C.I. ~ Postcard Challenge: 5 pencils and a pen

While doodling around (as you do), I discovered this as a fun no-stress way to play around with color and layering and blending techniques. If you choose to make it so, it can be a great mindfulness exercise as well. I hope you'll give it a try and have fun with it. It's actually quite simple, and here are some step-by-step instructions:

Your Canvas:
Use a pre-made blank white/ivory postcard or white/ivory cardstock in any standard postcard mailable size of your choice up to 5"X7"

Your Tools: Choose ONE black pen and FIVE colored pencils. These will be your tools for creating your postcard. You may also want a pencil and eraser for planning your layout, but that's completely optional.

Your drawing:
Using your black pen, make a line drawing or simple design on your blank canvas. Zentangle, doodle, go angular and abstract, draw a picture, whatever. This doesn't need to be elaborate at all, as the focus will be on coloring in (like the group name says) ;) Feel free to use a stencil or trace something if it makes it less intimidating or you don't want to focus too much on this step.

Coloring in:
Using ONLY the five colored pencils you've chosen (you might want to put those others away so you don't accidentally grab one...hehe...), color in the design on the front of your postcard

The Challenge:
Try to include spots of each of the original colors as well as new colors you create by using them together in different ways.
This is a great opportunity to experiment with shading, blending, and layering colors. You may be surprised to see exactly how the amount of pressure and pigment you use and the order of layering colors (e.g. red over blue vs. blue over red, or even red over blue over purple)changes how they blend and what new colors they create.

The Aftermath:
You may want to reflect on any discoveries or techniques you liked/didn't like, write some notes to yourself, or make a photocopy, that's totally up to you. These things aren't required. Mainly, just have fun playing and experimenting with color.
What is Required: address the postcard to your partner, affix proper postage, and be sure to include your name, the name of the swap, and the 5 original colors you used in the message section of the postcard. Send your card "naked" (not in an envelope) through the mail to your partner by the swap deadline.

Please rate your partner promptly so s/he knows you've received the postcard.
It would be great if you'd leave a comment about their card on your rating or via PM, but that's not a technical requirement of the swap.

I've given extra time to complete and send your postcard due to the US independence day holiday and various summer activities and vacations keeping people busy, but this actually won't take long to complete. As it's sender's choice, you can get started even before partners are assigned.

Enjoy! Please feel free to contact me via PM with any questions or concerns. Thank you!