Metal Leafing Flakes

Recently I had an e-mail from Sandy asking if I had ever used Gold Leaf flakes. She went on to explain that she had bought a bottle several years ago because it looked so pretty in the store but after opening it the first time and sweeping up the mess she hasn't touched it since. She never even used it on a project and wasn't even sure how she would stick it to a project anyway.

....Sound familiar?

I know there are lots of people who are intimidated by these light and fluffy metallic gems. Once you get past the fact that you're going to make a bit of a mess you'll thoroughly enjoy playing with this shimmery mass of goodness! I know I sure do!!

There are all sorts of leafing options out there but we're going to focus on the leafing flakes. They are available in a variety of packaging from a assortment of manufactures. I have a few different types in my collection but the one I use most often is Sepp Leaf Tamise flakes. These particular flakes come a wide variety of color combinations which produces interesting variegated finishes. I find that this type of flake adds such depth and faux texture you just don't get from the individual colors. You can also find flakes from USArtQuest Guildnglitz; Arnold Grummer Metallic Dust (just smaller bits); Fashion Flakes; Designer Leaf

You can see from the photo that these flakes are ultra thin bits and pieces that are light as a feather. This was just a small puff of flakes from the box. Trust me when I say a very little bit goes a very LOOOONG way!

Now, some places want you to believe that you have to have special adhesives to use these flakes. That may be true if you were working with fine art pieces, walls, ceilings or objet d'art but when it comes to paper arts, collage or altered arts don't let 'em fool you. I have tried many many different adhesives I have on hand with a variety of luck. (more on that later)

Let's take a look at one of the easiest methods to apply these leafing flakes to your project....

1. Run a line of *adhesive where desired.

*NOTE: If a larger area is to be covered be sure to see below for other adhesive alternatives.

2. Sprinkle the leafing flakes over the adhesive.

3. Press the flakes into the adhesive and brush excess away with a soft bristled brush.

Now, some people like to burnish the flakes for a smoother finish but I like the texture created by just pressing and brushing away. Experiment and see what look works for you.

That's it...that's all there is to it! Pretty cool huh?

Now I know alot of people are concerned about the mess...if you place your work inside a shallow box lid or other container it will help keep most of the errant flakes corralled but don't expect them all to stay put. After all, nobody will know you were playing if there isn't a little evidence strewn about ;)

Leafing Adhesive Alternatives -

Now besides the "special" leafing adhesives which can be costly and/or difficult to locate there are loads of adhesives that can be used. Below you will find examples of many different types - both dry (like the tombow, ATG or red-line/magic tapes) as well as liquid adhesives shown. Hopefully this will give you an idea about how each one performs.

Just a note on the liquid adhesives. It is best to apply the adhesive, let it set for a few seconds then add the flakes. It's better if the glue drys a bit and gets tacky before adding the flakes. You will notice that some didn't cooperate in this department (Mod Podge in particular).

I'll let you decide which ones are your favorite.

Well, now that you've seen them all I will tell you which are my favorite types of adhesives to use....

My favorite wet adhesive is the Aleene's Fast Grab Tacky Glue. It is thick enough that you don't have to wait a long period of time to dry and it holds marvelously. It can be spread pretty thin but is still thick enough that it yields very good coverage.

Dry adhesive hands down is the Red Line or Magic tape...you know the tape that has the peel off backing paper. I LOVE how easy it is to use and how crisp the lines are when you're finished. When I want a more random look without the clean lines the ATG or Tombow adhesives are my other dry choices (either works very well). They are sticky enough for the flakes to stick easily and offer a very good coverage unlike some of the other dry adhesives.

So, now that we've taken a look at the various adhesives that can be pair with the flakes, tomorrow I'll share a technique to put these flakes into action...

Bookmark Challenge

I just noticed the challenge over at Rosie & Linda's awfully big art adventure that this week is Bookmarks! I just love reading so this struck me as a great challenge!

I haven't had much time for challenges lately but I want to get back into the swing of things so I think this challenge just might be the ticket :)

Anyone care to join in on the fun?

If you create a bookmark be sure and let us know :) We'd love to see it (them) if you can share!

Bamboo Tiles & Masks

Hi All....

Well, I had planned on sharing this technique with you yesterday but for the majority of the day we had storms...nope, not snow this time...THUNDER storms! Eeek! I'm a chicken when it comes to thunder and lightening...because sometimes they are accompanied by tornadoes!!! I know silly but what can I say. It's a childhood phobia that has never lessened. Anyway, these were particularly nasty storms and there WERE a few tornadoes here in Indiana...one not too far from where I live!!! (see, sometimes phobias aren't so far fetched after all - LOL!!) Nobody was injured too badly but prayers go out to those folks who lost their homes....such a frightening thing ~ one minute you're sitting at home watching tv and then next you don't have a home! Makes my stomach hurt just thinking about it.

Anyway, weather is better today but they are calling for more storms tomorrow (slap my forehead!!)...hopefully those will yield only rain.

Today I wanted to share one last bamboo tile technique with you...I know there are many many more but well, I don't want to bore you to death with tiles ;) This technique again involves items that you probably already have in your stash....tiles, alcohol inks, acrylic dabber (or paint & a brush) and something to use as a mask.

Let's talk about masks for a sec....of course if you have pre-made masks that's great, they will work wonderfully.

If by chance you haven't jumped on the mask bandwagon, no fear there are many things you can make masks from.....

First one of the easiest materials to use as a mask is sequins waste, sometimes called punchenella (why it's called that I have no idea...anybody know?). It's usually made from some pretty flexible Mylar sheeting around 3" wide. It's great for creating dots or "beeswax" patterns. Another benefit from using this material is it can be wiped clean and used over and over again. I love using the sequins waste paired with the Ink Blending Tool but then you all know how much I LOVE my IBT!

Another similar material is Dottie Anne. This self-adhesive mesh with tiny dots is a great alternative to the sequins waste offering up a mini polka dot pattern.

If you're like me, you've got something else hidden in your stash that will make great masks - paper punches! Yep, pull em out of those drawers they've been residing in and put them to work. Actually, they can be used in a couple ways...you could use the positive punched piece or the "negative" - the paper you punched the shape out of. Either works very well as you will see.

Die-cuts and die-cut machines are excellent for creating masks too! Quick-Kutz offers up many many smaller detailed designs which can easily be turned into mini masks while electric cutters offer a range of sizes to make the perfect sized mask for your project.

Now, no matter what you choose to use as a mask it's important that you use a temporary adhesive to hold the make-shift mask to your project. It's no fun to almost finish painting when the mask slips! Trust me on this...I am speaking with the voice of experience here. I like to use the Tombow reposition-able adhesive but there are loads on the market. I'm sure you probably already have a favorite.

On to the masked bamboo tiles....

Apply the alcohol inks prior to beginning and gather your supplies.

I used the Dottie Ann type mesh for this example. It's really great because it's already got adhesive on the back. To make it a bit less sticky so it's easily peeled off after you're finished, simply press it on your jeans or other article of clothing a couple times. Works like a charm.

Pounce the dabber onto the mask/tile making sure to get the paint in the crevices.

Next, carefully peel off the mask to reveal the results!

You can go through the same steps using most masking materials....

Negative paper punched paper -

Paper punches -

And this is what you'll end up with... Just think of all the great patterns you can come up with by mixing and matching your paint/ink colors as well as the huge variety of masks available at your fingertips!

These make great charms as is or add a collage or found image.

Now wasn't that fun and easy?

Told ya so!!

Just doesn't get much better than that huh?

Well, be sure to check in tomorrow as I've got a couple sets of St. Pattie's day stamps to give away :)

See you then!

UTEE WINNERS!!!

Hey everyone!

Miss me yesterday?

I missed you all! I hadn't been feeling real well for a while now ~ just thought it was a bad cold that wouldn't go away but I finally broke down and went to the Dr. on Thursday and found out that I had a pretty bad case of Bronchitis/URI which was compounded by allergies which I suspected I had. The dr said the combination of the two were causing asthma attacks. Soooo, now I'm on antibiotics for the bronchitis and breathing treatments to hopefully get rid of the fluid which has built up in my lungs.

Good news is that I have finally started to feel better and can at least breath more than two breaths without going into a coughing/choking fit but...

~

The bad news is that I'm allergic to the cat and/or dogs :(

Not sure what we're going to do about that whole deal...our animals are like family members but I sure as heck don't want to cough and hack for the rest of my life either...I sort of like to breath.

Anyone ever try Zyrtec? Any luck with it?

On to some fun stuff...

I totally forgot about drawing the winner of the assortment of UTEE so my mistake is your gain....I figured I'd give out TWO assortments instead of just one!!

The correct answer to the UTEE/Embossing Ink combo was

Blue = Black Ink

Purple = Clear Ink

Green = Clear Ink

I drew out two winners who had the correct answer using Random.org

and those two lucky winners are......

Smullis said...
I'm guessing black ink for the blue petals and clear for the purple petals and green center.
February 28, 2009 4:31 PM

and

Sue said...
Hi Roni.Gorgeous!!I'd say: Black for the Blue Petals.Clear for the purple Petals and Clear for the green centre. x
March 4, 2009 9:02 AM

Please e-mail me with your snail mail addies and I'll get your goodies in the mail to you :)

If you didn't win today, no fear, I've got a few more goodies up my sleeve for the coming week! If I get around good, tomorrow I have another fun tile technique to share with you before we move onto something new.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!!

Take care and for those of you in the US (except you lucky dogs in AZ)...remember to set your clocks ahead one hour tonite so we can all start that ridiculous day light savings time! (does my sarcasm show???)

Perfectly Glittered Bamboo Tiles

K Peeps here's another fun technique to use on those rockin' bamboo tiles...Perfectly Glittered to be exact! We're going to be using goodies which you may already have in your stash...Perfect Pearls and some sort of glitter be it Stickles Glitter Glue, mylar glitter, glass glitter, whatever you have on hand. I used Ice Stickles but again, use what you've got :)

OH YEAH....I forgot - I asked about international shipping for the bamboo tile placemats from Linen R Us - they will ship internationally so if you can't find them in your little corner of the world they will help you out!

To begin, press the tile into the Perfect Medium and coat well.

Next, randomly dust the tile with desired colors of Perfect Pearls...one, two, three or more! It's totally up to you.

Your tiles will look something like this....

We're not done yet though...next, apply a line of glitter glue to each tile and spread over the surface of the tile.

to give a whole lot of glitz...

Now if you don't have glitter glue, simply apply a coat of your favorite clear drying liquid adhesive then sprinkle with a very light coat of glitter....you want to be able to see the Perfect Pearls under the glitter coat.

And in no time you'll have a whole pile of glittery tiles ready to use!

I have left the tiles pretty plain ~ you could add collage images, words or other bits to enhance the finished design. I did apply Krylon Silver Leafing to the edges and back of the tiles for this bracelet. It was assembled with stretch cord which allows you to twist the tiles for a variety of looks....

all facing forward...

silver & glitter mix...

So there you go....several ideas on bamboo tiles to get you on your crafty way!

Hope you've seen something you'd like to try out.

TTFN Friends!

Bamboo Tiles + Collage Images

Today I want to continue with more fun things to do with the tiles from the bamboo placemats but I had quite a few people ask where to purchase them. The best place I have found to purchase them is from this e-bay seller. They have very prompt shipping for a reasonable price (these place mats are heavy so keep that in mind). Linen R Us I am not affiliated with them in any way other than being a satisfied shopper.

Now, on to the tiles...

Today I paired the bamboo tiles with collage images. This is a very easy technique which requires only a collage image, your favorite liquid glue or collage medium and a tile! That's it - well, a pair of scissors to cut the image out but that's all you need to get started!

All of the collage images I used today come from Southern Blackberry Design. They have some really great images available in 3 types of papers - tissue, clear Mylar (like stickers) and heavy cardstock. I am going to be featuring this site shortly so that's all I'm going to mention about them at this time ;)

1. To apply the collage images to the tiles all you need to do is spread a thin coating of either a collage medium of your choice (I like Collage Pauge - Duncan Enterprises) or a liquid adhesive or you could even use something like Glossy, Sepia, Crackle Accents. Any of them work very well.

2 . Immediately place the image on the wet adhesive and smooth out any air bubbles.

3. Coat with one or two layers of collage medium (or adhesive) to protect.

Now, it's fine to use as is or if you can cover the tile with an "Accent" for added dimension.

Here are several examples I made....

This is the same Mylar collage image on both a dark and light colored tile just to show the difference of how the tile color changes the image.

These tiles were all made using tissue paper collage images. These are really great because they are very thin. They conform to the surface of the tile wonderfully with very little effort.

Additional examples....

And this one was covered with Sepia Accents...

and this final tile was covered in Crackle Accents...

Now once you have the images glued to the tiles they can be used to make dangle charms, key chains, necklaces, bracelets, added to cards, scrapbook pages, altered albums, just about anything you can think of! They really are quite handy and other than dry time are really quick to make.

Bamboo Tile Bracelet

Thanks to everyone who posted or e-mailed...it's good to know that we're not alone out there when it comes to home issues!

Today as promised I have a fun project incorporating the tiles from the bamboo tile place mat. They closely resemble dominoes without the dots so both can be used almost interchangeably. Unlike dominoes the bamboo tiles have 2 holes running through the long ends making them especially good for making jewelry, charms or "dangly" things ;)

I decided to start by making a bracelet from them.

Supplies:

6 Bamboo Tiles

Sandpaper

Rubber Stamps - The Enchanted Gallery

Archival Ink - Ranger Industries

Lumier acrylic paint - Jacquard

Paint Brush

Vintage Sheet Music

Collage Pauge (sparklie) - Duncan Enterprises

Stretch Cord

Instructions:

1. Sand one side of each tile.

2. Apply a dab of the Collage Pauge (or other collage medium) and affix the sheet music to the tile. I like to use my hands but if you don't want to get covered in glue then you could use a foam brush and/or latex gloves :)

You will end up with tiles something like this....

3. Now, flip all the tiles, we're going to add the image....Stamp desired image using Archival Ink and let them dry.

4. The tiles are ready to be painted. I used Jacquard's Lumiere metallic paints but you can use whatever type of paints or inks you like to use.

5. String them all together with a few beads and the stretch cord and you have your bracelet!

I couldn't figure out how to wear the bracelet and take the photo at the same time...so here are the first 3 completed tiles....

and the other 3.

Way cool huh and so very easy!

Of course I've only touched the surface so I'll be bringing you more fun bamboo tile projects so stay tuned!

sometimes....life gets in the way....

well, I had hoped to start sharing more techniques and projects with you today but as the title goes ~ sometimes life gets in the way!

This past week we got our monthly water bill and it was almost double. With a little searching we discovered the toilet was the culprit. It had a slow leak because one of the gaskets was old and worn sooo... yesterday we ended up replacing the "guts" hoping it would fix the problem. This morning we woke up to water puddles on the floor :( once we got it mopped up and examined the situation a little bit closer we realized that there was even more water on the floor in the adjoining laundry room?!?! What the?!?!?

Well, we took the cover off the water heater and low and behold they were BOTH leaking...actually the water heater was water logged...filled to the brim. It's a wonder nobody got electrocuted or that it hadn't started a fire!

Not a great way to start the day (or week or month for that matter). So dh and I spent the day shopping for a new toilet and water heater then we came home to install them both. It took a while...a LONG while but we now officially have a brand new super duper flusher and water heater!

Of course by the time we finished it was almost 6:30p.m. (we've been going at this since 8:00a.m.), I had to clean up the mess in both rooms and still make supper so ~ no play time for me and nothing to share today.

Tomorrow is another day though so be on the look out for something fun then. I think I will start with the bamboo tiles people have been asking about. I've had lots of fun messing with them and I think you'll enjoy them as well!

Till then friends...happy flushing ;) I mean inking - LOL!!!

2nd Chance Give-A-Way Winners!!

Hey Everyone!

I fed all the numbers into random.org and have pulled out 5 lucky 2nd chance winners....

they are in no particular order....

Brian K.

Cher

Phinny

Chok Keun

and

Karen L

Please e-mail me your snail mail addies and I'll get your goodies out asap :)

Thanks so much for letting me know what you'd like to see!!

Have a great day everyone!

Another poll

Hey Peeps!

I posted another poll...this time I want to know if you'd mind if I posted hand drawn card or scrapbook lay out sketches.

It's been a while since I've posted any sketches and now that the book is almost done (on my end) I wanted to start posting them again. As some of you know, I'm not the best with computers...I know enough to be dangerous ;) I am sooooo not good when it comes to digital programs or all the letter mumbo jumbo... and honestly I don't have the time nor inclination to learn how to do the computer digital "stuff"... I like doing things by hand - hence the name of the blog - Ink Stains ;)

I have a friend who is my go-to-girl for all things computer ~ she really is amazing. I don't have a clue how she does what she does but it's always great. She's the one who made my other batch of sketches. I hate bugging her all the time so this is where the hand drawn sketches come in...

Do you mind if my card and lay-out sketches are hand drawn?

I know there are loads of sketches/challenges all over the net so I don't "have" to post them but I enjoy it and it's always fun to have a little challenge when you've got scrappers block or can't think of a card that strikes your fancy.

Anyway, please vote and let me know what you think...If you'd like to post more than a yes, maybe or no please feel free to e-mail me or post a comment here. I'm really interested in what you have to say.

Today is also drawing day for the 2nd Chance Give-A-Way...you've still got time to post if you want to get entered (or enter some more)...I'll be pulling and posting winners this evening!
Good Luck Everyone!!