Let’s talk coloring within the lines. I am definitely team acrylic marker when it comes to Paint-by-Numbers. I have been experimenting with these panels with all kinds of media and I definitely like the acrylic markers the best. So, first thing you notice with a paint-by-number is the numbers. They correspond to the colors to use from the instruction sheet. I started with the lightest color and did all those spaces first. I do this because as you go thru the colors, it’s easier to cover up a light-colored boo-boo with the darker colors than to cover up a dark colored boo-boo with a lighter color. To begin, I use the tip of the marker to scrub out the number. Then I color in the area. I do this for all colors before switching to the next color, etc… Now, the tips of the markers are a bit wide to get into all the tight areas of the images. To get a handle on this, I used a hash-mark approach. I went into each tiny area, and, in a hash-mark approach, I added the color. I did to all areas going in two directions. So instead of coloring a small area all at once, I would place the tip of the marker into the area, make a small hash mark to one side of the area, then place the tip of the marker at the top of the area again and make a small hash mark along the other side of the area.
Once you get these small areas covered, then you can fill in the area solid. Once all the area are filled in solid, I let the panel sit so the paint will set. After about 20 minutes, you can go over the entire panel with your fingers and brush off the fuzzy bits that accumulated from the scrubbing of the numbers. Next, I used Altenew fine tip pen in black and Fine Liner #01 to go over the image lines.
Now, this in itself makes the image look amazing! But, if you want to push yourself to get a bit more artistic, you can enhance the colors with colored pencils. Using the Altenew woodless colored pencils, I created swatches of colors. I laid out all the colors used in each panel on a scrap of cardstock. Then I played around to find colored pencil colors that enhanced and matched the marker colors.
Again, starting with one color at a time, I used a corresponding colored pencil to outline each segment of the image and then lightly shade the pencil around the area.
Also, by going over the painted areas with colored pencils, you can get into the little nooks and crannies you may have missed with the marker:
Honestly, when it comes to working with paint-by-numbers, you really want to keep it simple. Remember, you are in control of the medium, and the markers are an extension of you. Be patient, have a plan and, if you don’t like what you did, you can always paint over it or use other media, like colored pencils, to fudge boo-boo areas.
So, now you have the pro-tips to make paint-by-numbers a relaxing, fun project. But let’s take it up a notch. I love fussy cutting the images out to use as embellishments to my projects. Adding the colorful images to simple, neutral backgrounds really makes them pop and really elevates the craft.
A few pro tips: After you fussy cut the image, use Altenew Artist Markers in coordinating colors to run along the edges of the cut image. Then, flip the image over, and using the end of your bone folder, run it along the edges of the cut areas to flatten them out (fussy cutting can kind of bend the edges). You can also paint the backs of the images with the markers and then use a pencil or round barrelled object to curl the leaves and petals. This makes your image really look cool if you add dimensional foam tape to it on the back:
For a final added touch, I used Altenew metallic watercolor in clear to add some sparkle to the flowers, and I used a Black Onyx Gen Sparkle for the eye of the bird.
If you choose to fussy cut the images out, they can be easily adapted to use in scrapbooks, planners, framed art, etc… the options are limited only to your imagination! Below are the ways I added my images to backgrounds. Let me know what you think! And, once you try Altenew’s new Paint-by-Numbers, remember to tag us on Instagram @scrappystampthefunup and @altenewllc we would love to see how you play with these! Have fun with it!
You can grab your paint-by-numbers from the Altenew shop via the link below. Thanks for stopping by! I’ll see you soon!
https://altenew.com?sca_ref=6442205.Cy3WhHYLAt
