2012 Technique Calendar - June - Gradient Stamping with a Twist

Have you ever tried Gradient Stamping?  It's similar to the stamping technique - Generational Stamping where you stamp the same image over and over without re-inking.  Well Gradient Stamping is basically a monochromatic version where you use 2-3 shades of the same color to stamp your multiple images.

I thought it would be fun to add a twist to this technique and stamp in 3 complimentary colors for a totally different look.   To add to the mix I thought it would be cool to stamp over a dry brushed and inked background. Turned out pretty cool and it's fun too!

2012 Technique Calendar

June

Gradient Stamping w/a Twist

Supplies:

Colored Cardstock
Gesso or White Acrylic Paint
Stiff Bristle Paint Brush
Ink (to color background)
Rubber Stamp
Ink - 3 different complimentary colors

Instructions:

1. Tamp your brush into the paint/gesso.  To make sure you don't have too much paint on your brush swipe it across scrap paper a couple times to help remove the excess.

2. Drag the brush across the paper using a horizontal - left to right stroke.  Continue to apply paint down the entire sheet has been covered.

3. Rotate the cardstock 90 degrees and apply a second layer of dry brushed paint/gesso creating a cross-hatch pattern.   Let the paint/gesso dry completely.

4. After your cardstock has dried completely apply desired color(s) of ink to the paint/gesso.  I am using Distress Stain which I swipe across the cardstock....

then I immediately rub with a tissue to evenly distribute the ink as well as blend it into the surface of the cardstock.

5. I then repeated step #4 two additional times using blue and green inks.

6. Next, use your template and trace it onto the cardstock.  This will help with stamp positioning.

7. Stamp your image(s) using 2-3 different colors of ink.  I used the same colors for my images that I used for the background.

8. Finish off your calendar page as desired!  I left my page for the most part unadorned to highlight the stamping.

I have to tell you it has been so much fun to see every one's calendar pages you have sent links to!  I really enjoy seeing how you take a technique and make it your own.

If any of you are brave you are more than welcome to share a link to your pages here in the comments (or on any of the months) so everyone can see your awesome pages!

Thanks again for sharing -

It's good to know you're playing along and enjoying it!