scrappilyeverafter

alisonrasmussen
independentmanager#879

This easy technique is a versatile tool for adding character and dimension to your stamping projects. The tools you'll need are minimal, and by changing ink colors, you can vary the technique to your liking.

Supplies

• Four inkpads in the same color scheme. For my example, I used Covered Wagon dye ink, Pueblo chalk ink, Goddess Gold metallic dye ink, and Burnished Iron chalk ink.
• One hydrasponge, cut into several pieces. I can easily get 6-8 pieces out of one, and you'll only need 4 for this project.
• Natural or white cardstock. I used Birch here.

Technique

1. Using the hydrasponge, tap into the lightest shade of ink you have (Covered Wagon). Apply the ink to from the outside towards the inside directly onto the item you wish to antique.
2. Using the second lightest shade, Goddess Gold, and a new hydrasponge, go around the edge of the item and move in towards the center. Don't pull the darker shade in past the lightest, though.
3. Take the next shade, Pueblo, and a new sponge, and sponge even further along the edge of the item. You'll want an even surface, fading from light (in the center) to dark (out towards the edges).
4. Finally, using your darkest shade, Burnished Iron, tap the edges on all four sides of your item.

Extra Hints and Tips

• Instead of using a sponge for the last color, using a texture tool, a stipple brush or other stiff-bristled brush (like an old, clean toothbrush), you can get heavier dots and more texture from the darkest shade.
• I like to combine metallic, chalk and regular inks for the most dimensional effect. Using all of the same kind of ink also works well. Here are a few possible combinations:
• Dye Inks: Buttercream, Covered Wagon, Sandy Beach and Cowboy Boots.
• Chalk Inks: Tumble Weed, Yucca Valley, Pueblo and Burnished Iron.
• Fabrico Pads (for use on fabric): Sand, Maize, Autumn Leaf and Chocolate.
• Brilliance Metallic Ink: Galaxy Gold, Pearlescent Beige, Lightning Black and Coffee Bean.
• Kaleidacolor Pads: For one-stop shopping, try Cappuccino Delight or Autumn Leaves.
• You can also use this technique in different shades to create one-of-a-kind backgrounds in the color scheme you prefer. Here are some ideas:
• Orange: Peaches & Cream, Sunset, Camel Back and Golden Wheat
• Green: Aloe Vera, Sea Turtle, Guadalupe and Pine Tree
• Blue: Cotton Blossom, Rain Dance, Squash Blossom and Starry Night
• Reds: Sahara Desert, Cactus Blossom, Sunwashed Red and Rustic Red
• Pink: Powder Pink, Cactus Blossom, Bubblegum and Sunripened Raspberry
• Violet: Dance Shoes, Forget Me Not, Dew Kissed and Moondance
• Teal: Cotton Blossom, Cloudy Day, Sea Breeze and Cape Cod

Here's a card sample using the standard colors in the example above:

 

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