Alcohol inks ...

Over the last few days I've discovered a new thing to do with them, nope not drinking them he he. I actually use them as paints to colour in stamped images. Previously when using watercolours, paints, crayons, chalks, acrylics [yup I've tried most things he he] I wasn't as pleased with the end result as I have been with these. I use a combination of alcohol inks, ink pads and copic pens - all alcohol based and use my waterbrush filled with blending solution.
Here as some images using them to colour in

and my swap card

I would definitely recommend having a go its fun You most probably have all tried it before and I'm just being a tad on the slow side he he

I was going to ask you what you stamped it will Jen, it is very effective. I have never used alcohol inks - I don't drink The reason is I would get myself in such a mess I'm sure. Is it easy to get off work surfaces etc.

I've got some but never even opened them!! Wasn't really sure how to use them. Jack get yourself a heat sheet - they are brilliant 'cos you just wipe them over and they also protect surface ie cutting mat when heat embossing! And if you really want to you can use it for what it's intended for to bake on or put it in oven to keep it clean!

Is that the same as the stuff you line tins with Sue, if so I have one of those which I don't use. Thanks for the tip

Might be - mine's a sort of brown colour if that helps.

Thats the one. I bought a set of them a long time ago but usually only use the tin lining ones. I have a non-stick baking tray so dont bother with the large flat one.

I bought 2 what Iceland chose to call "Messy Mats" a year or so ago. They are A2 in size and are great to place under craft mats etc I bought one pack of 2 at £6 ish and wish now I had bought another as they are brilliant.

When painting with the inks though I tend not to get too messy as I place the ink in one of those cheapy 10 hole circle palettes that you get it most art/craft shops, mine are Rowney and cost 49p each approx depending where you buy them; £2.49 in Hobbycraft !!!!! I also have a deep holed palette that I use for acrylics when covering the papermache boxes and beer mats.

One drop of the ink with a drop of the blending liquid and you're away. I wouldn't mix too much at a time as I think it evaporates slightly, either that or the cat was drinking it he he I used plain white card which meant that a lot of the ink soaked in so it is easier to do with shiny card. It did stain the palettes so not sure what else it might stain along the way. Knowing this though does show it can be painted on most shiny surfaces he he so should be great on acetate.

I was using Stazon then clear heat embossing for my stamped image, but I've found out from Glenda, Graphicus that Ranger Archival ink should work just as well so that will be my next purchase he he. I am certainly no expert on this but boy am I having fun he he.

Craftworker wrote:Thats the one. I bought a set of them a long time ago but usually only use the tin lining ones. I have a non-stick baking tray so dont bother with the large flat one.

Well now you know how not to waste it!! Mine is about 2'6"" x 2'. Got it from stamp addicts ages ago.

There are some great tutorials on U-Tube by Tim Holtz - the king (or should I say queen!) of alcohol and distress inks! or try his website via Google I'll try to post some good links later. Off to my first Aussie craft class in a couple of hours.

Tim Holtz is on QVC next Tuesday demonstrating

I know Jacky I can't wait to see the man in action he he I have watched the U-tube videos and they are great for tags, backgrounds but none showed colouring in stamped images. I did find one by someone else eventually
stamp colouring with inks

variety of Tim Holtz U-tube vids and other people too

U-tube - ink demos

You need to set your camera up Jen - you could put it on u-tube then

he he honestly you wouldn't want to see some of the messes I get myself into, with various mutterings of "balderdash" interspersed he he

Bet you'd get masses of 'hits' though! sounds like fun - why don't you give it a try one of these days?