Altenew Educator Certification Program - Irresistible Inking Techniques

Hi Everyone,

Welcome back! Today, I have another project from AECP to share with you - I am finally getting close to finishing the first level, only 2 more projects to go before the final challenge, woohoo!

Irresistible Inking Techniques led by Sara Naumann is a fun class full of great ideas on how you can stretch your supplies, especially ink pads. Do you have a lot of ink pads in your craft-room, and maybe you're not too sure what potential they have, other than straight forward stamping? Then this class is for you! Of course, Sara only touches the tip of a mountain, really, as there are loads of things and techniques you can use your ink pads for, but this class is a great start, especially if you're new to crafting and card making. 

I was quite inspired to use a few of the techniques showcased by Sara on my project! As you will see in a moment, however, I ended up only using one or two of her suggestions - that's simply where the card design took me! 

I have wanted to give stamp block inking a go for a long while now, and this class and assignment finally gave me the push to do it. Funnily enough, however, my first attempt at it was a bit of a fail, as I used a wrong type of paper (it does't take water well at all, I should have thought about that!) & I don't think I used enough water --> The result? I ended up with a splotchy and rather ugly-looking pattern on my card-stock. But, you know me - I don't like giving up on any projects, so I decided to keep going, just for practice... 

... and I couldn't be happier that I did! I opted for colouring my image with Polychromos Pencils, and... just look at the close up photos! The ugly splotchy pattern added so much fabulous detail and texture to my florals! Once I finished colouring the whole image, I decided that it was perfect just the way it was, hence I opted not to add additional "inky" details to it - the gorgeous sentiment and a few enamel dots were in my eyes more than sufficient. 

What are your thoughts?

I will most definitely use this technique in the future, and I hope to achieve both my initial desired effect (of a smoother background for my focal image), but I also hope that I'll remember every now and again to go for this "failed" splotchy look, as - oh my - I love this texture so much! 

Have a great day,

Mirella

SUPPLY LIST (please see affiliate disclaimer & essential supplies info here):

Altenew Enamel Dots
Acrylic block - Impresso by Mudra Craft Stamps