Chuck Knock is the illustrator and owner of Gray Wolf Stamps. At a convention many years ago, he showed me how he colored his fish while I checked out. The vellum for fins was brilliant and is his idea. When I acquired these angel fish thought IÂ’d give his idea a try again. How long does it take to color two small fish? 8 hours. I was experimenting with coloring media on vellum and nothing worked. I was amazed that even my trusty pencils removed the embossing. Zig Brush markers dried too fast, copic dried too slow and pencil on the back side looked awful. I even fussy cut the vellum hoping it looked better. Fussy cutting is not my favorite thing so having to do it again almost made me throw in the towel. At this point I remembered a boat load of colored vellum I had and finally chose a color that came closest to the fish and embossed one in silver and the gold one in gold. The body was easy, the vellum, quite the challenge which could be why itÂ’s been sitting in a drawer for 8 years. Had to stamp and emboss again, fussy cut that side fin, slit the fish and slip it in. Fussy cut the fin layer and mounted the body on the vellum. Simply watercolored the background, used Ryn stamps for the sea weed after spritzing the stamp with water. I wanted more of a bleed so sprayed more water on it. (Three tries on the background too.) The bubbles are Stamps by Ryn also. Strange as it may sound, IÂ’d love to try this again without the overwhelming turquoise.
Thanks for stopping by.
Date: Tuesday, July 5, 2016 GMT Views: 2349
Favorited:15
Registered: November 25, 2007 Location: Rudolph, WI Posts: 14498
Tue, Jul 05, 2016 @ 1:52 PM
Miss Nancy,
This card is over the top! From all the problems you had getting the fins right to the gorgeous colors! All MARVELOUS! I have to had it to you to keep going! Glad you made your vision come true! Well done, my friend! tfs
Registered: September 12, 2007 Location: Wake Forest, NC Posts: 61357
Tue, Jul 05, 2016 @ 1:53 PM
I am so sorry to hear your adventure took 8 hours. I feel your pain. The only consolation I can offer you is that the end result is a masterpiece. This fish are the most incredible ones I think I've ever seen in the gallery. The seaweed is so life like, too. I am in awe of what you've done here and I'm equally as delighted seeing you more often in the gallery. When I grow up, I want to be able to create masterpieces just like you!
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Art Neko and Prickley Pear DTs
Former DT Dolce Designs, Rubbernecker, StampItCrazy,
I Brake For Stamps
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is no path and leave a trail." ... Ralph Waldo Emerson
Registered: February 22, 2012 Location: Cape Cod Posts: 43340
Tue, Jul 05, 2016 @ 3:24 PM
Stunning! I luv the turquoise and don't feel it's overwhelming at all. Those are the most incredible fish I've ever seen and I wouldn't change a thing - you can't improve on perfection!
------------------------------ Priscilla (aka - PJ)
QFTD187 My Gallery
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Proud Fan Club Member Splitcoast Challenge Hostess Teapot Tuesday TEAm
Registered: April 18, 2011 Location: Melbourne, Aus Posts: 51844
Tue, Jul 05, 2016 @ 9:15 PM
Oh my gosh Nancy this is a masterpiece and so worth the 8 hours dedicated to the angel fishies creation. The voice in your head is probably saying you could go fishing, catch 'em, gut 'em, fillet 'em, wash down the boat and drive home, in less time it took to create these beauties.....good thing you stopped listening to the voices in your head!!! I keep scrolling back for another look. I love the effect at the bottom and the terrific bubbles and colours. This is a real wow, wow, wow creation.
------------------------------ Susie
Please don't take your organs to heaven - heaven knows we need them here.
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Favorites Team Notifier Splitcoast Challenge Hostess
Registered: October 26, 2009 Location: Oakhurst, near Yosemite Nat'l Park. Posts: 46783
Tue, Jul 05, 2016 @ 9:39 PM
My goodness, these fish are gorgeous!! I still have your (trout I think) that you did when a current DD I think, it's on my computer! I love the vellum fins, wow, what a great idea!!I happen to LOVE the turquoise in your card but that IS one of my favorite colors!! I love all the work you did and your fussy cutting is another WOW!!! It's perfect!
------------------------------ Blessings, Robin Encourage one anotherMy Blog-InkMagination , QFTD201,Dirty Dozen Alumni.Impression Obsession DT, DRS DT.Formerly HC DT, ODBD DT.
Registered: May 23, 2009 Location: sunny california Posts: 9825
Tue, Jul 05, 2016 @ 9:58 PM
It is always such a treat when you post a card...this is so gorgeous. Those fish just jump right off the page. Every inch of this is so unique and beautifully designed. I love the colors. I am so impressed that you persevered with the vellum....I don't think I have one card made with vellum in my entire gallery. After being up all last night with my new dog who did not share the rest of America's love of fireworks, and batteling the worst cold I have ever had for the past few days, your card was such a delight to see.
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 82483
Wed, Jul 06, 2016 @ 5:10 PM
Wow! I would have thrown in the towel at 30 min on the coloring so you are definitely more patient than me. I should be more patient because I love, love, love how your fish came out. GORGEOUS!!!!!!! Love the blurry sea plants - that is perfect and gives it such a realistic look. Into my faves of course. Many hugz
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: November 7, 2006 Location: Willamette Valley Oregon Posts: 34503
Thu, Jul 07, 2016 @ 10:47 PM
oh, did I ever love to read your process here. This is a beautiful card and none of your frustration shows. Only in your memory! Gorgeous work my friend. I have those Ryn bubbles...she does nice images. Play again, play again...and share.
hugs,
------------------------------ Susan~~~One4Joydaily I'm a FAN CLUB member, U? MY GALLERYof visual Delights MY BLOG
Registered: May 31, 2009 Location: East Tennessee enjoying the mountain views Posts: 32997
Sat, Jul 09, 2016 @ 5:09 AM
Amazing Fish Nancy, So happy you stuck with it... What a "very cool" technique using the vellum for the fins. I'm sure my vellum is a bit dusty, where ever it is.... Great card my dear