Wednesday, March 1, 2017

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





37 comments:

  1. Thank you for more great cards. I must admit I haven't ever thought of using India ink that way and I must give it a go as I loved the result.

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  2. very pretty love the colour choices

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  3. Pretty colors and once again, I failed!! lol
    I've used spray inks a few times and they are
    definitely unpredictable. But I do enjoy using
    them. I use the distress inks a lot more, though.

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  4. I just love that feather stamp from the new bundle! Lovely cards!

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  5. My goodness! These are so pretty!

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  6. I love your comparison posts. These are so helpful as you shows examples and also provide a comprehensive description of each. Thanks!

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  7. I love this set and how you used them in today's grouping! I see a purchase in my future. I use distress inks and definitely need to work on my technique but you have inspired me to give it a try for backgrounds. TFS

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  8. It's fun to see the differences between the inks you used. thanks for sharing
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  9. love the third background - that's a technique I'll have to try!

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  10. I was surprised at how light and pretty the spray ink was. I recognized the distress ink. I haven't used India ink except in Pitt pens. I love my Pitt pens. Nicely done. Good luck with the hubby.

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  11. Love all of them and the idea of showing all the ways to do these stamps. Keep up the good work.

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  12. These colorful backgrounds are just gorgeous!!! I am definitely a background technique person, but I have never tried the India Inks. Thanks for sharing these lovely cards. I love the stamps you used!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  13. What a great technique. I love the spattered look, especially with the Caribbean colors.

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  14. These are all so lovely! That feather stamp is pretty awesome. I think that will need to come home. :)

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  15. Hey, a shout out! You know what a tough choice liking you is right now...

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  16. Thanks for the comparisons again. I'm scared of spray inks for the reason you mentioned...Messes. You are right though, they are pretty comparable as far as finished looks go, so I'll stick with my distress inks. 😁

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  17. These comparisons are so great and your cards are beautiful. It would be interesting to see how different papers react with the same type of ink. Most of the time when I sit down, I don't have a lot of time to play, so I just go with what I know. These give me other ideas.

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  18. Denise- After this week is over, I'd also be interested in experimenting with different papers, same ink. Seems like we all need a matrix for which ink goes with which paper, for which coloring supply!

    Perhaps I will continue working on this line of thought and post on my blog!

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  20. These are all beautiful, but my favorite is the sprayed and then the India ink, which I have never used before, but sounds like a challenge. I do love how easy the distress inks are, but the sprayed is really a beautiful affect. Thanks for sharing your talents and your funny commentary to life. I really enjoy reading your blog.

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  21. Ahhhhh, I'm in the middle of a move so most of my supplies are in storage, but now I need to try my India inks with papercrafting!!! I love these designs, love the random mix of colors when combining inks. And I learned the "less is more" lesson yesterday with my spray distress stains...lol!

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  23. Really beautiful cards, I've never used India ink, I'm now very intrigued but a little scared. I have some distress inks, I need to start using them more. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  24. Your posts completely intrigue me and draw me in. I was off on my guesses today but it's so much fun learning. Love your experiments.

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  25. I jave never used India ink. I am a messy crafter so maybe this wont be the best method for me, lol. Love, love, love your humor.

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  26. Thanks for sharing love them all this really inspires me to try all of them. They are all so lovey. Can't wait to see what you will have for us tomorrow.

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  27. Pretty cards once again! I guessed the distress inks! I've tried them, but have not liked my results so far. Will keep trying though!

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  28. These examples are beautiful! I'm not much on messiness so I'll probably play it safe and go with the Distress Inks...plus it's what I have :) Thanks again for your wealth of knowledge and experience!

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  29. Another new thing I want to try - India Ink! I'm learning so much.

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  30. Love the intensity of the distress. Hugz

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  31. Very cool! I like how they're similar, but different.

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  32. Absolutely beautiful cards! I love that feather stamp and sentiment as well as the techniques you used to make the card fronts.

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  33. These colors are beautiful, and I love the comment about there are no take backs in using these techniques. I have used the distress inks, but not the others and will give it a try even though the no take back part is hard for me. The India ink is so pigmented it has me intrigued.

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  34. Never would of considered India ink...all pretty!

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  35. Tonya Moore- India Inks are definitely staining. Try blending them with a little alcohol, and watch them dazzle!

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  36. OOO Annie I guessed 2 of them right! Awesome amazing card!

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