In Touch

Valentine Alcohol Ink Agates

Alcohol ink --- what can you do with it? It was so much fun to once again experiment and do some "research" for today's project.

Copic and Ranger both have awesome alcohol inks! Many of you have asked why it is that I do not carry the Ranger Alcohol inks - my answer is quite simple - space and dollars. Oh to have a larger warehouse and more money - then I wouldn't have to make hard choices - LOL! 

Being a huge fan of the Copic markers it made the most sense to me that we carry the Various Ink refills for the markers. This allows you to get the best value for your dollar. You can use the refills for your markers, BUT also for numerous techniques! Please do not hesitate to use these same techniques with either ink. You can also read a comparison study that I did a few years back here. 

 

The technique that I am going to share with you today is one that resembles agates. Once again I must give Tim credit for teaching me to get inky and experiment. We did a technique at Ranger U that got me going with this experiment, but for some reason my sample looked nothing like this. So "cheers" to continued learning and experimentation!

 

Agate photo and information

I googled to find some pictures of agates to share with you. I was wowed by the beautiful colors I discovered with this search and I hope that they inspire you.

 

To begin I decided to create a monochromatic agate.

 

Begin  by placing dots of alcohol ink, together with one drop of metallic mixatif (in this case I used Pearl), on to a felt applicator tool pad as shown above. As you can see I utilized more of the lighter tone, with just a couple of drops of the darker version of the color.

Then blot the applicator, using a twisting motion, on glossy white paper. It is important that you use glossy cardstock for this technique. The coated surface of the glossy cardstock allows the alcohol to "move" before drying. Regular cardstock will absorb the alcohol in a completely different manner.

Next add more various ink blending solution to the felt pad and repeat, adding color to the glossy paper surface with a twisting motion.

 

Your surface can look so many different ways, but I wanted it to be fairly uniform for this project.
 

Next I placed some various ink blending solution into a refill container. The large bottles have a large opening and you can destroy your project if not careful. These empty refill bottles have an opening that allows you to disperse one drop at a time.

Drip the various ink blending fluid on to your prepared surface and allow it to dry.

As you can see the blending fluid pushes the colors of the inks you have used in an outwards motion. As it does so it forms the look of an agate.

 

I also wanted to shared a multi-colored version to give you the courage to experiment. Using Basic Grey's Hopscotch line as my inspiration I selected colors that coordinated with the paper. As you can see I placed more drops of the red because I wanted this to be my dominant color, then a few drops of the accent color - in this case yellow, and only one drop of the strongest ocean color.

Mixing colors can be tricky. If you end up selecting complimentary colors (colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel) you can end up with a nice "brown" project, but if you do not overwork the colors on your glossy cardstock you can end up with a beautiful result. I recommend that when you first begin that you select colors that are next to one another on the color wheel (analogous colors) for best results, but do not be afraid to use complimentary colors as you experiment and learn.

 

As you can see the colors ended up to be very intriguing. The look above was achieved with a slight "twisting" motion as I created the base color.

 

Once the color is mixed on the alcohol filled felt pad you can create unusual effects by simply stamping in a straight down motion. Once again experimentation is the key to having fun and to learning!!! By simply adding various ink blending solution to the felt pad you can rejuvenate the colors, push the colors towards the edge of the felt pad and so much more.

 

Not only can you drip various ink blending solution on to your surface, but you can also drip other alcohol ink colors as shown above. The first, light circles are created using BG11. Allow the ink to spread and dry. As you can see these complimentary colors begin to neutralize or dull the saturation of the other color. Then add the next darker color, BG13.

If you use your Heat It tool to dry the liquid more quickly you can control how far it spreads. I would love for you to just play and try different combinations as you experiment with these alcohol ink agates.

 

So now what? You have a pile of backgrounds. Well... try using a Hero Arts background as Tami Hartley did in this post she shared in the CLASSroom - Scrap Drawer Rescue OR give the following a try.

Make certain that the ink is dry. Next use an anti-static puff on the surface of the paper to eliminate the problem of embossing powder sticking to the project in spots you don't want it to.

Then stamp your image using Distress Embossing ink and applied embossing powder. 

 

In this instance I used Opaque White to create a lacey look. As you can see this Ribbon Heart is beautiful.
 

When I added it to my project I felt it needed just a little more color. It was easy to come back in with my coordinating Copic marker and add just a hint of color to the ribbon heart. I followed the natural pattern that was left when creating my background and then just amped up the ocean and yellow colors in a couple of areas, especially around the edges to make the white embossing pop. 

 

Next I used my first agate sample with the new Lockhart Lace Heart. LOVE the delicacy of this vintage lacey image!
 

The final sample was created using a small corner of the first agate sample and Espresso embossing powder. Little white flowers were added with the white Opaque pen.
 

To finish off this scrumptious Valentine ensemble I used the new Sizzix Cupcake Holders, my favorite rosette die, a few more punched out Alcohol Ink Agate Hearts and the oh so fun Hopscotch patterned papers.

Simply adhere your favorite decorative paper to Craft-a-Board using Be Creative tape sheets or the 4 1/2" width before cutting and you will have the sturdiest, cleanest looking finished project!

TIP: To vary the size of your rosettes, simply cut the finished rosette length shorter in both length and width. Make certain to cut the base between the dotted lines on solid paper so that your rosette stays together. :-D

It was so much fun creating this delicious Valentine treat using these agate backgrounds! As always my message once again is enjoy the creative process and don't be afraid to experiment :-D 
 
stamps: Lockhart Stamps: Lace Heart, Ribbon Heart, IB Chintz Heart, IB Candy Heart

ink: Distress Embossing Ink, Copic Various Ink Refills - R22, R24, Y11, BG13, Copic Various Ink Blending Solution, Pearl Metallic Mixative

paper: Glossy Cardstock, Craft-a-Board, Basic Grey Hopscotch 6x6, Hopscotch Paper Pack, Memory Box cardstock - Begonia, Peony and Bayou

accessories: Sizzix Cupcake Holder, Be Creative (Sookwang) 4 1/2" Tape, Rosette Die, Basic Grey Glazed Hopscotch Brads, Adirondack Espresso Embossing Powder, Judikins White Opaque Embossing Powder, Ranger White Opaque Pen, White Inchie+ Squares, Basic Grey Buttons, Alcohol Ink Felt Applicator

Best Inks To Use With Copic Markers by Sharon Harnist

Since Copic markers are an alcohol-based dye ink, they require a certain type of ink to be compatible when coloring rubber stamped images.  For instance, Tsukineko's Staz-On ink is usually permanent on just about any surface but the alcohol in Copics react to the solvent in Staz-On and basically reactivate the dried Staz-On and will smear an image stamped with it: 

The scribble of pink under the marker tip is the color the marker is supposed to be.  See how the marker reacts with the Staz-On stamped sleeves and smears them?

Following are a few different ink options that work well with Copics.

Note: For these tests, I used Neenah Classic Solar White 80 lb. cardstock and Lockhart Stamp Company's Vintage Apron stamp.

My all-time favorite ink to use with Copics is Tsukineko's dye-based Memento Tuxedo Black ink pad.  It stamps crisp, clean and clear, dries very quickly and a stamped image can be colored immediately after stamping, with no smearing:

 

Above are examples of coloring a Memento stamped image (upper left) immediately after stamping, (upper right) 30 seconds after stamping, and (bottom) one minute after stamping. 

Below are the results of using Copic's Colorless Blender, repeatedly rubbing over the stamped lines of the apron's neckstrings (right where the marker tip is pointing):

The Blender was rubbed repeated over the black stamped lines and never smeared. This ink performed excellent on all the tests.

Next is Ranger's Adirondack Pitch Black dye-based ink pad.  It also stamps crisp, clean and clear but generally needs just a little bit longer to dry well on its own.

The same coloring tests were performed -- immediately after stamping, 30 seconds after stamping, and one minute after stamping:

 

My apologies for the blurriness at the top of the photo, but hopefully if you click on the photo for a closer look, you'll see a little smearing on the top left sleeve (immediately after stamping).  But as the ink dried on its own, you'll see it performed well under normal coloring circumstances.

But the Blender marker test left a little smearing of the stamped neckstrings (click for a closer view):

 

Keep in mind, the Blender marker was rubbed repeatedly over the stamped lines, so under normal coloring circumstances, you probably wouldn't experience this problem.

I also tried heat setting the Adirondack ink for 30 seconds and then waited for 10-15 minutes before coloring the stamped image, with improved coloring results:

 

Bleeding with the Blender test was also improved:

Lastly, I tested Tsukineko's Brilliance Graphite Black pigment ink pad.  This is the ink I used to use all the time with my Copics, before Tsukineko came out with their Memento line of ink.  Because it is pigment-based, you will need to let this ink dry thoroughly before coloring it, or quickly heat set it.  In my test, I let the stamped image air dry for about an hour, with these results:

 

Same crisp, clear and clean stamped image and no bleeding of the stamped lines when Copic marker was applied over the ink.  Remember, I colored outside of the lines on the left sleeve for testing purposes below (wink)!

This ink also performed excellently, even after repeated rubbing with the Blender marker to remove the pink marker on the neckstring.

I hope that gives you some ink options to keep in mind when coloring with your Copics!  Below is a little eye candy I made with one of these stamped Lockhart Vintage Aprons, combining it with the more masculine/less frilly Apron:

 

Invitation Supplies:

• Lockhart Apron & Vintage Apron
• Memento Tuxedo Black ink
• Copic markers RV34, RV17, YG03, YG17, E47
• Basic Grey Sultry papers
• Memory Box Currant notecard
• Martha Stewart Zig Zag Edger Punch

• Computer generated wording

Flower Soft by Susan Roberts

This month's In Touch featured product is Flower Soft.  I love this wonderfully fun and easy to use medium which instantly adds dimension and interest to your work.  I have created 3 cards with it, and I'm so excited to share them with you!

On my first card this darling Lockhart Itty Bitty Umbrella, which is Ellen's stamp of the month for March, was colored with Copic markers.

It was then cut out and adhered to an Inchie.

The Inchie was first covered with a piece of Graphic 45 Botanicabella "Secret Garden" designer paper.  The edges of the Inchie were colored with a Copic marker (YG03).  A small dot of "Sunshine Yellow" Flower Soft was added on the point of the umbrella.  (Well what better color of Flower Soft could make that "rain rain go away"!?!)  The Flower Soft was colored with a Copic marker (Y17) to match the umbrella.

The Flower Soft frame was made using double sided tape.

 

A small amount of Flower Soft goes a LONG way!!  It comes tightly compacted in its jar.  To use it, empty a small amount into a bowl or container and lightly fluff to loosen and separate it.  To apply simply press the tape side of the card stock onto the Flower Soft.  The Flower Soft on this frame is a mixture of  "Baby Blue" and "Spring".  The jar of Spring Flower Soft shown here is from the Flower Soft Box Set "Pretty Pots Starter Kit".

After the tape was covered, I trimmed the excess card stock from around the outside of the frame.

The sentiment was placed on a panel of Graphic 45 Fashionista "Perfumeries" designer paper which was adhered to the Flower Soft frame.

Art Flowers and a button were added to finish the card.

I was so happy to be able to take Ellen's idea for a feathery FLOWERy SOFT rooster and create this next card using the Lockhart Rooster.  Just look at the fancy Flower Soft tail he is strutting! 

To make the tail feathers, I took a couple of the Flower Soft Wires and cut them into four sections.  (These wires can be purchased in a separate package but are also included in the Flower Soft Box Set "Pretty Pots Starter Kit".)  I colored the wires with Copic markers to match the colors of Flower Soft I was planning on using.

Next the Flower Soft Glue (included in the "Pretty Pots Starter Kit" and also available for separate purchase) was applied liberally to the wires, and the Flower Soft was sprinkled on until the desired amount was achieved.  Flower Soft colors used were "Poppy Red", "Baby Pink" and "Sunshine Yellow".  The wires were then placed in a sponge (also included in the "Pretty Pots Starter Kit") to dry.  The glue dries clear and takes about 30 minutes.

 

Just as I had done with the dot of Flower Soft on the umbrella card above, I used a Copic marker (Y19) to color the yellow Flower Soft on the wire so it would more closely match the color on the rooster.

The wires were attached by poking them through the card stock at the base of the rooster tail and then bending them flat and securing them with tape on the back.

I dotted small amounts of glue at the base of the rooster tail and other areas.  Next I applied "Poppy Red" Flower Soft to hide the ends of the wires and gaps where the rooster image was showing behind the tail feathers.

Other products used on this card include Graphic 45 Botanicabella "Secret Garden" and Fashionista "Perfumeries" designer papers.  Art Flowers and an Accent Pearl were also used.  The sentiment "Springtime Greetings" is by Memory Box.  Copic markers were used to color the rooster and Flower Soft.

 

On my third card only a very small amount of Flower Soft is used, but I think it is so fun on these ladies as they model their vintage spring fashion.  Aren't they swell!?!

No stamps were used on this card.  Instead the Flower Soft Glue was applied directly to the Graphic 45 Fashionista "En Vogue" designer paper cut outs.

The ribbon is a 5/8" Twill.  The red striped paper is Graphic 45 Fashionista "Buttons A La Mode".  Even the sentiment is taken from the Fashionista Collection designer paper.  All 3 cards use Memory Box card stock.  Neenah Solar White card stock is also used on cards 1 and 2.  

Hope you decide to give Flower Soft a try!  Happy crafting!!

pink sunflower inchie card, by Cindy Lyles

 

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and today's post features the soft tones associated with this holiday.  This card's Inchie embellishments make a wonderful get well card; however this image and colors could be used for any number of occasions.

For this Inchie card, I assembled three white Inchie Squares and stamped Lockhart's Sun Flower image using Palette Noir ink, then colored using Copic markers.  Inchie Squares are 1" square, thick, premium quality matboard.  They arrive boxed in handy packages of 72.  Their thickness creates a quality embellishment instantly.

Here is a step-by-step for how I colored the Inchies:

step one:  Color flower centers using YR31.

 
step two:  Add small, dark highlights to flower centers using YR24.

step three:  Blend using YR31 marker from step one.

step four:  Color flower petals using RV11.

Step five:  Add dark highlights to flower petals using RV34.  You can blend using RV11, but it is such a small area you can choose not to.

step six:  Color all greenery with YG91.

step seven:  Add dark highlights to all greenery using YG95.

step eight:  Add shadows to all images using BV31, and color the hint the of the watering can using RV34 and RV19.

Mat a piece of 4" x 2" white cardstock with Licorice cardstock.  Using a piercing pad, piercing tool and Tim Holtz's ruler, pierce lower right portion nine times.

Create a card base using Sugar Plum and Sprout cardstocks.  Cut small slit in side fold and wrap ribbon (May Arts) around card front, tie in knot.

Mat each Inchie Square with Licorice cardstock, then adhere using foam tape to pierced layer.  Adhere unit to card front using foam tape.  Foam tape elevates the unit, showing off the pierced holes.

 

Card inside - verse is from Mona Lisa Moments Get Well Centers.  This is a Val Stangle layout. - Cindy Lyles for In Touch

apple inchie notebook

Today's post will show step-by-step instructions for creating a versatile notebook gift with a few gift-giving options!

Ellen's store carries a new product called Craft-a-Board.  It's basically professional chipboard at a great price - twelve (12) thick sheets in a soft white color for $9.99.  Overall size of each sheet is approximately 9 1/2"w x 13 1/2"h x 1/8"d.  Try embossing, stamping, piercing or binding it.  I used my Cuttlebug with the Craft-a-Board and it die cuts both Nestabilities and Cuttlebug dies (it's thick - repeat the sandwich feeding process about 3-4 times to ensure a clean cut). 

Craft-a-Board is sturdy - so sturdy that it will outlast the 5x8 lined notepad a few times over.  So we are going to create a notebook to house a 5x8 lined notepad that can be replaced with a new one when needed.

First - coloring.  Using the Lockhart IB Apple and IB Ruler stamp on a White Inchie Square using a Palette Noir pad.  Shade the apple, then stamp the apple again onto a piece of Cotton Candy (all paper is Memory Box) cardstock scrap.

Using Copic markers color in the apples. I made two - you'll see what I did with the other one later in the post!  Cut out these apples and adhere to the stamped Inchie Squares using foam dimensionals.

Add the positive part of Basic Grey magnets to the back of the Inchie Squares.  Here I've created a few more Inchies - you'll see why later in the post!

Next:  the Craft-a-Board notebook base.  I used this template to score and cut.  Use a piece of scrap cardstock to create the pocket, according to the template.

Add velcro dots to the back of the 5x8 notepad, so it can be changed out as needed.  Tip:  press the hook and loops together on the back of the 5x8 notepad, then press onto the Craft-a-Board as outlined in the template.  This way the loop part and hook part of the velcro will be aligned.  Immediately remove the notepad and using the velcro location on the back of the 5x8 notepad, add velcro to the back of a few more 5x8 lined notepads to give along with the finished notebook.

When the 5x8 notepad is in place the notebook inside will look like this.

Next:  the cover.  Using Memory Box Sugar Collection I created a front for the notebook.  It's basically a card layout just bigger!  Stamped Lockhart's IB Ruler image four times on a piece of black cardstock using white ink, but before mounting, I adhered the negative of a Basic Grey snap (the Inchie Squares all have positive magnets) so the magnet is hidden from view - and now allows the attachment of an Inchie Square!

Use additional negative magnets from Basic Grey and decorate the inside of the notebook - add and store additional Inchies!  Change them out with your mood!

For the notebook closure, a strip of Memory Box Sugar was adhered to the inside front flap/pocket.  One part of a Basic Grey magnetic snap set was placed on the closure, the other on the notebook back.

If you did not want to add magnets to the inside of the notebook, you could always give them and store them in any little metal tin!

Hope this inspires you to create a lasting notebook suitable for multitudes on your gift lists!

supplies:  Inchie Products, Mona Lisa stamps, Copic Markers, Memory Box paper, Krylon pens, Craft-a-Board and a wide selection of Lockhart Stamp Company images - all available at Ellen Hutson, LLC.