Sanded Pencil Background

Use water-soluble pencils, sandpaper and water to create a textured background.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Lay a stencil over watercolor paper or other heavy cardstock (110# or more) and secure it with removable tape. Mist water through the stencil openings, in one small section.

   

2. Step 2

   Hold the sandpaper above the wet panel, with the sanding side angled down slightly. Lightly scrape the sandpaper with a sharpened water-soluble pencil or hard water-soluble block, allowing the pigment dust to fall through the stencil into the wet areas. Where the paper is wet, the pigment will stick and lightly bleed.
   
   Note:
   If dust is not falling, try sharpening your pencil, lightening pressure, tapping the paper, or moving to a different area of the sandpaper.
   

   

3. Spray with water and repeat this step as needed until all areas of the stencil are filled to your liking. Be aware that additional spritzing will further activate the pigment and cause it to bleed. To add more colors and prevent muddying, allow the panel to dry completely between applications.

   

4. Step 3

   This technique can also be used to add texture to a precolored image or background. Brush water just where you want to add texture. A die template can be used as a stencil to shape the background color. Work in one small area at a time.

   

5. Step 4

   Hold the sandpaper as described above. Lightly scrape the sandpaper with a pencil or hard watersoluble block, allowing the dust to fall into the wet areas.
   
   Touching a wet brush lightly into the wet areas will activate the color after it is added, for a more blended look.

   

6. The pigment will only stick where there is water. Excess pigment dust can be blown away, or brushed off when the panel is dry.

   

7. Step 5

   Use the completed pieces as layers or card elements.

   

8. 

Video!

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Sanded Pencil Background. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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