Well, it took awhile for me to finally get around to trying the alcohol ink technique. It’s all the rage these days. So, with my upcoming Watercolor Technique Class, I thought it was time to try my hand at it.
It only took a few minutes and I was hooked! I started out with colors that I love (blues and greens) so I knew there would be potential for liking this technique. The very first piece I did brought a smile to my face. And minutes later I was putting the creation onto a card. Then I was grinning like a kid in a candy shop. I haven’t been this excited about a project in weeks. Fun fun fun!
So how do you make these fun creations? Well, you start with vellum and scribble blotches of color all over the vellum with Stampin’ Blends. It is important that you use Stampin’ Blends because they are alcohol markers. This technique only works with alcohol markers.
After you have your vellum covered with scribbles (make sure the scribbles are close to one another without overlapping), it is time for the “magic” to take place. With your Stampin’ Spritzer filled with alcohol (at least 90% alcohol is required) lightly spray the vellum then sit back for just a minute and watch the alcohol “do it’s thing”.
After only a minute, I got impatient and wanted to help the alcohol along. I carefully lifted the vellum piece up and tilted it this way and that to make the colors move and blend. The wetter the vellum is and the more you move it around the smoother the look you can achieve.
I tried it 3 times and loved each of the results. More alcohol and more paper movement resulted in smoother looks. Less movement resulted in a more vibrant and dotted look. I like all the looks. Which one is your favorite?
I used Night of Navy for the card base and Old Olive for the mat as well as the inside piece. The sentiment was stamped in Night of Navy and for two of the cards it was heat embossed with clear embossing powder. I used Pear Pizzaz for the sentiments. Some of the sentiments were popped up with mini dimensionals. For one of the sentiment pieces I sponged the edges with Night of Navy. The final touch was to add Gold Glimmer Enamel dots for just a slight shimmer.
The edges of the vellum easily roll up when it gets wet from the alcohol. You can lay the Stampin’ Blends on the edges to help with the curling. You can also use the heat tool – lightly.
Another question that people have is how do you adhere the vellum? I used a tape runner. One that is strong works best, like the Seal +. Be sure to cover all the edges and include the very edge or it will try to pull off of the mat if not completely covered edge to edge.
I will probably add a video with all the dimensions if you are interested. * (Besides, it will give me another chance to “play” with technique again). Getting ready for my next class should be my top priority now, but I am having so much fun with this technique that I may never clean up my craft room in time for my class participants. Sorry, not sorry. Come join me in this new fun.
*OK, my fans have requested a video of this technique. 😉 So here it is…Enjoy. https://youtu.be/Ng6EuFZ8FOU
Definitely interested in a video etc. I’ve been contemplating trying this but now that I’ve seen these, I’ve got to set time aside to do it. Thank you!!
Barb, it looks like I’ll be making a video. Verbal descriptions are not quite the same as watching the process. Keep checking back in the next couple of days for a video tutorial.
Fair warning: this technique can be addictive. 😉
Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for sharing. How did you stuck it down. Mine rolled up into a cigar lol .. I used double sided adhesive same size as the vellum.. just wondering what you used .
Xx
Nita, they do tend to roll up. I used my heat tool to help a little and I used a tape runner to adhere it to the mat. I actually had an old Snail adhesive and it worked great. The newer adhesive should work as well.