Video: How To No-Line Color with Contour Ink

Welcome back everyone! Mindy here with you today to show you how to use the new Hero Arts Contour Ink for no-line coloring. 

If you are not familiar with no-line coloring, it simply means that your images are stamped in a light color of ink and as you color the image in your favorite medium, the lines of the image seem to disappear. 

This technique is very beautiful but can also be intimidating. In my video, I'm sharing some tips on how to overcome that fear and embrace the no-line coloring.

(If you are having trouble viewing this video, please watch HERE on YouTube.)

The Hero Florals Lotus stamp set is a great image to start with. There are some nice open petals and when it comes to coloring florals, you really can't go wrong because nothing is exactly the same in nature.

I stamped the lotus flower and lily pad onto Dove White cardstock with the Contour Ink. The first impression was very light, too light for my troubled eyes, so I stamped over it 2 more times. It is still a light color but not so dark that it will be seen after I'm finished coloring. 

I'm using Copic markers to color my image today but watercolors or colored pencils also work well with the Contour Ink. I'm sharing a Copic technique in the video that really helped me with the transition of colors on the petals.

When working with no-line coloring I encourage you to keep going, even if you think it's not looking right. When all the coloring is done, you will be amazed at how the image pulls together.

I also feel you have a little more freedom with the Contour Ink because there are no barriers like when stamped in a black ink. If you go outside of the lines, no one will ever notice because they won't be able to see the lines once finished.

I used the coordinating dies to cut out my images but you could also mask the images to create a one layer card.

You can also use the Contour Ink to add subtle interest to your background, which is what I did here using the Script Background Bold Prints stamp.

I die cut the background using the Nesting Rectangle Infinity Dies and added to a card base created from Meadow cardstock. I chose the Meadow for my base to pull the green of the lily pad out a little more. 

I finished off the card with a simple die cut sentiment. The "Thanks" is from the Happy Thanks Stamp & Cut XL die cut from Holographic cardstock and adhered to the front with foam tape. 

I hope you enjoyed today's inspiration and will give this technique a try! Thanks for stopping by! 

Click on products to shop:

AF468 Contour Ink Pad - Hero Arts
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SB271 Hero Florals Lotus Combo - Hero...
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CG830 Script Bold Prints - Hero Arts
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DC282 Happy Thanks Stamp & Cut XL -...
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DI198 Nesting Rectangle Infinity Dies...
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PS328 Hero Hues Premium Cardstock...
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PS325 Hero Hues Dove white - Hero Arts
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  • Henriëtte

    Stunning card Mindy, I love your gorgeous colouring and the beautiful colours.
    Thank you so much for sharing, stay safe and have a wondeful weekend.

  • Suzanne Hebb

    You really inspired me to try this…….. I love the tip on the “flicking!” and coloring upside down I saw this card at first I thought WOW I could never do this, but you inspired me to try Thank You SUE

  • Linda Price

    Can’t help it…I’m intimidated by no-line coloring. (And copic coloring in general-LOL) but your video was informative and helpful, and the result was beautiful so you’ve inspired me to keep trying. I think the contour in is a winner. Thanks for sharing.

  • Debbi Gleason

    Very pretty card. What were you using instead on your hand to apply pressure to the MISTI on the second and third stamping with the contour ink?

  • Patricia Wilson

    Just lovely, a simple but elegant card. Thanks for sharing your tips.