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Rubber Stamps & Walnut Ink
By Mary Garvey
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As
they say, a little goes a long way. The directions recommend
1/2 cup hot water for 1 tspn. of crystals, but I would begin
by using 1/4 cup of hot water. You can always add more water
if the mix is too intense. The color range is from a dark brown
to a tan, depending on the amount of water.
Originally I had heard walnut ink was great for aging paper -
similiar to coffee or tea staining. The first example I saw looked
streaky and muddy. I was not impressed - it was not "me".
However, other ideas on how to use the ink did appeal to me.
Any cardstock may be used. Regular cardstock (matte) or watercolor
paper absorb the ink quickly. Glossy allows you time to move
the ink around before it dries, giving you the opportunity to
create quite stunning pieces. I prefer using the glossy. I've
experimented with adding powdered pigments (i.e. Pearl Ex), dye
re-inkers (i.e. Vivid!, Tsukineko Kaleidacolor), and Dr. Ph.
Martin's products (i.e. Iridescent Calligraphy Colors), to the
cardstock before the Walnut Ink dries. I've also added more Walnut
Ink, so I could "move" the color (powder, dyes, and/or
iridescents) I've added around on the cardstock.
Additionally, experiment with bleach or water in a spray bottle
- you are only limited by your imagination and what you've got
on hand.
The color of the cardstock need not be white. Experiment with
this as well. I tried cardstock in the brown family, and the
Walnut Ink made it richer, and when adding powdered pigments,
the background became even more striking on the darker background. |
Mary's Homemade
rubber band "brush" |
I also switched from using a bristle brush to using
a home made rubber band "brush". Michael Strong
was a guest on the Carol Duvall Show not too long ago, and he
made such a brush. My personal preference is for the random
look I can achieve with the rubber band tool. Using this
tool, along with re-inkers, powdered pigments, Walnut Ink and
white glossy cardstock, I can produce a faux polished stone effect.
Once dry, emboss an image, use a little bleach to highlight
areas, layer it, and you've got a pretty card (better in person
than what a scan can show).
Other ideas I've tried:
Sponge on Walnut Ink, spray with water to lighten areas.
Or sprinkle a few crystals on the water surface - this will create
darker areas. (try rock salt as well)
Cover a piece of glossy white with Walnut Ink and scrunch Saran
Wrap over top of it. Allow to dry before removing.
Other ideas I've only heard about:
Clear emboss an image first, then add a Walnut Ink wash over
it.
The embossed image will resist the ink. |
Dip
white mulberry paper in the Walnut Ink, or color a used dryer
sheet.
Rub cardstock with Rub-N-Buff first, then add Walnut Ink.
Use a metallic ink - such as Galaxy Gold Brilliance, which is
a pigment ink - much the same you would the other re-inkers.
Bottom line? The sky's the limit -- just experiment and
have fun. Walnut Ink's not just for aging.
Rubber Stamps used in above stamp art:
Left & Right Heron - Stamp Zia
Beach Scene - Just For Fun |
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Supplies
- Walnut Ink Crystals - Rusty
Pickle
- Dye Re-inkers - any company
- Pearl Ex Pigment Powders
- White Glossy Cardstock
- Matte Cardstock
- Krylon Gold Leafing Pen (to
edge the layers)
- Homemade rubber band "brush"
- Plastic container w/ hot (tap)
water
- Bleach
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| Directions: |
- Mix Walnut Ink Crystals with
hot water.
- Cut a half sheet of glossy white
cardstock.
- Using the homemade rubber “brush”,
apply Walnut Ink mix to the cardstock.
- Using a blue dye re-inker, add
a drop or two to the cardstock.
- Bounce the rubber “brush”
all around - overlapping blue ink and walnut ink. Leave some
areas bluer than others. Allow to dry.
- Cut in half and stamp beach
image (from Just For Fun) with permanent ink (Document ink) on
one piece. On the other, stamp the left and right herons (Stamp Zia).
Allow to dry.
- Remove color with bleach from
the beach scene, and edge with gold Krylon.
- Cut out the herons, apply foam
tape to the back.
- Layer as shown, using contrasting
matte cardstock to frame.
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Be sure to visit A Monthly Rubber Stamps Club for more rubber
stamping & scrapbooking ideas.
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