Capture The Moment

Keeping an art journal is like having a very special diary in which you can express yourself with not just words but also images, paints, colors and many more...
It's also a perfect way to collect all the special moments we would like to remeber forever...

Hello dear mixed-media experimenters!

I'm sure you won't be surprised if I tell you that I want to share with you my next art journal page. I just couldn't resist, I really love art journals...

And this page is super special to me because I made it in great company with somebody who has changed my life.

And that is what's so amazing about art journals. With colors and textures you can capture a moment in time that you might forget one day. It's like diary but better of course.

I prepared a very simple background with few pieces of papers and White Gesso.

Then, I played a little bit with one of my favorite Finnabair's stencils using Modeling Paste. After a few moments I added some embellishments, the picture, doodling and watercolor paints. 

I glued all the heavy elements  using 3D Gloss Gel which is the best glue for that kind of things. But to add a little bit of sparkle with Copper Glass Glitter, I used Soft Matte Gel.

As you can see, it's very simple and based on layering (paints, embellishments and colors).

But I think it doesn't have to be very fancy to be interesting and to help you remember some special feeling, or a moment or even one word that somebody said.

Materials from Mixed Media Place:

Texture Tile

Today we have a perfect project for all those of you who love mixed media textures.

Kasia's idea and techniques can be applied in all sorts of works so we hope you feel inspired!

Hello, dear friends!

Why don't we start the weekend with some creative mess?! :)

Today I'd like to show you a tiny mixed media tile full of interesting textures and eye catching colors.

I worked on an MDF 4x4" square and started with covering it with a thin layer of Clear Gesso.

Then I glued a few pieces of papers and lace with 3D Gloss Gel and added one more coat of Clear Gesso. I dried it with a heating tool and applied 3D Gloss Gel with a palette knife through one of my favourite Finnabair's stencil.

Then, the best part - colors! I used sprays made with Primary Elements powders in different shades of green, blue and gold.

Then I also added a little bit of navy blue Silk paint diluted with water.

After gluing two rusty metal pieces, I also painted all 3 dimensional textures with metallic paste to create an aged look. 

But my work still needed some contrast so I cleaned the bubbles with a wet wipe and painted the edges of my tile with Black Gesso using a sponge. In fact, it's a very easy technique but it needs some patience or a very good heating tool. :)

I hope you like it and maybe you'll create your own tiles. You can use them to decorate furniture or add some character to your room.

I think it can also be a very good idea for a Christmas present.

Have a nice weekend filled with creative experiments!

Materials from Mixed Media Place:

Distress Inks 101

We suspect that Distress Inks are among the supplies that are present on nearly all of your desks. :)
There are countless possibilites to use them and we hope you'll find it inspiring to read about Kasia's tips & tricks and see her beautiful artworks.

We are also having a Discount Week on all Distress Inks and Reinkers in our store. (read more below).

Hello dear friends! I hope you are spending a beautiful day with your creative passion.

I'm here today to tell you a little bit about Distress Inks. I'm sure most of you already know them pretty well, but there are so many techniques that you can try out, so there is always something nice to share. 

Distress Inks from Ranger are acid-free water-based dye inks. You can find them now also in smaller pads that are perfect for stamping or to be packed when you're traveling! 

 

Remember to use them with Ink Blending Tools (they also come in mini sizes!) that can help you control your inking.

 

You should also remember to store your Distress Inks upside down to protect them from drying out.

I organize them writing their names on the boxes - it makes my work way faster.

Like I said, there are so many techniques to have creative fun with Distress Inks, but today, I'd like to focus on my favorite ones.

 

Inking edges? I know you've already heard about it, but what about inking edges and then adding a few drops of water to the inked surface to create an even more aged look?

 

Painting with Distress Inks! Simply tap a chosen Distress Ink on your craft sheet or acrylic block and spray with water. Take a soft brush and use the Ink to color stamps, resist canvas or just have fun and simply paint.

 

 

Distress Inks work like watercolors so you can get many interesting effects. Ink edges, add some stamping and your background is ready.

 

 

Stencils and Distress Inks - that's a perfect combination. You can layer stenciling but remember that you must start with the largerst patterns and the lightest colors.

 

 

Here's an example of using different masks and inking:

You can also try a version of printmaking. To create a unique and colorful background, tap two or three colors of Distress Inks on your acrylic block. Then spray some water and touch your block with a tag or a piece of paper to make the print. Dry and repeat with different colors.

Stamping with Distress Inks. There are many ways to do that and each time you'll get a different effect.

1. You can stamp on wet paper; 2. stamp and then spray some water on the print or 3. you can even spray with water directly on the ink on your stamp. Experiment and find your favorite method.

Do you know about Distress Reinkers? Basically, they are used to reink your stamp pads but hey, let's get creative. :)

You can create your own sprays with them (just add a few drops of ink to a spray bottle and fill it with water), but you can also paint with them. Mix the Reinker with water on your palette and simply splatter with a paintbrush.

 

{artwork by Agnieszka Anna}

As you can see, there are so many ways to play with Distress Inks. All you need to do is to try, experiment and have fun.

If you use them with water, the effects can be quite unpredictable and that is what I like the most about them. I hope you'll have great fun! 

 

 

Are you feeling inspired by today's post? Visit our store, choose your favorite Distress Inks (or Reinkers) and enter this code at the checkout to get a 10% discount:

 

RasinK

 

You have one week to do that - from November 27th 'till December 4h.

 

One more piece of news:

We have partnered up with an amazing French blog called Le Jardin du Mixed Media and we're proud to be sponsoring a prize in a very inspiring challenge.

Make sure you visit Le Jardin for some fantastic mixed media art and join in the fun! The challenge is open 'till December 15th.