Irresistible Inking Techniques

For the final class of AECP Level 1, Irresistible Inking Techniques, I explored creative ways to use ink pads beyond traditional stamping. My card focuses on the direct-to-paper technique to craft a unique artistic background and edges, layered with heat embossing and stencilling for added texture and depth.

Supplies Used:

• White Cardstock
• Craft Your Life Project Kit: Seasonal Blooms
• Build a Garden: Magnificent Branch
• Forest Trail Fresh Dye Ink
• Sugarplums Fresh Dye Ink
• Peachy Glow Fresh Dye Ink
• Rose Quartz Fresh Dye Ink
• Gold Embossing Powder
• Versamark Sticky Ink
• Archival Jet Black Ink

Steps to Create:

1. Preparing the Panel: I started by cutting a piece of white cardstock to 4 1/4" x 5 1/2".
2. Creating the Background: Using the direct-to-paper technique, I swiped Rose Quartz, Peachy Glow, and Pale Mauve inks directly onto the panel horizontally. I overlapped the colors for a smooth blend and repeated this step 2-3 times to intensify the hues and cover the entire panel.
3. Heat Embossing: I stamped the beautiful floral image from the Magnificent Branch stamp set in the bottom-left corner of the panel using VersaMark ink and heat embossed it with gold powder. Since I didn’t wait for the background to dry completely, stray embossing powder stuck to some areas of the background. Instead of starting over, I embraced the imperfection as part of the design and heat-set it.
4. Layered Stenciling: Next, I added color to the flower and leaves using the Sugarplums and Forest Trail inks, respectively using the coordinating stencil. I applied the ink with a blending brush, creating soft gradients over the heat-embossed outline.
5. Trimming the Panel: To give the card a more polished look, I trimmed the panel slightly so it would leave a white border when mounted on the card base.
6. Adding a Rough Inked Edge: The trimmed panel felt too plain, so I decided to add some definition to the edges. Using Plum ink from the Sugarplums collection, I roughly inked the edges, which added a raw, artistic vibe that tied the card together beautifully.
7. Stamping the Sentiment: I chose the “Thanks” sentiment from the Seasonal Blooms stamp set and stamped it in Archival Jet Black Ink. The impression wasn’t perfect, but the slightly distressed look matched the rough edges and background, so I decided to keep it as is.
8. Assembling the Card: I foam-mounted the panel onto a white card base, leaving a small border around it. The slight dimension and white framing completed the card perfectly.

This project turned into a perfect example of embracing happy accidents! The combination of the direct-to-paper background, layered inking, and rustic edges resulted in a card that's both artistic and unique. 

  

 

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