Ink Blending Tool - # 1 Edging

I want to cover the first technique in my Ink Blending Tool Top Ten Techniques....Edges.


There are probably as many ways to apply ink to edges as there are rubber stampers out there but I'm going to share 4 of those with you.


Supplies you will need:


Ink Blending Tool & Foam - Ranger
Ink - Adirondack Dye Ink - Cranberry - Ranger
Non-Stick Craft Mat - Ranger (optional)
Cardstock

A bit about the Non Stick Craft Mat.... I like to use this mat with the Ink Blending Tool because you can prevent those unsightly blotchy ink marks that you get when starting to ink directly on the paper. If you start your inked Blending Foam off the edge of the cardstock and work your way onto the cardstock you should have a smooth transition every time. Another plus is that by using the Non-Stick Craft Mat any ink that was initially left on the Craft Mat will still be there....you can go back and pick it up using your circular motions. You won't have that luxury if you are working on scrap paper.

Some basics....A B C's of Ink Blending Tool

When working with the Ink Blending Tool there are a few basics that will apply to each technique shown below. You'll want to keep these simple A B C's in mind when working with the Ink Blending Tool.

A - You always need to apply a piece of Ink Blending Foam to the Ink Blending Tool...don't laugh, as silly as it sounds I've had people try to use just the IBT w/o Foam! (Note: The foams are re-usable. I like to use one foam for each color family of ink I'm working with.)

B - To apply ink to the Foam, pounce the Ink Blending Tool/Foam onto an ink pad several times.

C - Always work the Ink Blending Tool in a circular motion when applying ink to your project and start off the edge of your paper.

Now that you've got a few basics....let's begin!!

IBT - #1 Edges - Shadow FX

1. Ink up your IBT and place off the edge of your cardstock.

2. Working in a circular motion, move the IBT so the foam is just barely coming onto the edge of the paper.

This will give you a nice shadowed effect with very minimal effort.

(finished example below - sorry...didn't get a seperate photo of this technique.)


IBT - # 1 Edging - Heavy Duty Shadow FX

1. Pick up an ample supply of ink with your IBT.

2. Starting off the edge of the paper work in circular motions apply a heavy coat of ink to the edges working inward as far as desired.

3. Continue to work around the entired piece in the same fashion until all edges have been inked.

IBT - #1 Edges - Ink & Drag FX

1. Run your cardstock edge along an ink pad making sure to pick up pleanty of ink.

2. Place the IBT off the edge of the paper and drag the ink towards the center of the cardstock in one quick stroke.

3. Continue in the same mannor until you have inked all edges.

You will end up with a nice feathered

edge as shown.

IBT - #1 Edges - Aged Inks FX

1. Pick up your paper and rub it along ink pad. No need to be neat or gentle, we're going for a heavily distressed look.

2. Place your inked piece of paper on the Craft Mat.

3. Drag and blend the ink over the entire edge. This step will soften some of the rougher looking inked areas and cover what wasn't directly inked from the pad.

Finished looks....from left to right Shadow FX, Ink & Drag; H. D. Shadow FX, Aged Inks FX

Hopefully, these techniques have inspired you to play with your Ink Blending Tool. Maybe you'll give one, two or all of these techniques a try!