Thursday, February 23, 2017

Tutorial - Faux Bleaching (or Watercolor Stamping) with Distress Oxide Inks

My craft area is a disaster -- and that is a good thing. I have been having so much fun playing with a technique I think I discovered (I certainly haven't seen anyone else posting it) for my new Distress Oxide inks.  I am not one to jump on the bandwagon, but this is SO. MUCH. FUN. I just have to share it.



Watercolor stamping is an awesome technique and I am using the same steps with the Distress Oxides to get a Faux Bleached look, or a Ghost-Stamping look -- you decide.

For this I used my ink, a mini mister, a chunky or silhouette style stamp and some darker colored cardstock.  Lots of combos to play with there.  (Please click on the photos to enlarge them for detail.)

Ink up the stamp with Distress Oxide ink.

Using a spray bottle that applies a mist, spray with water 3-4 times, until the stamp looks like this.  This step is variable, you can decide to add more or less to get a more of less flowing image.

Stamp onto your cardstock.

This is the result right after you stamp.  You will be able to see the color of the dye part of the ink prominently -- but that will not last as it dries.

Here is the result when it is almost dry.  Most of that dark halo of dye ink will eventually completely disappear, depending on how much water you added.

Every time I did this, I said, "ooOOOoo!"  Lol.

Now, I found this worked with nearly every color of the inks BUT I did have trouble with the blues.  I also found that you get a better result on darker cardstocks, so it if doesn't look right, see if you can go darker with your cardstock color.  

Tim Holtz did show in a CHA Demo video that you can stamp your image and then spray the whole cardstock with water to get other effects, however, this Faux Bleaching look with Distress Oxides really is much much cleaner looking AND the water you stamped with moves in a controlled manner  after you stamp to give that lovely watercolory image that I find really awesome.

Here are two projects I made with the technique.

This was Worn Lipstick Distress Oxide Ink on Gina K Passionate Pink cardstock.




And this is one of the FUN surprises - Fossilized Amber on Gina K Wild Dandelion Cardstock.  The yellow ink turned a lovely pink!  I have no idea how, but that is so cool!




Supplies:  Distress Oxide Inks by Ranger/Tim Holtz, Just for Fun Rubber Stamps Flora and Fauna sheet, Just a Note sentiment, Crate Paper DIY Shop patterned paper, KI Doilies patterned paper, Versafine Smokey Grey ink (for sentiment), Spellbinders Oval and Scalloped Oval dies, Avery Elle Wonky Rectangles Dies, Vellum and Embellishments from my stash.

I have a few other cards I have already made with this technique I will probably share tomorrow, along with my experiments for this technique on all colors of cardstock.

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping by! I hope you will leave a comment so I know you were here.

I would love to enter these cards into the following challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - Florals
SimonSaysStamp Wednesday Challenge - Anything Goes

18 comments:

Mac Mable said...

It is so hard to resist these new inks. I think this is my favourite way to use them, that you've kindly shown us. Absolutely love the effect and the possibilities are endless. You sound and look like you are having so much fun with tehm. The kraft looks good and loving the vibrant pink card, really very contemporary x

Daria said...

Heidi, your cards are beautiful! Thank you for explaining how you made them. I had to laugh at your reaction to getting pink when using Fossilized Amber. (Pretty cool!) I had a similar reaction when I used Regular Distress Walnut Stain and Pumice Stone together and ended up with the most beautiful dusty plum color. TFS. Daria

My Card Attic: Hazel said...

What a cool effect Heidi! It looks almost magical the way it turns! TFS the step by step, it looks fantastic! Have a wonderful day my friend! Luv n’ Hugs. Hazel xx
My Card Attic

lostinpaper said...

Looks like you have had some inky fun right here, the results are amazing!! thanks so much for sharing

Beth Norman said...

Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. I'll have to look for some of that ink next time I'm over in the States. Both cards are lovely, but the pink one tugs at my heart.

Carol L said...

Thanks for the easy to understand tutorial! I love all the great looks you're getting with these new inks! Love the one that turned pink, which picks up the pink flowers in the dsp perfectly! NJ!

Conniecrafter said...

Oh wow, that is too cool, and I love how it is a surprise what color will come out depending on the cardstock and inks you use, thanks for sharing!

BethB said...

The first one looks like a fossil! Just love it. Thank you, Heidi!

*Vicki* said...

These are absolutely STUNNING results Heidi!! Sounds like you're having so much fun with them! I can't wait to be able to start playing with mine hopefully soon...(hasn't shipped yet!) Your creations are just beautiful!! Thanks so much for joining with us over at Cute Card Thursday my friend! HUGS :) P.S. Thanks for sharing what you've done with these inks!

April said...

Wonderful results! Thanks for sharing this technique. I must get some of these pads soon!

Viv said...

Great idea to use the new inks like that Heidi. I have used the Distress inks like that but not got any of the new Oxide inks as yet. Great cards too btw. ;) Viv xx

Deb said...

Wow, very cool technique and your cards are beautiful!
Many thanks for joining us at Cute Card Thursday this week!

Debxx

Lorraine A said...

Gorgeous cards Heidi and you have showcased the inks beautifully! I can't wait to receive my set!! :-)

Thanks for joining us on the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge
Luv
Lols x x x

Marina said...

Fabulous effect and really pretty cards.

Cindi (aka iring) said...

I was here! Ha! Cool cards Heidi. Love the look on Kraft too. I. wouldn't have expected pink out of amber either. Looks great with the printed paper you chose.

wannabcre8tive said...

Lovely cards and I enjoyed seeing how you made them. Thanks, for sharing.

Sarn said...

Fab results . . .but I simply CANNOT afford to go down the route of MORE ink pads! So please stop tempting me! LOL! x

Jenn Shurkus said...

Really awesome technique!! thank you so much for sharing!!