Monday, January 3, 2011

Ranger Tech. Calendar - Jan. - Alcohol Ink

We're going to start the technique calendar off with one of my favorite Ranger products.  It was actually the first Ranger product I ever owned...Adirondack Alcohol Inks!

Groovy Inks

If you're visited Ink Stains before you know I like to experiment.  This technique is one of those experiments that I love.  It yields results that remind me of the "groovy" swirly t-shirt designs from the 70's...  I hope you give it a try and enjoy the results!

Supplies:

Adirondack Alcohol Inks (Ranger)
Glossy Cardstock (Ranger)
Archival Ink (Ranger)
Non-Stick Craft Mat (Ranger)
Hair Spray
Dry Cloth
Paint Brush (optional)
Stamps (Inkadinkado)
Letters (stamped, die-cut, stickers)
Embellishments
   ex: felt die-cut shapes, Stickles Glitter Glue & Adirondack Alcohol Ink
Printed Calendar Page

Instructions:

1. Cut the glossy cardstock to size. Apply double stick adhesive to all 4 corners and place on the Non-Stick Craft Mat.  This will hold the cardstock flat while you apply the inks and during the dry time.

2. Choose 2-3 colors of Adirondack Alcohol Ink you wish to use.  Remove the lids and have standing by for quick use.

Ranger Calendar - Alcohol Inks 001

3. Squirt a liberal amount of hair spray on the glossy cardstock.  You need to use enough so it puddles on the entire sheet.

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4. Now quickly splash your chosen colors of Alcohol Ink into the wet hair spray.  I use 3-4 shakes of each color.

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5. Gently swirl the Alcohol Inks around the page.  I like to use my finger ~ after each swirl I wipe my finger off on a clean towel.  It is important to do so to prevent the inks from turning into mud.   You could use a paint brush for this step but I like the control I have using my finger.

NOTE: You will notice that the hair spray gives you a nice window to work with the inks before they begin to dry and allows the inks to flow in a manner that you would not be able to achieve otherwise.

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Here is an example of what the inks will look like at this point....

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Close Up: 

Ranger Calendar - Alcohol Inks 016

At this point you can move on to step #6 and let the inks dry naturally or you may choose to add one additional step....

While the inks and hair spray are still wet you may add an additional top coat of hair spray.  Simply squirt as much as desired ~ you will notice an immediate change in the patterns.

Ranger Calendar - Alcohol Inks 006

Which results in a look something like this....

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Close Up....
(I think this example resembles the Milky Way)

Ranger Calendar - Alcohol Inks 015

6. Let the inks and hair spray dry naturally.  DO NOT try to speed drying with a heat tool.  The fumes are awful...trust me on this. ;)

After the inks have completely dried the paper is ready to be stamped and/or embellished further.

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The snowflake embellishments are die-cut felt that I colored with Alcohol Inks then coated with Stickles Glitter Glue.

and here is my finished page....

Ranger Calendar - Alcohol Inks 021

Now it's your turn!!

If you give it a try and would like to share your creations feel free to post a link to your page!

22 comments:

  1. Looks great! Very interesting project, I hope to join soon :)

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  2. Wow, that looks awesome. I have just received my first alchohol inks so will definitely give it a try.

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  3. Roni -

    I love this technique. I really love the color and motion you get with it. You are right, it does kinda look like the milky way! Your January Calendar page is just beautiful!

    Elaine Allen

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  4. That looks great. I love making alcohol ink backgrounds. Very different effect each time.

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  5. You need a new "Like" button that says "I really, really love it" ! That is just sooooooo cool!

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  6. Wow- this is really a cool technique- I love trying mew things! Love you great calendar page!

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  7. interesting. i have some hair spray- must give this a try

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  8. Beautiful! Did you mount the glossy cardstock to the cardboard before or after the inking? What do you use to adhere it?

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  9. AWESOME!!!! I can't wait to do this one.

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  10. I am so excited to do this calendar with you!! January looks perfect. Thanks for the link to the calendar page. I thought I needed to run out and buy one. This is going to be fun!!

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  11. I am hoping to follow along & make this calendar. I decided this is what gift i am making for 2011 Xmas. Love the colors.

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  12. Great idea - I love alcohol inks and am always looking for new effects with them..will have to give this a try, thanks for the inspiration Esther xx

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  13. this is delightful, Jan here is summer though so I'd do reds and orange, but I LOVE this technique! GROOVEY :)

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  14. Very cool technique! Hope to try it soon!

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  15. I saw this in Pinterest, wow this is so beautiful and of course I love the colours...amazing!!!

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  16. I am trying this for sure, Thank You!

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  17. I found this link on Anja's blog....a really interesting technique with a great result!
    Thanks for sharing, Alie :-)

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  18. A new intelligent way to use alcohol inks ! Thank you Anja for this tutorial,I'll try it as soon as possible !

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  19. Would this work on glass or tiles? I'm going to give it a try. Very nice!

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  20. Do you need to spray the finished product with something ?


    If so, What ?

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  21. I’ve been subscribed to you for a few years, but never saw this one before. What a great technique and result. Love it. Thanks for your inquisitive nature and doing these experiments. Congratulations on 11 years of blogging.

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Thanks for your thoughts and comments!