But again seriously today I want to share something I had the priviledge of sharing with all of them on Saturday. The Bokeh Technique. I asked my new friend Annette Klasinz to be my "hand model" for each step. Thanks Annette!
Let's start with what does Bokeh mean and how do I say it?! Bokeh is usually equated with photography. Google Bokeh and look at Images for some inspiration.
So, with the technical details out of the way let's begin.
Here is your supply list so you can get it ready. Watercolor paper is a must! Aqua Painter or water and a paintbrush will work too. Whisper White Craft Ink and a sponge dauber, along with some Circle masks either punched from cardstock or Window Sheets. I like the look of using the Blue Painters tape around my background for 2 reasons. One, it gives a nice border/matted look and two it keeps my paper flat because when you add water it wants to curl.
1. Cover your whole Watercolor Paper with a brushing of water. Make sure it's completely wet but not sopping wet.
2. Pick up Ink either from the lid of your Ink Pad or from your Ink Refill and start laying down some color.
3. Keep layering color down on your paper.
Keep picking up color and layering it on your paper, don't worry if you don't love the way it looks because you will be adding your bokeh effect over the top and probably some type of greeting or image. So just keep plugging along, trust M.E.!
4. Either walk away and let it dry (who am I kidding) or speed up the process with your heat tool.
5. Carefully remove your Painters Tape if you chose to use it.
6. I punched 3 different size templates from Window Sheets. 1 3/4" circle, 1 1/4" and 1". I like to pounce on my Whisper White ink with a sponge dauber and then for the largest circle I rub it to make the big circles a little lighter. As I go down in size of circles I want it darker if possible.
Move your template and keep adding Whisper White Ink. I like to use rule of 3 when adding my bigger circles.
Here's large number 3. Note that you don't need to stay inside the lines. YAY!
Move on to the next size using all three templates until your paper is covered or to you liking.
After you have used all the templates you can just go directly to the dauber. Now is when I throw out the rule of 3 and just pounce to my hearts desire!
Bring out the pencil eraser and dunk it in your Whisper White pad and stamp away!
Now it's time to set aside and dry or zap it with the heat gun and finish it off with the design of your choice. Let me show you some fantastic samples made by the ladies at the retreat.
Click on the Tams# link below to print a full tutorial.