This time, I've made a piece using just 2 alcohol ink colours, Pool & Teakwood, from Tim Holtz.
The photo above shows everything I used...2 inks, Blending Solution, an air-puffy-spritzy gadget (you could use a straw if you have enough puff), an Alcohol Ink Fillable Pen, thin paintbrush and some gold Deco Foil.
Of course, what I missed from the 'equipment' photo was the Yupo paper that I used, which was the thinner, cheaper 110gsm version. You can of course use glossy paper... I just prefer the way alcohol inks move on Yupo.
I started by drizzling Blending Solution over the Yupo, then a swoosh of Pool ink across the page which I then blew about before adding the Teakwood. I used the Fillable Pen (which contains Blending Solution) and my paintbrush to move the colours and to create the dotty effect. You can use the paintbrush, dipped in Blending Solution, to create the dots, I just find the pen easier to control the flow of fluid.
Now you can just wait for it all to dry and then add foil highlights with glue but as certain parts of the inks were still wet and slightly tacky, I put the foil (shiny side up) straight onto my piece and gently rubbed until the foil had stuck.
It is however, much better to wait until all of the ink is dry and then add foil with an adhesive like Flitterglu, a Deco Foil Pen or even a Quickie Glue pen as it's easier to control where it sticks. If too much of the alcohol ink is tacky, the foil will stick to the whole lot.
Remember... I make these mistakes so you don't have to...lol.
So if you're brave enough and none of the above makes sense, you can watch my latest attempt at a video that'll show you exactly what I did. I just cut the final piece down to fit my card.
You can click on the link below or watch in glorious HD, here.
Hello there, I hope you're having a great weekend.
Over the past year I have been building my ink stash with some older, inexpensive sets from Tsukineko. Today's card features 3 summery colours from the VersaMagic collection. These inks are really thick and creamy and leave a perfect impression first time, every time, in a rich, chalky, matte finish.
I used Hero Arts' 'Tropical Leaves' to create a simple one-layered card using Mango Madness, Persimmon and Pink Grapefruit. Seriously...could these inks sound any more delicious and summery?
If you're on the look out for some inexpensive inks then I really encourage you to look out for VersaMagic and some of the other ink collections from Tsukineko, like their VersaColor, VersaFine and Brilliance collections. They may have been around for years but they are still fabulous inks to use and you can find them for some amazing prices.
This stamp set is perfect for so many occasions and as you can see, doesn't need to be used in traditional leaf colours, just let your imagination run wild.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I'll be back soon.
I love making personalised cards, adding the recipients name and with a theme that they will recognise & love. I made this one for my daughter Sophie, who turned 20 this week.
Sadly Sophie has a rare condition called 'Succulentcactism' which means she's addicted to succulents and cacti. Unfortunately, like my addiction to all things 'planty', there is no cure but you'll never hear her bang on about it, she suffers silently. Such a shame..... she's so brave... lol.
So to make this I cut a piece of card the same size as my card base and stamped out my images using MFT's 'Sweet Succulents' stamp set. I coloured with Zig Brush Markers and then die-cut Sophie's name with Altenew's 'Bold Alphabet' dies.
I also die-cut her name from white Funky Foam. I adhered the card panel to my card base, stuck the foam letters down first and then the coloured letters on top, which gives the card a lovely dimension.
I added some white gel pen highlights, Wink of Stella glittery sparkle (doesn't show up in photos though) and a few clear sequins.
Et Voila!
Now I have to tend to a poorly daughter with a trip to a garden centre...Ha! Ha!
