Faux Embossed Aluminum & Alcohol Inks (a.k.a. - HVAC Tape Technique)

This is one of the first techniques I ever tried using Alcohol Inks. It started a love affair with the quick drying, easy to use, intense inks!

Now I've heard this referred to as Colored Aluminum Tape, Weathered Metals, HVAC Tape Technique, etc. To me it looks like Faux Embossed Aluminum :)

Supplies:

HVAC or other Aluminum Tape (the type with a sticky backing)

Punchies or die-cuts

Glue Stick

Cardstock (for the base)

Alcohol Inks (Stream, Lettuce, Wild Plum)

Ink Applicator & Felts

Sand Paper

Instructions:

1. Make several paper punchies from a fairly thick piece of cardstock (regular paper is too thin).

2. Glue the punchies to the base cardstock using the glue stick.

NOTE: I'm using glue stick for this step because you only need it to hold until you apply the metal tape.

3. Cut a piece of the aluminum tape and stick it to the base cardstock over punchies.

4. Burnish (rub) the aluminum tape to highlight each punchie. I use my finger but you could use a bone folder, the back of a spoon, etc.

You'll end up with something like this....

5. Now apply desired color(s) of Alcohol Inks. I never use more than 3 colors ~ for this example I used Lettuce, Stream and Wild Plum.

Now this is what it will look like after you have added the Alcohol Inks. You can't really see the faux embossed area can you? Well, the next step will take care of that!

6. It's time to sand the raised or faux embossed areas of the tape. You can use just a plain piece of sand paper, a sanding block if you have access to one or you can try a little trick I like to use..... I simply remove the felt piece from the Ink Applicator, wrap a small piece of sand paper over the Velcro area and sand! This is easy, takes no special tools, works like a charm and best of all ~ it's FREE ;) LOL!!

Sand the raised areas....

And you'll be left with some awesome results!

Pretty cool huh?

Now to use you can create long pieces to be used for borders, cut it up into smaller pieces to embellish cards or scrapbooks, use a section as a background for an ATC, etc. There are just so many fun ways to use this tape after you're finished.

Tomorrow I'll share a few finished pieces as well as offer up a few alternatives.

Wednesday I'll share a technique that I discovered while messing around that takes this technique to a whole new amazing level ;)

Till then friends ~ go get inky!!!