I bought a HUGE (51” x 10 yards!) roll of Arches watercolor paper.... now what?

In today’s video, I show you how I prepare sheets of watercolor paper from a giant roll of Arches 156 lb cold press. We take a tour of Old Portland craftsman style homes in my neighborhood and I sketch street scenes using a limited palette.
Thank you for clicking on this description! At the moment I uploaded this video, my subscriber count was 3248 people. Wow, that number still feels huge! Thank you for watching my videos and leaving delightful comments; it makes youtube so much fun.
There are amazon affiliate links sprinkled around in here. These are items that I have found to bring joy to my life and I hope they do the same for you. If you click on the link and actually buy something (anything!) from amazon, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you - and that helps to support this channel.
All music is from the youtube audio library.
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What I used in this video:
Arches watercolor paper, 156 lb, cold press: not available on amazon right now
Alvin cutting mat: amzn.to/448cyJU
Metal straight edge (ruler): amzn.to/3s6fyZH
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Favorite supplies that usually appear in my videos:
1. A porcelain plate or tray from the goodwill makes a great palette. So does a plastic lid from a yogurt container.
2. A used talenti ice cream cup is perfect for swish water; also a great way to buy art supplies when you “have to” eat the contents first.
3. A cheap Robert Simmons Expressions brush is perfect. The one I’m using here is an E85 Round, size 12. You can buy one at Blick Art.
4. I use a glass bottle that used to contain facial toner for my spray bottle. The toner was expensive, but it has a very pretty label. The spray is a fine mist and the bottle is the perfect size for using at home and also for taking out on location.
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What I use to film and edit my videos:
Small, flexible tripod with screw-on grippy attachment that holds my GoPro: amzn.to/3mEEGUU
Desk mount device that I use with the screw-on grippy attachment that came with my tripod - the desk mount (in combination with the grippy attachment) holds my GoPro 18-inches above my table: amzn.to/3L81XbK
Blue yeti microphone: amzn.to/3Fw1IE7
Lightning to USB Camera Adaptor - this is what I use to connect the blue yeti microphone to my ipad for voice over editing: amzn.to/3ZNxuUE
GoPro Hero10: amzn.to/3TFnvyU
It takes some getting used to, but for filming on hikes it is much better than using my iPhone.
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Instagram: kendra.lwebuga?...

[@cmumford1477]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I bought a giant roll of arches likely 30 years ago. In todays prices I must have got it for a song. It is still sitting in the box.... Seeing you cutting a section and then ironing it flat really helps so much. It is not so intimidating now. Wishing you the best over the next few months in your care giving journey. ❤

[@klwebuga]

Wow, 30 years ago! I hope you can now report that you’ve gotten it out and cut into it! :-) Thank you for your kind words.

[@Surai00]

I thought I was the only artist to spring for the 156 lb. I really wanted the largest sheet possible, so I ordered the same roll you have. I've done one 72"x51" painting - the full size of my drafting table. I learned that first day, this paper is stronger than you think! It absolutely demolished blue 3M tape after drying. I used gum tape the second time, which proceeded to tear off the table overnight, leaving my giant paper curled up on the floor. After that, I realized that you can paint it flat and it hardly warps unless you hose it down. Any size over 12x9" should have no trouble staying down for multiple washes. I like your "open invitations to paint" idea! One thing that always inspires me is to go to Goodwill, etc. Stock up on any nice frames i can get for under $6-8. Cut the sheet for the frame and then leave it up in my studio. Eventually, I'll picture something on the page, in the frame, and then I have a goal in mind and can begin my plans. Some photos just need an odd frame to make it perfect. Odd sized frames also inspire me to make funky crops on my photography and get some interesting compositions.

[@klwebuga]

Thank you for sharing! Wow, a 72” x 51” painting… just enormous! I love having that huge roll of paper because it behaves very much like 300lb watercolor paper in that I can scratch it and soak it without any problems. I also love your goodwill idea with frames. It’s also a great place for interesting still life objects and fun vessels that I use for putting art supplies in. I appreciate your comment - thanks for taking the time to reach out. :-)

[@SN-sz7kw]

Just found you - so wonderful! Really enjoying going through your past videos. Thank you. 💗

[@klwebuga]

Glad you like them!

[@larrymisiak915]

You have set yourself quite a task. Best wishes for a successful caregiving experience.

[@kath2142]

It's very helpful to see how you simply ironed your cut paper! I have a huge roll of Bockingford watercolor paper, and I have been avoiding the whole soaking/stretching thing I thought I had to do. I'm definitely going to cut it into usable sizes now. Thank you. And I hope your caregiving time isn't too stressful. ♥️

[@klwebuga]

Have you given it a try? The ironing, I mean. :-) Oh my gosh, soaking and stretching is something I’ve never tried although of course I’ve heard of it. I figured that with 100% cotton content, I could probably treat it the same way I treat my clothes.

[@kath2142]

@@klwebuga Yes, I tried cutting it into smaller pieces and steam ironing, them flattening with books. It sort of worked but not perfectly. I'll try it again when I have more time. It's very thick paper and has been rolled for awhile, so maybe I need do it twice. Thank you! 🙂

[@larrymisiak915]

Like your houses!

[@larrymisiak915]

I will look forward to your next video!

[@gwenritch]

Wow what a great price, I was thinking it was going to be super expensive. Your little paintings are wonderful. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@klwebuga]

Gwen, thank you for your kind words. Yes, it’s such great quality paper for a super duper reasonable price.

[@tijanaspasojevic4012]

Thank you for this video. I was wondering if you happen to know what the diameter of the roll is when rolled up? I am planning a trip where I want to get a roll since where I’m from it’s not available but size is a limitation since I have to put it in an artists tube so the diameter is of great importance, unfortunately I haven’t been able to find this info online. Thanks again.

[@larrymisiak915]

Wondering how your caregiving challenge is going! Wishing you the best. Your “Shorts” are well done.,

[@klwebuga]

Hi Larry! Thanks for checking in on me! I’m almost finished editing my newest video; continuing along with the vignettes of Old Portland houses. :-)

[@Pebblesmas]

What a great idea!! Never thought u could buy such a roll in Holland, but YOU CAN... i am amazed... I first will use all yhe papee i have... But will than think of this.. Thx 4 this great idea, in holland such a roll is 174 euros👍. And you... Enjoy!!!!

[@klwebuga]

Thank you for your kind words!