Just a Scrap Dork

Growing In Unity Day 3

I can't believe it's midweek already!  Where has the time gone? I'm happy to report, that so far, I have not dumped any glitter down my shirt. (Trust me, there is still time. But for now, I'm claiming this as a personal victory).   I have however, somehow managed to plant a thumbprint on a card base or two. Luckily I could just hide them under some patterned paper (another small victory!)  How are you kids managing to get through your week? Are you a hot mess, or do you have your poop in a group?!

Today's comparisons are way out of my comfort zone technique wise, making backgrounds. The supplies I'm going to compare today are well suited for this task.

Unity Stamp:
Scattered Pieces  Isn't this stamp set just beautiful.  No one does feathers better than Unity.  The little hearts just make me swoon.

Paper:
140 lb Cold press watercolor Paper.- Please note, you may received different results based on different paper selection.

Coloring Mediums:

• Spray Ink
• India Ink
• Distress Ink

Spray Ink- The fun part of Spray Ink is the spatter patterns you achieve. The unpredictability can be a pro or a con depending on the application. The ink has a matt finish when dry. The overall color of the ink can also be affected by the base paper color.  Spray ink can be used directly from the bottle, or with a brush.  Some brands are more reactive with water, so choose according. You can get interesting results based on the amount of water you add.  However, if using multiple colors, they muddy quickly with excessive amounts of liquid.  Glossy Paper is not compatible with this type of ink.   For those who are more fastidious, spray ink is definitely MESSY, the overspray needs to be considered.  Please beware of the fresh manicure!

India Ink-  A non-traditional coloring medium. One of it's strongest properties is that it is highly pigmented, so the vibrancy is strong even when dried.  On white paper, the ink is semi-transparent and waterproof. When you mix the ink with water or even with rubbing alcohol, you get some interesting blooms.  It is a permanent ink, so you need to pay attention to the application.  India ink only comes in  standard bottles with no brush or dropper.  Definitely a consideration if you want to use it as a spray. The color is definitely staining. You can try and lift some color when it's still wet, but no take-backs or lifting once it has dried.  If you are a go with the flow kind of crafter, this ink can give you some cool results. Pro or con, a little of thins ink goes a long way when mixed with water.

Distress Ink (from a pad)- To state the obvious, you can not spray ink directly onto the paper. You need to use the a squish, spritz and drag technique onto of a craft sheet (or similar) to achieve a marbled/mottled effects.  *See Laura Mooney's tutorials from last week for instruction.
The best attributes of this ink are as follows:  The ink says wet longer. It allows you to blend and shade images. You can lift colors when wet. But, please pay attention to proper water control to avoid mudding mixed colors.  A big positive is that Distress Inks will travel across your paper when wet. Unlike other kinds of ink, the color will not fade when diluted with water.  Its easy applicable with a brush directly from the pad.. Cleanup is a breeze. These inks are designed to work together in layers. So, if you like to experiment with textures and color combinations, this may be your best choice.

Final Answer for which supply I used where:

Top:  Spray Ink
Middle: Distress Ink
Bottom:  India Ink

The overall looks are so similar, but there are some  differences.  I'm not sure if they are significant enough to try and new coloring medium.  What do you think? Do you have something in your stash that will give you similar results?

Don't forget to comment to be entered into the drawing at the end of the week for a Unity prize! 2 people will be selected to received some yummy Unity goodness!  

See you tomorrow!

-Annie