Monday, January 16, 2012

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

Sept Stamped Gesso 001

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.

Sept Stamped Gesso 002

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) 
Sept Stamped Gesso 004

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.
Sept Stamped Gesso 005

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.

Sept Stamped Gesso 006

Here is what my cardstock looks like at this point.
Sept Stamped Gesso 007

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! 
Sept Stamped Gesso 008

And here is my finished calendar page!

Sept Stamped Gesso 011

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.

8 comments:

  1. Oh I can hardly wait to try this! And what a lovely calendar page you created!!

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  2. Oh Roni, this looks fun. I can't wait to try it.
    Thanks for dropping by and leaving me a comment on my other calendar pages.
    I am always in wait mode to see what you will come up with next. LOL
    Lesley

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  3. Oh wow. I do have gesso but hadn't thought of stamping with it. What a GREAT tutorial! I will definitely be trying this.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Kay

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  4. Love this idea, Roni. I actually have a small jar of Gesso, but have yet to open it. Now, I have a plan and can get "messy" today!

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  5. Just wanted to stop by and thank you for sharing all your wonderful techniques. I can hardly wait to try one. Thanks again!

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  6. Wow! So vibrant; love the texture created by the gesso!

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  7. I haven't used Gesso since my art school days but I really need to get some and try this technique out. LOVE how it came out!

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Thanks for your thoughts and comments!