Mixed Media Rose Sketch

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Today I’d like to share a sketch of a rose that I created using a selection of Derwent pencils.

Mixed media Rose sketch

The main image was created using Artist Pencils and finer details were added with Studio pencils. Have had these pencil sets for YEARS and at last I’m beginning to get the hang of them.

Hope you like it, I’m pleased with how it turned out. I’ve a lot to learn but this was the best coloured pencil blending I’ve managed so far.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Product Review: Derwent Pocket Pencil Wrap

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In today’s post I will be reviewing; Pocket Pencil Wrap by Derwent

Derwent: Pocket Pencil Wrap

Product Details

• Manufacturer/Brand; Derwent
• Item number 2300219
• RRP at time of writing: £5.60

Reason For Buying

I wanted a small ‘container’ for my essential items for field trips, something I can pop in a bag/ jacket pocket without having to take everything with me. All too often I carry far too much and get fed up with carrying a heavy bag, especially if the day was a day out and I was just taking sketching stuff, just in case I saw something to sketch.

Purpose

Sturdy canvas wrap, holds up to 12 pencils, Slips easily into a pocket.

Pros/Cons

Pros

• Denim like fabric looks like it would last well
• Edges are bound so less likely to wear
• All sides of contents are covered, so it will protect your materials well
• Top flap folds over a divided pocket and the whole thing folds in half so it takes up very little room.
• Sturdy without being either bulky or heavy
• Velcro closure when folded in half, so secure in your bag

Cons

Haven’t got any. Looks like it will do just want it says on the label and just what I want.

Build Quality

Great

Value for Money

Excellent. A great price for a great product.

Would I buy it Again?

Totally. I’m getting a spare one for myself and another for a Christmas gift for my husband.

Summing up

If you want to travel light but keep your materials safe this if for you. It does indeed hold 12 Derwent pencils yes even the thicker barelled ones. Alternatively it will also hold three water brushes and still have room in the second section for pencils/pens.

A fantastic item, ideal for sketching away from home, without weighing you down. Just add a box of watercolours and a sketchbook and your fave pencils/brushes in the wrap and you are good to go. Would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves to draw.

Inside the Derwent: Pocket Pencil Wrap

If you are a coloured pencil artist and want more storage, check out the larger Pencil wrap that will hold 30 pencils. There is also a much bigger variation; Carry All, which has pencil storage on a ring binder clips within a bag. (Which I’d like to see, but think it would be a bit big and heavy for me).

Highly recommend this Pocket Pencil Wrap to everyone.

Links

• Derwent Pencils Manufacturers site.
• Pocket Pencil wrap; details of the item reviewed
• Carry All;  Larger option for more pencil storage

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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What would you do, if you knew you couldn’t fail

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Call it an inspirational quote, something to inspire a project or encourage you to try some thing new. This month’s edition.

What would you do, if you knew you couldn’t fail

Not sure where it was I first read this quote and if anyone knows who wrote it do let me know so I can post it here.

What will this inspire you to do?

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Ten minute Sketch: Tiny

Welcome Back

Today I’d like to share a picture of the ten minute sketch I created of my budgie Tiny. It was a warm day and he was having a rest, this meant he sat still for ages

Ten minute sketch of my budgie Tiny, sleeping

Materials used

• Progresso 2B pencil
• Daler Rowney hardback sketchbook

Hope you like it and will give quick sketches a try yourself, you can learn lots about observation. You will be surprised at how different a ten minute sketch will be compared to your regular drawing, but it all helps you learn more skills.

Please send healing thoughts n prayers for Tiny, he’s looking very sad at the moment. Loving how much he’s snuggling up to me but worried about him too.

Budgie Cuddles from Tiny

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Product Review: Gina Barrett’s Making Braids and Cords DVD

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In today’s post I will be reviewing; Gina Barrett’s; Making Braids and Cords DVD.

Making Braids and Cords DVD

Product Details

• Manufacturer/Brand; Gina Barrett/ Making Passementerie
• Item Name: Making Braids and Cords; Beginners Selection
• Item number ISBN: 978-0-9546618-8-5
• RRP at time of writing: £17
• Run Time: 94 minutes

Content

Main Chapters

• Tools & Materials
• Getting Started
• Plaited Braids
• Twisted (Spun) Cords
• Sewing Machine Cords
• Wrapped, Knotted & Woven Cords
• Hints & Tips

Details of projects in each chapter

• Tools & Materials: What you will need to create the projects shown on the DVD
• Getting Started: Preparing Warps, Elements & Ends, Constrictor Knot, Half Hitch, Binding
• Plaited Braids: 4 Element Flat Braid, 4 Element Round Braid, 5 Element Braid version, 5 Element Braid version 2, 8 Element Crossover Braid, 8 Element Soutache
• Finger loop Braids: Preparing Loops, Loop Replacement & Techniques, Round Lace 5 loops, Broad Lace 5 loops, German Lace 5 loops, Baston 5 loops, Lace Bend, Grene Dorge, Cheveron 8 Loops
• Twisted (Spun) Cords: Twist S and Z, Monk’s Cord, 3 Element Cord, 2 in 1 Cord, Wavy Gimp, Double-spun cord
• Sewing Machine Cords: Zig zag Cord, Encased Cord, Cutting Bias Strips, Rouleau
• Wrapped, Knotted & Woven Cords: Gimp (Bourdon cord), Soutache version 1, Soutache version 2, Spiral, Hand Knotted
• Hints & Tips: Uses for the braids

Reason For Buying

When I first saw Gina demonstrate some of these techniques on Create & Craft,  I knew I wanted this DVD. There were so many ideas I had, for all the different things I’d use the cords with, especially to add a new dimension to my bookbinding projects and with boxes too.

Pros/Cons

Pros

• There are 25 braids and cord designs shown on the DVD
• There is a full pictorial list of all the designs, on the inside cover of the DVD, to help you find just the one you want.
• The eye level camera work, means it is like standing next to Gina as she braids. This makes it much easier to learn the techniques.
• Each design has a page about its history and how it has been used in the past. Next comes a slow walk through of the technique itself, followed by a really helpful page you can freeze frame and make notes from. This page lists the steps used for the project you just saw. This is really helpful as it’s the ‘chant’ you can use as you create the braid/cord for yourself, and helps to keep you on track, while you are learning.
• There is a clearly laid out menu system, each style has a dedicated chapter and then a large number of projects in each one. After you play a design, the menu returns you to the start of the chapter, to choose where you would like to go next.
• Very clear instructions and I like that it has the written element as well as the visual demonstrations. We all learn in different ways and the extra dimension means that the new technique stays with you for longer.
• There is an excellent description of the tools and materials you will need and for how to start and finish your chosen project.
• Buying directly from Gina’s website, you also have the choice to have the DVD in NTSC or in PAL formats.

Cons

• The menu system does not have a play all feature. Being new to the subject, I wanted to watch the whole thing, see what it was all about and then pick a design to re-create. Which without the play all feature, made it a bit awkward, as after each design, you kept being bumped back to the start of the chapter. Just a niggle, as in normal usage, I’m sure you would just go straight to the design you wanted to make, so for longer term use, it’s probably not a problem.
• The ‘theme’ is played at the start of each chapter: This is normal enough, but it it’s quite loud and without the ‘Play all’ feature you will hear it a lot, which gets a bit wearing. It also plays at the same volume as the narration throughout the getting started section, which was distracting and made it difficult to focus on what was being said. It does not play through the main demonstrations though.

Build Quality

Fantastic! The lighting is superb as is the camera work and angles used. You can see clearly what is being demonstrated and the view is as if you are standing next to Gina, so you get almost the same view of the braid, that you would have, when you make it. This makes learning the techniques MUCH easier.

The demonstrations are superb as are the explanations of what is happening, Gina is a very calming, encouraging teacher.

Value for Money

Excellent! In each section there are lots of designs a total novice could achieve and later in each chapter the difficulty/complexity increases so still plenty to stretch your new abilities as your skills and confidence grow.

Would I buy it Again?

Yes. This is a fantastic DVD. Even though my own limited dexterity will hamper what I can achieve with this craft, I still enjoyed learning about how the braids are created and the history behind them. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone interested in making or learning more about Braiding and cord making.

Summing up

This is a fascinating subject. Gina has a wonderfully calming voice and walks you through everything step by step. Even if my lack of fine motor skills don’t let me braid very much, I have still highly enjoyed this DVD, to learn more designs and how they were used in the past. I highly recommend this DVD to everyone interested in using cords or braids with their creative projects. The projects would suit a wide age range and some of the simpler briads could also be achieved by younger children too. Great for jewellery making as well as for decoration.

I’m currently experimenting with alternative ways of holding thread/yarn, to see if I can find a work around for my poor dexterity. I’ll let you know how I get on and if I find any useful suggestions that may help others with dexterity problems.

Links

Do follow the links below to find out more about Gina Barrett and where you can purchase this excellent DVD.

• Gina’s Website with links to her blog/facebook/Twitter pages. You can also buy here DVD from here too.
• Gina’s video demo of the Braid & Cord DVD on You Tube
• Gina was Featured Artist of the month in June 2012, this will take  you to her interview.

Many thanks to Gina for this DVD, it has been a joy to watch and I look forward to your continuation of the series.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Derwent: 24 Inktense Pencils

Welcome Back

In today’s post I will be reviewing; Derwent Inktense pencils.

Derwent: Inktense Pencils. Tin of 24

Product Details

• Manufacturer/Brand; Derwent/ Inktense
• Item number: 0700929 (set of 24)
• RRP at time of writing: £35.75

Purpose

Quote from Packaging: Derwent Inktense combines the brilliant intensity of pen and ink with the versatility of line and wash. Apply pure, vibrant dry colour then wash the pigment out completely to leave a translucent ink like effect. Once dry the colour is permanent and can be worked over with other media. The possibilities are endless.

Reason For Buying

I went for these set of 24, for the wider range of colours. These pencils appealed to me for the fact they say once dry the colour doesn’t re-activate. I love water-soluble pencils but have struggled when using them, as when I try to overlay colours the earlier layers wash off. I hope to use these for mixed media work as well as quick sketches.

Pros/Cons

Pros

• Love the colour range
• Super smooth application of colour
• Colour mix beautifully if applied in the same layer.
• For a glaze of another colour let first layer dry and new layer will keep its own colour and not blend with earlier ones.
• Able to layer with more colour without disturbing earlier layers
• The 24 are a great mix of colours which you can blend for even more colour options. A great size for location/classes
• The round pencil casing is comfortable in the hand for sketching for longer periods.
• Useful that the lid comes off completely and will sit neatly under the box, while in use. Handy if you don’t have a lot of room.

Cons

The only issue I have with Derwent is the tendency for their lids to come off when you don’t want them too. I took a tin like this out in a sketching bag and when I opened the bag the tin had opened and the pencils were loose in the bottom of the bag.

This was on a different tin but of the same design, by the same company. Now I always err on the side of caution and always use an elastic band around the tin to keep it secure. The lid is easy to remove but it would be nice if it was more secure for travel, as this 24 pencil set is a great size for on the move.

Build Quality

Superb, the colour core is fantastic quality and the wooden casing is top quality and from sustainable forest.

Value for Money

Excellent. Like with anything of top quality not cheap, but the quality is well worth the price tag.

Would I buy it Again?

Yes! I bought the 24 set thinking that would be plenty, but the pencils were so good, like the colour magpie I NEED them all. MIL gave me a donation for my birthday so I’m saving the difference and going for the LOVELY wooden box set of the full range of 72.

Summing up

Derwent: Inktense Pencils. Tin of 24

These pencils are wonderful, the niggles I had about water-soluble pencils are solved by these Inktense ones. I love the versatility that you can use them like regular pencils dry, add water for a vibrant ink/wash effect and work over the colour without disturbing earlier layers. The quality is fantastic, if you are unsure if they are for you, the pencils are available individually so you can get just one to see if you like them.

I highly recommend the set of 24 as the colour range is more versatile than that of the 12s, the pencils are available in the following sizes

Individual pencils, blister packs of 6, tins of 12, 24, 36 and 72. For a special present there is also a wooden box of 72. I have had other wooden boxes and HIGHLY recommend them, not for travel but they are the most beautiful storage and take care of the pencils. Full sets are an investment, its worth a little extra for the wooden box for the security of the case which doesn’t drop open and looks and feels delightful to use.

Can’t wait to see all the things these pencils can do, really enjoying experimenting with them to find out. There are colour charts available on the manufacturer’s website. If you haven’t used water-soluble pencils before there is also a DVD of hints and tips available separately. It’s a great introduction to the media and you will truly get more from the pencils if you watch it.

Try these pencils, even if you can only get just one. They are a joy to use and will take your art in a new direction, maybe even tempt you to sketch outside (if the weather allows). A great partner product to these pencils is a set of waterbrushes. I use the Pental ones. Ideal for use on location and less fuss than carrying lots of kit.

Links

• Derwent Pencils Manufacturers website, colour charts, product lists, tutorials and so much more. Check it out!
• Derwent on You Tube Tutorials on a selection of their products and previews of the DVDs
• Inktense pencils Manfacturers page about the Inktense pencil range, and link to PDF colour chart.

Suppliers

Great places to buy your Inktense pencils

• Jackson’s Art Supply
• Society of All Artists also known as the SAA. They sell art materials, books and DVDs

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Rose Sketch with Derwent Inktense pencils

Welcome Back

Today I’d like to share a picture of a sketch that I drew using Derwent Inktense pencils.

Rose in Derwent; Inktense pencils

This was my first sketch using these pencils, other than random scribbling, and I was really impressed with them. The idea behind them is that although you can use them like regular coloured pencils, they are water soluble so the colour can be washed out to give a watercolour like effect.

I have a habbit of A. Overworking pictures and B taking FOREVER to draw/paint them. So to help me get over this and to try a looser style of working I tried for a 3 minute sketch. I admit I didn’t complete this whole thing in three minutes but I used commercial breaks between a film I was watching to sketch in the main image, go back with extra colours for shading and finally to add water to blend areas out. The only ‘fiddling’ was to touch in areas here and there once the paint had dried to put a little detail in. Here is a close up of the picture

Rose in Derwent; Inktense pencils

The best thing about these pencils over other watersoluble pencils is that once the pigment has been washed out with water, the effect is permanent. You can go back over that area, once its dry with more colours and the earlier colours won’t move. Brilliant, I adore my Faber Castell Abrecth Durer watersoluble pencils but you have to think ahead and make sure you don’t over work an area or risk lifting colour out rather than adding it. Once I found out that the inktense pencils were permenent, after they dry again, they were top of my list to try.

Love the vibrancy of the colour, you need to plan ahead to blend colours by laying the various tones you want to mix n blend down in the same layer. This takes a little practice to perfect but a waterbrush is definately your best friend here as it doesn’t dry out on you.

Rose leaf in Derwent; Inktense pencils

I’m having a lot of fun experimenting with these pencils and there will be a full review of them coming soon.

Getting photographs of sketches is proving difficult as the dark wet days aren’t making it easy. I do take the pictures into Photoshop to help with lack of lighting but this can throw off the original colours of the painting. For comparison, here is a picture of the same sketch without the lighting enhancement from Photoshop.

Rose in Derwent: Inktence pencils. Quick sketch

Last week I posted a review of the Inktense pencils, which included links to where to buy them and Derwent’s tutorials using them too. I know funds are tight just now, but treat youself to just one of these pencils in your favorite colour, they are amazing and I’d love to hear what you think of them too.

Links

• Inktense Pencils. My review of Inktense pencils (Will be published on friday, will add link)
• Derwent Pencils Manufacturers website, colour charts, product lists, tutorials and so much more. Check it out!
• Derwent on You Tube Tutorials on a selection of their products and previews of the DVDs
• Inktense pencils Manfacturers page about the Inktense pencil range, and link to PDF colour chart.

Suppliers

Great places to buy your Inktense pencils

• Jackson’s Art Supply
• Society of All Artists also known as the SAA. They sell art materials, books and DVDs

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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