• This type of pencil can be used in two basic ways. The first is as a dry pencil and the second is to lightly go over your dry pencil markings with a wet brush creating a watercolor effect.
  
  
• Use cotton swabs, paintbrush, sponge or water brush to wet your pencil marks to create the watercolor effect on dry paper. No matter what you use to apply the water make sure the item is damp and not dripping. Too much water and you lose control of the color.
  
  
• You can wet the paper you will use as your surface and then draw with pencils.
  
  
• To remove color from an area use a dry brush or sponge to dab away color.
  
  
• Another method of using the pencils is to shave pencil color onto paper and add water. To create your own customized colors just mix different shavings together
  
  
• To achieve blending, layer colors on your paper/surface and then add touches of water to blend into watercolor effect. Shading is achieved in this same manner.
  
  
• Flicking a wet brush over pencil tip onto your paper creates splatter effects.
  
  
• To add variety to color and to add texture stroke pencils in crosshatches.
  
  
• To even tones or smooth texture rub finished work with cotton swab or cone.
  
  
• Keep a drawing pad or drawing journal handy. Practice strokes and pressure with pencils. Keep a color chart at the front or back of this book for your handy reference.
  
  
• 140lb watercolor paper is recommended for watercoloring, but experiment with all weights and textures of paper.
  
  
• If using ink with your watercolor pencils, the ink is used first and must be permanent ink. Don’t forget to seal the finished design with a spray sealer to protect it.
  
  
• Store your watercolor pencils dry.
  
  

Maria Nerius is a Professional Crafter, Author, and Contributing Writer and Columnist to industry trade journal, Craftrends.