Distress Markers & Crayons Demonstration Class

Last Wednesday evening during Open Studio, Creative Team Member Jill Metz offered a demonstration of Tim Holtz Distress Markers and Distress Crayons.  The participants were in for a real treat - - not only did Jill offer a demonstration of the products, but a complete project walk-thru using the markers and crayons!  Just look at some of the gorgeous creations made during the demonstration below.

Want to learn more about the steps taken to create these fun oversized puzzle piece creations?  Keep reading!

​Step 1: Make vertical lines using a black Distress Crayon on the lower portion of the puzzle piece.  The creaminess of the Distress Crayons is really nice and you can get bold lines with the crayon.

​Step 2: Using four Distress Markers (Jill recommends a palette of 2 warm and 1 cool colors + 1 green) draw flowers and leaves/vines using the black lines as stems.  

​Step 3: "Activate" your flowers by adding water with a paintbrush.  In the picture below no additional pigment/marker was added.  The lighter pink that fills in the flower blossom is from the water activating the Distress Marker used to draw the petals.  

​Step 4: Continue to activate your flowers, leaves and stems with water.  Play with it and have fun.  Add pigment with markers as desired.

Step 5: Add highlights to your flowers and leaves with a white Distress Crayon.​

Step 6: Add pattern to the bottom section of your creation and activate with water.  Keep repeating this step until you have a look you enjoy.

Step 7: Outline the flowers and leaves using a black permanent marker.  This step, despite being a little scary to complete, definitely makes your artwork POP!  Tip: hold your marker with the side of the nib touching the surface and sort of roll it.  This will help achieve more of a scribble effect and lighter lines.  

Step 8: Add additional white highlights with white Distress Crayon or acrylic paint for a bolder look.

Step 9: Add a message or typography element to your artwork.  Tim Holtz's Chitchat stickers are great for this.

Easy, right?  Now grab some Distress Markers and Crayons and get to creating!  Be sure to share your creations on our Facebook page or on Instagram with #paletteandpapercreation because we would love to see!

Keep an eye on our Calendar and Events page for notifications of future demonstrations and classes.