Monday, June 1, 2009

Stamped Gesso Technique

Happy June 1st!!

I don't know about you but this year just seems to be FLYING along! I can hardly believe we are starting the half way point of 2009!!!! I just don't know where all the time has gone.

I recently had a question from Amy in TX ask about a technique that she had seen used on a card but didn't know for sure how to do it ~ that technique is stamping on gesso. I explained the technique in my e-mail but promised to make up a card and share the step by step pics.

Stamping on Gesso

I *think* this technique was originally used in altered books but works just as well for cards, scrapbook or any number of other paper projects. I love to pair this technique with pages torn from a vintage book or atlas...the gesso tones down the printed text without blocking it out entirely for a great effect! It is also very handy on pattern papers as well!

Supplies:

Book Pages, Map Pieces, or Pattern Paper

Gesso

Foam Brush

Rubber Stamp

Clear Embossing Ink

Clear Embossing Powder

Dye Ink

Ink Blending Tool

Heat Gun

Paper Towel or Dry Cloth

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Instructions:

1. Paint the book pages with one or two coats of Gesso and let dry completely. NOTE: Your paper may curl ~ no worries...once you mount it onto your finished project it will flatten right out.

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You can see here how the gesso makes the text less noticeable but still somewhat visible.

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2. Stamp desired image directly on the gesso'ed paper using a clear embossing ink.

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3. Sprinkle the image with clear embossing powder, shake off the excess and heat. It's a bit hard to see but your page should looks something like this....

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4. Cover the image with desired color(s) of ink using the Ink Blending Tool or other foam.

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As you can see from this photo what a difference the gesso makes after the ink has been applied. Notice how translucent the ink appears when it is applied over the gesso'ed area as opposed to the non-treated edge. You can also see how it interacts with the embossed image (lower right hand corner).

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5. Wipe the excess ink from the embossed image. Your image is ready to be used!

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This is a great technique for altered books of course but it also looks great incorporated on cards, ATC's, Gothic Arches, Scrapbook Pages (if you use an old book or piece of a map page you'll want to be sure to hit it with a shot of something like Archival Mist or "Make It Acid Free" since most vintage paper is full of acids.), Altered Arts and more!!!

Here is a semi-finished example incorporating this technique onto a card. I didn't stamp the sentiment because I wanted you to be able to get a feel for how this technique will look on a project.

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Now, don't fret if you don't have any gesso on hand ~ tomorrow I'll share a "Faux Gesso" technique that's just as cool and produces super results with something a bit more common!

Till then ~ sending you all inky wishes!

11 comments:

  1. How would the technique be diffent without the gesso? I am just wondering what added benefit it had?Thanks!

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  2. Ooooh cannot wait for that Roni cause I don't have any Gesso and I really want to do this technique!! I think it's great.
    Hugs
    Michelle

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  3. From France.This is great! Such a nice result! Happy I've got my afternoon free: gesso and ink will be all over my fingers. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. Oh so neato. I like that!! Cant wait for the faux Gesso look since I dont have any LOL I never knew the actual purpose of gesso lol

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  5. Gesso'd text pages are my trademark. Love, love, love this technique!!

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  6. Hey "Anonymous"~go back and read the post and look at the photos Roni made for us and you will answer your own question!

    I have Gesso buried SOMEWHERE in the garage from my painting classes days... I think I'll wait for tomorrows' reveal!

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  7. This looks really great! I've tried id already en I love it!!
    Thank you.

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  8. This is really great! I love that the gesso is both white and semi-transparent. Would white acrylic paint work as well if I thinned it? I've got that. Much thanks for your wonderful sharing.

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  9. Thank you so much, the pictures add so much to the technique. Now I can actually see what a difference it makes.

    Thanks!
    Amy

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  10. What a great technique, thanks for sharing.

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  11. Such gorgeous sample! I love the effect stamping over the pages...

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Thanks for your thoughts and comments!