Hi everyone!
I feel like it has been forever, but I am back up on our wonderful Unity Blog this week with a beautiful and easy technique I have used alot to create simple but eye-catching backgrounds.
This isn’t a new technique at all, and I have used it many times – you might get sick of me 😉 but it is my go-to, because (confession) : I am NOT a wonder woman when it comes to watercoloring.  But I LOVE the look and so this is a great way to achieve that “alcohol ink” look using Copics or other alcohol markers on vellum.
In addition to that fun vellum overlay I also wanted to create a butterfly shaped card using the coordinating Seraphim Wings die to the fantastic stamp set. This little bundle was a must-have and the stamp is beautiful – but for this design, it got tucked away to the side and it was the die’s time to shine.
I began with an A2 cardstock base. The trick is to set the top of the die with a bit of an overhang on the folded edge of the card. That way, once you cut through the card to get the shape, both front and back are still attached.
I cut a piece of vellum with the Seraphim Wings die as well, and decided on Copics BG07, BG53 and Y08 to add color to the vellum layer. Now, there is no exact science to this – I literally just “scribble” color here and there on the layer.
The isopropyl alcohol I use is 91% and I find the stronger concentration you use, the better. I simply pour some into a small plastic glass, and use a paintbrush to drop the alcohol on the color. I go easy the first round… even drying it with my heat tool. Then I add layers of the marker colors again, and re-applying alcohol. I will even tip it over on my rubber mat to “blot” color.
Play with it until you find something you love!
I stamped the sentiment from Seraphim Wings and cut it out with the Dashes and Frills Hearts dies and added just subtle little splashes of color I picked up from my mat. I only attached the vellum layer to the cardstock base right in the centre, and the antennae. The heart is popped up on top and I like not having everything “flat”- those wings really look beautiful that way.
I can’t wait to try more color combos – the butterfly-shape is so pretty and I want to send some summer birthday cards off to a few of my favorite ladies – they will love these! If you decide to try this fun technique – be sure to share your card designs – I love seeing them and they inspire me!
Thanks so much for popping in!
Peace, Love n’ Ink
Amber
