2012 Technique Calendar - September - Stamped Gesso

I know gesso isn't necessarily in every one's tool box but believe me when I say it should be.  Although it looks similar to white acrylic paint there are some major differences but that's a discussion for another day.   For this technique you can substitute white acrylic paint.  You won't get the texture you can achieve with the gesso but it will yield a similar one dimensional result.

2012 Technique Calendar

September

Stamped Gesso

Supplies:

Gesso
Cardstock
Stamps
Distress Stain or other Ink or Dye Mist
Embellishments to finish the calendar page

Instructions:

1. Spread a small amount of gesso on a paper plate, scrap paper or other disposable material.  Stamp the rubber stamp into the gesso making sure you have a nice coating of the gesso on the stamp.

2. Press the stamp onto your paper.  You will notice that quite a bit of the gesso transfers to the paper creating a noticeable texture.  This is exactly what you want.  (you won't get this with regular acrylic paint) 

here is a photo of what my stamped cardstock looks like....  even though it's white on white you can definitely see the texture the gesso creates.   Let this dry completely.

3. Apply your ink or dye sprays to the dry gesso'ed cardstock.  I am using Distress Stain because it's quick and easy...well, and I love the colors.

Here is what my cardstock looks like at this point.

4. Take a damp cloth and wipe the excess ink from the stamped gesso images.    Your gesso images will now look like they are poppin' right off the page! 

And here is my finished calendar page!

This is such an easy technique but you can create such stunning results every time.

I wish you could see the texture which is only enhanced by the vibrant white of the gesso in person. The photograph just doesn't do it justice.