2016 Calendar - Fresh Twist

If you've followed Ink Stains for long you know I create a different technique calendar each year and have for many years now.  Last year we all made a mixed media calendar using a variety of techniques and mediums. 

This year I thought it would be fun to switch things up a bit and focus on watercolors.  I have always loved to watercolor and have done so for many years.  It was one of my first artistic loves.  Since water painting on cards has gained in popularity in recent years paint sets and other watercolor color mediums (pencils, crayons, liquid & solids) have been popping up everywhere allowing many more people to enjoy this very fun medium.  

I know through various conversations and seeing cards and other works many of you now own watercolor paints and may or may not use them frequently.  If you already play with your watercolors frequently - good for you!  I think you'll have lots of fun with this calendar.  If you don't use your paints much, dust 'em off...we're going to change that real soon!

CALENDARS

Each year my calendars have different shapes and designs just for something different. This year my calendars are going to be sized to fit into a standard #10 business sized envelope - 3 3/4" x 8.5" (business envelopes are 4 1/8 x 9 1/2").  Several people have asked so that's what we're going with this year.

I am using a mini tear off printable calendar which you can find at SplitCoastStampers here - 

Cat's 2016 Mini Calendar

Of course you can use any calendar you choose.  There are loads out there, just do a search and you'll get page after page.  I have used calendars from CalendarLabs.com, IMom, FreePrintables.com, Calendarpedia, etc.  

SUPPLIES

I know many people are on tight art budgets and I have kept this in mind when planning out the techniques.  Unlike some classes I'm not going to make you go out and purchase specific paints and papers - we're going to use what we have.    

The techniques for this calendar with be from the very easy just swishing paints around to more in-depth techniques which will require additional supplies that you will probably already have in your artsy stash.  I always try to give alternatives for supplies and keep the techniques general enough that you can swap out one product for another.  You'll still be able to play even if you just have a single set of paints or inks.

If you don't own any watercolor paints at all - no worries...if you own a few colors of dye inks those will work too for most of the techniques.  The results may not be exact but hey, you still get to play :)  If you do want to go out and purchase a set of paints you can find beginner sets of paints at almost every variety store around for under $5.00.  They don't have to be expensive sets to play...remember, this is for fun - we're not creating masterpieces, we're exploring techniques and having fun.

TIME FRAME

I know many people don't have time to work on the calendar all at once but the "calendar a month" thing didn't work out so well for me last year. Things get really busy around here as the year progresses and I don't have as much time for it as I do in Jan/Feb.   

Sooo, I'm going back to making 2-3 pages a week until it's finished.  All of the techniques will remain on the blog indefinately so if you don't have time to get to each month/technique right now, they will be here when you get to it.  No pressure...whenever you have time.  Remember - FUN....

With all that information out of the way...when do we start???

I wanted to give everyone a chance to gather up their supplies so I am going to start with the first calendar page on Friday January 8th.  I hope you'll join me then!