Running Out of Time or Money?



Handpainted Bookmarks
Watercolor

Christmas is almost here!

If you still need presents and are out of money and almost out of time, consider painting a bookmark for a gift.

The bookmarks above are specifically for Christmas with pine cones and holly, but bookmarks can be painted for any occasion by simply changing the picture.  Below are instructions for painting bookmarks:

Painting instructions for Christmas bookmarks:

1)      Tape down the paper, measure and draw the size of the bookmarks on the sheet.    Depending upon the size of the paper, you can probably get 7 bookmarks from one sheet.  Draw or transfer the picture on each of the bookmark section

2)      Using a large  flat brush, apply an overall wash with yellow ocher leaving the color more intense at the top of the paper and gradually becoming lighter at the bottom.    Allow to dry.

3)      Spatter the entire sheet of bookmarks using a darker shade of yellow ocher or a light brown. 

4)      Using a #4 round brush paint the red ribbon lightly with a simple controlled wash.  Allow to dry.  Add the shaded areas of the ribbon.

5)      Wash the pinecones with a light yellow.  Paint the details on the pinecones with dark brown. 

6)      Apply a controlled wash over the holly stems and leaves using a mixture of green and yellow.  Allow to dry and add detail with a bit more green.  Be certain to leave the edges slighter as this is what will create a variegated effect.

7)      Paint the berries with a bright red.  Using a liner brush, dab in the darker shadows and final details.

8)      Allow the bookmark to dry completely.  Sign your name!  Cut the bookmarks apart.  Punch a hole in the top and add a piece of gold cord or ribbon cut to desire length.  CONGRATULATIONS!  You have completed your painting – your bookmarks are ready for gift giving!

9)      The bookmark can be given as is or color copies can be made at a copy store and then laminated for gift giving. 

Happy Painting and Merry Christmas!
Karen