With the advent of our new larger size Art Squares we have been having way to much fun coming up with unique ways to use them.
Metal dies are certainly a hot trend right now, and after a bit of experimentation we discovered a masking technique that can only be accomplished with the board weight properties of our Art Squares in combination with dies.
You will need the following supplies for this project:
metal dies
an assortment of pigment ink colors
white Art Squares - 3" and/or ATC size
clear embossing powder
Eclipse adhesive backed paper
Versamark ink
(Big Shot or other die cut device, heat gun and a few basic papercrafting tools)
Cut out a piece of Eclipse adhesive backed paper and press the 'top' side of one or more white ATC size Art Squares onto the adhesive side.
Trim the paper so it is flush with the Art Square
We will be using the Flower Silhouette die from Savvy Stamps
Place the cutting side of the die against the Eclipse paper side of the Art Square and run through die cut device. Since you are using a board weight product you may have to experiment to determine which plates work best to achieve the correct amount of cutting pressure.
When you remove the Art Square you will see that the die has actually cut through the Eclipse paper and into the matboard; but not all the way through.
Peel away the paper from the background, leaving the 'image' from the die.
Our favorite pigment inks are Fresh Inks, from Impress, and this is a great project to use many different colors in one small space.
There are different size sponge daubers in the market place (we especially love the capped ones by Tsukineko) but have found that we are also quite fond of inexpensive round cosmetic sponges. They are great for cutting into quarters and pinching with your fingers.
The goal with this project is to create color layers. We recommend beginning with lighter colors and then layering the darker shades on top. Begin dabbing with the Sicilian Blue.
The next color is a few shades darker; Steel blue. As you dab on the color with the sponge you can rub a little in addition to dabbing - this gentle, but minimal rubbing will soften the applied color.
French Lavender
Limeade
And finally, Mojito
You can choose to blend the colors with a clean sponge by gently dabbing and rubbing or you can leave it alone to see distinct bits of each color layer.
Now, carefully peel away the flowers.
An old fashioned typesetting tool or quilling tool...even an exacto knife; may be helpful.
After peeling all the flowers away - dredge the Art Square in clear embossing powder. A great way to keep the powder is in a small plastic tub.
Heat set.
You might notice that the coverage of the embossing powder is inconsistent. This is because by the time you layered all of the different ink colors, some of these color layers are no longer moist enough to capture the embossing powder.
Sometimes you will find this random effect the perfect touch for your project...but if you want to really tune things up....
You can add a layer of Versamark clear ink to the entire Art Square. Be sure your square is cool before you add this next layer of ink...and next layer of embossing powder.
Adding this additional layer of full coverage Versamark clear ink and another layer of clear embossing powder creates an overall laquer like finish.
Stay tuned - there will be more posts on this technique!