Pressed Penny Sheet ✨

Creating art from pressed pennies is such a unique and personal way to cherish memories! For me, it started as a simple idea: how can I make my collection more visually appealing than just a jar full of coins? That's when I decided to combine my love for pressed pennies with my passion for watercolor painting and sketching. It's truly a rewarding project that anyone can try. Why Draw Your Pressed Pennies? Beyond just looking pretty, drawing your pressed pennies offers several benefits. Firstly, it allows you to capture the intricate details of each design, which can sometimes be lost on the actual penny. Secondly, it's a fantastic creative outlet. You get to interpret each design in your own artistic style. For instance, when I drew the West Virginia bridge, I focused on the vibrant blues of the sky and the reflections in the water, bringing the memory of that trip to life. Or take the lucky penny with a horseshoe and clover – translating that classic symbol into a whimsical watercolor sketch was pure joy! It transforms a simple souvenir into a piece of art that tells a story. Getting Started: What You'll Need Don't worry if you're not an expert artist! All you really need are a few basic supplies: Watercolor paper: This is crucial as it won't warp when wet. Watercolor paints: A basic set with a few primary colors is fine. Brushes: A small round brush for details and a larger one for washes. Pencils and eraser: For sketching out your designs. Your pressed pennies: Of course! Reference photos: If you want to add more background detail or can't quite see the penny design clearly. My Drawing Process & Tips Sketching the Oval: Start by lightly sketching the oval shape of the pressed penny on your paper. Don't press too hard, as you'll want to erase these lines later. I usually trace a small oval template or a real pressed penny if I want perfect consistency. Capturing the Design: Look closely at your pressed penny. Is it a lemon, a butterfly, a ladybug, or a sailboat? Sketch the main elements within your oval. For the cowboy on a bucking horse, I focused on the dynamic pose, trying to convey movement even within a small space. For simpler designs like the fish or fishing rod, I paid attention to the unique textures. Adding Watercolor: Once your sketch is ready, it's time for color! Start with light washes. Remember, watercolor is about layering. For something like the lemon, I started with a pale yellow and built up the brighter highlights and subtle shadows. For the West Virginia bridge, I layered blues and grays for the structure and sky. Don't be afraid to experiment with color to bring your designs to life. Details and Outlines: Once your watercolors are dry, you can go back in with a fine-tipped pen or a darker watercolor mixture to add outlines and fine details. This really makes the designs pop and gives them that distinct 'pressed penny' look. Creating a "Sheet" or Collection: Instead of just individual drawings, consider arranging multiple pressed penny illustrations on one sheet, like I did. This creates a cohesive collection and makes for a wonderful display. Vary the sizes slightly or add small handwritten captions indicating where each penny came from. You could even frame it! It’s a wonderful way to commemorate your travels and adventures, bringing all those special memories together in one artistic display.