Wednesday, March 16, 2016

6 Gorgeous Techniques Using Distress Inks

Today’s post is definitely going to be interesting for all those who are just IN LOVE with the Distress Inks (like me!). They’re one of my most used crafty items. Let’s get into some tips and techniques on how we can use them.

1. Distressing
This is the most basic use of Distress Inks. You can use them to distress paper, cardstock or any other surface you have. You can create some amazing vintage or shabby-chic styles with this fab medium.

2. Stamping
Here is another super basic and of course natural way to use Distress Inks. Ink your stamp and simply press it down on the paper. The type of stamp doesn’t matter – you can use any kind from clear to cling and wood to mounted. Also, one important thing to note here is that Distress Inks are water-based, so adding other mediums may bleed the ink and distort your image.


3. Blending
This is one of my FAVOURITE techniques! No other ink pad will give you as good results at blending than Distress Inks. Not even close! The colours mix so beautifully and can be applied lightly, or layered together to get a rich, deep background. Firstly, choose any 2 or more Distress Ink colours. For this tag, I used the new Wilted Violet Ink Pad, Mustard Seed and Peacock Feathers. Use a blending tool to pick up your ink, and work in circular motions across your paper. Start off at the paper’s edge, and slowly work into the paper to avoid getting blotches. Lastly, start blending the colours as you go. Layering various inks together gives you countless colour combinations.



4. Stencilling
Directly place the stencil over the paper and apply the Distress Ink onto it. The Distress Spray Stains can also be used through stencils to create some gorgeous effects. Tape the stencil to the paper with any temporary adhesive so that it holds the stencil and prevents movement. Once you’re done, remove the stencil and there you have a gorgeous pattern! You can also blend inks to create some gorgeous graduated effects.


5. Watermarking
The most distinctive feature of Distress Inks is their ability to work with water. Spray water on anyDistress Ink background and watch the ink move. You can create watermarked effects by adding few drops of water to an inked surface, or using a water brush to draw a design. When you have finished adding the water, use a paper towel to gently blot the surface and remove the ink.

6. Reverse Stencilling
Ever heard of it? No? Let me tell you! If you ever want to have watercolour background effect, this is a great way to do it. Take a stencil and start inking it; blending colour in this technique works well. You just need three main things for this technique: Distress Inks (of course!), a stencil and a misting tool. All you have to do is apply the inks to the surface of your stencil, mist it with water and place ink-side down onto your paper. Press lightly, and lift off the stencil to reveal a gorgeous watercolour background!

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Pink Floral Canvas

Hi folks!

It's March already! I can't believe I haven't posted almost anything in the last two months. I definitely need to organize this month. Anyway enough about me and let's get to the point.

This personalized canvas has tons of layering and items on it. First the background is a random cardstock from one the paper pads. I have actually lost the main cover of it so I can't recall the name. I distressed the entire paper to match it the photography. Then I took a Tim Holtz Stencil and add a white texture paste on few areas of the pattern paper. Btw it's homemade and the texture is so smooth and dries up so quickly. You won't even believe what it is made of! I will type up the recipe in my next post. It's super easy to make and I bet you will certainly have everything at your home. Back to the canvas now, after adding the paste I sprayed using Distress Stain Spray. 


For the embellishments, I have used Dusty Attic Frame and 'Little Moments' chipboard, They are my new favorites! I painted them using Distress Paints. The frame is painted on with Antique Linen and phrase is by Black Soot.


Next I added few Recollection and Prima flowers. Butterflies, leaves and flourish branch are cut by Silhouette Cameo.



I hope you like today's post! I am thinking of coming few reviews which hopefully I will be posting soon! 

Toddles for now!