Required Supplies

Do you have all your supplies? Use this checklist to be sure you're not missing anything you'll need!

1. Watercolor We will be using watercolors to color critters and create backgrounds. Jess will be using the Koi Sketchbox watercolors, Ken Oliver Color Burst, and black Brusho. Any set of watercolors with the basic colors can be used for similar results.
2. Die Cutting Machine We will be using border dies to make backgrounds and will use coordinating dies to cut out critters however you could freehand cut any of the elements if you do not have a die cut machine.
3. Border Dies We will be using several border dies from Lawn Fawn to create backgrounds (cloud, wave, grass) but you could draw and cut similar shapes if you do not have the border die.
4. Watercolor Paper and Brush Several of the background techniques involve watercolor so watercolor paper and a brush to apply the watercolor are musts.
5. Distress Ink and Blending Tool We will create several backgrounds with Distress Ink but many dye inks could be used in their place if you are comfortable blending them. You will need a blending tool to help achieve the mixing in techniques as well.
6. Cardstock White cardstock is recommended for card bases and some backgrounds. Black cardstock is used prominently in the sunset background. Strathmore Bristol smooth paper is recommended with ink blending but white cardstock may be substituted.
7. Critter Stamps and Stamp Blocks In class we will add a critter to each scene so it is best to have a stamp set in mind that works with each background (ocean, sky, space, sunset). Jess will be using Lawn Fawn's Critters in the Sea for the ocean, Lawn Fawn's Flutterby for the sky, Gerda Steiner Designs Alien Invasion for space, and Lawn Fawn's Critters on the Savannah for sunset. If you're using clear stamps you will need stamp blocks as well.
8. Adhesive we will use adhesive to assemble the pieces of cards. It is helpful to have a strong adhesive when adding layers. Jess uses and recommends Elizabeth Crafts double sided tape and Ranger Multi Medium Matte.
9. Coloring Medium Jess will share tips of coloring your critters with Copics and Prismacolor pencils however these tips are helpful for any alcohol markers or colored pencils. None of the background techniques require alcohol markers or colored pencils so you can choose just one or omit them altogether and use the watercolor to color the critters and the backgrounds.
10. Patterned Paper Patterned paper with be used for cutting our critters and borders but solid colored cardstock could be substituted as well. Jess will be using 6x6 patterned paper from Lawn Fawn including Let's Polka and Beach Side.
11. Fun Foam or Foam Tape When creating backgrounds there will be the option of adding dimension by popping up layers or elements on foam tape or using fun foam sheets.
12. Stamping Ink You will need ink to stamp your critters and your sentiments. My Favorite Things Black Licorice Hybrid Ink is highly recommended because it works well with alcohol markers and watercolors. There are many other great black ink choices as well. Verasfine ink is also highly recommended for stamping sentiments.