Hi everyone. Last Sunday I had a play day with my two friends, Susan and Christine. We tried out lots of different techniques and products. So much fun!! And a bit messy too. What could be better??!!
One of the products we were experimenting with was alcohol inks. There's little else that matches the vibrancy and intensity of AI colours. But they are messy and stain everything. We wore gloves (a MUST), and used parchment paper under our project (and over top of our silicone mats ... AI's will even stain the mats).
The ornament above is cut from an acetate sheet (you could also use acetate packaging from your craft supplies). Alcohol inks work great on acetate.
Even though the tip of the alcohol inks is really small, I found that it flowed too quickly and was always getting more than I needed. So I started by adding just two drops of AIs. Then to get some more colours, but with less ink, I squirted a few drops onto my parchment paper, and picked up the colour with my fingers (with gloves!), and tapped it onto my piece above. The results were spectacular ... the ornament looks like a piece of marble. Too bad I didn't try this BEFORE the CAS Mix Up Marbling closed. :)
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I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has sent me messages of love and support over the past while. I had several emails and cards after announcing I would be taking a medical break from my blog. After sharing my story about breast cancer two weeks ago, I have had many more wonderful messages and cards sent to me.
It has been very uplifting receiving all these positive messages (emails and cards). I appreciate every one of them.
I took a picture of my mantel with the cards. Look at all the gorgeous designs ... hand made by very talented card makers. Thank you so much!!
Stamps: Sentiment - Season's Gifts (Penny Black)
Paper: White card base (Neenah 110 lb. card stock)
Ink: Alcohol Inks: Mermaid, Ultra Marine, Silver (Ranger); Versamark
Accessories & Tools: Acetate, Ornament Set 2 die (Elizabeth Craft Designs), Silver cording, Silver Embossing Powder (Ranger), heat tool
Such a beautiful card, Loll. My major problem with alcohol inks is the strong smell, which is why I have been playing with them outside this summer. I did not have a hard time cleaning up, though. I happened to have this large pump bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which worked like a charm, both for cleaning my hands and for cleaning my craftsheet.
ReplyDeleteMarianne x
Wow is that vibrant! It sounds so fun to do too and is something I'd love to try. How beautiful it looks on acetate too! Thanks for sharing another fun technique!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous ornament! Wouldn't it be lovely on a real tree?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! What beautiful results, Loll, and a gorgeous ornament! And that silver embossed sentiment adds even more elegance! After these classes I need to get those alcohol inks out! I need a play date with you guys!
ReplyDeleteStunning ornament Loll, love the colours and texture on it. Haven't tried acetate with these inks but have got lots of packaging to practice with! Cathy x
ReplyDeleteLoll it looks awesome mounted on the card, CAS perfection. thanks for the play day.
ReplyDeleteYour ornament turned out beautiful, so was worth the effort. I used to do a lot of that mind of thing but haven't in a long time. Will have to try it again. thanks for the reminder. Edna
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ornament! I love blue but this is just breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteLoll, it's gorgeous on that card! I will have to come up with a different way to put mine on a card!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo of all of your thinking of you / encouragement cards - it is so heart-warming to think how many people were sending you support.
Oh Loll this is amazing - you have inspired me to try my Alcohol inks - again. Thopse cards are stunning - I am praying for you during this time
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Now you kmow how much I love using acetate... but it's an absolute (insert word of your choice) to cut out a die from - even with a metal cutting plate and multiple passes through a machine. What's your secret?
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've had a good week... and your card is amazing.
Take care. X
WOW!!! I love play days, and it's looks like you had a fun one here....... this is stunning. I love the effect you've created with the alcohol inks, looks amazing on the acetate. Have a fabulous weekend my friend xx
ReplyDeleteYour bauble is absolutly stunning Loll the colours are so vibrant you certainly have a way with colours and you share so many of your techniques with us...thank you
ReplyDeleteAnne
Gorgeous and stunning! Thanks for sharing how you made this piece. Wow! And I'm so happy for you to be getting all the love and support. What a wonderful community. You are so giving and encouraging. It's coming back to you for sure. Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhoa - sending prayers your way. [i missed your post]. Pretty ornament against the white. Lucky you having fellow stampers to get together with~
ReplyDeleteSending prayers your way. Beautiful card. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful card! I'm a bit afraid of alcohol inks...
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun play day. Striking colours and fabulous effect with the inks and the acetate. Love the colours against the clean white card and the pretty silver embossing. What an amazing mantel piece of fabulous cards! See how much you are thought of? x
ReplyDeleteOMG Loll...you know how I love Alcohol Ink techniques, but I have yet to try on acetate...Your marbled ornament is STUNNING my friend! TFS your beauty and detailed description and....your beautiful mantel of Works of Art from your loving and caring girlfriends. All so deserving my friend. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteOMG Loll...you know how I love Alcohol Ink techniques, but I have yet to try on acetate...Your marbled ornament is STUNNING my friend! TFS your beauty and detailed description and....your beautiful mantel of Works of Art from your loving and caring girlfriends. All so deserving my friend. Hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteYour ornament is gorgeous, Loll! I love the richness of the colors, and I think it looks like marbling, too :)
ReplyDeleteIt was so sweet of you to share all of those beautiful cards and wishes with us...I continue to think of you, and keep you in my prayers every, single day! Big (((HUGS)))...Barb
Wow! What a beauty!!! Thanks for the tips on AI, as I've yet to try them. But then I think you could make mud look beautiful with all your talent!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful, Loll, but I got stained using food coloring. I can't imagine what I'd be like with alcohol inks. ;)
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