Stamp off the image twice before stamping were you want to color it. This will make the image lighter and less likely to be seen from the back.

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3. One technique is to use a darker colored marker first, make small strokes on the edges of the leaves.

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4. Then, using a lighter color, blend the darker color to soften it. Don’t worry about staying inside the lines because you won’t see them from the back. 

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5. Then second technique is to use the lighter color first and color the whole image….

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6. …then use a darker color to add highlights.

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7. I then went over the darker marker with the lighter one to soften the edges.

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8. I used the second technique again on the pot, coloring it in with a light marker first.

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9. I then used a darker color to darken just the rim and base of the pot.

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10. I lightly traced brushed around the bottom of the pot to add a very light shadow.

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 11. Now flip over your cardstock to see your beautiful coloring!

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Card Supplies:
Baskets of Happiness and Festive Labels stamp sets (Gina K. Designs); Palette Nior Black and VersaMark ink pads; Sahara Sand and White cardstock; Copic Markers; Silver Brads; Distressing blade; Nestabilities; Dimensionals;

13 Responses

  1. Allison says:

    Very cool Kurtis…TFS!

  2. Kathy Daume says:

    SO COOL!

    I love my copics. Thanks for showing me a new way to use them!!!

  3. Pinky says:

    Kurtis, this is such a cool idea! It looks just like watercoloring too. Love it…

    Pinky

  4. liannallama says:

    wonderful! I have been thinking of trying something like this after seeing how pretty the copics look on the backside of the paper! Your card is lovely!

  5. Cory says:

    Cool! When I colored all the elephants for kramomma’s animal swap I noticed the back of the paper looked as good as the front. I’ll have to try it on purpose sometime!

  6. Kim Marie says:

    That’s great! I did the same as Cory with another image, but never even thought of the idea of using the back AS the image!

    Tremendous inspiration, Kurtis!
    Kim

  7. LuvLee says:

    Absolutely fantastic as always Kurtis!!! I keep saying “NO” to Copics and you keep finding ways to make me want to change that!!!! LOL This card is so soft and lovely with that technique!!

  8. Rose Ann says:

    What a soft and pretty effect! Thanks for the tute!!

  9. Erynn says:

    Thanks for the tutorial on a cool technique! Yet another awesome way to use copics…

  10. Joan Hajek says:

    WOW! Now I know I have to get some Copics! I love how this looks!

  11. Elaine says:

    that’s really clever! I like it!!

  12. wow!!
    Stunning tutorial!!
    Tried it and achieved great result…
    Keep coming these kind tutorials..

    Regards,
    Digital Photo Restoration

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