This work-in-progress post shows the steps in making a YellowDog Art card. Well, in this specific case, a BrownDog card. My Mom requested this for my niece; BrownDog started at her house before finding her way to my parents house and my niece loves teddy bears. Easy peasy.
STEP 1: The recycled kraft cards I use come in two different sizes and they come unfolded but they do have a wonderful score line.
STEP 2: Using the score line provided on each card and a bone folder, I fold each card separately.
STEP 3: Next, I use a good pencil to sketch the image on the card. I sketch it very very lightly so it is easy to cover with ink or erase when the time comes.
STEP 4: Now I ink the card. I use a no bleed Sharpie to follow the pencils. Because I buy recycled cards in a heavier cardstock weight, the ink does not bleed through and it give me a nice strong line. When I am done inking the card, I wait a a few minutes and then carefully erase any left over pencil lines. I find the cheap $.35 pink pencil topper erasers from the art store work best.
STEP 5: I use Prisma Color pencils for color. They are very waxy and have a super smooth look. The colors are amazing. Some of the darker colors dont work great on these cards because they get a white waxy film after a while so I just avoid using the colors I find problematic. The picture below was actually taken after the pencil step was done and I had just started step 6. I thought it would work best this way so you could see how different the next step is even though it may sound unnecessary.
STEP 6: Reinking the entire image. Again, I use the no bleed Sharpie. It works the best over the waxy pencil. It really makes the image pop off the card. The white pencil outline helps to but the second round of outlining with the Sharpie really brings back all the definition. The waxy finish of the pencil can ruin markers but so far I find if I just scribble on a plain piece of paper every once in a while, I am good to go!
This is just a closer look at the final product. Sorry about the poor quality of the image. My lighting was not ideal. I really like how this came out! My first bear. After the card is done, I find its matching recycled kraft envelope and a clear cello bag for protection. The celo bag also helps keep the waxy film appear on the rare occasion I have to use one of those darker colors.
I know, I know. Printed cards would be sooo much easier. But how would I get this exact look in printed cards? Plus, I make my art to make art. Selling my art and items with my artwork on them just helps me get my art out there to anyone interested. It helps me recoup a small amount of the cost of supplies. I keep my prices as low as possible and I do have a day job so I can do this for now. Currently my recycled cards with envelope and original artwork are all only $5 each! Want a YellowDog card? Want a bunch of YellowDog cards? Contact me and we will work something out :)
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