Creative Chemistry 102: Stamping Through a Stencil

This next technique uses a stencil to stamp through the image.  I also think this technique begs the use of a stencil with more open space.  The stash just didn't include many options, but I found this foot print stencil.  I think I originally purchased the animal paw print side of this stencil, not the human foot print side.  Still, it works for this example.  I occurs to me that I could create my own stencil with the Cricut, duh!  However, I'm playing catch up on my class so I made due for this example.

For this technique, Tim (yes, we're just that familiar LOL) suggested taping the stencil.  I totally agree.  A light layer of Distress Ink, in this case Worn Lipstick, is applied through the stencil.  After that, the stamp (I used a border stamp) is inked with archival ink.  In my example, I used CTMH Hollyhock.  I also used a cling stamp, but I didn't use a acrylic block.  It makes the stamping flexible and I simply pressed down over the stamped area.  I think I most love the tiny curlicue on the right foot's big toe. 

I'm imaging many good uses for this technique.  This is one of the techniques

I'd like to pursue creatively in the future.  I'll put a bookmark on this one and play some more later.

Creative Chemistry 102- Embossing Through Stencils

This technique from our Creative Chemistry 102 class is similar to the rusted enamel technique from the 101 class.  The only difference is that the Distress ink is applied using an Ink Blending Tool through a stencil.  After applying the ink, pour clear embossing powder over the image and tap off the excess.  Flick the back of the paper to randomly remove additional embossing powder.  This creates random little voids in the powder that will look like cracks in the embossed areas.  After heating and curing the embossing powder, replace the stencil and use your Ink Blending Tool to apply Vintage Photo Distress Ink, really blending in the ink to those cracks.  The effect works well without a stencil and I've used it multiple times.  Check it out here:  Rusted Enamel Note Cards and Wooden Decorated Anniversary Box.  My example here is a fail- I think you need a stencil with more open space.  I'm going to give it another try and will share the sample with you.  Still, this embossed look through a stencil has it's own use.

A Man Card- Happy Birthday to My Son

Just a quick post to share this simple card I made for my son, Timothy.  Seventeen years ago today, I excitedly celebrated the arrival of my first child.  We didn't know that Tim was a boy until that day and I can say that I was extremely pleased to have this quiet, sensitive and intelligent child join our family.  Tim is a responsible oldest child and as a friend of mine said when he was born- "Sons always love their mamas".  She was right and I am grateful, though I can tell you all that seems like yesterday and I don't nearly feel the span of years in between.

The card was made using my Darkroom Door Trees stamps.  The fine detail on these cling stamps is simply amazing.  I chose to use my Walnut Stain, Barn Door, Scattered Straw and Peeled Paint Distress stains to stamp the images on watercolor paper.  I masked the images off using a cut out stamped image on a scrap of paper. 

Creative Chemistry 102: Distress Paint Stamping Resist

I'm thinking this sample turned out!  The concept with this technique is that you use Distress Paint to stamp a relatively detailed image (the fluidity of the paint allows for fine detail) and allow the paint to dry completely.  Usually a lighter color of paint works best.  After the paint is completely dry, apply Distress Ink with a Blending Tool .  The paint will resist the Distress Ink.  After you have achieved the look you like, spritz a soft cloth with water and rub over the stamped image.  This will remove any ink that has temporarily stuck to the paint and "brighten up" the stamped image.

This technique is for the book.  I'll be using this one.

Creative Chemistry 102: Mixed Media Layering

This technique used a Tim Holtz layering stencil.  In this case, it's Bubble, though any stencil will do.  Simply daub Distress Paint onto the craft sheet.  Using a Ink Blending Tool and a clean piece of foam, daub the paint onto the tag through the stencil.  Tap, don't blend or press and twist.  Allow the paint to dry completely.  Apply Distress Ink over the paint.  I did a little spritz and flick on this one to mimic the bubble stencil.  They I daubed Distress Paint through a stencil to create the numbers and letters over the top of the paint.  Finally, a little spritz of water on a soft cloth and I wiped off any ink from the paint bringing the paint "forward" in the layers.  It's a cool way to make your own patterned paper.  Why, you might ask, do I need to make my own patterned paper with piles of it stored in the Scrapbox?  The answer, because it's so much fun.  Give it a go, experiment, make some layers.  I'm sure you'll like the result.