Painting on 400lb Watercolor Paper - Worth It?

This is the third video in a series of four - discussing different elements of watercolor paper. In this video, we will be learning about how paper weight can effect how you paint and your final illustration! Enjoy!
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[@drewconrad3934]

400lb paper? Did you mean *log of wood*

[@bibibutten]

Drew Conrad I loved this comment sm . Made my laugh so hard 👍

[@tairneanaich]

I legit did that for my HSC major work 😂

[@stonecat676]

lmao fr 😂😂

[@Woohchaiell]

LOLOL

[@corvidwyrm4113]

I don’t do watercolor, so I thought you meant some big ass piece of paper lol

[@echorey5501]

I do work with watercolor and I expected a large thick piece of paper

[@myteath]

Naw paper in general is measured like that. For example printer paper is about 20lb and standard sketch books for regular drawing is 60lb. It just has to do with how thick the paper is.

[@UniqueliAnimationsSN]

Samee lol

[@bobbieland6992]

Omg me to

[@stevebradley704]

It's measured in lbs per ream.

[@dareimagine7219]

I love heavier weight paper. Have you done a comparison between cotton rag paper and wood pulp paper at higher weights? Thanks for the videos.

[@thedavegoodman]

Dare Stevens cotton rocks pulp paper for sure

[@Nik.66]

I use 555lb arches cold pressed for my 40x30inch watercolours and it’s indestructible basically. I can’t go back lol

[@christinetempleton7657]

What? Really? 555# paper? Where have I been? Thanks.

[@MayBrox]

@@christinetempleton7657 The same place as me, I guess :D At the 300 paper shelf :D

[@aoutsky]

Jeez! These papers must be very expensive. I am sure they're worth it though.

[@alyr5348]

555?????? Mother of gods that sounds indestructible for sure

[@rubixcubii]

That's like a whole freaking tree

[@appleminte]

This was so informative, I'm so happy you tested the 4 of these against each other! I normally use 140 lb since I'm not too serious about watercolor, but could see the 300 being great for more finished pieces. Love the artwork you did by the way ^_^

[@helpme681]

My gosh, I love your videos!

[@le5052]

Omg! APPLEMINTE!! I love you vids!

[@melissabrowne1919]

Ummm anyone else thought by 400lb it was gonna be heavy like 400lb heavy

[@Arguing.With.Idiots.]

Not used to lb, here we use gsm.

[@KaseyWynne]

400 pounds is the weight of a full ream of that kind of paper.

[@gchungus]

I think the 400lb paper might be worth for like framed paintings. I'm guessing it's more expensive than the other ones?

[@ellenm7806]

FYI- 400# & " elephant size" sheets ARE the most expensive; putting aside certain other unusual handmade ( non-USA) brands as far as I've seen.. :)

[@heisamonster]

I don’t know what’s up with youtube’s search engine algorithm but I’ve been looking for new artist channels for all of 2019 and this is my first time seeing your videos! Exactly what I was looking for. Instant sub.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah! Welcome :D So glad you are here! :D

[@nogedoge]

The 400lbs paper made your painting look magical.

[@BrendaFOBRocks]

havent tried 400 pounds, but im in love with the 300 pounds paper! i work in a lot of layers, washes, and glazes, and my 140 pounds wasn't cutting it even when i taped it down. the 300 pound paper could handle my abuse lol, i need to try the 400 pounds now!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah - some of my painting do fine on 140lb - but I too had to make the switch to 300lb for my more watery painting :)

[@joannahigginsartenchantres1902]

I can't even imagine painting on 90lb! 140 lb is barely enough for me. I got a 130 bl sketchbook and hate it. Thanks for doing this review.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah - I hate 90lb :P

[@jubbapalmer8495]

Works fine for me though I don't use an immense amount of water.

[@Ceares]

I like 90 pound for drawings and water soluble pencils/water color markers that I'm not using much water with.

[@debmarie55]

I use an old pad of 90# for doing color swatches, since I don't want to waste my good paper. I usually stick with 140# cold press, but I think I'm going to invest in some 300# because I do have a couple of project ideas I'd like to try on it. I may invest in a sheet of 400#, just to test it out, but I'm afraid that I'll be hooked!

[@dianeo]

I can't bring myself to pay $22 for a sheet of paper, even if I could get more than one painting from it (how big are those sheets?). But I am eager to try 300 paper because I'm so tired of the buckling!

[@lorijones9579]

A sheet of watercolor paper (some papers also come in rolls) is 22" x 30." You get (4) 11' x 15" sheets by cutting it down, which is the largest size I tend to paint on.

[@christinetempleton7657]

It's SO worth the money, if you want to go further in your Art. It buckles less and take paint, resist and brushwork better.

[@lorijones9579]

@@christinetempleton7657 I also recommend at least trying heavier paper. It's expensive, but Dick Blick lets you buy a single sheet. Try the 300 lb. first and see what you think. It's more affordable than the 400 lb. or higher. I do very well with 140 lb. paper, but it's nice to have something heavier around for more serious projects.

[@marenscott298]

Diane o, buy your paper online, Jerrys artarama, Blick art supplies and Cheap Joes sell Arches 300 at approx 13.50 a sheet. I only use Arches 300 lb and I only buy online, if you can buy ten sheets at a time, you save even more

[@UzumakiLea]

lol i just bought 30 sheets of 300g paper for 12 euro

[@Christinecampbellbaker]

Totally worth it. I have a hard time with 140lb. I was given some 400lb paper not knowing at the time, how expensive it is and I got spoiled. I think it's worth the money to buy the heavier paper.

[@lahonnarampton2977]

I started out on 300# years ago (when it was cheap). Now I use 140#, but am having to constantly change my techniques to fit the paper, and am never quite happy with the result. (I don't feel as free to explore) I would definitely try the 400# and higher. The one thing I have noticed is the heavier paper absorbs more paint, so one does need to accommodate for that. Thanks for this videoo

[@SheilaLandry]

You know, Carrie - I just showed my partner the jest of your video and when I first showed him the price of the 300 and 400 lb paper, he said: "That is insane!" BUT . . . I mentioned that decorative painters think nothing of painting on wood surfaces which cost $5 on the cheap end and up to hundreds of dollars - with the medium cost probably around $20-$25 per surface. Why not spend $5 or more on our watercolor paper, which is our surface for this medium? Again - thank you for the lovely video. I shared it with my Facebook painting group.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Thanks :) So glad it helped :D Also - GREAT POINT! :D

[@MayBrox]

Wait? What? They have a 400 paper? Ohhhh please take my money. I got to test this out :D Thank you SO much for this video :D

[@christinetempleton7657]

The commenter above says there is 555# watercolor paper. I'm shocked. I want some.

[@MayBrox]

@@christinetempleton7657 Amazing. I have to go hunting. Thank you for telling me Christine :D

[@driesketels]

They have a 400 a 600 an 800 and much more if you want too :)

[@jp8649]

Amazon accidentally sent me a block of 12x16 300lb Arches paper instead of the 9x12 pad of 140lb I ordered and I've been too scared to use it due to the price. This made me super eager to try it though. Your piece ended up so so so cute. I love the colors that you chose.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

TRY IT! :D You'll fall in love :D

[@griffinsonjupiter]

Did you have to pay the difference??? Bc if not, that is sooooo lucky!!

[@jp8649]

@@griffinsonjupiter They let me keep it!! I've had really terrific luck with Amazon customer service. They also refunded a package I had stolen a year or two ago and resent the complete order for free. Makes me feel bad for not wanting to shop there bc of the company owner.

[@debmarie55]

Oh, lucky you! I bet you didn't call them and say "hey, you made a mistake" LOL

[@Karla_Smith]

All around a lovely video and I've found the same results that you've mentioned here about the 140 lb paper that I'm using to learn water control and pigment load as I learn watercolor. I've not used 400 lb and just purchased a sheet of 300 lb so I will soon give them a test drive. Doing a series of artwork like you've done here is a way that is also good while learning all the fun watercolor techniques.... I love that I've found fun art to play with. Thanks for sharing this nice flowing example... Artfully yours, ~ Karla

[@BiancaElaineSilva]

Thank you, your videos are really helpful. I paint on 140lb paper, but I recently purchased 100% cotton from arches, and it made a world of difference

[@WaterColorMisfit]

I'm so glad! :D

[@sewcrazy423]

I practiced on 140 until I ordered 300. Woohoo, now that made such a difference. I'll have to try 400 now for finished paintings. It looked as if you were painting on the block instead of taped down. The darker edges showed up more on the 400 since it took longer to dry, would you recommend using less solution? I liked it.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah - I think that would have helped :)

[@nokiot9]

300+ is all I use. It’s worth not having to stretch and bind it. And it’s way more durable. No buckling at all if you get high grade arches or something. It’s worth the 45$ a sheet.

[@EM-ug8ud]

Thanks for this! Also aesthetic for DAYS, girl. That’s some eye ASMR ! Makes no sense but you know what I mean 😂

[@thedavegoodman]

140# paper that’s 100% cotton is way better than 140# normal paper. Maybe you could explore that too. Cool video! Subd for sure 😎

[@zahradraws3300]

Thank you for making this video, this is such a helpful study. The colors on the 300lb and 400lb drawings look so much smoother, especially compared to the 90lb

[@Kitten202021]

Haven’t tried anything but 140lb paper, but I can easily see when it’s time for me to move up from practicing on 140lb I will be moving to 300lb, it just works so much better. The slight warping is still far less then the warping on 140lb, and obviously far less than the 90lb. Thank you for this!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

You are welcome :)

[@rioreason]

Worth noting: Lbs is the weight in pounds of 500 sheets of paper (the sizes of which vary quite a bit, as rather large sheets are often cut down for various final products), and gsm is a more standard grams per square meter. Despite that, this was still very informative - and I’m impressed by the 400lb paper you found! And that bunny illustration is so sweet. I love the texture you created for the bark of the tree, and the cool color palette is so calming. Looks like something I’d have hung in my son’s nursery when he was a baby.

[@heidiholt4123]

Every time she says “like a dream” take a shot also thanks for the video it was actually really interesting.

[@george471]

I focused more on the project rather than the paper😅 I love the painting!!!!!

[@c.f.callier]

I loved this series, very informative. I like 90 lb for dry media but if I use any wet I definitely go to 140 lb. I've not tried anything higher but I've heard that 300 lb is awesome, now I will have to try it someday.

[@nicolettebautista681]

It took me half the video to realize that it was lbs not gsm. 😂🙈 300/400lbs sounds like a dream! I just use 140lbs/300gsm, but stretching helps a lot with warping. Also, the neat borders are super satisfying at the end. 👌🙏

[@kaeltv]

Beautiful colors! I just bought 300 cold press. Trying watercolor in my drawings

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Carrie, I am like you using 140Lb papers for years and years. I have only used 300Lb paper for extra large commissions. I have found the Saunders Waterford 200Lb paper is kinda like a soft press and it is wonderful for landscapes and good for any size painting! I have found blocks a real solution for lighter weight papers or even wood pulp papers just accept water and paints better if contained in block form. Yes, it is more expensive than sheets but without needing to stretch you can save time and time can mean more money for the Artist! Just enjoying your content I might have missed in the past.

[@BrokenAnguissette]

I recently used 300 lb 100% cotton paper for the first time, and it was a revelation! The amount of water it can handle and the extra long amount of time the paper and paint stays wet and workable is AMAZING!

[@snager80]

i never knew what those rubber brushes were for, until now

[@aham639]

farley pants some people use them like this but they’re made for clay

[@snager80]

@@aham639 that's what I was told, but it makes more sense to use them like this! i hope I didn't give the ones i had away!

[@mew_meow.]

I live in a small little town/city and there aren't alot of stores with art supplies so the only paper we've had is 90lb or if I'm lucky 140lb this is the only paper I've had so seeing this is really helpful especially since I mostly shop online and can't get some sort of sample for it

[@olgakozlova8984]

Beautiful video as well! I still didn't see watercolor paper 600g by arches in our city. Thanks for sharing this! With love from Saint Petersburg Russia ❤️

[@babadeedee214]

Excellent tutorial. I really learned a lot. You’re a wonderful instructor & your voice is lovely. Lest I forget to mention, your illustration was beautiful & whimsical. Thank you 😊👩🏻‍🎨

[@katieee_llyn]

I didn’t even know there was heavier watercolor paper beyond 140. Knowing now that there’s thicker ones, it’ll benefit me so much with my illustrations. Thank you!

[@loganplonski922]

The lightest paper I use is 93 lbs in my mixed-media sketchbook. I can't even imagine using 90 lb paper for a finished piece. 💀

[@wendyleger7304]

Holy Smokes!! Super helpful and love your video work! And, well, the whole thing was quite a learning experience for me. Thank You Miss Fit!

[@sherierodrigues1569]

Oh Carrie. Your art, what can I say. I love this. You are sooooo clever. Thanks for sharing. I am now going to sit here and look at all your other work. Maybe then I might be able to paint. Ha ha. Regards Sherie Rodrigues 🧡

[@UnknownAdolescent]

I'm in love with the piece you created in this video, I'd love to own a print of it! So beautiful

[@peeparoni8634]

i got an ad for your course halfway through watching your video :0

[@joannegrrl]

The 400lbs looks really amazing. I generally use 140lbs in blocks, usually Arches, which is good for most purposes, but I've started looking at 200lbs (Waterfords) and 300lbs (Arches) more. Not being a professional, I'd probably stick with 300lbs, but I may have to get 400lbs just for fun. As an aside, I just wanted to say that I really love your illustration style for animals. They're remarkably cute without being cartoony and they always manage to make me smile when I see them.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Thanks :) And you should totally try the 400lb! It was alot of fun! :D

[@Kats_Crap]

Take a shot every time she says "like a dream"😂😂

[@tia-8802]

Take a shot every time she says 'paper'!

[@tams7411]

An ad of yours came up on a video I was watching and I just wanted to say congratulations for getting an ad! ☺️

[@BakerImageGroup]

Love your videos! Your production value is some of the best I’ve seen from any channel.

[@maryanharrell5642]

That was very interesting! I have 300 lb. paper, but have never tried 400 lb. It looks wonderful. I may have to indulge in a sheet! Thanks for the informative video!

[@rl4424]

I absolutely loved your illustration. Great video. I also was very amused by everybody's comments. Thanks for the giggle.

[@angiewright-artist8246]

I've always wondered this and am happy you did this video!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah - so glad :D

[@cybermollusk]

And I learned you can apply masking fluid with a sculpting shaper! That was a cool tip to learn.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

That's great!

[@samfraulino]

I love 300lb, and would love to give this 400lb a try! Awesome video

[@jaynegarrity8621]

Wow,! What a difference Carrie, I suppose if you have the money you would choose the 300/400llb weight paper hands down all the time. Makes a massive difference to the quality of your paintings also like you discovered. X

[@jaquelinemythril2602]

I feel like that 400 lb paper would be really nice for printmaking using copper plates. ❤

[@nicholewade8233]

Ok...so you just rekindled my desire to try cold press again. Wow! I didn't know there were so many options and I love that the latter two did not really warp. Thanks!

[@marissaswinghammer3149]

I use 90 lb paper for making my own sketchbooks and swatching and 300lb for everything else. I got a bunch of both on sale and I’m super happy with them. My favourite sketchbook paper is a 90lb hot press paper.

[@sarahs5575]

Amazing video, thank you for doing the same painting on each and being so thorough with your review!

[@AyaSmith]

I’m about to try some 500lbs watercolor paper :)

[@hia_sop_]

140lb (300 gsm) already got me shook bc I'm only stuck w/ 90lb (200 gsm) and I can't access it unless I go to the art stores in rlly big cities but 400 lbs?!?! This was really helpful bc I'm planning to upgrade my paper

[@tylersmyler]

Thanks for this info! 22$ is actually a good price for a sheet of 400lb. I've seen them go for more than 60+ CAD. And they are actually hard to find.

[@SheilaLandry]

Thank you, Carrie! Very informative series.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

You are welcome :)

[@TheSpinDoctor]

400lb is pretty light tbh - you can get 560lb papers quite easily - and even heavier than that “papers” that are like a thick board with an ultra-rough surface that are a joy to paint on, as they can take an absolute beating. My usual choice is a 400-600lb paper tbh.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah - I've never seen anything higher than 400lb. I think it's because of where I live. But I would love to test out the even thicker papers :D

[@TheSpinDoctor]

Watercolor Misfit Jackson’s Eco line has a really heavy one and Two Rivers also make heavy ones as do St Cuthbert’s Mill in their Saunders Waterford imperial sheets.

[@longyarn4288]

@@TheSpinDoctor - Hi SD! You got an online source, or two, that you can share? ☺

[@TheSpinDoctor]

long yarn Jackson’s sell their own Eco Line in over 500lb, and various other high weight papers.

[@longyarn4288]

@@TheSpinDoctor - Thanks! 😁😁😁

[@FyreHeartStudios]

This was my first video of yours that I've watched and I really enjoyed it! I'm getting more into watercolor and I love it. This was so informative and the illustration is absolutely adorable. I can't wait to check out more of your videos and also to go and check out more of your work on other platforms!

[@annettefournier9655]

I didn't know that paper came heavier than # 300. That's why I thought illustrators used watercolor boards of some sort when using watercolors. Thanks for the info and demo.

[@KeatShadows]

Thanks for the demonstration. I learned a lot. Do you ever gesso your watercolor paper? I noticed one artist on You Tube always gessos his 300 pound watercolor paper.

[@surfit.]

Best comparison video yet!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

Yeah! Thanks :D

[@SarahNewburyArt]

I Just love your illustration! 💙💙 I would love to try the heavier weight papers - I currently use arches 140lb but it does warp a bit when doing large areas of wet in wet. Your video was really helpful and interesting- thank you 😊

[@tonyrichengod9280]

I just bought a sheet of 300lb and I can't WAIT to try it out. It feels as sturdy as cardboard. I'm currently using 140lb and it does warp a bit so I have to wait quite a while between lawyers.

[@longyarn4288]

It's always a good idea to wait between lawyers. LOL! Couldn't resist! 😉

[@Lulix88]

Que hermosas pinturas haces! Me gustaría pintar algún día tan bonito como usted 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻✨💕

[@WheelieToasted]

I fiddle with my paintings a lot and use wet in wet often so I’m glad to know it may just be because it’s 140lbs and that I might want to invest in 300lbs+ for things I know I’ll want to give away or hang up. I’ve found that 140lbs flattens out as it dries though, and if it’s still warped, I add water to the back where I want it to warp the opposite way and that works pretty well.

[@maryvonneadams9378]

My son has left heaps of lovely water colour paints and large heavy water colour paper so I am going to adventure into this medium, don't tell him ha ha

[@GINACENTRAL]

I think the colors are slightly more saturated and vivid on the 400lb even vs the 300lb. I will definitely have to give some 400lb a try.

[@fetishisticrose]

Love the colors you used...thank you for sharing

[@linasketch9625]

Alternate title: "Bashing 90LB paper for 13 minutes straight" lol (Love you and the vid tho, very informative)

[@kathsoulsby873]

Thank you Carrie that was very helpful...I am off to buy some 300 lbs paper!!

[@christinetempleton7657]

How fun! I've been around bit and don't think I've noticed 400# w/c paper. Did you mention the brand? That was a super video! I think it's wonderful to encourage others to think of doing a series of comparisons on these types of things: the papers they use, the brushes and the paint. In watercolor painting all of those components are equally important and those comparisons will prove it. If you use great paint, a sable brush and low quality paper... you will always struggle. Improve the paper, and voila!, better painting and painting experience. 😏

[@kathrynt98011]

Arches CP comes in 400lb/850gsm

[@anjusingh2098]

Quick Question:Can we paint on both sides of watercolour paper?

[@bananacake6101]

Some brands, you can. Some you cant. Just test it

[@ellenm7806]

Actually, why not? Esp, after you tried & pushed a ptg from the preferred side.. I'll play on the other side; maybe a little experimental too, it's FUN! Happy painting!

[@annedavis3340]

You might run into issues with the sizing being different on the other side. I imagine it's brand by brand

[@jiniakoner1156]

Great Q

[@AridescentArt]

I have canson XL 140 and arches 300!! I LOVE THE 300 but wow what a great comparison vid!!

[@animalmania2381]

After watching this video I have finally understood a mistake I made when buying my most recent paper. I got some pads and was disappointed that they buckled even though they were 300. I now realise it's because it was 300g not 300lb. I've been watching too many american video's and got my units mixed up when looking at what was available in the uk. I'll have to double check the 'nice stuff' I bought now to see if I made the same mistake, though if I did maybe it'll make me feel less pressure and get down to using it.

[@GGG-so8in]

So amazing painting...This was so helpful video to me :D Thanks a lot and looking forward to more helpful videos 👍

[@ingridpereyra3245]

Thanks for the video, I get overwhelmed when I have to choose between the diferent pounds and this is a good guide ❤️

[@WaterColorMisfit]

So glad this helped :D

[@laurenmorgan-outhisack6341]

This video was so helpful. I wish I had dinner this earlier in my journey

[@nerdywatercolorist6551]

I've worked with 90lb, 140lb and 300lb papers. I really do like super watery washes and so i prefer a 300lb paper. Ironically, 300lb handmade rough paper in my country is cheaper than 90lb and 140lb paper :p

[@neshacruz6574]

I bought a sketchbook off jetpens and it’s a japanese brand. I tried using watercolors on it and it didn’t seep through !! It held the watercolors so nicely but it did warp alot. I just thought it was so cool.

[@ImeldaFagin]

The heavier ones. I’d love to try them

[@moonknightproductions]

I think it also depends on the brand, because I enjoy paining on canson cold press 90lb paper

[@livgeneral6487]

This is so helpful thank you. I bought a watercolor sketch book an didn't know about lb so it sucks it can't take water at all and it sucks and I'm looking for a new one to buy since I just used this crappy one for practice and this is so helpful for me to get a better quality this time around

[@stardarkangel]

After seeing this video, I bought 300 lb paper for the first time to see what I was missing out on. I'll find out in a few days!

[@funnyg460]

I am very new so I have been using 140 but if I ever get half way decent I will get the 300 or 400 but for pricing for now 140 is good going to take your beginners class after this thanks.

[@WellmanPix]

It seems like the 400# paper gives a velvety dimension to the finished painting. Jean Haines #jeanhaines uses 300# for her watercolor effects. These use a lot of water.

[@CottonCookie]

Could you recommend brands of paper? like where did you get the 400lb paper cause I want to try it! Look so cool!

[@nikestarling9759]

Wow! Thank you! Very informative.

[@melou_]

I LOVE your editing! 😍

[@paigeme886]

this is incredibly helpful Carrie. thank you so much! I just saw saunders waterford sells 200lb paper too. Have you tried it by any chance? it would be wonderful to hear your thoughts and how it compares to heavy weight arches! I saw your watercolor paper comparison - that was absolutely amazing! thank you!! Have you used the hahnemuhle cezanne watercolor paper more? would love to know if you have any more thoughts on it with glazing etc. Thank you again!

[@Sarah-ie7xt]

I love these comparison videos! I learned so much!

[@WaterColorMisfit]

I'm so glad :D I learn alot from them too! :)

[@pacassa]

If watercolor paper works like printing paper, the weight may mean nothing. It’s a weighing of the parent size sheets before the paper is trimmed. So if 300 & 400 # are the same thickness, it’s a manufacturing process.

[@agi5282]

Wow perfect video! Thank you so much :)

[@catadiaz1080]

Amo tu voz y como editas tus videos!

[@katyafransheskahernandezsi6519]

Are all of these 100% cotton? Because some of the issues you pointed sound to me more like they have to do with the cellulose content of your paper. I work with 140 lbs Arches and I don't have issues correcting mistakes, doing heavy wet on wet, or glazing heavily. Weight does not necessarily define quality. The other issues you encountered can be lessened or even eliminated in most weights by properly stretching the paper, which is what I do. Of course, it's always more convenient to have a paper you don't need to stretch (300 lbs and up), but you can definitely get around a lot of those issues you found by choosing a higher quality paper (always 100% cotton) and stretching it appropriately, with staples on a rigid, waterproofed board, not just tape.

[@WaterColorMisfit]

All of these are Arches 😄 100% cotton

[@katconrad3668]

Great comparison of the different weights. Are these all the same brand? (If so, I apologize as I may have missed it). Makes so much sense now looking back at some that I used 140 and was frustrated with how much it was warping even taped down to a board.... love your little bunny! Thank you!