Shining Spheres

Learn realistic shading for inked moons, bubbles, pearls, and more.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Place a circle stencil on dark cardstock.
   
   TIP:
   If you don’t have a stencil, punch or die cut a circle from cardstock or stencil film.
   

   

2. Step 2

   Brush white ink through the stencil opening with a soft brush, making one side of the image a little heavier with color. Also, highlight around the edges.

   

3. Step 3

   Remove the stencil. With a cotton swab, use black ink to add a shadow to one side of the image. (Either side is fine.)

   

4. Step 4

   Soften the lowlight with your finger tip by gently tapping or smearing.

   

5. Step 5

   Using a second cotton swab, add a highlight with the white ink, then gently tap or use your finger tip to soften any hard edges.

   

6. Step 6

   Place the stencil back over the image.

   

7. Brush metallic ink over the image to give it a little more color and dimension.

   

8. Step 7

   Remove the stencil to reveal the image.
   
   Repeat the process if desired, to add more spheres to your design.

   

9. Step 8

   Use the panel to complete a card or other project.

   

Video!

Your Turn

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

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