all in an inch

Let the color do the work...literally!

Regretfully, I am one of those people that design things in my head and then puts them down on paper. But every now and then I succumb to the desire to just find out what will happen. This is a perfect example of that sort of serendipity.

Prepare your work space by setting down a single paper towel on a level surface.

One at a time, take a white 2" Art Square (top side up!) and spritz completely with water so it looks like a puddle sitting on top of the Art Square.

Select 2 of the Splash Ink Colors. Drop just one drop of color from one applicator and then promptly one drop of color from another color applicator.

DON'T DO ANYTHING ELSE - LEAVE IT ALONE!

Where the drops land on the Art Square will influence how the colors combine and blend. 

Leave to dry. When dry to the touch, heat set (this is critical for the next step)

Apply Versamark ink over the entire square. Dredge in clear embossing powder and heat set.

 

Keep a stash of these put away and stamp a fun sentiment when you need a quick card. These also make a great set of notecards to give as a gift. (Mom's and teachers!)  

Splash Inks are acrylic inks that blend without getting muddy or compromising colors. They replicate the concept of 4 color process printing and can be combined to make an infinite number of colors. Visit the Yasutomo web site for more information and a color chart. 

Pulling a print with Inktense blocks and an Art Square

Ok....this technique is new to me, but one I am going to be learning about pronto! Because of the amount of water used to activate the Inktense blocks the Art Squares and their absorbative quality are the perfect substrate. 

Be sure and visit Mama Dini's Stamperia for the particulars - I guess there is a video in the works too!

Great idea Dina - I can hardly wait to try this!!

A refresher on the die masking technique

Impression Obsession Watering Can die on a 2" white Art Square (Twinchie Square).

We first posted about this technique almost exactly a year ago. With the popularity of metal dies there continues to be an enormous amount of interest in this technique because it provides you with a totally different way to use your dies. We just taught a class using new seasonal dies at Stampadoodle in Bellingham, WA and wanted to share the projects from the class.  

The picture above shows our first project - and a good way to get aquainted with the technique.  

1. Cover the TOP side of the Art Square with the sticky side of a masking paper. (You can use either Eclipse Paper from Judikins, or Inkadinkado Stamping Mask Paper) Trim the paper so that it is flush with the edge of the Art Square. 

2. Place the die, cutting side down, on the side of the Art Square with the masking paper.

3. Run through die cutting machine. You will have to experiment with various thicknesses of 'shims' to get the correct pressure to cut through the masking paper layer and incise the image into the square.

4. Carefully remove either the masking paper from the background (the image on the right) or the object (the image on the left)

5. Using ink daubers, generously apply pigment inks with a dabbing versus rubbing motion to the area not covered by the masking paper (this is the area that you just peeled away). Use as many different colors as you wish and blend by applying colors over one another repeatedly with varying amounts of pressure. Just remember to not mix up the daubers! (we recommend using the cap style)

6. Remove the remaining masking paper.

7. Dredge in clear embossing powder and heat set. (the area that you colored will be shiny from the embossing and the area where the masking paper remained will be the matte finish of the Art Square) 

8. Optional finishing step: stamp entire square with Versamark clear ink, dredge in clear embossing powder and heat set again.    

(you can view the original step by step instructions, with photos, on the original posting on April 27, 2013. Or click on 'die cuts' in the categories section to the right)

Impression Obsession Bird House dies on a white 3" Art Square

 

Impression Obsession Hollyhocks die on a white ATC Art Square

 

Impression Obsession Bird on Branch die on a white ATC Art Square

The blue background was added at the end after the masking paper was removed and coloring was embossed. Go back in with a very light touch and add the blue, then dredge in clear embossing powder and heat set again. 

 

Memory Box Zinnia Bunch die on a white 3" Art Square.

Wet and Wild - lots of layers

Take a close look at the background! This is a fabulous technique that Jill and Elizabeth have been exploring on their blog, Studio Sessions. It's all about Tombow Markers, great stamps, water, and applying them to an ATC size Art Square...layer...upon layer...until the desired affect is acheived. 

Jill has written out step by step instructions so be sure and stop by Studio Sessions today!