Hello Friends! How are you? Spring is in full swing and it’s hard not to smile. (sorry for those of you with winter upon you) Today is the Honey Bee Stamps FOURTH Birthday Blog Hop! Happy BEEday to Honey Bee!
Honey Bee is celebrating this milestone BD with a two day blog hop and today is day ONE. To start at the beginning of the hop go to the Honey Bee blog here. If you are arriving from Lydia’s blog Understand Blue you are in the right place. Lydia is my lettuce twin (because we both soak our lettuce and are super picky) I am always gobsmacked when I see Lydia watercolor.
Melissa (the owner) and Lisa (Melissa’s right hand) from Honey Bee stamps are as sweet as honey and I adore them. They keep Honey Bee a buzzing with exiting product and I am thrilled to be joining them and the other designers on today’s blog hop.
This hop was the perfect excuse to sit down and actually make my mom a Mother’s Day card. *note to mom pretend you didn’t see this!
The stamp is aptly called, ” Mother’s Day ” is a beauty as a stand alone floral garland but, I opted for double stamping for more impact = win win.
If you are curious what watercolor paper I like to use it’s this … love the texture!
I was second guessing my color choices until I put down the green on the leaves then …. the flowers looked more grounded. These are the watercolors I used on my card. (I was trying them out and really like them especially for travel because they are so compact.)
Honestly it’s more about the paper than the pencils. It’s so easy and fun to enhance what you are coloring by adding pencil details. What’s more important is a SHARP pencil so that sharp tip can fill in all those textured areas on the paper. For best results light strokes … just skimming the pencil across the paper.
This is my new favorite no line coloring ink because it’s dark enough so I can see the image and I don’t have to stamp the image several times. PLUS you can use this ink for watercoloring or with your alcohol markers.
For this card I picked up the pencils that were closest to me. Honestly any will work and promise me you will add a dark color to those nooks and crannies.
Keep in mind don’t worry where the light source is coming from. When I travel that’s one of my mantras. If you have a light and a dark area you have contrast and that pleases the eye. I believe it also takes the stress out of the coloring.
To finish my card I watercolored a small strip of paper and stamped the sentiment “I love you” and popped it on my card panel with some foam tape.
During a retreat in Ohio I was loving creating a few kaleidoscopes with this BIG misti and a large wreath builder. This was created with some masking but, it was worth the effort. Super excited to color this later. Thebutterflies I am in love with and they are from Honey Bee’s new release. Aren’t they fantastic?
Next on the hop is the talented Ashley Tucker’s blog here. Thank you for your visit and have a great weekend! Hugs, Kathy
Card Supplies and Links: Affiliate links are used to support 100% of my Coloring Challenge Road Trips at no cost to you.
Heidi Macy says
Your coloring is divine. Love this image too!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks so much, Heidi! It means a lot to me 🙂
Debbie Rumpza says
Amazing, Kathy! I love the details that adding pencil over watercolor brings out!
Kathy Racoosin says
That is so kind, Debbie! I’m so glad you lie the added pencil details 🙂
Cynthia Cole says
Your coloring is always wonderful!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Cynthia! Thank you 🙂
Kelsey Thomas says
This is really pretty! 🙂
Kathy Racoosin says
I am so happy that you like it, Kelsey! Thanks a bunch 🙂
Loni Riley says
Oh my word! I’m really swooning over this. You never cease to amaze me!
Kathy Racoosin says
Oh, Loni! You made my day 🙂
SHARI CZERWINSKI says
Gorgeous! Pinned it for inspiration 🙂
Kathy Racoosin says
Your kindness makes me smile, Shari! Thank you 🙂
Andre M. says
Gorgeous colors for these delightful floral sprays.
Kathy Racoosin says
I am grateful for your kind words, Andre! You made me smile 🙂
Dot Freel says
Absolutely stunning watercoloring!!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Dot! You are so kind 🙂
Mary W says
Your card is just wonderful!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Mary! That is so sweet 🙂
Angelica Conrad says
You really outdid yourself Kathy. Amazing job.
Kathy Racoosin says
What a lovely compliment, Angelica! Thank for the smile 🙂
Linda BL says
Your floral sprays are so lovely! Thanks for showing the before and after with the colored pencils. It makes such a difference!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Linda! I am glad you like the added pencil details 🙂
KimK says
Your watercolors are simply beautiful – a fabulous Mother’s Day card.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Kim! That means a lot to me 🙂
KimK says
Beautiful watercoloring!
Becky Green says
Your mom is going to LOVE THIS, Kathy! It is BEAUTIFUL! 😉
AND your stamped Wreath, or Mandela (or so it looks to me), will be an AMAZING PIECE! I JUST bought a die, this reminds me of. 😉 HAPPY STAMPING!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Becky! Your comments always brighten my day 🙂
Pooja says
So beautiful the no-line coloring looks !!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Pooja! I really enjoy the no line inks for coloring. I appreciate your thoughtful comment 🙂
Avra N Williams says
Talk about gobsmacked – oh my word! Is this ever beautiful! And I can’t wait to see what you do with your butterfly kaleidoscope!
Kathy Racoosin says
You make my heart smile, Avra! Thank you so much 🙂
Denaha J Doss says
Oh my goodness, the coloring on those beautiful florals is gorgeous! What a difference it makes to use the colored pencils for some added texture. I will have to try that some time.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Deneha! I hope you get a chance to try this technique. I appreciate your sweet comment 🙂
susie sonnier says
so beautiful
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Susie! I appreciate your stopping by my blog 🙂
Sharon Gullikson says
OH MY GOSH, your no line coloring looks incredible!!! REALLY INCREDIBLE
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Sharon! Your sweet comment has me grinning ear-to-ear 🙂
Brian Poteraj says
Your flowers are very pretty. I like that you used two strips of flowers, one on top and one on bottom.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Brian! I am so happy that you like both set of flowers 🙂
Amanda Wilcox says
Your watercoloring just takes the cake! It’s beautiful! I love those little mini watercolor wheels you have too. This card is amazing! And the wreath builder is a great idea too!
Kathy Racoosin says
I appreciate your kind words, Amanda! Thank you 🙂
Kelly Ornelas says
You just amaze me every time I see your artwork.
Kathy Racoosin says
Awww, you are the sweetest, Kelly! Thank you so much 🙂
Sheri Kempke says
Awesome coloring of this gorgeous card–love the pencil work on top of the watercolors. Congrats to Honey bee stamps, lovely new stamps they have!
Kathy Racoosin says
I love these stamps too, Sheri! Thank you for your sweet comment 🙂
Patty Eifert says
Such a beautiful stunning card!! You are an amazing colorist!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Your kindness makes me smile, Patty! Thanks 🙂
Monica K says
Oh my!!! Gorgeous!!!! So talented!! Love this stamp too!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
You make me blush, Monica! Thank you for your thoughtful comment 🙂
Mary Webster says
Beautiful card Kathy, wish I still had a mom to send one to.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Mary! I have a friend that sends mother’s day cards to people who are like a mother to them, and some who are moms to furry babies too 🙂
Theresa Grdina says
This card took my breath away. It is absolutely beautiful!!! Adding pencils can make such a difference!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
What a lovely compliment, Theresa! That means so much to me 🙂
Susan Mooney says
So talented! The card is gorgeous!
Kathy Racoosin says
That is so sweet, Susan! Thank you 🙂
Jennifer Petersen says
Your coloring is always amazing! Such a lovely card you have created. Thank you for sharing!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so thoughtful, Jennifer! You made my day 🙂
BECCA YAHRLING says
Stunning artwork!! I love the no line coloring. And the butterfly wreath piece you did … I can’t wait to see it colored as well.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Becca! That means a lot to me 🙂
Lori Kobular says
Your Mother’s Day card is gorgeous! I love the flower stamp and the way your colored them! Really outstanding! I think I have to go add that stamp set to my Wish List! Thanks for the inspiration!!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Lori! Thank you 🙂
Marilyn Helmstadter says
Beautifully done. Thank you for all of your written remarks and tips.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Marilyn! I am so happy that you find my tips and tricks helpful 🙂
Liz Ford says
Even if your Mom does see your post she will still love the card you made her! I really like how you showed the version with just watercolors and the one with watercolors and pencils. Such a difference! Plus thank you for the tip on the light source. Wonderful work and Happy early Mogher’s Day!
Kathy Racoosin says
I appreciate your kind words, Liz! You are so kind 🙂
Nancee Purdum says
Such a pretty card! Thanks for sharing!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Nancee! Thank you so much 🙂
Mirella Rogan says
Absolutely amazing, Kathy! I love what you created, your colouring is as usual breathtaking!
Kathy Racoosin says
I am grateful for your sweet words, Mirella! Thanks 🙂
sabinevdk says
The coloring is so stunning!! Love that mother’s day card!
Kathy Racoosin says
So sweet of you, Sabine! Thank you so much 🙂
Cynthia Hess says
STUNNING! You made those flowers come alive, just beautiful….
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Cynthia! You are so kind 🙂
Cheryl Rigney says
Wow!! This card is so gorgeous! Your coloring is exquisite!!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Cheryl! Thank you 🙂
Gilda says
Love the card. Your coloring is beautiful.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Gilda! That means so much to me 🙂
barbara lassiter says
This is such a beautiful card. You are the one who made me realize that I can add detail to watercolor with colored pencil. Thanks and isn’t this a fun hop for Honey Bee’s birthday?
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Barbara! And yes, it is a super fun hop 🙂
Tanya S says
This is stunning..your coloring is a amazing <3 I wish I was your mom receiving this lol I'll even pretend I never saw it hahaa
Kathy Racoosin says
You crack me up, Tanya! I appreciate your kindness and for the giggle 🙂
Lisa Byers says
Your watercoloring is so amazing! I love your cards, they are always so beautiful!! I could look at your work all day!! I love this new stamp at Honey Bee, it does make a gorgeous Mother’s Day card. Wonderful work!!
Kathy Racoosin says
You brightened my day, Lisa! Thank you 🙂
Donna says
The Mother’s Day card is STUNNING!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Donna! That means a lot to me 🙂
Marianne says
Gorgeous image and colouring!
Marianne x
Kathy Racoosin says
I appreciate that so much, Marianne! Thank you 🙂
Meghan Kennihan says
Absolutely STUNNING coloring! Just so realistic!
Kathy Racoosin says
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so thoughtful, Meghan! Thank you so much 🙂
Sharon Youngblood says
What a beautiful card Kathy your mom sure is lucky! I see exactly what your say about the green leaves grounding flowers, it’s huge difference. Thanks so much for sharing your talents and knowledge with us.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Sharon! Your sweet comment means the world to me 🙂
Nancy Wilcox says
Love the card!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Nancy! Thanks for stopping by my blog 🙂
Arianna Barbara says
Wow! Gorgeous card!!! Love so much your fabulous colouring technique!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
I appreciate your kind words, Arianna! I am grateful for you sweet words 🙂
Michelle McClellan says
You did a beautiful job coloring those flowers! Such a classy Mother’s Day card!
Kathy Racoosin says
What a lovely compliment, Michelle! You made my day 🙂
Teresa Doyle says
WOW Kathy, how beautiful!
Hope you have a great Easter weekend! (((HUGS)))
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Teresa! I hope your Easter was wonderful 🙂
Janeen Baird says
Love your shading! The flowers look incredible!
Kathy Racoosin says
That is so kind, Janeen! You made my day 🙂
Haejin says
Beautiful card, as always, Kathy! The colored pencil really adds that extra detail that makes the card even more beautiful~ and thank you so much for the mention! I’m swooning over here~~ ❤️❤️❤️
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet to say so, Haejin! You rock, my friend 🙂
Lindarub says
Beautiful card love the colors.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Linda! I appreciate your stopping by my blog 🙂
Anne Sturgeon says
Love this image from Honey Bee. They are such an amazing company. These colors are so great together. Sadly both of my Mom’s have passed on. Although I have my own daughter’s you don’t really recover from losing your Mom. Thanks for the always great tips Kathy. Also, Happy Easter to you and yours. Hope you have a blessed Springtime!
Kathy Racoosin says
What a sweet comment, Anne! I always appreciate your comments. I hope your Easter was lovely 🙂
Shawn Wenrich says
This card is stunning Kathy I just adore your coloring! Thanks for the inspiration!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Shawn! I am so happy that you like it 🙂
Mary Holshouser says
Your coloring is always amazing.
The flowers are gorgeous.
Any mother would be thrilled
to get this card. thanks for
sharing txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Mary! Thank you so much 🙂
lee says
So very pretty!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Lee! That means a lot to me 🙂
Gab says
What a beautiful card … just love your colouring!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Gab! You are so sweet to say so 🙂
Vickie Davis says
This card is absolutely stunning!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Vickie! Thank you 🙂
Jeannean M says
Your mom will still love this awesome card!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Jeannean! You are so kind 🙂
Kirsty Lim says
I love this! So pretty and so fun!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are sweet, Kirsty! I am so happy that you like it 🙂
Mindy Hook says
Your card is breathtaking! Thanks for the helpful hints on coloring also.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are thoughtful, Mindy! I am thrilled that you find my tips and tricks helpful 🙂
Mindy Hook says
Your coloring blows me away! What a gorgeous card.
Denise Bryant says
Such gorgeous flowers and beautiful butterflies too!
Kathy Racoosin says
That means a lot to me, Denise! Thank you so much 🙂
K Lancaster says
Your coloring skills are definitely lifetime goals for me. Wow.
Kathy Racoosin says
Oh, what a lovely compliment, K! You brightened my day 🙂
Ronda Scroggins says
Gorgeous watercolors! Thanks for showing with and without the colored pencils so we could see the difference.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Ronda! I am glad you like my contrast pictures 🙂
Subhashini says
Just love this card with gorgeous flowers and stunning coloring
Kathy Racoosin says
You are very thoughtful, Subhashini! I appreciate your kind words 🙂
Silvia Galloni says
In love.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Silvia! You are sweet 🙂
Fikreta says
its so gorgeous!
Kathy Racoosin says
Hi, Fiki! Thank you so much 🙂
Ginger Williams says
First of all, you are the master of coloring! The mother’s day card is gorgeous and the flowers look real! The berries on the card look like you could pick them right off! Great way to showcase the Honey Bee Stamps!
Kathy Racoosin says
Awww, you are the sweetest, Ginger! You make me smile 🙂
Jackie S says
I’m always amazed by your beautiful coloring.
Kathy Racoosin says
So sweet of you to say so, Jackie! Thank you so much 🙂
Sherri Little says
Awesome detail on your flowers!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Sherri! I am glad you like them 🙂
Surekha Galagoda says
Dear Cathy
The beauty you have created to celebrate Mothers day is a real tribute to the woman who loves u unconditionally and knows no boundaries but gets little or no appreciation until she is gone from this world.
Wow your coloring is amazing wish i could color like you. Love and hugs
Kathy Racoosin says
I am grateful for your lovely comment, Surekha! Thank you 🙂
Kenia Lancaster says
Your amazing coloring skills are my lifetime goals. WOW!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are very kind, Kenia! Thank you for the lovely compliment 🙂
Lindar C says
Simply gorgeous!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Lindar! I am so happy that you like it 🙂
Pam says
Beautiful watercolring!! Love the stamp design.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are kind, Pam! Thank you so much 🙂
Kelly Massman says
I think if I tried a million years, I could never color as well as you!! Much love from one twin to another!
Kathy Racoosin says
Awww, you are too kind, Kelly! Love you 🙂
Tina says
Your watercolor flowers are just beautiful!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet to say so, Tina! Thank you 🙂
Ang says
Wow! Beautiful card.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Ang! You are so kind 🙂
Sue Symens says
Your painting is just amazing! Someday I want to be like you! Lol.
Kathy Racoosin says
Your sweet words make me smile, Sue! Thank you so much 🙂
Isabelle says
Your card is fantastic and so elegant….
Kathy Racoosin says
Isabelle, you are so lovely to say so! You made my day 🙂
Henriëtte says
Gorgeous card Kathy and every time it surprises me how much difference the use of pencils makes in a water coloured image. Love it.
Thank you so much for sharing, I hope to see that lovely Butterfly wreath coloured soon on your blog and Happy Fourth Beeday to Honey Bee!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are always kind, Henriette! Thank you so much 🙂
Shelly says
So gorgeous!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Shelly! I appreciate your stopping by 🙂
Ashley Ebben says
So so gorgeous! Thank you for the tip to use colored pencils over watercolor! I have to try that!!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Ashley! I hope you try this coloring technique too 🙂
Marisela Delgado says
Beautiful card as always.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Marisela! Thanks so much 🙂
Maureen Reiss says
Wow!!! Stunning card!!!!
Kathy Racoosin says
Maureen, you are so kind! Thank you 🙂
Tona says
Omgosh , your card is beyond gorgeous!
Kathy Racoosin says
So sweet of you, Tona! You made me smile 🙂
Judy Markowitz says
This is absolutely stunning! I just love everything about your project! Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration with us!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so kind, Judy! Thank you 🙂
Shirley T says
That card is a work of art; just amazing coloring and shading!
Kathy Racoosin says
What a sweet comment, Shirley! You make my heart smile 🙂
Brenda Abbott says
Hello & Happy Easter Kathy! Your card is stunning and you always inspire me with the way you create your cards. I love how you added colored pencil, to bring out the beauty and definition of the flowers. Looking forward to seeing how you color the butterfly wreath.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Brenda! I hope your Easter was lovely 🙂
pam edwards says
I am so amazed and jealous of the beautiful coloring. You do such a lovely job.
Kathy Racoosin says
That means so much to me, Pam! Thank you 🙂
Candy says
Of course the coloring is spectacular
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Candy! You are so kind 🙂
Jen says
Stunning card and the colours are perfect Kathy. Congrats Honey Bee turning 4.
Kathy Racoosin says
So sweet of you to say so, Jen! Thanks 🙂
Rachel says
Beautiful card Kathy.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Rachel! I appreciate your kind comment 🙂
Joni A says
Absolute perfection!!! THis is gorgeous!!!! You are so talented!!!! TFS
hugs,
joni
Kathy Racoosin says
You are lovely to say so, Joni! Thank you 🙂
Cathy Lillie says
Wow, your card is stunning! The floral swag is such a beautiful image to begin with, and then your painting/coloring really brings it to life. The butterfly wreath is also amazing, and I’m sure it will be gorgeous when you color it.
Kathy Racoosin says
I am grateful for your lovely comment, Cathy! You made my day 🙂
Hanh says
Oh my goodness! Your coloring is just AMAZING! You have really made the flowers come to life! You’ve completely inspired me!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are very kind, Hanh! Thank you 🙂
Julie Booker says
Your watercolour ingredients is just lovely as usual. I just love your cards. I’d love to see wreath when you have coloured it ❤
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Julie! You are sweet 🙂
Olga Dendrinou Fink says
It’s gorgeous Kathy! A lovely card!
Xoxo Olga
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you so much, Olga! You are the best 🙂
Catherine Scott says
I love your coloring. The flowers are so pretty!
Kathy Racoosin says
That is kind, Catherine! Thank you 🙂
Jean Marmo says
So elegant and pretty!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Jean! I appreciate it 🙂
Jenny says
The florals are such pretty colours, beautiful work.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are thoughtful, Jenny! Thank you 🙂
Sue D says
This is so pretty–love the colors.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Sue! I and so happy that you like my color choices 🙂
Cyndi Morris says
This is such a gorgeous set from Honey Bee and, as always, your no-line coloring is amazing!
Kathy Racoosin says
Awww, Cyndi, you are so kind! You make me smile 🙂
Lynda White says
Glad to see you in this hop, Kathy! As always, your card looks gorgeous with your perfect coloring!
Kathy Racoosin says
Linda, you are the best! You make my heart smile 🙂
Dee Earnshaw says
I always get so much inspiration from your cards – awesome coloring:)
Kathy Racoosin says
Dee, that means the world to me! You are so kind 🙂
Kit L says
The coloring is beautiful. Lovely card.
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Kit! I appreciate it 🙂
Connie says
This is beautiful!
Kathy Racoosin says
I am thrilled that you like it, Connie! Thank you 🙂
jessica kerr says
Stunning and color rich florals, wow
Kathy Racoosin says
So sweet of you to say so, Jessica! Thanks 🙂
Karthikha Uday says
Wow! Gorgeous coloring, as always!! <3
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Karthika! You made my day 🙂
Mel H says
The coloring on this is just amazing. It looks like you could just touch and smell them.
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so sweet, Mel! That means a lot to me 🙂
Brenda Turner says
Absolutely gorgeous! Your coloring is amazing!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thanks, Brenda! You are so very kind 🙂
Kathleen Dippner says
Wow! I love how you added pencil to your watercolor. The card is so vibrant.
Kathy Racoosin says
That means a lot to me, Kathleen! Thank you 🙂
Bev Chapman says
Love that card! Honey Bee is awesome!
Kathy Racoosin says
You are so thoughtful, Bev! Thanks 🙂
Jean Marmo says
A beautiful work of art!
Kathy Racoosin says
Very sweet of you, Jean! Thank you 🙂
Brenda L. Kuder says
Love your cards! Beautiful colors!
Kathy Racoosin says
Thank you, Brenda! I am thrilled that you like my color choices 🙂
Amy Cooley says
Gorgeous coloring! Any mom would love to receive this beautiful card.
Kathy Racoosin says
What a sweet comment, Amy! You make my heart smile 🙂