Class taught by Marion Davis on 9/29/07

Link to gallery:
http://orientalstampart.com/v-web/gallery/LA

This is not my original technique. It was taught to me on another group by Martha Myers. I use this for all type of projects. The procedure photos were done for a different class, but the procedure is the same.

Supplies:

• A spray box or work outside
• Glossy card stock or Glossy paper
• Color wash spray in a dark color
• Plastic leaves, real leaves, or die cuts
• Alcohol ink in a light color
• Alcohol ink applicator and pad
• Alcohol Blending Solution
• Nonstick craft sheet
• Adirondack in a medium color
• A piece of Cut and Dry foam, sponge dauber, or cosmetic sponge
• Newspaper or large scrap paper

Preparation:

Find a large cardboard box and set it in the direction you wish. I chose the longest direction to be horizontal to give me the largest work area. Cut off the flap that is at the top but leave the other 3 for overspray control. Line the original bottom – now the back and the side that will be the bottom with newspaper or scrap paper. It will be necessary to tape the vertical area. The reason for the scrap paper is to extend the life of your spraybox. You don’t have to line if you have easy access to large boxes.

Place newspaper or other protective material on your table and floor. Trust me about the floor. This is experience speaking. Set the box on the table.

If you are using fresh leaves place them under a weight like a heavy book for a few minutes to flatten them. If you are using plastic or silk you might want to trim off the thick knobs where they attach to the wire stems. They can also be flattened by heating slightly with a heat tool and placing a book or large stamp on them while they cool. The good news is you should only need to do this once.

Process:

Place your glossy paper in the spray box and arrange your leaves or die cuts in a pleasing pattern.

With the Color wash of your choice, spray over the paper toward the back of the box, allowing the color wash to rain on the paper. Use a moderate spray leaving a good amount of white space. Allow this to dry for a few minutes. If you move the leaves/diecuts too soon you will create streaks and blobs... not always a bad thing and definitely workable, but perhaps not what you want.

When this is dry remove the leaves/die cuts. If these are a washable material you can wash them and allow them to dry for another use. Otherwise discard or you can save the die cuts for use on another project.

Place the card stock or paper on the nonstick craft sheet.

Apply a small amount of blending solution to the pad on the applicator and one color of alcohol ink. Apply the alcohol ink in a circular motion all over the card/paper. This will fill in the white areas both where the leaves/die cuts masked and between the speckles of color wash. The whole tone of the piece will change.

Pick up some Adirondack ink on whatever type of sponge you choose and rub in the shadows around the lighter areas.

Finish your card by overstamping in black permanent ink.

Add embellishments of your choice. I won’t embellish this one until I know what occasion I will use it for.

Any questions? Contact Marion Davis at mddavis@rcn.com