Sandpaper + Dabbers = Faux Rusty Metal!!!!

I mentioned yesterday that I had some other things in mind for sandpaper...well, I gave it a shot and it WORKED!!! I am so stoked about these two techniques...they are really easy and REALLY fun!

K - the idea behind these 2 techniques is I know a lot of people either don't have access to or don't care to use real rusty sheet metals in their projects. SOOOOOOOO, I decided to make some of my own!!

Both techniques use the same main ingredients - Coarse Sandpaper (60 grit works best but 80 will do) and Adirondack Acrylic Dabbers!! You'll need a few other things thrown in here and there but nothing that you wouldn't already have on hand like water, your finger, a damp cloth. Beyond that just your imagination!

Let's begin...

Supplies:

Coarse Sandpaper (60 grit)

Adirondack Acrylic Dabbers - Gold, Copper, Silver, Bottle, Lettuce, Espresso, Hazelnut (this is what I used, you may choose to use others.)

Damp Cloth or Wet Finger (o.k...no comments now, we're crafting remember?!?!? LOL!!)

Instructions:

1. Pounce your lightest color of Dabber onto the sandpaper. Up & down motions only...if you try to slide it across the sandpaper it will rip the foam right off the Dabber!!

2. With moistened finger(s) rub the wet paint into the sand paper.

Note - this is what it should look like after you have rubbed the paint around...

3. Generously dab on desired color of Metallic Acrylic Dabber. (I used gold on this example.) You don't want to cover the entire piece of paper as you still want some of the green coat to show through.

4. Again, rub the paint around on the sandpaper.

5. This time you will lightly add a few dabs of Espresso Acrylic Dabber. This is just to add a bit of depth to your piece. You may choose to add a bit of Espresso to the edges as well.

And here is what your finished piece will look like!! It's a very rough looking rusty piece of faux sheet metal!!!

Here are a few more examples I made using this same technique...I just varied the colors & amount of paint I used. Experiment with color combos & how much paint you apply...you'll be surprised with your amazing results!

The next technique also uses the acrylic Dabber but in a bit different way.

1. Begin by dabbing a small amount of paint onto your craft mat.

2. Spritz the paint with water.

3. Now dab the diluted paint onto the sandpaper.

Let Dry! That's it!

Again, you'll end up with a way cool piece of faux rusty sheet metal in no time :)

Tomorrow I'll share some cards & ATC's I made using the rusty metal sheets.

Till then you'll just have to be in suspense - LOL!!

Have a super day everyone!!