Alcohol Ink

Take non-porous surfaces from "blah" to "wow".

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Begin by placing white felt rectangle onto applicator, place nib of alcohol ink into felt and squeeze bottle. Apply each color once and avoid overlapping colors on the felt. They can touch, just not overlap.
   

   

2. Step 2

   Randomly stamp onto piece to avoid the appearance of a pattern. Alcohol inks dry instantly, so virtually zero dry time is required between steps.
   

   

3. Step 3

   Continue to stamp randomly. Do not cover entire piece; make sure a small amount of white shows.
   
   

   

4. Step 4

   Without changing the felt applicator, squeeze a small drop of mixative onto the felt rectangle. Mixatives are highly concentrated and a tiny drop goes a long way.
   
   
   

   

5. Step 5

   Stamp randomly to apply the mixative.
   
   
   

   

6. Step 6

   Squeeze a very small amount of Alcohol Blending Solution onto the same applicator. Too much solution will significantly lighten or even remove the color from the piece. One can always add more if needed. Experiment to find a look that's pleasing.
   
   Tip: The blending solution is indeed "magic in a bottle" according to Tim Holtz. Use this product to clean work surfaces, remove adhesive from scissors, and remove any ink from hands or work surfaces. Try it on the Stamp-A-Ma-Jig™ clear placement piece after using waterproof or solvent ink.
   
   
   
   

   

7. Step 7

   Stamp randomly to blend the mixative with the alcohol inks. The Alcohol Blending Solution mixes with the alcohol inks to creating a veined effect and blend colors. Stamp randomly until the look desired is achieved.
   
   Apply rub-ons or other embellishments to finish.
   
   Tip: If stamping on completed project, a good quality, waterproof ink works well. Ranger's Archival Ink is recommended. Solvent inks can react with the alcohol inks.
   

   

8. Step 8

   Completed piece.
   
   
   
   

   

Variations

1. Dominos are non-porous too! The application for this techique is endless. Glossy paper, buttons, CDs, and so forth.
   
   If finished product is to be worn or handled roughly, consider sealing it. DecoArt DuraClear Varnish™ is recommended, available in gloss or matte. It is a premium polyurethane finish that dries quickly (few hours) and with scant fumes. Envirotex™ is another excellent product; however one must work in a highly ventilated area and extensive dry time is required (up to 3 or 4 days, depending on weather conditions).
   
   All products used in this tutorial are from Ranger Ink (http://www.rangerink.com available at your local craft/hobby store or through various e-tailers). For more in-depth information Tim Holtz's DVD The Journey Continues is top-notch and an excellent resource.
   
   Questions? Please start a thread in the proper forum and PM a link to me. I am happy to share what I know about this fun technique.

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Alcohol Ink. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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