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Mar 21, 2016

Watercoloring and My Zig Clean Color Brush Opinion

Happy Monday! I had some time over the weekend to play with my new Zig Clean Color Brush Pens and one of the images I colored was the cute "Doggie's Little Behind" from Whimsy Stamps, which I used on the card below. If you'd like to read my opinion about these brush pens, be sure to read to the end of this post.


As mentioned, I used the zig clean color brush pens and this Zig Detailer Waterbrush, which I also picked up from amazon. 

The background was done with a polka dot embossing folder and sentiments are all part of this cute set from Whimsy Stamps.  
I kept the card CAS, embellished with a little bit of ribbon scrap which I stapled onto the card, then tied a bow onto the staple using some white twine.

I found a new challenge blog today, CAS Mix Up, and I am going to enter my card there. This is a CAS mixed media challenge where this month's theme is stamping, watercoloring, and "your choice", something you choose from a list on their side bar. I chose embossing folder for my extra choice. 


If you are interested in my thoughts about these brush pens, keep reading. 

Some of you may know, that I was thinking about getting these brush pens for some time now, but then remembered I had a set of Aquamarkers and a package of Distress Markers (not to mention the 2 packages of high quality artist watercolor paints). My main reason for wanting water soluble markers is for coloring directly onto stamps before stamping, especially for those stamps that require two colors.  And since I found the other markers I decided not to get them. But I kept watching videos about these Zig Brush Pens, and finally changed my mind again and purchased the set of 36.

Here are some of my opinions: They are so easy to watercolor with. I can't believe how nicely the ink dissolves! Of course I am no expert with water coloring, but it's easy to learn  if you have a product that helps you along. I love how vibrant the colors are! While watching lots of videos, I also discovered the Winsor & Newton watercolor marker pad, and decided to get one from Dick Blick. This has been my favorite paper to use with these markers.

About coloring directly onto the stamps: yes, it works and stamps beautifully, but...I won't be using them for this purpose. While trying this technique, I had a feeling the bristles from the brush pens won't last long if I did this more often, so I will  order more of the distress markers for this use.

Do I regret buying them? Not at all. I love watercolor looks and I feel like these are the easiest to use for water coloring. I think they are a great watercolor medium especially if you are new to water coloring and want to learn. Besides the card below I also colored another image which I shared HERE on Instagram .

Do I regret buying only 36 instead of 48 or more - no. I was going to get the set of 48, but the 48 pack seller from amazon had too many negative reviews within the last month, so I chose the pack of 36. I might add a couple more colors someday, but right now it's all the colors I need.
I have seen some complains about not having a "red" red. The color I thought would be red is very pink, bright pink, when dissolved with water, but since these are water soluble, it's easy enough to use a little bit of brown with the pinkish red to tone it down a little. 
Again, these are just my own personal thoughts after owning them for a few days.

Sorry, that got a little bit longer than I thought it would. 
I need to get off my computer now, been working on blog posts and card edits all morning...getting dizzy staring at the screen for so long...
Hope you all have a fabulous day!!

12 comments:

Loll said...

Adorable card Ellibelle! Such a cute image, I love his expression on his face. And perfect sentiment to go with it. Your watercoloured background is awesome to create a sweet little scene. I agree with you about the Zigs ... so easy to use, and the colours are vibrant and clean. Thanks for sharing with us at CAS Mix Up!

Tinka's paper wonderlland said...

This is super cute!!
♥Hugs Valenina♥

XxJULESxX said...

Love the card it's gorgeous!

Unknown said...

Love a good simple card with great coloring and yours is just that. :)
Have a great day, Ellibelle!

Bonnie said...

This little guy is adorable, Ellebelle! And how perfect for a belated birthday card! Great job of watercoloring! I'm afraid my Zigs are way underused. Your post makes me want to remedy that! Thanks so much for sharing this with us at CAS Mix Up!

kiwimeskreations said...

Ohh - this looks wonderful Ellie - makes me want to consider these pens...
Blessings
Maxine

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Soooooooooo cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Your pooch is adorable. Thank you for your take on the markers as you have given me a little more food for thought concerning this purchase.

brenda said...

Those new pens give a lovely watercolour finish Ellie and the ribbon arrangement so simple yet so effective.

B x

Marilyn said...

Adorable!! Love the image and sentiment!

Mervi said...

Gorgeous card!
Glad that you are not disappointed about the pens.
Best reds are nro 20 red - 23 scarlet red ( to a orange tone)- 29 geranium red ( lovely dark red)- 22 carmine red (cold red).
I have to look that paper somewhere around here;-))m

Amy Johnson said...

This is so cute and pretty! I love the watercoloring!