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.

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

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

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.

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

Close Up: 

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.

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

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

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.

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....

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!