all in an inch

More ideas with dies and a masking technique

 

While the last posting provided step by step instructions for this masking technique, this posting is all about options using different dies and different color combinations.

(just scroll down to the earlier posting to see really detailed instructions)

This sample uses a white ATC size Art Square and Tall Branches with Leaves die from Savvy Stamps. The die was placed in different locations and run through the die cut device twice. An assortment of green pigment inks were used as well as a bit of blue.

Just remember, the steps are the same...

1. cover the 'top' side of the Art Square with with Eclipse paper and trim

(note: Eclipse paper is a product made by JudiKins and is available at many papercrafting stores)

2. place cutting side of die against Eclipse paper side and run through die cut device (we use a Big Shot from Ellison); repeat if using the die more than once

3. peel away either the background...or the object of the die

4. using pigment inks; dab and blend colors all over

5. peel away the remaining Eclipse paper

6. dredge through clear embossing powder and heat set

7. if a high gloss overall finish is desired, apply Versamark ink all over, dredge in clear embossing powder and heat set again 

 

This die, Vine with Flower (Savvy) was also run through the die cut device a second time. While any color assortment would be great, we used pinks and oranges. Start with a white ATC size Art Square.

 

And how about 3 times! While you do have to be a bit careful and take your time peeling away the background, what could be more fun than this Wishing Flower die (Savvy) and really bright oranges and fuschia! (this is a 3" white Art Square)

 

Place the Birch Tree die (Savvy) off to one side of the Eclipse paper covered 3" white Art Square and leave room for a stamp to set the tone - we love this little gnome from Rubbermoon. Use gray and blue inks for the background; and the gnome was stamped with pigment ink as the very last thing.

 

Switching gears just a tad...this time, instead of peeling away the background...peel away the 'object' of the die on the 3" white Art Square; the flowers. Then color using an assortment of pigment inks (lightest first) with dabbing and blending. Then peel away the background...and the dots (you will definitely need a tool for this!) and complete the process. This Poppy die (Savvy) was run through the die cut device 3 different times.

 

Ok, I admit, this one took a few tries to get the bird to 'work' behind the bars. Start with an Eclipse paper covered white ATC size Art Square and after running the Bird Cage die (Savvy) through the die cut device carefully peel away the background AND all the small components of the cage (the spaces between the bars!) Then stamp the Little Bird from Rubbermoon directly over the masked part of the cage with black dye based ink, and color with markers or colored pencils. Now color the background and the spaces between the bars of the cage with dabs of different pigment inks, being careful not to color over the bird. When finished coloring, peel away the cage and complete the process.  

Come back later to see how to use a stamp as part of the dabbed ink background!

 

 

 

Positive or negative space? A unique resist concept.

 

(Fred Mullet MagnoliaSticks and Fresh Ink Basil and Island) 

Those memories of elementary school art keep creeping back into my consciousness. 

Who can forget learning about positive and negative space - it was all so confusing until it was explained that positive space is the object itself...and negative space is the area around it...or the background. I was an Art Docent in the elementary schools for years and we had lots of fun teaching this concept.

I think we all get caught in ruts with regards to how we use stamps, so try this technique with any of your stamps and shake up your creativity!

As you are looking at these just remember...the images on the left are stamped traditionally using 2 different Fresh Ink pigment inks which are then embossed with clear powder and heat set. The images on the right are created by inking the entire stamp with clear Versamark, stamping, dredging in clear powder and heat setting. Then dab the SAME pigment inks using small sponge applicators into the 'negative' spaces. Use a cotton ball to remove the excess ink from the clear embossed shapes which will now show up as white.

 

 (Fred Mullet WillowSpots and Fresh Ink Merlot and Melon)

 

(Fred Mullet Swirlfish with Fresh Ink French Lavender and Freesia)

This last one is almost an optical illusion...because the actual stamp is designed so that you are 'stamping' the water...not the fish...it's a visual that takes a minute to figure out!

(note - the ink colors from each 'version' aren't an exact match because the ink on the left version is heat set and the ink on the right version is just applied)

These were all created using the new white ATC size ART SQUARES!

Copics and a wonderful bleaching technique

 

 

You may have to jump around a bit to find out the details of how Sharon created this tag using Copic Markers and a neat bleaching technique....but it's worth it! 

Start by jumping over to Sharon's blog, Paperfections - you'll love where you wind up!

 

Hydrangea 3 ways...

Hydrangeas are one of my most favorite flowers, and this stamp (from Stampendous) is perfect to demonstrate different media applications and coloring techniques on 3 different sizes of white ART SQUARES.

To create this "puzzle" technique first stamp the flower across 4 white 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares. Anchor the squares together on scratch paper with a non permanent adhesive so that they fit tightly together. Stamp with a dye based ink such as Memento Tuxedo black. Keep the squares together while you color with Copic Markers. When you mount the squares on the card separate them by equal distances.

(flower colors: B63, B32 and B23; leaves YG03 and YG63 and outline the entire thing with T2)

Like to stamp and watercolor? Then you will love our new 3" white ART SQUARES!

Before you stamp, moisten the paint pots with a few drops of water each. We used Twinkling H2O blue ice, periwinkle and wild blueberry for the flower and lucky apple and moss green for the leaves. Stamp the square with a pigment ink and emboss with clear powder (we used a black stamp pad in need of rejuvination so it appears more gray than black!). By embossing the ink you not only create a bit of a physical barrier that makes it easier for painting, but you don't run the risk of the ink feathering out when painting. When you are ready, "paint" the entire flower FIRST WITH WATER and then dab in each color, repeating until you have the desired affect. Don't overwork, let the magic of the watercolor blending do it's thing. (tip - we like to use a medium size Kuratake waterbrush pen) 

 

We are having a blast experimenting with all kinds of mixed media techniques on the new sizes. It is particularly challenging for me to let go of the concept that you always have to put something on a card. (So...we had these little acrylic 'feet' made so ATC's and 3" squares can stand up!)

The technique of layering with different color pigment inks and clear embossing between each layer seems to be the thing of the moment....it is so much fun...and easy!

Starting with a white ATC we dabbed about 4 different blues and lavenders....one color at a time....using either the ink pad directly or a dauber. After applying each pigment ink color, dip in clear embossing powder and heat set. After all of the blues, we guessed where the leaves might be (once stamped) and did the same thing with a very light bright pigment green. Then, an overall application of Versamark clear ink and then again clear embossing powder. And....while still hot...quickly stamp the hydrangea after inking the stamp in a dark blue pigment ink. It's so cool how it all hardens to a shiny overall finish.     

(if you are unable to find Inchie Arts products in a store near you, contact our stores list on the web site for a list of on-line retailers. Or, contact us directly at lisa@inchiearts.com for information) 

 

Save everything....for quick enclosure notes

(click on the picture to see a larger version)

Believe it or not, these white 1.5" Inchie + Squares were saved from the recycle!

Every time I am working on a project that is colored with Copic markers, I always grab an extra square and use it as a palette to "see" the exact color...or how colors compare to one another. While doing this on the corner of your work surface seems the most logical; because of the distinctive absorbent characteristics of the ART SQUARES, colors will look a bit different if tested on random paper.  

So I have oodles of these weirdly colored squares pushed to the sides of my work table.

Turns out they are perfect for an enclosure note...but need a tad bit more work. 

Stamp a sentiment with black pigment ink and emboss with clear powder.

Using the larger end of a VersaMarker pen - draw broad strokes across those words.

Quickly dip in clear embossing powder and heat set.

Choosing one or two pigment ink pads, dab the square directly with the ink pad.

Wipe away the ink from the area that has been embossed over the words.

Dip again in clear embossing powder and heat set.

These also make perfect bookmarks!   

(the love stamp is from Rubber Soul and the happy stamp is from Rubbermoon)

 

2 new sizes and all new packaging!

 

We are pleased to announce (by popular demand!) two new sizes:

ATC size 2-1/2" x 3-1/2"

 and 3" squares

 

 These new sizes are available in all of our 7 colors; either in boxes of all one color, or in an assortment. From left to right; black, dark gray, light gray, wheat, dark cream, ivory and white. 

 
(bird stamp from Rubbermoon stamps)

ATC size, 3" square, 2" Twinchie Square, 1-1/2" Inchie + Square and 1" Inchie Square

But, ART SQUARES are a just a blank canvas until you apply love and art.

We have discovered that these new larger sizes are like opening a Pandoras Box of art techniques that were not quite possible with the smaller sizes.

Because of the larger size you are more aware of the uniqueness of the material and how it behaves like a hot press watercolor paper enabling the use of a great variety of wet mediums including
all manner of paints, sprays, inks and stains without the surface deterioration
that would normally occur with paper weight materials.

The artist grade surface is equally ideal for fine pen work, stamping,
all variety of markers, color pencil, chalks and pastels.

And the matboard weight of the material stands up to mixed media,
layering, collage, embellishment and encaustic.
the smaller sizes.

A few samples....

 

Image layering, larger format stamps and coloring with Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils and Twinkling h20 paints - yeah, larger coloring areas!

(stamps from Rubbermoon, sentiment from Impress)





Stamping and creating textures with gesso, then coloring with alcohol inks, Brilliance re-inkers, Twinkling H20 Paints or Pan Pastels.

(stamps from Savvy and Impress, sentiment from Lockhart) 



White pigment ink with white and white diamond embossing powder to create special chalkboard effects on darker ART SQUARES as well as the magic of white gel pens and Prismacolor pencils on dark gray. 

 (stamps from Fred Mullett and Savvy, sentiments from Rubbermoon and Impress, embossing powder from JudiKins)

And explore using larger stamps by coloring the stamp with assorted dye based markers

(stamps from Fred Mullett and Penny Black, sentiments from Impress and Savvy)

 

 

 This Valentines Day card was created by using white gesso as 'ink'.

Apply a few dabs of gesso to an non porous surface slightly bigger than the size of the stamp.You want it a bit 'gloppy' (vs. thin and smoothed out) so the stamp will 'pick up' enough of the gesso.

 Press the stamp into the gesso being sure to pick up enough to cover the entire stamp. "Stamp" onto a white 3" ART SQUARE. Repeat twice more without overlapping images. Immediately wash stamp off in warm water or set into a very shallow dish of water so the gesso does not dry on the stamp. Let dry completely, best overnight.  

 The color is actually just a small squeeze from two different colors of Brilliance ink refill bottles. The Pearlescent Orchid and the Platinum Planet. Either in a small egg carton style pallette or a non porous surface place a small amount of paint of each color. Using a brush, sponge or just about any type of applicator pick up a dab of the Platinum ink and quickly wipe it across the bottom half of the stamped square - full coverage left to right. Moving quickly with a rinsed or new brush, repeat with the Orchid color on the top half overlappying the Platinum slightly.

Finish by using a more wet than just damp paper towel and wipe across the entire surface. As you do this you will be removing almost all of the paint from the white gesso hearts. The more water...and the more you wipe...the more white they will become.

 The end result shows the 'ink' absorbing into the white 3" square and the gesso hearts resisting most, if not all of the overpainting of ink.

 (stamp from Savvy, sentiment from Lockhart) 

 Happy Valentines Day!!

 

 

 

Azure

 

Azure is one of those very cool sounding words that must have a mystical or magical meaning. It turns out that azure, "looks like the color of the sky on a bright, clear day"....almost like today...quite a shift from recent weather!      

This color study was inspired by the bins and boxes we gaze at every morning that are filled with every conceivable 'art supply'. As homage to all these different mediums we decided to color each white 1" Inchie Square all in similar color, but with a completely different product. (click on the photo for a larger, close up view)

Starting at the top left corner and going left to right, one row at a time...

- water wash then dabbed with Prismacolor Watercolor pencil

- Copic marker

- Sakura Glaze pen  

- Tombo water-based dual brush pen

- Niji oil pastel

- Twinkling H20 paint

- Crayola crayon

- Grumbacher opaque watercolor paint

- Prismacolor pencil  

 

And for something a little different...instead of putting this colorful collection of inchies onto a card, how about inside a shadow box frame!

Check out these amazing facts about azure, especially the color chart of all the different hues! 

Photo cards - colors and textures

4 white 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares

We can't seem to stop making photo cards and just wanted to share a few of the latest that we have taught in recent classes. When you shift the focus of attention to colors and textures rather than just a pretty picture, the results can be wonderful. We invite everyone to get out in the garden, set your camera to a close up setting and snap away! Whether using 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares (as in the card above) or creating a sequence puzzle (below) with 1" Inchie Squares...it's hard to go wrong.

 

5 black 1" Inchie Squares

 

1 dark gray 2" Twinchie Square

 

9 black 1" Inchie Squares

 

1 light gray 2" Twinchie Square

 

3 black 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares

 

5 black 1" Inchie Squares

Tip: When we are creating photo cards with our Art Squares, we always leave a 1/16" border all the way around each photo to create an effect that is quite different from flush mounting the photos all the way to the edge of the square.

This can be achieved by trimming your photos as follows:

For 2" Twinchie Squares; trim photo to 1-7/8" square

For 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares; trim or punch photo to 1-3/8" square

For 1" Inchie Squares; trim or punch photo to 7/8" square

Rainy Day Impatiens

Living in the Pacific Northwest we are supposed to be accustomed to all the rain. But it's summer, and enough is enough! While the flowers are taking a beating they are a great inspiration for a set of 4 notecards created with:

4 white 1-1/2" Inchie + Squares

Twinkling H20 paints in Apple Blossom, Persimmon, Kiwi and Blue Grass

Prismacolor pencils in Magenta and Celadon Green

Mini paint palette, waterbrush pen, pattern and solid papers

(tip: before you begin, moisten the paint pots by adding a few drops of water to each one)

 

Create a small puddle of 'pink water' in a depression of the palette with a dab or two of full color from the Apple Blossom paint pot mixed with several drops of water. Use this 'pink water' to quickly paint flower petals on the square. Don't stress about the flower being perfect...don't sketch it out, just relax, paint and see what happens!

 

Draw in some quick, loose accent lines with the Magenta pencil.

 

Before the petals dry out, dab in some full color directly from the moistened Apple Blossom paint pot. If you need to add a bit more 'pink water' go ahead so that when you dab in the stronger color it will bloom and blend on its own.

 

Add a dab of Persimmon for a color accent....

 

Gently draw in the flower pistol with the Celadon Green pencil.

 

Create another puddle of colored water in the palette; this time with the Kiwi. Being careful not to bump into the pink flower you just completed, go ahead and paint with 'green water' all around the flower and out to the edges of the square.

 

Again, taking advantage of the damp green area, go ahead and dab in stronger bits of color directly from the paint pots of the Kiwi and the Blue Grass. Don't overwork it, just dab, dab, dab and let the paint bleed and bloom on it's own.

 

As the Twinkling H20 paints dry they will begin to shimmer from the mica that is mixed with their pigment - also, the colors will appear a bit lighter when dry.

 

Seems like we have shelves and shelves of odds and ends papers. All the more fun to poke through to find the perfect coordinating paper. In this case we trimmed the paper to an A1 card size which is the perfect fit for 4 Bar envelopes.

(The folded card measures 3-1/2" X 4-7/8") 

Prismacolor pencils on black squares

 

It's always such a pleasant surprise that pigment rich pencils such as Prismacolor retain their color intensity when used on surfaces other than white. We are such creatures of habit when using bright color mediums (most always on white) that it's easy to forget that these pencils work really well on even the super black of our squares.

We are often asked about cards like this that use large images across multiple squares - in fact, when we send these types of cards out to stores as samples we are told that they often 'go missing' from the shelves!

A few tips that will make creating this card super easy. Begin by selecting 4, 1-1/2" black Inchie + Squares. Adhere them to your work surface so they fit tightly together to make a square. Be sure and use a REMOVABLE adhesive. (our favorite is a dry, roller style made by TOMBO).

Ink the stamp, the Striped Outline Poppy from Impress, with white pigment ink. Stamp across all 4 of the black squares. Working one square at a time, pick them up and dredge (see tip below) them through white embossing powder and tap off the excess. Heat set these squares and fit them back together on your work surface.

Using a variety of similar color pencils (we used pinks, fushias, and purply reds) color the flower to your liking. Don't forget to keep your pencils sharp, don't press too hard and remember that you can overlap different colors to create new hues.   

When you assemble the card make a point to select card stock and papers that coordinate with the colors that you have used to color the flower. Try making a set of 4 of these, each with a different color solution! 

 

 

This next card utilizes a completely different technique. Instead of coloring the stamped image, you create a colored 'frame' with coordinating and overlapping color pencil strokes. 

Begin by stamping the leaf, Leaf with Veins by Gretchen Ehrsam for Rubbermoon, using a Pear color pigment ink by Fresh Ink on a black 2" Twinchie Square. Dredge the square through clear embossing powder and heat set. 

Using at least 3 coordinating Prismacolor pencils (we used artichoke, pale sage, and limepeel) create a frame around the stamped image by repeating and overlapping quick pencil strokes that begin about a 1/4" away from the edge of the stamped image and run off the edge of the square. Continue all around the stamped image changing colors and overlapping until the desired color is reached. This card is finished with one of our most favorite script style sentiments; thanks from Rubber Soul.

Tip: Our tip for handling embossing powder really comes from all of the classes we teach and the desire to figure out a way to make embossing powder easy to use. By putting the embossing powder in disposable plastic wear (we like the small shallow round ones best) we discovered that it's easy to 'dredge the stamped squares' into the powder and tap off the excess without any mess or hassle.