Watercoloring - Blending and Shading

Stampin' Up! recently put out a training video for demos regarding watercoloring. It was perfect timing because having just gotten my Watercolor Wonder Crayons (WWC) I was looking forward to trying new techniques with them. This video focused on blending colors to create different shading effects. The idea is to start with the lightest color and then darken edges which would appear darker with the light hitting them. Then you create a shadow effect with a complimentary color on the outside of image.

I tried these techniques with two different stamp sets. The set of WWC that I have are Rich Regals. So I did one image in blues, one in pink/red. I think they turned out pretty well for my first try. What do you think?

For this card, I used Bordering Blue for the lighter color and Ballet Blue/Brocade Blue for the blending/shading. For the outer shadow I used Night of Navy. I also finally got to use my Chunky Sprinkles glitter and my Sale-a-Bration Polytwill Certainly Celery Ribbon. Love them both!

The card recipe for my sock monkey includes:
Stamp Set: Sock Monkey
Cardstock: Kraft, Brocade Blue, Certainly Celery, Whisper White
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Chunky Sprinkles, Tombo Mono Adhesive, Stampin' Dimensionals, Polytwill Certainly Celery Ribbon, Mini Glue Dots

And for the second card. Yes, I know that I've used the Fifth Avenue Floral yet again but I LOVE it, and it's a great set for watercoloring, especially blending/shading. I used Regal Rose for the base color and Rose Red for the darker blending/shading. For the outer shadow of the rose, I used Brocade Blue. I also got inspiration to use various Designer Series Papers together on the same card from a stamping friend of mine. Finally, I think the Very Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware completes this card well :)

The card recipe for this Fifth Avenue Floral Card includes:
Stamp Set: Fifth Avenue Floral, Fresh Cuts
Cardstock: So Saffron, Parisian Breeze DSP (retired), Whisper White, Pretty in Pink
Ink: Basic Black, VersaMark
Accessories: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Aquapainter, Tag Corner Punch, Very Vanilla Hodgpodge Hardware, Silver Embossing Powder, Heat Tool

Hope you like these cards! Do you have any watercoloring tips/ideas? Be sure to share them! And don't forget, keep letting stamps bring out your creativity :)