Friday, June 14, 2013

Selection and Storage of Distress Inks...

Posted by Rajni Chawla

Gud morning friends!!

This is Rajni Chawla here from Passionately Curious to share a post as a DT for Color Conception on my favorite DISTRESS INKS.

Distress Inks !!Seriously? Who doesn't love these. I can stare and drool at these colors for days.I am crazy for all 41 I have.There is so much fun stuff you can do with them!!!It is almost an year now that I am using Distress Inks.These inks have given a unique look to my quilled creations. My style .....my way of adding themes and backgrounds... all are the results of heavy distressing.



A small introduction to Distress Inks

As you all know these are an amazingly versatile inks developed by Tim Holtz for Ranger Industries. This is a specially formulated water-based dye ink that is acid-free, non-toxic and fade resistant. They do not take on a green or yellow cast when mixed with water as other dye inks do.

Distress ink colors have been chosen for their distinctive vintage flair. These inks are perfect for stamping, achieving the vintage look, photo tinting and countless other techniques. Truly a unique ink, a must have for any stamper.The inks stays wetter for longer- making heat embossing possible with this ink. Also with the ink staying wetter longer makes blending several colors on a background easy. One really cool thing about this ink also is that when you use several colors and blend them on a background then Spitz with water you will see the ink sort of separate and you can see different colors because of the separation- an example could be: purple is a secondary color- make by mixing red and blue- well on some projects if using lavender distress ink when you add the water and the color start to spread a little on the paper and you might see some of it a little more red or blue and maybe a lil pinker in areas. The only way to really understand the uses and love of distress inks is to buy a couple and experiment, also watch some of Tim Holtz's videos. It stays true to its color when added to water when making shimmer sprays.

We have original of 36 shades of Distress Inks besides the 12 new shades.





How to select your first lot of inks..
Like all of u even I had lots of questions.
What color to buy??? What colors to leave ?? and How to use ??

We all some times have limited budget but still get tempted towards our favorite craft supplies.Choosing becomes little difficult at times as our hunger for crafty things never ends.

I am always fascinated with colors and worked with all dark and soft shades. I have done lots of projects in different mediums like oils,water color, acrylic etc and also worked on different base surfaces so I had a little knowledge and experience to handle these which i would love to share with u all today.

I have seen few crafters picking up only basic colors ( blue,yellow,orange,red,green pink).  Do we always need the basic BRIGHT shades???
I think ...NO !!
Here I stressed on the word BRIGHT as all basic shades (what generally crafters pick) are really very bold and bright. Instead of picking only basic colors one should pick the family of at least 2 to 3 shades of each color.This is what I myself prefer and guide my students also.....you may choose differently if u want.There is just no rule when we craft.
It is more easier to work with family shades rather than to use contrasts and believe me the results are awesome!! More over as far as distress inks are concerned we can give little brightness to most of all the shades by just adding a touch of Wild Honey.The image looks more brighter or sharper but u can't get lighter tone of the same unless n until u use the actual light color offered by Rangers. Distress inks are transparent inks and we can add as many layers as we want.They easily react with water.


How to choose the family Shades
I have inked & stamped a bunch of tags using these inks (old and new shades) and selected 2 or 3 shades to make one family  that I choose, just to show u how varied the colors are.This will help u choose the ones u want to add to ur craft room too.

 Here we goooooo.....


FAMILY OF BROWNS AND BLACK
I have selected three shades and made one family which i call MUST HAVE FAMILY.These includes Vintage Photo,Walnut Stain and Black Soot. With Vintage Photo, u can give an aged look to any color.With walnut stain and Black soot u can define it more properly.I have posted few examples to show how they can create wonders to your projects.



Must have family 





FAMILY OF REDS AND PINKS
Following are the shades of reds n pinks available. I have combined 1 red and 2 pinks to make one family.Fired Brick  (yes, believe it or not a red must have color LOL!!),Picked Raspberry and Worn Lipstick.





Selected family of reds and pinks


FAMILY OF BLUES
Oh....love love all the colors!!! I should  here add Stormy Sky also.....but to me it looks more of grey. That"s why added it to grey family.Selected only three....Peacock Feathers,Chipped Sapphire, (OMG ~ simply awesome color of blue) and  Salty Ocean. Earlier when i was not having Salty Ocean i preferred  Broken China.  

Selected family of blues



FAMILY OF YELLOW AND ORANGE
I have selected Rusty Hinge,Wild Honey (Oh....i'm crazy for this color) and Squeezed Lemonade in this family.Again here Squeezed Lemonade is the new addition to my collection,Earlier i preferred Mustard Seed.



Selected family of orange and yellows



                                                                FAMILY OF GREENS
There are three new and three old shades out of which i selected

Crushed Olive,Pealed Paint  and Mowed Lawn.




Selected family of greens


FAMILY OF PURPLES

we also get Seedless Preserves which is smokey deep purple along with other three existing  flavors of Shaded Lilac,Mild Lavender and Dusty Concord. Mild Lavender and  Dusty Concord are the best I guess. I think each color can be used for variety of images.


Selected family of purples



FAMILY OF GREYS

This family includes soft smokey colors with grey hues. The selected ones colors are Old Paper & Weathered Wood.




                                                        Selected family of grey


  NOW HERE IS THE COMPLETE LIST OF  MUST HAVE  FAMILY SHADES  


1. Browns N blacks : Vintage photo,Walnut Stain and Black Soot
2. Reds N pinks : Fired Brick Picked Raspberry and Worn Lipstick.

3. Blues : Peacock Feathers,Chipped Sapphire and Salty Ocean/Broken China
4. Yellows N orange : Rusty Hinge,Wild Honey and Squeezed Lemonade/ Mustard Seed
5. Greens : 
Crushed Olive,Pealed Paint  and Mowed Lawn.
6. purples :  
Mild Lavender and  Dusty Concord
7, Grey           : 
Old Paper & Weathered Wood.


Just look at the awesome effects of distress inks i have created.So versatile and so much  fun!! In the first set i took Picked Raspberry as the main shade and in second one i took Chipped Sapphire. 


And here is what i came up with just simple techniques of distress inks.....again money envelops!!!
Hope you like them.



WUD LOVE TO SHARE HOW I STORE MY DISTRESS INK PADS ???

I have 41 ink pads....all of my choice.I labeled them all with inked strips on all the four sides,named them with black markers and stacked on Distress Display Rack.I have few double ink pads. I always try to keep myself packed with extra stock which i need in quantity. 







Hope you all liked my super lengthy post.The whole information I shared is based on my own personal experience.Please rectify me if I'm wrong anywhere.

Now coming to the best part...THE CRAFT SHOP hoards the entire range of Distress Inks. All 48 shades are available at very reasonable prices.The complete range of tools required for distressing...like  blending tool , blending foam and nonstick mat is also available.
So hurry and book your orders now.

For any queries on this.....comment below.
Do leave some love if u find my post useful...Thanks :)

Have a nice  inky weekend.......:)
Rajni

Friday, May 31, 2013

COLOR CONCEPTIONS NEW CHALLENGE BLOGHOP!!

Posted by Rajni Chawla

Hi everyone !!
         
          Color Conceptions , your favourite craft store in India, upgraded the store to a website last month. This would be your place to go for, when it comes to craft supplies!! Interested in learning crafts /Beginner / Experienced, we are sure, you would find something to cater to your creative desires!! Most items are imported and they are so pretty in their own way – which will help you make gorgeous projects!!

             We are happy to announce the launch of our new Challenges. We will be having a monthly challenge beginning from the month of June. With our new Design Team in, you are going to enjoy this space as much as we do!!  We have got the most talented designers in the block, who will be rocking your senses with their amazing DT works and their most fabulous tutorials and product reviews. This space will ignite your crafting passion or rekindle it to bring the best out of you!! There is loads of fun lined up this month! So keep checking the challenge blog often J.

           Thank you Priya for trusting my creativity and giving me opportunity to explore more.

          This bloghop is designed for you to hop on all DT members’ blogs and end in the challenge blog. If you did not come here from Khushboo’s blog, please click here. To begin the bloghop from Priya’s blog, please click here.
               This would be fresh and new start to you and to us. Wouldn’t it be apt to have a related theme for this month? So here we go!

                     Challenge#1: A new Beginning and use Bakers Twine.

Here is a sneak peak of my inspiration for the challenge. Full view of the project in Challenge blog!




Bakers Twine - I'm really really loving it!!
        I like trends and there are some that come and go but this one, I know I'll use as long as it's around.
Thank you Priya for sending me these.I was busy designing few samples for my cash envelops when i got my parcel of twines. I couldn't wait to dig into it.

      Now what can you do with Twine???  So many things!! Just a few knots on my cup cakes and a simple outline with my twines and i was done with my projects.

       I've seen a lot of cute things that I  know I'll be trying it out. Sometimes ribbon is just too big and bulky but the Baker's Twine adds a little bit of color and makes everything a bit more streamlined.
The Baker's Twine is simply divine and you'll definitely be seeing it on a lot of my cards in the near future. 

Rules to the bloghop:
·        Like our Facebook Page here.
·        Follow our Challenge blog.
·        Leave a comment on all the 6 DT blogs.
·        Leave a comment in the Challenge blog saying you have done all the above.

One lucky winner is entitled to win a pack of Making Memories 5th Avenue Elizabeth Die cuts 112 pieces.

Blog Hop Order
Rajni – You are here

To visit next blog in the blog hop, click here

We hope you will sit back, enjoy your time as you hop, and maybe even learn a new trick or technique to try out yourself, too.Thanks for taking time to celebrate with us. Have Fun!! All the best!

- Rajni


 

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Easel card..

Posted by Rajni Chawla


Hello friends!!

Sharing my another card with the same alchohol inks but thys time combined with heat embossing technique.The background paper is made using alchohol inks.


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Wood background card..

Posted by Rajni Chawla


Hello friends...

Just a small and a very quick post today. Though i hv a long list of crafters who always inspire me daily but the card i am sharing today is inspired by Erum Tasneem and Kavi tha.



"We are the perfect blend"

Posted by Rajni Chawla


Hello everyone!!

I'm here again to show u what all i m busy creating these days with alcohol inks. Since Holi is approaching and i m too playing with lots of bright colors i thought of making something to co-relate with the same.

 This card will show u how clear n transparant these inks are.You won't believe i have used more then 6 colors in creating this background.
Again simple steps to work with these inks.I have used OHP transprency sheet for this project.

  • Squeeze two or three colors of AdirondackAlcohol Ink on an Ink Applicator.
  • Dab onto the transparency, covering the entire area with color. Allow to dry.
  • Dab second layer with another three different colours with the help of ink applicator and this time use ink blending solution.Dab again n again to get blotchy effect and let it dry on it own.
  • Once the surface is completely dry add few drops of some bright color and without wasting any time blow with a straw.The inks have flowing consistency due to which it will run with pressure.
  • Attach the Transparency over the glossy paper.




Now you can design your card according to your theme.Here i have made a rossette with Ms Double LoopPunch and placed a pretty mulberry flower on top.For the tiny butterflies i have used the same inking technique,but on glossy paper this time.

Note.....A very very special tip for all those who have these inks but are not able to use them because either they don't have Alchohol blending solution or those who feel expensive using it.This is the tip i got from a wonderful friend,a wonderful crafter who runs craft online classes.she is Varah Musavvir.I must say she is a wonderful teacher Thanks a lot Varah it was great fun learning at ur classes.
Now on to the tip...
Just open your cupboard and try using your inks with your nail polish remover.Those who don't have it can get Wembley's thinner from a hardware shop.Trust me it worked wonders for me.With this i want to add that results with Alchohol blending solution are much better.Those who want to spend can add that only but my pocket allows me to add new shades of these colours rather than to buy blending solution.So the decision is left to you.


All supplies used are easily available at Imaginations,the premium craft supply store.U can also find us on facebook for latest updates.



Please feel free to ask questions....i think i learn more by answering your questions.

Hugs :)

Monday, February 25, 2013

Love You..

Posted by Rajni Chawla

Thanks a lot for the warm welcome and such wonderful comments.Today I am here again to share another inspiration for alcohol inks but this time I used clear acetate sheet. Trust me its very easy to use these inks and everytime u get a new results.I embossed the acetate sheet with polka dot embossing folder.Now add few drops of each color you want to use to the felt pad that is attached to your applicator. I apply single drops of color a little randomly on various areas of the felt.Lightly dab your surface repeatedly until you achieve the
coverage and pattern desired. If you apply it by patting the surface only a couple times you will get a blended, less marble looking / blotchy effect as you do if you keep patting your surface repeatedly. You can make it very interesting by blowing on it as you work in quick taps for the smallest marble pattern effects.Try out combinations of 2 inks, or even just one and the "alcohol blending solution" (works as clear alcohol ink) for 
a variety of marbled monotone effects.







I dressed up my card wid various die cuts from spellbinder dies ( Twisted Metal Tags & Accents,Splendid Circles and Ribbon Tags Trio 3) and PP is from DCWV.Black lace and just few pearls added more beauty to my card.
Hope u all enjoyed it.
I love hearing from you !!

All the supplies used in this project are available atImaginations, the premium craft supply store

Entering...


THE ITSYBITSY PATTERN PAPER CHALLENG 

Crafters Corner Challenge#5 : Expressions of Love

CHALLENGE #105 EMBOSSING FOLDER + DIES +STAMP
 
Polka Dots and/or Stripes!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

My first Post as DT of IMAGINATIONS

Posted by Rajni Chawla

Hello everyone!
Today I begin a new journey as a DT for Imaginations, the famous online craft supply store by Mr. Aditya Gupta. Here is my first post with Adirondack inks, another product of Ranger by Tim Holtz. I must say this is my introduction to these fabulous inks and they really worked well. In this very project I will be sharing few basic things we need while using these inks.

A small introduction to Adirondack Inks...
These are light and bright dye inks specially formulated to create a colourful, polished stone effect, used on glossy paper, dominoes, metal, shrink plastic, glass, and other slick surfaces. These are available in sixteen exciting 3-color palettes. Alcohol Blending Solution is used for lightening colours and cleaning inks from non-porous surfaces. Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator is used to apply Alcohol Inks to paper and other surfaces and Adirondack Alcohol Ink Fillable Pen to create custom Alcohol Ink markers for doodling, journaling and colouring.

Now on to the card...
The background of the card is made with normal home foil, just folded few times. The foil is then run through bigshot using sizzix embossing folder. The embossed side of foil is then inked with Butterscotch, Currant, Meadow and Latte alcohol inks. I used Alcohol Blending Solution to blend the inks together and added few drops of gold mattalic mixatives to add little effects to the inks. 


The heart is again embossed with same embossing folder and then fussy cut.




The sentiments are from Inkadinkado clear stamp and heat embossed with Ranger Black embossing powder using Versamark embossing pad.

The versatility of Adirondack inks is amazing! You can use them in projects, in cards, in photo frames and in many more beautiful creations. To know more about Adirondack inks, click on the links below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzFasXUbPps


Supplies used:-

I will be posting few more projects on alchohol inks very soon. So stay tuned!

All the supplies used in this project are available at Imaginations, the premium craft supply store

FOR ANY QUERIES REGARDING THE TECNIQUES PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ON....
aakriti.rajni@gmail.com

ENTERING MY CARD TO..

Crafters Corner Challenge#5 : Expressions of Love

Pink gem challenge #68 

Little claires designs #30 - Love
Inky impressions Splash of red #IIC99