watercolor + doodles: texture with sewing thread

experimenting with a sewing thread to add texture to a watercolor painting
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#watercolor #doodles #abstract
L I S T O F S U P P L I E S
• Fabriano Artistico cold press 140lb cotton watercolor paper
• watercolor paints: transparent red oxide (Daniel Smith), payne's grey (Renessens), titan buff (QOR), incarnate 2 (Kremer Pigments), pale gold (Kremer Pigments)
• watercolor brushes: No. 8 round (Silver Black Velvet) and No. 6 round (Caviar by Dynasty) -- i buy all my brushes from thebrushguys.com -- this is an affiliate link: bit.ly/2JYyPFz -- get 5% off your entire order from The Brush Guys by entering code: ceecee
• Ohto Graphic Liner, black, 005
• Uni-ball Signo white gel pen No. UM-153
• sewing thread
F O L L O W C R É A T I O N S C E E C E E
• patreon: / creationsceecee
• online store & website: www.creationsce...
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• facebook: / ceecees-creations-6414...
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• business inquiries: [e-mail]
F I L M I N G S E T - U P
i have an overhead set-up with the video camera mounted on a long reach tripod what was part of a soft box lighting system
video camera: Panasonic HC-V770
1350W photography studio soft box lighting kit (Mountdog)
A F F I L I A T E L I N K S
Links in this description and supplies list may be affiliates which means you won't pay extra but we will get a a small commission. thank you for supporting this channel!
M U S I C I N T H I S V I D E O
• tomorrow by Jimmy Wahlsteen
• we will be fine (instr.) by Dayon
• weightless walk by Dew of Light
• cold summer (instr.) by Daniel Gunnarsson

[@toddlisasmith9512]

I love the laughter, I vote for more late night voice overs!

[@AurorasArtWorld]

If you use a wet on wet wash over the whole paper then lay down a clean, dry thread where you want it, let it dry then pull up the thread, you'll get a really cool effect

[@heatheryelton7553]

Definitely trying this now!

[@priscillamengyan6883]

Please don't apologize for your silliness - I think all of your viewers love hearing your giggles and love your doodling! At least I do! You seem to be able to always rescue your paint experiments even if they don't turn out exactly as you intended. Thank you for another enjoyable video!

[@CAMWaite1]

I use 100% organic cotton and 100% silk thread 🧵. I have used it soaked in watercolor paint and laid out on 100% cotton paper that I had misted beforehand and allowed to almost dry (not completely dry paper). It worked out nicely. Then I doodled afterwards with gel pens, silver, copper and gold paint accents with pearl drops of paint to finish. I loved watching your process. Yours turned out LOVELY. Thank you for sharing.

[@xVentax]

I’d love to see that - it sounds lovely!

[@paulaverger4129]

Try a 100 %cotton thread and drop it on after you have painted. Then let the paint dry. Your idea is great especially the idea about our connections to each other and humanity. I will try this experiment and see if I can get it to work.

[@melodysteinhauser9231]

I love how it turned out. As Bob Ross said,' there are no mistakes just happy accidents'. Great job!

[@sherylfranklin8088]

Hi Ceecee...you have given me so much inspiration over the last year or so...you always move me to head for my art room...thank you. This reminded me of using thread and gauze over watercolor many many years ago. I was taught to lay down the thread or gauze over the wet watercolor at the end of the painting. It will absorb water and color, leaving lightened areas with some texture, or sometimes with an abundance of watercolor it will form darker lines. Let dry and remove all or part of the thread or gauze. Sometimes it’s beautiful to leave it. I hope this inspires you to try it this way☺️. After I first posted this, I looked at some of my wc paintings in my house, and several have thread through them that hasn’t been removed. The gauze can be pulled apart to make a suspension bridge🙉. So many possibilities...

[@chrislora8255]

Somehow I missed this video in the past 3-4 years I've subscribed to this channel. It reminds me of the joy in seeing your NEW videos, hearing your laughter, seeing magic appear on your paper. Your wonderful connections between line art (ok, doodles) and beautiful watercolor inspired me to spend many, many hours of painting through the pandemic and to the present day. I've missed your videos and hope all is well. Thank you for all you've done for us and what you may do in the future.

[@kblue1308]

There is no failure in art, things you like or like less yes

[@WapajeaWalksOnWater]

Baby, your creativity is all out expanded, I love yr journey, don't ever stop creating. Yeaaaa

[@creationsceecee]

Thank you so much!

[@lynnbaker4157]

I used wool crewel embroidery string, which I saturated with ivory black watercolor paint and then loosely placed it on my paper.

[@garyweybright3227]

Hi CeeCee, I’ve used yarn, and had the paper wet and then laid the yarn dipped in watercolor along the paper. Also salt, rice, rock salt, tissues, waxed paper, gauze, you name it I’ve tried it. Enjoyed your video, as always! Claudia.

[@elizabethkoeman8883]

Love your art,your mind and your thoughts! Wish you were my neighbour and friend. Thank you keep up with all of it and the music!

[@katherinecrerar7165]

"We are all a mess but we are all connected." Lovely message from your late night philosophy!

[@pebble2pearl]

I love the idea of messy connected threads by which we're all connected. Great video!!! Thank you.

[@denise2169]

The thread (path) of life is never straight nor evident. Thanks! 🌷

[@SallyVanNuysMixedMediaArtist]

Really gorgeous results! Love the palette and the line work. ❤️

[@jrichie1969]

I love your techniques. This video is especially entertaining with your giggles and knowledge. You’re fun and talented.

[@bellabaker4943]

I have had success with 100% cotton string and acrylics. Nice to have a background watercolor then using acrylic saturated string, can leave it on or pull it out, ink it and place it down either random or in patterns. Quite fun and intriguing but watercolor doesn’t seems to be ‘heavy’ enough. I do love what you ended up doing.

[@judithgillam5074]

Fascinating - love the colours too . There are never failures in your creative journey , just new paths to follow . Thank you . Kind regards - Judi - Australia

[@jenniren9085]

I think so too, Thank you Judi - Jenni- Australia

[@terrytt2932]

I've been wanting to learn watercolor for a while...even have most of the supplies I need to do so. But I didn't like the 'rules' to live by that a friend/instructor attempted with me. YOUR method fits me to a T! I love the looseness of your work and especially the doodling. I cannot wait to try this on my own. I think I've watched at least 10 of your videos so just today! btw, I am an artist that made a comfortable living for 30 years designing and producing ceramic whimsical dinnerware and retired 3 years ago after selling our studio. I've searched for a less complicated art form since then.... THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!

[@judiemjacobson4613]

I just love this. I have painted for 26 years and after some health problems at 79 I just felt frustrated when I went to paint. So I put it away and started doing junk journals instead making all my own ephemra instead of buying digitals. Then I discover you!!! I am going to try some of your techniques. Thanks so much. Watercolors here I come.

[@John-rb3yv]

i wanna tell you how great it is that your are trying stuff like a kid and gathering fuel for the next one.... without the playfull process,we have no product with our DNA on it BRAVO

[@sonja2731]

You are adorable and incredibly inspiring. I learn so much from listening to you talking about how you get from a to b or just let go of boundaries and let your joy of creating move you. 🙏🏼😻

[@yolandejanssen-dekker5008]

There is no such thing as failure in life, only exploring and learning. Beautiful painting 😍😍😍

[@deborahfortin7732]

I love your giggles and your sense of fun. It is so uplifting in these days of doom and gloom. Happy that you do the experiments for us so we can learn from your successes and not-so- successes. No failures, just further learning opportunities.(FLO)

[@lorettajaensch5598]

You laughing is so pleasurable. That's exactly what I do when I feel like I screwed up. Then I just go with it and love the shift.

[@theresawatamaniuk6930]

Love the organic feel of the thread..lovely

[@chrisrice1376]

It is like you were having a staff meeting with yourself :-) What a delightful laugh you have!

[@deborahruth5072]

I just love your process and your commentary. I quite often find deeper meaning in what I have created after I stand back and look at it with an open mind. :) I have not tried the string or sewing on my paintings, yet.

[@Thenakedforager]

As soon as you started working with the pen it reminded me about my nephew, he recently had two open heart surgeries. I saw a heart within the centre section and it gave me a huge sense of relief. Thank you.x

[@lindahigham5317]

I got to tell you I just love the way this piece turned out congrats I will be trying the string thing now myself 🎨🖌️😊❤️

[@katielynneastoria]

Even though this piece didn’t turn out just as you had imagined, I love it! It has a pleasing organic quality that always draws me in. Love your experiments. Don’t ever feel like not sharing something that didn’t go the way you wanted it to, someone is going to love it. That’s art.

[@nanciring8235]

This is just gorgeous!! I love when I make a piece of art and it surprises me with a deeper meaning!!❤️

[@creationsceecee]

I love that too! We need to listen to our artwork sometimes.

[@thucao944]

I really like how this came out. Very unique technique. I like the compostion especially the two shapes sitting on top of each other. They look like stones. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@denise2169]

I love how you explore and have fun! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@lindamcgraw4258]

I love your lightheartedness. You make me smile.

[@lindakazel4273]

This is a very cool “happy accident.” I love how the colors, shapes and line connections emerged.

[@LindsK23]

I wish you did podcasts too. I could spend hours just listening to your voice. Joyful! 💕

[@teraanaam]

Great, that’s how new inventions happen! When u don’t look back, and work on original ideas, sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t ! This is a fun one, I have never seen it !

[@maestra730]

I love your experiments! hugs!

[@patricial2462]

This is soooo nice! I love it! The gold "bricks" at the end are a wonderful addition! I love watching your process and hearing your thoughts. You have encouraged me loosen up and play with my supplies and to work to overcome perfectionism (and quiet the negative voices in my head.) Thank you! You may enjoy Dr. Oto Kano's channel. I find her gauze test to be especially interesting - not all paint colors absorb/move the same with the cotton gauze she uses as part of her testing out colors on her prepared test sheet. She has tested out many, many colors in a very analytical approach.

[@ursularieck4771]

I like the idea and how you played with it ! I'll try it. Thank you for sharing your time and your laughter ! 😁💚

[@terrycochius8876]

Love this! Love how you experiment and then make something so stunning out of a "failure" (which I don't think it is) x

[@thepoodledoodlepainter]

Hey CeeCee. This turned out beautifully as always. You asked for suggestions and I thought about whether soaking the thread in masking fluid and by holding one end just let it hit the paper in whatever shape it makes. Then when dry you can paint and when you remove you would have the negative outline of the thread! It might work?? Love as always 🥰

[@adrianaascenti5829]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your art. I love you and what you do. A kiss from Bergamo.

[@BB-nz5sk]

I really love your creativity and artwork. Your style speaks to my soul - not trying to be dramatic - just honest. I love the colors you choose to put together!

[@eileengavinlarsen4509]

I am just so in love with this, CeeCee! The thoughts and feelings that preceeded it, and those that emerged as you worked. We are all connected, if only by a thread sometimes. Your work is always so beautiful and inspiring. Bless you, and stay healthy!☺

[@user-qi7ij1ym5i]

Perhaps you should use a thicker threat like cotton wool, perhaps different weigh, and perhaps you wet it before bringing it to the paper. it will have a better contact on the paper. The different thickness of the thread will make a variety of lines. I think its worth to give it a try.😊

[@lorrainenewman1255]

The end result may not be exactly what you intended it to be, but it is beautiful in its own right. I would say this is a total success and I love it!

[@rbrown6476]

I absolutely love this one. I sew a lot and recycle fabrics, mend and alter clothes for others. I also love the idea that we are all connected and love your late night ramblings - I smile all the way through with you. Thank you so so much. xxx

[@jonihorn6515]

Oh CeeCee, Love, Love, Love this Beautiful accident. Those colors....OMG!! Giiirrrrll...You are a genius! Joni 😊

[@mariawalker8403]

Thank you CeeCee! Another innovative and beautiful work of art. I also want to really thank you for ALWAYS listing your supplies in the comment section. You’re like the only one who does this. And it’s awesome of you ❤️

[@louiselaboon2166]

Love your attitude! I was giggling along with you. Thanks

[@cleliacroxford9095]

Maybe it’s in the type of thread that your using? Suggestion...use a heavier thread, one that is a natural fibre . Soak it in water first, wring out, lay it on your paper, then use water colour paint colours. Colour should absorb around the thread making it darker more defined. Just my thought process. Like how you don’t give up....love ya stuff CeeCee. Regards from Australia!

[@lylebobroske5172]

Love the color combination! At first I thought you were going to do a thread pulling design. But it turned out quite pretty. And you always turn the whole process into a story as to the whole how you got there. I enjoy that. Karen from Canada.

[@marioperalta2667]

No wrong with ART. Sometimes we never get what we imagined, but surprisingly we create better than we expect. It still amazed ME! Thank you for this tip, my 4th time seeing your video. More Power!

[@stefabel9870]

I absolutely love how this painting turned out! I am gonna give it a try! Your giggles are contagious and I think it added to the splendor of this beauty!

[@nablyle]

Thank you for this video, I so enjoyed seeing the process of discovering a new technique or idea. I recently started doodling and (almost) starting watercolors. I never thought to combine. And the thread reveal that turned into a launchpad for limitless doodling ideas... Thank you for the inspiration to play!

[@kristenlapham2368]

I guess I’m not sure what you were trying for, but this result is fantastic!!! This whole thing is awesome 👏🏻 I absolutely love it 😊

[@judyhenshaw8472]

I love this project CeeCee. It is so creative and peaceful to study your detailed doodling. Thank you for sharing..you are so talented.

[@p.l.5527]

If you use 100% cotton thread or even silk, you may have better luck. Many threads are 100% poly or cotton over poly, so the thread can't absorb enough liquid to then leave a trail on the paper...and if there's some poly in it, that will repel water altogether. Another option is to try using dye instead of watercolor, which will have more pigment to then deposit from the thread back onto the paper. Great try! You'll get there if you keep at it. :-) This result is quite lovely too!

[@laurenmiller951]

What a pleasant creative companion you are! Thank you for being YOU!

[@sherryoswalt1087]

I used the cotton embroidery floss and it worked great! It held a lot of paint so I put the thread down and then put another piece of paper over it..made a thread sandwich...I had 2 pieces to work with...great fun!

[@hummerklein2567]

Sherry Oswalt love this use to do this in school with the sandwich had 2homeworkd done Remember I use to say worked in a mirror hehe

[@LisaMischelle]

Anyway, I love what you did here caught my attention out of all of my favorite watercolorist that I follow. I saw this and it’s closest to the work that I do, and the work that fills my heart with joy and bliss. what I feel. While doing art of this kind of this sort is just I don’t know how to describe it. I get into the flow and hours go by doing this kind of work, whereas I really want to be good at doing loose watercolor flowers I just don’t have it in that area I can do it but it’s never turns out the way I have a picture in my mind and with this kind of work you can just full go with the flow.

[@hsteil]

Like it! So organic!

[@desertbreeze69]

I think there’s hope for me after watching this. Hahaha good example of finding fun in mistakes. I learned a lot from watching this.

[@nephthyswolfe7835]

I love how you think! I too am a late night artist!!!

[@marciasylvester7990]

You are so full of ideas...I just keep watching your videos over and over. Guess it’s time to put brush in hand lol. Thank you

[@ChrisC-ws5od]

I think you should have used hot press paper to give the thread a smooth surface to lie on. Then the lines wouldn’t have been broken up by the hills and valleys of the textured paper. Also, I would have put a waterproof board on top of the wet thread and weighted it down for a bit to press the color onto the paper. Did you use cotton thread or polyester? That would make a difference too. So now you know how I’m going to try this! Thanks for all your amazing inspirations! I love this and all your work!

[@creationsceecee]

Thank you for your tip, Chris. I’m not sure what kind of thread i used and i can only check at the end of the week so i will talk about that in the next video if i remember :-)

[@suzannem.155]

I love this so much. I am going to try something similar and use embroidery thread for some of the lines... we shall see!

[@kayfleming9821]

My whole process was to begin with some painting then to apply the thread which had been soaked in watercolor paint; after painting more areas I put a piece of glass on top of the paper with the string and a weight on top of that then left it to dry overnight. When I removed the glass and the string it had the desired effect. Perhaps the pressure helped with the impression of the thread. Now I'll add more color followed by some doodles.

[@racheec2398]

👏beautiful unexpected outcome💞 I love doodling & starting to add watercolor as well

[@janice24oc]

It reminds me of beach stones I have picked up at the beach.

[@cecilialofgren1396]

I’ve done the thread but with acrylic ink, and then watercolour on top. That worked and was fun.

[@delitaotto]

I've also used thread with acrylic and had great results. I've even used my hair with acrylic. 😂 I would suggest using a thinner, softer thread, perhaps one that is more likely to absorb paint. Not sure, but yours looked like a type of Nylon. Try cotton?

[@lizdouglas1952]

Beautiful!!!!! Love the colors. This is a lovely abstract. 😘💖🎨

[@peggyacomba8396]

I love the results you got - just beautiful. I think I will try it. And, because I loved the shapes made by the thread before you took it off I will take a screen shot with my phone, remove the thread, and then try to duplicate the lines from there.

[@KMercure]

I love this idea and think it would have worked better with cotton thread (embroidery thread pulled apart into one thread?) if it's possible to get it. I'm thinking polyester thread doesn't take in colour well. I think thin string would be cool to try, too. Thanks for the ideas!

[@BB-nz5sk]

Don't forget...we ALWAYS learn more from our failures than our successes. Unfortunately the brain hangs onto negative information/input so much more strongly than positive info. But if we can learn something, it's a positive.

[@Rita123xyz]

As usual you pulled it off and its beautiful!

[@ShahidAli-kn4te]

You know all is not lost, If I may suggest, this artwork would have taken another dimension if you have saturated the thread in a thicker coat of paint and instead of using single color on thread multiple colors cold have been use and while painting, mist of water from spray bottle wold have given the painting wet in wet effect and also prevents the thread from moving and tangling so much...... TRY IT, IT WORKS For Me 💓💕 ✌

[@annasoucek416]

I just tried, good way for me , a little easier. Ty

[@ShahidAli-kn4te]

@@annasoucek416 well that was just a suggestion 🌹

[@robyncroft2926]

Well I love it. Intergalactic space brains!

[@jayatkinson1152]

CeeCee... I LOVE YOUR FAILURES! I am going to try my best to paint a failure and put it on the wall! :) xxx

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Cee cee, I really really love 💕 this abstract art, I think 🤔 its a very clever idea 💡, and it’s stunning and gorgeous. xxx Mags

[@pamjones3377]

It looks great, if totally unexpected. I love your late-night thought processes!

[@lindaking9222]

Very interesting technique...nice colours....like the results.....wonder if painting the shapes first..let it dry,then drag the thread through the paint & place on the paper,let it dry,then continue with the dots etc.

[@syndieb4029]

Slightly heavier cotton twine between 1 mm & 2 mm and let the paint filled thread dry some on the paper, then paint. This gave me the best results

[@heatheryelton7553]

I love this! Going to try it now! You’re so relaxing to watch. Your voice is soothing, you give great explanations, and I love how organic you are! I just found you the other day and I’m sad I’ve missed out all this time, but I’m catching up on all your videos! Thank you for inspiring me during a difficult time in my life 💛

[@ninanoorable]

thank you for sharing this. To be honest I've never heard of watercolor doodling nor using a thread with watercolors before! I love how you kept experimenting. Thank you for the inspiration

[@delphineblue]

This is beautiful, i love abstract art like this.

[@doaasartspace6477]

I see no failure... I only see such an artistic peace ❤

[@ratnaroychoudhury1220]

This is real fun watching you and enjoying it so much .Art and creativity. Is.fascinating no failure and success. I am not a perfect water colourist but enjoy it .Thank you for sharing your unique technique will try some day ❤😊

[@SisterFinch]

I actually tried this experiment last because like you I’m very curious. I used an embroidery thread and dipped it in water first. Then I dipped in in the watercolour paint and dabbed it with a brush. Then I laid it down in the paper and took another sheet of paper and laid it over and pressed down. It gave a nice print, if you will. Although..... I love how yours turned out and consider it a success!

[@tvlussoart5063]

You are so soft and stylish. While watching the video, the fingertips are like a living magic hand.

[@lifeidesign]

Beautiful! I love the lines and watching your process.

[@kysuzy2themax]

I really like what you did make.. especially adding the white dots..

[@LucyOodleDoo]

This. Piece. Is. Stunning. I love it! And even tho the threads didn’t work how you intended it still created some great texture..and I like the look of the doodled lines over the top!💛

[@arandomwoman2310]

I LOVE this piece and watching it was mesmerizing. Thank you!

[@k8marlowe]

😄I can’t believe I’m not the only one who remembers the SNL skit: “Deep Thoughts…” (Assuming that was what you were referencing?). Anyways, it’s hard to believe that anything you paint is a failure. This one in particular is beautiful.

[@donnakrisch6294]

It was so much fun watching this video and listening to your comments. You are just a delight in the picture is so beautiful it makes me sing