1. Using an embossing or watermark ink pad (i.e. Versamark), ink stamp and stamp image onto card stock
2. Cover stamped image with preferred color of embossing powder.
3. Shake off excess powder into tray and return to powder container.
4. Heat powdered image with heat tool (this is NOT a hair dryer). You will see the image begin to change texture and become shiny and smooth. Once the entire image has this appearance, turn heat tool off.
5. Let image cool (approx. 30 seconds).
*Tip: If embossing powder is sticking to places on the card stock that you have not stamped, use anti-static bag or powder. Simply cover surface with powder (or rub anti-static bag over surface) BEFORE stamping. Continue with above steps. Embossing powder will only stick to the image you stamped and the anti-static powder residue will easily brush off.
Alcohol Ink Backgrounds
Uses: Make beautiful backgrounds on any non-porous surface. Seriously…I inked my heat tool at the shop AND a small bathroom trash can!
1. Using an alcohol ink blending tool, place clean piece of felt on Velcro end of tool.
2. Choose at least 3 colors of alcohol inks.
3. Apply small amount of first ink on felt by resting tip of bottle on felt then gently tipping, while lightly squeezing bottle. Only a small amount of the ink is necessary on the felt. Do this for all three colors, placing each color close to the previous one on the felt.
4. Using a COATED surface (i.e. glossy card stock, glass, plastic, etc.) apply ink by tapping and turning applicator repeatedly. Cover surface with alcohol ink. If amount of ink on surface decreases, simply add more ink to felt and continue this process until surface is covered.
*TIP: If ending result does not have the color you desired, simply add more color (or a different color) to the felt and reapply. This will not hurt what you’ve already done or contaminate the colors already there. NOTE: I STRONGLY recommend you work on a non-stick craft sheet that is easily cleaned after using alcohol inks.
Painting with Bleach
Uses: On dark colored card stock, this will help you achieve a much lighter color in specific places without using a different ink. Results can give the illusion of clouds, sunset/sunrise, rain, shadowing.
Materials needed: Dark colored card stock; stamp; paint brush; bleach; small disposable cup
1. Using black dye ink pad, stamp image onto dark colored card stock
2. Pour small amount of bleach into plastic cup.
3. Dip a paintbrush into bleach, wipe excess on rag/scrap paper, and paint image with bleach. Color will begin to leave the image.
4. Wait to see if desired effect is reached. If you prefer more color removed, repeat process until desired result is achieved.
5. Let dry.
*TIP: If you have an extra water brush, putting bleach in the barrel and using this brush ONLY for this technique gives you much more control over the result.
Distressing with Distress Inks
Uses: This technique will give you an aged look on practically any surface in an amazingly short period of time. Once I learned this trick, I was never satisfied with a white background again!
2. Place card stock/tag/page to be distressed on craft sheet.
3. Using an ink applicator tool, attach a piece of foam to Velcro end.
4. Tap foam end of applicator in preferred color of Distress ink.
5. Starting ON the craft sheet, slightly away from the edge of the your card, work tool in a circular motion. While doing this, move tool toward edge of card and begin to work the ink on the card. Work ink as far toward the middle of the card as desired.
6. Continue this process around entire edge of card.
*TIP: Starting on the craft sheet rather than the card itself prevents appearance of straight edge of foam on card.
