Blending Paint by Numbers PBN the Easiest Way Possible Using the One-Stroke Method Part 1| Melanie B

[@lucycarlsen8671]

Bless you please don't feel pressured to post videos when you feel unwell it sounds like you have covid symptoms so please please take your time, rest up, we will still be here when your better x I'm waiting for my first order.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you so much. I’ve been resting a lot this week, and it definitely seems to help. I have been trying to stay busy, and I knew everyone was waiting for these videos, so my conscience wouldn’t let me lay around too much...☺️. I hope you love your first PBN! Join the group if you haven’t already! 🤗

[@lucycarlsen8671]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio haha I've actually ordered 3 from Victorias moon... Should keep me busy for a while!

[@allenthompson4246]

Blending really makes it look like a regular painting, Thank you. I will try it on my next paint by number. :)

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I’m so glad this video helped! Blending is such a game-changer for paint by numbers, and it’s amazing how it takes it to the next level. ☺️❤️ I have many other videos on blending in my Playlist here that might also help ☺️: kzbin.info/aero/PL-QwHEM8yi2wjVr0EyxpKpr2chN4wTrpH&si=Io_pUSqXW7uxOnac

[@Rebelmusedesign]

This is the best technique I’ve seen. Thank you.❤

[@michelesalazar3397]

Finally! A blending technique I understand. Thank you!🎉

[@donnacollier8517]

Amazing!!! Cannot wait to try it You are the Bob Ross of PBN!!!!@

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Now THAT is an amazing compliment! 🥰❤️

[@lindakoby2532]

I just started doing PBN's and love watching your videos for tips. Thank you so much for your time. I have subscribed to your channel and will be watching many of your tutorials.

[@jonstuartjon3]

Excellent video!! Thank you for posting

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful!

[@waymire01]

By far the best way I've found to blend is to mix a tiny bit of both shades on the brush (dip in one, stroke it onto a spot on the palette, dip in the next, mix.. don't try to dip in both without removing most of the paint onto the palette, it will transfer into your pot and contaminate your paint) and then simply painting the line between the sections I want blended. This works for the tiniest or largest spaces, just use an appropriate sized brush. If you want a very smooth blend, say for a sky, you can do the same thing with a weighted mix (2 parts one color, 1 part the other) and just stroke both sides of the 50/50 line to blow it out further. Be careful with black.. often it is too strong for a 50/50 blend and you will only need a tiny amount. Be sure to finish your painting first, you want to be selective with your blending don't just blend everything.. it can affect your focal point and distance, making your finished product "flat". This also ensures you have enough paint, it's much less noticeable if you have to custom mix a blending color than a base color for a large area of your painting. Also remember paint by number is an impressionistic media so step back at least three feet when making your decisions.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for your vast knowledge on the subject. I’m very aware of this kind of blending, but this video is about a blending topic that had not been discussed on other videos. In addition, I will be two other blending videos soon (I hope). Thank you for the feedback.

[@JustBeYouooh]

Yeah I though if that too! Mix the 2 colours and then paint the line between the 2 colours on the canvas

[@gamemasterTP]

I'm waiting for my first paint-by-number kit to come in the mail and I've been watching your videos a ton! I'm learning a ton, thanks a bunch for your tips! Rest up by the way, don't want you getting too sick!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for watching my videos! A lot of folks really think the tips help, so it makes me feel good that all the little things I’ve figured out along the way are helping others too! I can’t wait for you to start you first PBN!

[@rebeccamoore4177]

Fantastic!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you 🥰!! This is such a simple technique that I use it for 90% of my blending. You can modify it by changing the size of the chisel brush to fit the areas you need to work on.

[@irishuang7246]

Learned a lot of techniques from you before I start my very first PBN! I felt very bad when I heard your voice in this video (3 months ago). I hope you are fully recovered by now! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, Melanie! Stay safe and take care!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Iris Huang it’s funny that you mentioned my voice, because today I sounded exactly the same. I’ve had a minor sore throat, headache, cough & congestion with fever. I don’t feel sick though...like lethargic, so I wonder if it’s some kind of laryngitis or something. Either way, thank you for being concerned for me. 🥰 I’m so happy to hear my videos are helping!

[@yvonneadrian734]

I so remember this technique way back when I tole painted. I think I may give paint by numbers a try. Thanks for the video,

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It is a handy technique for all kinds of painting, isn’t it? And the best part about paint by numbers is you only have to be as creative as you want to be.

[@foxyred2016]

This is so helpful! My first order of paint by number is being delivered this Thursday! I'm so so so excited to try everything that I've learned from you! 😊

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yay!! I’m excited for you to get started! ❤️❤️❤️

[@samsal420]

OMG I loved Donna Dewberry's techniques!! I used to try to paint like 25 plus years ago and she was my idol back then!! I am a "crafter" like yourself... I like to do all kinds of crafts. Quilting by hand, crochet, macrame, jewelry making, origami, rainbow loom, diamond painting, growing african violets... the list goes on! I'm so glad I found your channel!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

SAME! This is still the best blending technique. She is a genius!

[@sakinheart6220]

This is great advice.. I can't believe I have learned so much from your video and I haven't started in my painting by number yet.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

sakin heart that is exactly what I was hoping my videos would do. I wanted to include the things I wish I had known when I started. Be sure to join the Facebook group, if you haven’t already. I have some great members who are very helpful, and we all love to share our artwork. ☺️

[@cherylhartley4613]

OMG, Donna Dewberry!!! I haven't heard that name in so long! I used to do folk art painting in 2000 and that was the technique that they taught. I miss painting but don't feel I have the time to deal with the transfers and mixing paints, and basically teaching myself how to do all those techniques again, so I've ordered my first PBN canvas. I'm watching all of your videos while I wait for my kits to arrive.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That’s a great way to pass the time! 😬 And I’m with you...I did the Donna Dewberry painting in the late 90’s, early 2000’s. Crazy that it’s been that long, but that technique is still fabulous and works perfectly for blending!!

[@rinkygiri8968]

Thank you for this amazing video!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You are welcome! I hope you find it helpful in your next project!

[@nomadoftheuniverse]

This is really useful, thank you! Hope you are better.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That was last March/April, and although the COVID test was negative, I’m 100% sure that’s what I had. It hit me again several times throughout the year, but I am so happy that I was able to shake whatever was going on finally. Trying to record with no voice is impossible. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@juliel-h2376]

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. I'd lost interest in my PBN until I watched your shows. Now I know I was using the wrong brushes and using paint without flow aid (and water), no wonder I was having problems with the tiny areas. So... after a visit to amazon, I can't wait for my new brushes, etc. And to use all your tips and advice.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I am so happy to hear this kind of feedback!! I was the exact same way as you. I did a few paintings, and I loved it, but I was discouraged with the crappy paints and lack of coverage. Everything I’ve learned along the way has been a game-changer, and now I am PASSIONATE about my painting sessions...instead of dreading them.

[@icaruskyy]

This helps me a lot and saves me from ruining my PBN. Thank you so much for doing this! It means a lot

[@dawnwilley6464]

Just wanted to comment that I have purchased several PBN from Pink Picasso. Three before Christmas of 2019 which came within a week, and another one was purchased in early August 2020 and I was amazed to receive it within 2 weeks. So that should eliminate any doubts about their reliability. I also ordered their 21.00 hanging option (which seemed ridiculously expensive at the time, but when I received it, it made hanging my unframed canvas so simple, that I ordered another one for my son who was starting out in PBN. He is 30 and found PBN a fantastic way to relax during quarantine.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I think Pink Picasso uses a similar frame to the one I discussed in a video recently. It was so easy and I LOVE the simplicity of it. Amazon sells them for about $14...depending on the size. This is that video. Maybe you can watch it and lmk if it is the same concept. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHvcaX6pn96Ze6s And I know you have probably seen the gorgeous new kits they have added. I’m trying soooo hard to try to refrain from buying 2-3 of them!

[@marcelade8a]

Thank you very much!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I hope you found this helpful! 😊

[@JO-er7vj]

Thanks for sharing.

[@annasharma5032]

Take care of yourself .. virtual hugs and love ❤️ ❤️

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you! 🥰 I’m fairly certain I had COVID, but my test was negative. I coughed and felt horrible for two months. This was back in March & April, and I went through the same thing again at Christmastime. If it wasn’t COVID, I’m not sure what it was. It was horrible. Thankfully, it passed!

[@wendybabendy]

I do my own nails and this is called "ombre" - many nail artists use this exact technique to achieve the same concept. Excellent work, btw - beautifully done

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

When I got married two and half years ago, I had ombre done to my nails. The tech did a HORRIBLE job and cut my nails so short, that the entire look was ruined. I have done my own gel nails since 2012, and after that horrendous experience, I decided I'll keep doing them. Lol! I add Color Street nail strips over the top for accent nails, and then put a layer of gel top coat on top. That is how I get them to stay strong.

[@JustBeYouooh]

Which one?

[@lindadonnelly6443]

Melanie you are an incredible teacher. Love your work. I just started to become interested paint by number, I work with other mediums with my own creations. So today is June 5 and I became worried that you mentioned you had a cough that lasted quite awhile and now you have a fever? Please get tested for Covid-19.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Linda Donnelly thank you so much! I love making videos and sharing the information I’ve learned. You just made my day! 🥰 I do all kinds of other mediums, as well, but I love PBN because I can let my brain have some downtime. I don’t have to be “creative”, because honestly, I’m just too tired sometimes. 🥴 I did get tested back when it was bad, and it came back negative. The doctors said there was a chance of 30% false negative, so they treated me with medications as if I had it. I felt better within a few days. 🙏

[@pantalonious3984]

My gosh you sound like you just need to rest and get well!! Please make sure to DO that!! We can all wait for you to heal up!!! No matter how excited we may be we CAN wait and will!!!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I recorded this video in late April, early May, so I am good now. That was no fun, and I was tested for COVID-19, but it came back negative. I was told 30% of the results are false negatives, so they treated me as if I had it. Thank you for your concern and thoughtfulness! 🥰🥰🥰

[@solangepichot8694]

Merci 👏👏🖌😍

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

De rien! 😊

[@lisalohr9893]

I struggle with having to paint every area twice. I can do a great, precise job the first coat and it looks great except I can see the number and the paint is too thin. Then the second coat is never as good (precise), probably because the area is now darker with paint and I can’t see the edges as well. I’ve ordered clear gesso and hope that will help me not have to paint the whole thing twice...or more! Thank you for making these videos. They’re very helpful.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you for that feedback. I had the same problem on my first few paintings, and clear gesso and Flow-Aid have been a game-changer!

[@rjadams6380]

What are those mounting board things you use? I thought I was crazy because I wanted to work on more than one thing just depending on what I felt like and using those boards is such a good solution as opposed to having just the stretch canvases and also for storage after I may not want to hang some thing but I don’t want to get rid of it necessarily

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I have several videos for dry mounting methods, but my favorite is the super easy self-adhesive foam board from Amazon. I have a link in the description for them in this video here and how to mount to them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIvaqZeJrqhqfdE

[@CARLA19822]

Thank you for all the tips and explanations. I’ve learned so much. I bought a bunch of things from your links in another video. Thank you (even though you sounded so uncomfortable, sounded painful :(

[@nancy18901]

Great video - thank you!!! Any tips for magnifying devices to help seeing small details? Having trouble with my middle aged eyesight... :)

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I know there are some members on my group that have been talking about these types of things. I am a fan of Ott Lite with the magnifier, but some are using those magnifying glasses with the light on top and loving it! I believe they are finding them at Amazon, like this one: amzn.to/2C42uun This is another popular idea: amzn.to/3iN1L1f Ott Lite has some options, but this one gives you a floor lamp and a magnifier too. amzn.to/2W95TyO I hope these gives you some options!

[@nancy18901]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio thank you! These options are super helpful!!!

[@marlacapps5434]

I’m so glad I found your videos! Thank you I have a question, I do not have a white sharpie. Can I use white acrylic paint instead?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Yes, you sure can!

[@JustBeYouooh]

How about outlining the section your painting with the 2 colours,barely touching , then with a clean brush sweep down in between the 2 colours..also, when you did the zigzag method, I couldn’t tell if you were doing a zig zag or little lines one way with one colour and the other colour in between the lines in the opposite direction

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I am demonstrating “The One Stroke Method”…where you pick up both colors and apply “one stroke” to get the best blending at one time. The purpose is to try to simplify the blending process for viewers who feel they do not have a background in art or who feel intimidated by blending. This is the most simplistic approach to creating variations of gradients and by adding extra strokes to the demonstration, I would be defeating the purpose of trying to keep it simple for the audience. I have a saying I use in half of my more recent videos…”You do you, Boo-Boo.”, which means you take what I show in my videos and make it your own. I only demonstrate my way…not the only way. I record these videos to try and give people the confidence they need to try something new and to relax and enjoy the process…not for those who are already stressed at the idea of attempting to blend for the first time to overthink it.

[@Makirio]

I hope you're feeling better! Can you please do a blending video on a painting that has a lot of detail - maybe one that has a scenery.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That is actually on my “to do” list!

[@appleknocker56]

Yes, please get better & your blending already has taught me how to soften up some of the backgrounds but like you mentioned some places you don’t want lots of that kind so enjoying them & learning lots to practice when get mine! Ty

[@rominaborawake3369]

Beautiful. Thanks a ton for putting this up althoug u r unwell. Hope u r getting better. A suggestion, i wish the subtitles were not there as yr hand was being covered all the time and was a struggle to see. Thanks once again. Get well soon

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You can turn off captioning. It’s a setting you have to turn on or off on your side. I don’t put the subtitles on the videos...KZbin does that.

[@bethany1900]

I have just ordered 3 kits, and the clear gesso and flow-aid. thank you so much for all of your videos they're so helpful! what do you do with your paintings when you're finished as they're big and i cant think how to store them x

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I am going through a lawsuit with my sister over my home of 20 years, so I haven’t hung any of my finished pieces yet. If the courts decide I get to keep my home, I will be framing or stretching them and hanging them. My mom wanted the first three I finished, so I gave her those. If my kids or grandkids want them, I’ll give them to them. I do paint by numbers and diamond paintings for “zen therapy” mostly. I just enjoy the process.

[@bethany1900]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio oh wow I hope it all works out for you. Nice to give them to your mum. Hopefully I will be able to find the zen too when mine arrive x

[@juliec5309]

Hi. What do you do in a case where I have a tuscan scene with buildings that have multiple small and very different colors adjacent to each other. Do you blend these as well or leave the stark contrast?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

No, I wouldn’t blend them. Buildings are separate units, so I treat each of them that way. Also, when you have small areas (like flowers, sky, landscape), you usually don’t even need to blend if you view it from a few feet back like we should always do from 3 feet back. I hope this explanation helps!

[@54prairierose619]

Hi, does thi method work for faces too? I’m doing a custom family picture PBN and this seems the easiest method to blend. I am not an artist but am trying to do this to surprise my husband for our anniversary in July. Also what size chisel brush do you recommend? Is there a one size fits all for this or shoul get several sizes?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I use several sizes of chisel brushes, from large to very small, and I think I list those in the description below the video. Also for faces and skin, this video is one I did specifically for that...kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nHdmB5eqmEm9E It combines another technique and the “one-stroke” blending in this video to create smooth transitions.

[@54prairierose619]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio thank you, I did watch the other video that you mentioned but the brush was very small and I had a hard time seeing and understanding what you were doing with it to blend the lines together. Were you making little X's like cross stitch?

[@tashalopez6252]

Thank you so much for this video. But please get some rest “/ you don’t sound so good. Hope you feel better! Much love

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

That video was from early May, so thankfully soon after I was doing much better. Thank you!! 😊

[@NANAB1950]

Thanks. Am new at this. Do you blend everywhere or just certain areas? It seems really time consuming

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

It is very time-consuming, but it definitely is not required! I always look at my paintings from a few feet back and judge what may or may not need work. Blending is a completely optional step. 😊

[@NANAB1950]

How do you decide what areas to blend? Do you do everything?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I put the painting up on a wall or look at it from a distance, and then I decide what needs it. I think I said in this video too, that I use the original photo from the website to see if the painting had any sections blended. That always helps too!

[@martinapaluselli8778]

hey just a question because i didn't understand because I don't speak English... would you do this when the color is already dry and then you go over with this method or when they are both wet? Thank you, hope you are well now

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

You can do it either way...I did it after the painting was finished and dry.

[@ravenreadingliterature]

Thank you for this video! Do you recommend blending as you go or to do all of the numbers at once and go back and blend? Also, feel better soon!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you! I’ve been resting a lot! I can’t remember which visor I said it in...Part 1 or Part 2 🤔...but I personally like to hold off until I’m done with the painting. Sometimes you don’t need as much blending as you think. I also like to make sure I have enough paint left over, because if I blend as I go, I may use too much and run out before I finish my painting. That’s just my way, but I know a lot of people blend as they go.

[@ravenreadingliterature]

Thank you for responding! 💓

[@eepruls]

Great help. Thank you! Did you get tested for Covid? Those are severe symptoms that if my staff had, they'd be off for testing! Hope you got better!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I did get tested, and it came by negative 🤷🏻‍♀️. I’m almost positive I had Covid though. I was sick almost two months, and the tests were less accurate then than now, and there is still a 30% failure rate. I have coughed on and off all year...as if I was relapsing. In December we got sick again, and I was tested the first day I started feeling bad...because my husband had been sick for two days. They tested way too early, but we both felt horrible for almost two weeks. Hubby had a flu shot, so we don’t think it was the flu. Either way, the pandemic has created paranoia in me. 😂 Now every time I get a sniffle 🤧, I’m wondering if it’s Covid. 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@eepruls]

@@MelanieBsCreativeStudio That sucks. I have a friend who has a family member who got it and even after isolating and getting over it they still can't smell or taste anything months after. Everyone reacts differently. Glad to hear you're better than in this video! I thought you were about to cry a few times since your voice was breaking. I'm really enjoying your videos by the way. I just found you this week. Great job!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

@@eepruls thank you so much!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@connierouse1021]

How do you know the numbers if it's already painted?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I use my swatches that I make on my swatch guide. You don’t have to use my digital swatch guide, but if you swatch your paints before you start your kit, it will help you with a lot of time saving later. I’ll link you to what I’m talking about that may help explain what I mean. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2S2lmSkaLSVn68

[@yazosoyo]

Mmm, I hope you are feeling better now! I am an absolute beginner and I did not really understand the zigzag technique because it was really fast... it would be great if you could do a slower explanation, maybe with a zoom in?

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I probably should do a better explanation of that. The only reason I didn’t is because someone has a video that explains it very well, and so I focused on the one-stroke method. I’ll add that idea to my video to-do list!

[@yazosoyo]

Melanie B’s Creative Studio I did see another video, but I turned to you for a better and more visible explanation. I’m doing my swatches just like you marvelously explained in another video! I do have another question about brushes. What type of brushes do you recommend for larger areas? My guess is not the petite round brushes 😉

[@ILoveMaltese]

I can't find the links to your recommendations.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Here is where you can find that info.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnSzZJ6hq5h5atk

[@jeannemccormick3137]

Get some rest. Take care of yourself. Thank you for the video!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you! My voice definitely sounds better in Part 2! 😂

[@lisacoley69446]

What is the name of this painting and who can I order it from? 😊

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

PaintPlot.com, and I thought I had it in the description. 🤦‍♀️ I will make sure I add that information for future reference. ☺️

[@velociraptorgames7703]

Get well soon

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

Thank you! This was from last March or April 2020, ︅and I developed mild asthma and severe allergies from whatever it was that I had during that time. The test was negative for Covid, but I’m about 100% positive it was a false negative test. Every six weeks or so I go through a month of asthma and allergies since that time. It’s bizarre, but I so appreciate your concern and thoughtfulness! 🥰

[@Gotteskind17]

❤🇧🇷

[@69SPACERAT]

Thanks for the videos you made on all the paint by numbers. I'm just waiting for my first kit to arrive, but have also ordered some extra bits of kit as recommended by you. Please rest up and take it easy as you don't sounds so well, your subscribers will still be here when your feeling better.

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I know...I sounded horrible in the first video, but I have my voice back for now. Thank you so much for your concern and compassion! I’ve been resting a lot this week, so I can get back to recording more next week. ☺️

[@yvonneadrian734]

Where did you order your kit from? Seems so many companies but would prefer US to help out small businesses.

[@69SPACERAT]

@@yvonneadrian734 Hi Yvonne, I live in the UK so I've ordered from victoriasmoon.uk/. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@TERESABELINDE]

Hope it wasnt covid !!

[@MelanieBsCreativeStudio]

I tested negative, but then I learned there was a 30% chance of a false negative. My doctors put me on the meds I would have been given if I had tested positive, and that seemed to work. If it wasn’t Covid, I don’t know what it was. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thank you for being concerned 🥰!