Have you ever tried ‘Bokeh’ on your cards (and here’s a hint…. it’s not a dance)?
Well, if it’s not a dance, then what is it? Bokeh, literally means ‘blur’ in Japanese and this term is used to describe the soft ‘out of focus’ look, particularly, in backgrounds in photography…. but it’s beauty can be used in both art and on our cards too! Maybe, we can dance later.
I was recently on holidays and took minimal supplies with me. I used the Altenew Watercolor Coloring Book and my Woodless Watercolor Pencils to do some colouring. But, I didn’t like how the background looked so, I decided to play!
It’s been an age since I used the Bokeh effect on a card and I knew that splatters just weren’t going to do it for me.
Firstly, I did try to’dab’ off circles with a damp sponge but it just didn’t work, and maybe it’s because I used the pencil layer first. So, I had to wait until I returned home to my Watercolor paints to finish the project.
To create the ‘light’ coloured circles in the background I did reverse colouring before I added the other layers. You can see the process in the video linked below.
You can see my video here or Watch it in HD at YouTube right HERE.
There are many ways to add Bokeh layers to a design, here are just a few,
- Masking Fluid (don’t paint the background until the fluid is dry and remove the fluid very gently after the paint has dried) or draw circles onto the base cardstock and colour around them so they remain white.
- Lift Wet paint with cotton wool (be careful not to oversaturate the paper it may lead to pilling)
- Stencil (either blend or paint through a stencil)
- Add White Paint
- Why not try some different coloured Bokeh dots to match your project.
I can’t wait to see if you try some Bokeh on your designs. And if you do, I’d love you to tag me so I can see what you create! Happy papercrafting,
Other Supplies: Urban Artist Stencil – Circles / Woodless Watercolor Pencils – Lavender Fields / Ultramarine / Moss / Grass Green / Fresh Lemon / Yellow Ochre / Jet Black / Dew Drops (background colour)
 Neenah Solar 110 SSS | AUZ | EH |  Watercolor Coloring Book ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Casual Greetings EH |  Casual Greetings Die EH |
 Watercolor Pencils ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |  Artists Watercolor 24 Pan Set ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |  Watercolor Brushes Round ALT | SSS | AUZ |  Medium Palette ALT | SSS |
 Nocturne SSS | AUZ | EH |  Unicorn White SSS | EH |  Silver 12 AUZ | EH |  Chinese White OTH |
 Dance Cloud OTH |  Sharpie Paint Pen OTH |  Scissors SSS | AUZ | EH |  Bone Folder Altenew ALT | SSS | AUZ | EH |
 Cutting Mat ALT | SSS |  Mini Score Board SSS | AUZ | EH |  Gemini Junior SSS | AUZ | EH |  Turntable OTH |
 Paper Trimmer SSS | EH |  ATG SSS | AUZ | EH |  Foam Squares SSS | EH |  Painters Tape SSS | EH |
The extra detail of the bokeh effect looks great but I don’t think I could pull it off so effectively!!
I would say that this was a definite success!
So glad you liked it Marti!
Glad you like it Steph, it was fun to change it up a bit!
You’ve gone all mixed media! I love the Bokeh, especially after you added the second colour over the stencilling. It was worth all the effort.
I know right! Me + Mixed Media = scary lol.
Beautiful card! I love the Bokeh background!
So happy that you like it Shari!
I absolutely love the Bokeh background that you completed for this flower. It added so much depth and made that flower Pop!
I’m very happy that you like it Barbara, it was such fun to create!
I think this turned out so lovely, your coloring of the flowers is stunning! I love your work!
You are so sweet, thank you Michelle!
Really fun, Therese!
=]
Yay! Thanks Michele!
I think the bokeh is gorgeous!! No way could I do that with the outcome you had, but I sure enjoyed watching you work on it!!
Thanks so much Elizabeth, it was fun to do!
Great Photography trick! I never really seen it used on cards before! Beautiful!
Thanks so much Theresa, it’s a fun technique to do!
What magic adding the bokeh. I really liked the first too; but when you compared the two card fronts what a difference the bokeh effect made. The flowers took center stage and the colors just seemed to pop more. You are a genius! Your videos are always such fun and I always learn something new.
You are the best Mary, thanks so much!
Love the second card with the bokeh added! Your cards are always beautiful and I love watching your videos, I learn so much!
So glad you like it Patricia, it was such fun to do!
Holy moly, that is stunning! I can’t wait to watch to see how you did this!
Thank you Lisa x
The bokeh is really pretty. It really made the floral stand out. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you so much Karen x
Your Bokeh gives the focal flower more of a 3-D look….LOVELY!!! TFS!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Thank you Jan, I enjoyed it too!
I felt I learned about Bokeh but I feel at the same time that I am not getting that look as you explained it…Blurred background that gives focus to the flower. I like both cards and even prefer the brightness of the final version but it does not seem bokeh as you described it was achieved.
Maybe next time, I can explain it a little clearer. Glad you liked the card!
Therese this card is just so beautiful, I love this look though I am too chicken to try it. You make it look extremely easy, so easy I think you need to send to me to check it out personally. Totally made the card when you added the dots of colour, so very talented my friend ☺ï¸â˜ºï¸
Ooh, yes my friend, I’ve seen your colouring and I know you could do this… apparently the background is meant to be coloured first, who would’ve thought lol. Maybe that would help the anxiety lol.
I love the bokeh look its stunning a real piece of art and defo frame worthy.The addition of the white pen at the end really brings everything to life.Once again a fantastic video so enjoy your creative process.
Marie
yay! So happy that you like it Marie, it was fun just to change things up a bit!
Simply beautiful Therese. Love how you achieved such a great finish from something you weren’t happy with.
Thanks so much Ina
LOVE the color palette on this card and really like the Bokeh – on my “to try” list!