Sparkling Seashells Preclass

This class is open for preregistration right now; more information and a supply video will be added here, but you can find the main items you’ll need for the class here. The plan is to launch class on August 18, but I’ll email registered students with updates as needed.

Welcome to the Preclass lesson for Sparkling Seashells! Here you’ll find supplies listed, as well as some bonus videos.

Before we start…a little housekeeping

I retain the copyright to the content you are learning in class. That means…

1. Do not sell or give away the concepts from my classes – you may not re-teach my instruction contained or created within these lessons.
2. Do not post a video tutorial or step by step photo tutorial of your own redraw of class content.
3. Do not repost any handouts you receive in class.

However…I love to see students making strides and taking this teaching and personalizing it with your own skills.

1. DO make your own designs and develop your own style! I love that!
2. DO gift your creations made with these techniques, of course!

At the bottom of each lesson you’ll see some ways to share your homework and ask questions, so that’ll be handy for you.

Video:

All about materials needed and optional for class; see links and more info below. 

Non-dip pen users

If you would like to make the drawings in class using Micron pens or fountain pens you already have, all in black ink – that is totally fine. 

If you’d like to use fountain pens, but switch out your inks as needed – that’s totally fine too.

If you’d like to try the above supplies you already have, then see if you want to try dip pens later – also totally fine!

Dip pen users

Already have dip pens you know and love? Use what you’ve got! For newbies: here are the supply options I recommend; the video below discusses them at length.

Pens:

Speedball Sketching Dip Pen Set BLICK | AMZ has the pens AND nibs all in one affordable kit.

Or DIY it and get the items separately….find a fancy pen holder or get yourself an inexpensive Comic Pen Nib Holder BLICK | AMZ | JACKSONS and pair it with Speedball Hunt Pen Nibs #512 BLICK | AMZ | JETPENS and/or a Brause Cito Fein nib AMZ | JETPENS

Inks:

Speedball Superblack India Ink  BLICK | AMZ | JACKSONS  I recommend this one because of its large opening that makes dipping so much easier, but use any waterproof black ink you have. 

Daniel Smith Walnut Ink BLICK | AMZ |  JACKSONS is an integral part of the projects.

Demonstrations will also include Waterman Mysterious Blue Ink –  though you can use black instead if you need to cut costs. 🙂

Paper:

Arches Cold press 9×12 pad BLICK | AMZ | JACKSONS or if you plan to make larger pieces you might want to get a sheet of paper to tear down to the size you need Arches Natural White cold press 22×30 sheet BLICK | JACKSONS

Since we’ll be dying the paper, there’s no need to get the bright white. Also – if you have some discolored watercolor paper – that’ll be perfect for class!

This course uses pen on watercolor paper, though if you would like to make the drawings on regular paper without the antiquing, that would be a LOVELY option to frame as well. my fave paper you may want to try is Pentalic Paper for Pens BLICK | AMZ  And an alternative for my UK friends is Jacksons Snowdon Cartridge paper

Watercolors

For seashells: You may way want
French Ultramarine BLICK | AMZ |  JACKSONS
Yellow Ochre BLICK | AMZ | JACKSONS
Any other colors you might decide to add!

For background paper dying: The colors thatadd the *sparkle* to the walnut ink for this project will be either:

Daniel Smith Burnt Bronzite BLICK|  AMZ |  JACKSONS OR Daniel Smith Bronzite BLICK |  AMZ |  JACKSONS

You don’t need both; we’ll talk about how you can match the color you want by adding other things, but you’ll love the sparkle that either color has!

Watercolor brushes

The painting is going to be very simple; I’ll be using a Tintoretto Feltracco Round 8 but use what you like.

Color dying supplies you may already have

For dying the paper, a butchers tray or a large enough dish or bowl to fit your paper will be needed. I did successfully dye some small pieces in a large bowl. 

You’ll also need some freezer paper not just to protect your workspace but to lay out your papers to dry. 

I’d also recommend gloves – the watercolor or walnut ink won’t stain you, but gloves will contribute to the wonderful tangible experience of engaging with the color! 

Go thrift shopping for frames

Keep an eye out at garage sales, thrift shops, etc for frames! I went to my local Goodwill and came out with a bunch of fun frames. Knowing our colors will include black, dark blue, and brown ink, I picked out some that will look nice.

You’ll be able to create small pieces with small shells (4×6 art), or step up to 5×7, and you’ll see ways to create multiple shells together for an 8×10 or larger. Mats will make a difference in size – and we’ll talk about how to plan your work based on your frame, if you choose to frame them. It’s often less expensive to find a frame to adapt and size your art right, than to go find a frame somewhere that’ll comfortably fit what you’ve made.

I recommend looking for a 5x7ish size, but gives you a little elbow room; I’ll provide the photos and design elements sized for 4×6 openings, 5×7 openings, and 8×10 openings. You can of course scale things yourself for other odd sizes! 

In the first lesson we’ll talk about ‘fixing’ frames you find in thrifty locations, so if you find ones with elements you’d like to change (ie an ugly backside, or an easel frame when you’d prefer something to hang), don’t overlook those – and if you find a weird one (I found a music box frame!!) or something that needs new glass….pick it up! 

I shot a little footage of my own trip to Goodwill – enjoy:

Video 2: Three-Color Wheel

For those with limited markers, or who are missing individual colors…never fear! You can layer, or “glaze” other colors to create a missing one. (Also see instructional handout in Resources section below)