You've probably noticed the Ombre trend in fashion and home decor of late--I love the gradations of color!
For a one-off card, you can certainly apply ink directly to the stamp, starting with lightest colors first, adding subsequently darker colors. But, what if you wanted to make 20 cards with this effect? It would be rather tiresome to reink the stamp every single time in this fashion.
But you could make a custom ink pad that would enable you to restamp to your heart's content quite easily and quickly, using Cut-n-Dry Stamp Pad felt by Ranger and dye reinkers!
I did a video tutorial to accompany the info below--enjoy!
There are two different types of Cut-n-Dry Stamp pads--felt and foam. Use the felt when working with dye reinkers and the foam if you're using pigment reinkers.
The first step is to cut a piece of felt that matches the size of the stamp you plan to work with. I placed the Savvy portrait Chevron stamp onto the pad, traced around it and cut it out. Once nice thing about this particular size pad, is that I'll be able to use it with quite a few other stamps any time I want that Ombre effect.
The next step is to load the pad with ink; I started with the lightest color in the spectrum that I was going for (see the list below in the supplies), and then added increasingly darker hues.
I used Memento Reinkers, but you could also use Adirondack or Distress Reinkers (dye-based inks).
I put the pad onto a paper plate, just to help keep my work surface clean. And, next time, I plan to wear gloves, cuz this can get a little messy. Keep some wipes handy... *wink*
I allowed the colors to slightly overlap as I added each subsequent color; I wanted the colors to blend smoothly, without any gaps.
I inked the stamp by tapping up and down multiple times--so the colors would blend together smoothly, and then I did a test print. My initial print was not as "evenly" colored as I wanted, which meant I probably didn't add quite enough ink in some of the colors so I did add more. Subsequent stampings were then satisfactory, and I was ready to proceed with my project.
I didn't have any other containers on hand to store my ink pad, so I slipped it into a Zip-loc freezer bag; this will keep it moist until I want to use it again. But, this was so quick & easy, I plan to hit the dollar store for some plastic containers with lids that I can store my DIY pads in. I definitely want to make more because it was so quick & easy!
Note: You can also use "blank" pre-made stamp pads, available HERE.
Another great thing about these DIY pads, is that you can reink them if they do dry out--even use Perfect Ink Refresher to rejuvenate them when needed. AND, if you decide later you want to create a different combination of colors, you can actually wash the pad out and ink it up in a whole new rainbow! *fist pump*
Thanks for stopping by and I hope this sparks some new creative ideas for you!
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SUPPLIES & MATERIALS:
Stamps: Picnic by Basic Grey/Hero Arts; Chevron (portrait) by Savvy Stamps
Ink: Memento Tangelo by Tsukineko, Memento Refills in Dandelion, Canteloupe, Tangelo, Lady Bug Red, Rhubarb Stalk; Versamark by Tsukineko; Copic Markers in Y00 Barium Yellow, YR16 Apricot, R14 Light Rouge, E30 Bisque, Y35 Maize
Paper: Neenah Solar White (25 sheet or ream); Black
Tools: Cut-n-Dry Stamp Pad Felt; 1 1/2" Circle Punch; 3/4" Square Punch; 1 3/4" Circle Die (from Hero Arts Frame Cuts "Ticket" Die Set); Heat It Tool
Embellishments: Stickles Glitter Glue in Fruit Punch & Orange Peel; 2mm Black Pearl Sticker (from my stash)
