Coloring With Reinkers

[Cynamom]

Hello,

I haven't colored with reinkers for a while, but I love the look and want to get back to it. Can anyone offer any tips or tricks... or simple suggestions?

Thanks,

Cindy

[Angelnorth]

I just use them as if I'm watercolouring so the tips would be to use decent quality paper (watercolour paper is probably best if you're going to be doing big areas or adding lots of water for a more pastel effect). I tend to put the drop of ink into the lid of the matching ink pad - that way if there's any left over it's not wasted as it stays in there and stays fresh for ages. There are lots of cool techniques for backgrounds too - check out the resources section if you haven't already!

Have fun!

[Cynamom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angelnorth

I just use them as if I'm watercolouring so the tips would be to use decent quality paper (watercolour paper is probably best if you're going to be doing big areas or adding lots of water for a more pastel effect). I tend to put the drop of ink into the lid of the matching ink pad - that way if there's any left over it's not wasted as it stays in there and stays fresh for ages. There are lots of cool techniques for backgrounds too - check out the resources section if you haven't already!

Have fun!

Joanne,

Do you use an aquapainter? And with the ink, I assume you're not diluting it, right?

[sprtchick]

I use an aquapainter...love this effect. Also I love using the aquapainter with my wwc.
Blessings.

[Cynamom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sprtchick

I use an aquapainter...love this effect. Also I love using the aquapainter with my wwc.
Blessings.

Amber,

Do you color "off" with your crayons or put the tip of the brush to the crayon?

[ScrampShopper]

For coloring with reinkers I use different sized watercolor brushes. I put a drop of reinker on a palette and put some drops of water near the reinker. i then pick up a little reinker with a brush and mix it into the water until I get the color I'm looking for and paint with that. I hardly ever use the reinker straight on a brush. I sucked at coloring with anything till I got a Thomas Kincade stamp and was forced to practice and practice. The diluted reinker is what worked best for me for controlling shading. I found this to be way easier and quicker than using koh-i-noor pencils and solvent or watercolor pencils and water.

The brushes i use most of the time are the smallest ones I can find. The constant practice is also how I discovered that Neenah paper in 110 weight works great with water. Even when i accidentally knocked over the water container on the paper, the paper was perfectly good after it dried.
I hope some of this info helped.

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynamom

Joanne,

Do you use an aquapainter? And with the ink, I assume you're not diluting it, right?

I use regular paint brushes and a little jar of water. I basically use undiluted ink, just a damp brush (dip the brush in water, flick it off or dab it against some tissue before picking up colour). I haven't tried an aquabrush - I had paint brushes already and was happy with the results so didn't feel the need to buy a new gadget. If I don't have a reinker in a particular colour I need, I just squish the lid of the pad down before I open it and pick up the ink that pools onto the lid.

If it helps to do things visually, here are a couple of examples from my gallery, if you want info on any particular aspects, just ask.

Mountain Birthday
Imagined Blooms

[KittyKumar]

But I just have not found "my" perfect technique. The aqua painter puts out too much water; pencils leave a grainy look; water markers 'grab' the paper.. if I pre-moisten the area enough to blend them, the color runs to the adjoining area;... and on and on.. this just should not be this difficult for someone who is generally pretty crafty!!


I do like the idea of using regular brushes to get small details... what do you use for larger areas? a bigger brush??

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KittyKumar

... what do you use for larger areas? a bigger brush??

Yes! It sounds like a simple solution but I'm a simple kind of gal and it works for me

[creatingisfun]

oh i love your cards JOanna, very nice.
I think im gonna go get myself some brushes ;)

[binx]

What ink are y'all using? StazOn? Memento? Palette? Vivid?

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by binx

What ink are y'all using? StazOn? Memento? Palette? Vivid?

For the watercolouring itself or the stamping? You want to stamp with a waterproof ink (so Stazon would be a good choice for that) and colour with a dye-based one. I like Distress inks as they stay true colour when you add water. Some inks tend to break down to their constituent colours (which can produce a nice effect but isn't necessarily what you want if you're trying to control the colours on the page).

[binx]

As always, Angelnorth, thanks for the concise reply. Yes, I meant which ink for the stamping. Thanks for the help.

[TeeGeeDee]

I don't do this technique often but wanted to mention that it can fun to mix color of reinkers (on a palette or, as I usually do, ina small - 3 ounce - plastic cup or whatever surface/container you find suitable). I do this with alcohol inks too (on glossy paper). Just use whatever brush you like.


Happy Crafting!
Tina aka TeeGeeDee

[Angelnorth]

Quote:

Originally Posted by binx

As always, Angelnorth, thanks for the concise reply. Yes, I meant which ink for the stamping. Thanks for the help.

You're welcome. Versafine is also a good choice for the stamping stage - it's an oil-based pigment ink so it doesn't smear with water-based colouring media and it's an easier clean up job than Stazon. The oil even conditions your stamps too, gotta love that!