Ranger Tech. Calendar - April - Distress Inks

Today's technique is one of the most popular techniques listed on my entire blog....Wax Paper Resist.  There are approximately 75-100 visits a day looking for instructions on this technique so I figured it deserved a place in this years calendar.

Distress Ink &

Wax Paper Resist

Note: You don't actually have to use this technique with just Distress Inks.  Any dye ink will work.

Supplies:

Distress Ink - Ranger
Ink Blending Tool & Foam - Ranger
Glossy Cardstock - Ranger (or regular cardstock)
Wax Paper
Iron

Instructions:

1. Turn your iron to a medium to hot setting and let it pre-heat for a couple minutes.

2. Tear off a sheet of wax paper approximately 6" larger than the sheet of cardstock you are going to be working with. Crumble the piece of wax paper into a ball; open it back up but do not smooth out.

3. Place your glossy cardstock on the non-stick craft sheet.  Add the sheet of crumbled wax paper and cover with a piece of cardstock or glossy cardstock. 

NOTE: If you are using glossy cardstock be sure the glossy sides are facing the wax paper.

4. Iron the entire stack of papers ~ depending on the size of your paper 20-40 seconds is long enough for the wax to transfer to the papers.

5. Remove the wax paper and save it for another day.

6. Use the Ink Blending Tool and apply desired colors of ink to cardstock until the entire sheet has been covered.  I am using Dusty Concord, Crushed Olive and Broken China.  You can use one, two, three or more colors of ink...it's totally up to you. 

Here is what the Glossy Cardstock looked like after it was inked....

And don't let anyone tell you this technique won't work on plain old cardstock because it will!  Here is what it looks like after the ink has been applied.....

It's all a matter of what finish you are looking for when deciding which type of cardstock to use with this technique. 

Now your paper is ready to be used!  Here is my finished calendar page...

paired with March....

So now that you've seen a few months are you ready to join in the fun? 

I know some of you are playing along (thanks for sending me the images, links!)... if you would like to share your pages with everyone just post a link in the comment section...we'd all love to see your creations!

Ranger Tech. Calendar - March - Adirondack Dye Ink

We're up to March on our technique calendar.  I thought it would be fun to pair a few colors of Adirondack Dye Inks with a couple shadow stamps to create Watercolor Tiles.  Since it's March I am using shades of green but when paired with red inks you can create a wonderful "Faux Brick" look. 

Watercolor Tiles

Supplies:

Adirondack Dye Ink - Ranger
Mini Mister (filled w/water) - Ranger
Heat Tool - Ranger
Stickles Glitter Glue - Ranger
Shadow Stamp(s) - Hero Arts
Cardstock - Georgia Pacific
Embellishments
Printed Calendar Page

Instructions:

1. Pounce multiple shades of ink onto your shadow stamp.  I like to start with the lightest color first and add 1-2 additional colors.

2. Mist the stamp with water...one or two squirts from the Mini Mister will do the trick.

3. Immediately stamp the image onto your cardstock.

Note: You don't have to smoosh the stamp into the paper...just kiss it.  Otherwise you'll squirt the water/ink right out from under the stamp since it's totally smooth.

4. Remove the stamp and heat to quickly dry the image.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 until the entire sheet of cardstock has been covered.

Here is what your stamped cardstock will look like at this point...This is o.k. but we're going to take it one step further to really make the tiles pop.

6. You will need one or two dark shades of ink for this step.  Apply the ink to the very edges of the shadow stamp and stamp each tile again. 

NOTE: This isn't an exact science.  Close is good enough ;)

Notice in the photo I have already stamped one of the tiles in the lower left hand corner.  You can see immediately how much of a difference this step makes.  When I make "faux bricks" I usually use black for this step.

And here is what the Watercolor Tiles look like when they are finished!

and my finished calendar page....

Ranger Tech. Calendar - Feb. - Embossing Powders

We're ready for the second page of our calendar ~ February and today's Ranger Product is Embossing Powders.  The technique for today is something I call Gradient Embossing. Let's begin...

Gradient Embossing

A bit about this technique...you will need to use three shades of ink for this technique.  I am using Adirondack Dye Inks since Ranger has taken the guess work out of coordinating the inks.  Each color family has 3 shades of ink that match perfectly.  For this calendar page I am using the Cranberry color family which includes: Cranberry, Watermelon, and Shell Pink.  You of course can use whatever color combo you like.

I also wanted to mention that the key to this technique is patients.  You cannot hurry through this technique or you will fail.  You have to let the paper dry completely before moving on to each consecutive layer. If you don't this technique will drive you nuts cause the EP's will stick to everything!  Trust me on this...I got about 1/2 way through and tried to hurry it up a bit.  Needless to say the finished calendar is not the one I originally started with ;)  That being said if you take your time the results will be stunning!

Supplies:

Clear Resist/Embossing Ink (Ranger)
Clear & Claret Embossing Powders (Ranger)
Adirondack Dye Ink - Shell Pink, Watermelon & Cranberry (Ranger)
Ink Blending Tool & Foam (Ranger)
Heat Tool (Ranger)
Non-Stick Craft Mat (Ranger)
Stickles Glitter Glue (Ranger)
Small Paint Brush
Bold Stamp* (hand cut)
Cardstock (Georgia Pacific)
Embossing Buddy (Stampin Up)
Embellishments of your choice
Calendar Page

*Note: I wanted to talk a bit about the stamp you choose to use with this technique.  In order to really get the most from this technique you will need to use a bold stamp.  Since we're working on February I decided I wanted to use a heart stamp.  Not having one in my collection I decided to hand cut a stamp from rubber scraps I have saved up.  I simply drew the design on my piece of scrap rubber then cut it out.  Now I have to admit it took me three tries before I got a heart I was happy with.  So no worries if your first try doesn't satisfy you...simply give it another shot.

Instructions:

1. Trim a piece of cardstock to desired size.  Give the sheet of paper a swipe with the Embossing Buddy.  This will help minimize extra unwanted specks of embossing powder sticking to your design.  It will not eliminate it completely so don't worry if there are a few bits here and there.

2. Stamp several hearts on the cardstock using clear embossing ink.

3. Sprinkle the stamped images with clear embossing powder. Shake off the excess powder and reserve for later use.  If you see any extra bits of embossing powder, gently brush them off with the paint brush.  Heat to melt the embossing powder.  Let these images cool completely.

4. Use the Ink Blending Tool to apply the lightest shade of ink, in this case Shell Pink, to 95% of the cardstock working from bottom to top.  (The top portion of your cardstock should be the lightest.)  Let this ink dry completely.

5. Swipe the cardstock with the Embossing Buddy.  Stamp several more hearts randomly using the Clear Embossing Ink.

6. Sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powder. Shake off excess powder and reserve for later use.  Again, if you notice any extra bits of EP's in areas that shouldn't be carefully remove using the paint brush.  Heat to melt the powders. 

7. Apply the second shade of ink (Watermelon) using the Ink Blending Tool to 75% of the cardstock working from the bottom up.  You will notice the first two sets of hearts are really starting to pop.  Let this ink dry completely before moving on.

8. Swipe the cardstock with the Embossing Buddy.  Stamp several more hearts using the Clear Embossing Ink. 

9. Sprinkle with Clear Embossing Powders and shake off the excess.  If you see any extra EP, wipe off using the paint brush.  Heat to melt the powder and let it cool completely.

10. Finally add the darkest shade of ink (Cranberry) using the Ink Blending Tool to 40-50% of the cardstock working from the bottom up.    By adding this final color of ink it will add quite a bit of depth to your creation.

11. Use a damp tissue to wipe off any extra ink from each of the embossed hearts.  This is when the various shades of ink really shines through.

Here is what the paper looks like at this point....

You can use it as is or you could add one additional layer of hearts as described in step #12.

12.  For an additional bit of depth and interest you can add a final layer of hearts using a dark embossing powder.  Ideally you want to use a color that is darker than the darkest shade of ink.  I am using Claret EP which is a deeper red than the Cranberry and works perfectly.  Stamp and emboss as usual.

And here are the finished results.

Mount the paper to your chipboard calendar base.  I use my ATG tape but you could use your favorite strong adhesive.  I then cut the edges using my Deco edge blade.   I created a corner guide which will ensure that all of my corners on each page are the same....

It is now time to add your calendar page and embellishments.  Several people asked me about the felt snowflakes that I used yesterday.  They are die-cut felt pieces I bought at a scrapbook store. I had used with my Alcohol Inks to stamp some AI snowflakes on an older project.  I added a bit of Stickles Glitter Glue to each of the inked felt snowflake prior to mounting them on the calendar. 

If you were around for last year's calendar you will remember that I used one main embellishment for each month to tie the entire calendar together (last year it was a vintage collage image). Well I liked the felt snowflakes so well (January's Calendar page ) I decided to make Alcohol Inked soaked felt embellishments for each month this year.

Today's is of course hearts but I used old felts I used with my red shades of Alcohol Inks (shhh...you're not really supposed to re-use them but I do).  I hand cut 3 different sized hearts then covered each with a bit of Stickles.

Here is February's calendar page...

and January & February together....

Two down...10 to go!

Have you decided to join in the fun?

Be sure to share your results if you do!

NEW ~ Stickles Glitter Glue Colors!!!

You all know how much I love Stickles Glitter Glue....

well you have to zoom over to Ranger's Blog to check out the

NINE brand new Stickles colors!!!!

Wooo Hooo!!!!

Beautiful aren't they? 

Did you post your vote for the new orange Stickles name?

I think it looks like Dreamsicle but Tangerine works too ;)

What do you think....Tropical, Coral or Tangerine?

O.k.. now, which of the new colors is your favorite?

I'd have to say mine is True Blue....simply beautiful!!!

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!

Technique Calendar Prep.

It's time to prepare for the Technique Calendar we will be creating over the next couple weeks.

First and most important you will need to determine what your foundation will be and decide on a shape.  Last year was easy because we used CD's for the basic shape and foundation.  This year I am using recycled chipboard to use for my calendar base.  I have been collecting various food product boxes (cereal, crackers, etc) for this purpose.

As for the shape I thought I might like to use a die-cut shape to make it quick and easy but I realized I didn't have anything large enough.  So, plan B - hand cut pages.  I tried out several shapes and designs before I decided that a "ticket" shape would fit the bill nicely as it allows enough space for the calendar it's self and would be fairly easy to cut repeatedly.

Here is the basic idea I am going to work with.... Each page will be 4x6 finished size but I am cutting the chipboard 4x6.5 to allow an extra 1/4" on each side (to allow for a decorative edge).

Each page will be 4x6, have a hole at the top for hanging and be bound with my Bind-It-All.  You of course could use any variety of other binding methods you have available.

To cut the corners I used my circle punch as shown below.

Both ends were cut using a Deco blade for my rotary cutter.  If you don't have one of these you could also tear the edges, border punch, edge die-cutter or a pair of decorative edge scissors.

I also pre-cut all of the letters I would need for each month to help make assembling the pages quicker.

Now I will not cut the corners, edges or punch the binding holes until I have mounted both months on each page.  This makes for less work and ensures that each page matches it's mate.

You will also need to print out the actual calendar pages.  There are several web-sites that will help you with this. 

Here are a few links to get you started....

Cat - Splitcoast Stampers (this is the one I am using)

Crafty Secrets has some nifty Vintage looking Calendars.

There are a TON of 2001 Printable Calendars here in all shapes and sizes.

I also found Calendar Lab as well.  Never used it but sounds cool.

Now we're all set! 

Let's get going on the techniques!!

Technique Calendar Begins Tomorrow!!

I hope that the new year has started off well for you all.  Tomorrow things will be getting back to a "normal" schedule for most people...the kids returning to school, everyone going back to work, etc.  Ink Stains (I) will be getting back into the swing of things as well.

I wanted to post a little reminder that the I'll be starting the Ranger Technique Calendar tomorrow.

If you weren't here last January when we made our CD Technique Calendar basically I choose a Ranger product and pair it with a technique to create a different page for each month of the year.  Last year the base was CD's but this year I'll be using chipboard as the foundation since it's more readily available.  I'm thinking I'll use a die-cut to make things easy but I may hand cut each month...not sure yet.

I'll be offering a few goodies here and there as well so be sure to check in each day to find out what I'm up to!

Hope you plan on stopping in and giving it a try. If you do, please feel free to share your version of the technique...it's always fun to see everyone's own twist and style shine through!

Welcome January 2011!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful evening last night...

Not only is it a start of a new year it's also the start of another new month ~ January ~ so that means it's time for more monthly/weekly/daily observances!

Random thought....While I was wandering around looking for January holidays/observances I realized just how many things are going on each day.  In some cases only 3-4 but on other days there were as many as 10-15 different things to think about, celebrate or whatever. (Note: I only included a few for each day...if I listed them all this post would be pages and pages long)  Makes you wonder why the people inventing these events don't look for a month or day that has little or nothing going on that day doesn't it?!? 

JANUARY 2011

Flower of the month:

Carnation, Snowdrop.

Zodiac Signs:

Capricorn / The Goat / Dec. 22 - Jan. 19 

Aquarius Jan. 20 thru Feb 20

Birthstone:

Garnet - Meaning: Constancy

Month Long Observances:

Celebrate the Past Month

International Creativity Month (YES!!)

International Printing Month

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month

National Book Month

National Eye Health Care

National Hobby Month (Woo Hooo!!)

National Letter Writing Month*

National Polka Month

National Stamp Collectors Month

(think that means us??? LOL!!)

National Staying Healthy Month

National Thank You Month

Personal Self-Defense Month

Volunteer Blood Donor Month

Daily Observances

January 1

 Australian Commonwealth Anniversary

New Years Day

US Bowling Day

January 2

National Cream Puff Day

Science Fiction Day

Swiss Cheese Day

January 3

JRR Tolken's B-Day (1892)

National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day

Women Rock Day! (Yes we do!!)

January 4

Appendectomy Day

(Let's all run right out and get one?!?!?!)

National Spaghetti Day

Trivia Day

January 5

Bozo the Clown's B-Day

National Bird Day

National Second Hand Wardrobe Day

National Whip Cream Day

January 6

Bean Day

Epiphany or Twelfth Night

National Smith Day

(this is a day to give everyone with the name of Smith a hug)

January 7

Fruitcake Toss Day

Old Rock Day

January 8

Bubble Bath Day

National English Toffee Day (mmmm)

National Show & Tell Day

Women's Day

January 9

Aviation in America Day

National Apricot Day

National Clean Off your Desk Day

World Nerd Day

January 10

Peculiar People Day

January 11

Hot Toddy Day

International Thank You Day

Milk Day

Secret Pal Day

January 12

National Handwriting Day!!

(It would be nice if we would all write a letter today!)

January 13

International Sceptics Day

Make Your Dreams Come True Day

Rubber Duckie Day

January 14

National Dress Up Your Pet Day

Penguin Awareness Day

January 15

Elementary School Teacher Day

Martin Luther King Jr B-Day

National Fresh Squeezed Juice Day

(Have you squeezed your furit lately???)

January 16

International Hot & Spicy Food Day

(mmmm - Sounds delish!)

National Fig Newton Day

National Nothing Day

January 17

Ben Franklin Day (1706)

Customer Service Day

National Hot Buttered Rum Day

(mmmm ~ Yum!)

January 18

Maintenance Day

Winnie-the-Pooh Day!!!!

(WooHoo!!! Gotta love that little bear and all his friends!)

January 19

Brew a Potion Day

(?!?!)

Hat Day

(I love hats!  I wish it were more popular here in the US.)

International Sing Out Day

National Popcorn Day!!

New Friend Day

(hmmmm I need to do something for this day!)

January 20

Cheese Day

National Buttercrunch Day

(mmm - two very good things to celebrate - LOL!!)

January 21

National Hugging Day

Squirrel Appreciation Day

January 22

National Blonde Brownie Day

National Polka Dot Day!

January 23

Compliment Day

Pie Day

(mmmmm who doesn't love some sort of pie?)

Spouse's Day

January 24

Eskimo Pie Day (1919)

Just Do It Day

National Peanut Butter Day

(mmmmm)

January 25

Fun at Work Day

National Opposite Day

(Hmm, that explaines the Fun at Work Day huh?  lol!!)

January 26

Australia Day (1788)

Clashing Cloths Day

Disneyland Founded!! (1954)

National Peanut Brittle Day

(mmmm)

Television's B-day

January 27

Chocolate Cake Day

Mad Tea Party Day

(Lewis Carroll's B-Day)

National Toilet Day

(no comment)

January 28

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

Daisy Day

National Blueberry Pancake Day

National Kazoo Day

January 29

Carnation Day

National Corn Chip Day

National Puzzle Day

January 30

Jazz Day

January 31

Backward Day

Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

(I think we do that every day!)

Now to help welcome in the new year and January I'm going to be giving away a set of Autumn Leaves stamps called Messy Dates.  It contains the months, days, and a variety of numerals so you can stamp your very own calendar!

To enter to win simply cast a vote for your favorite January observance/holiday.

You have until 1-14-11 to enter.

Happy January Everyone!!!