Artsy Inkers
Stamping/Crafting Fests! => Older Fests => Winterfest 2015 => Topic started by: howdyheidi on March 02, 2015, 06:29:34 AM
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For a Hangover Week Challenge, I would like you to do the Bokeh background technique. This is all over the place lately and a watercolor Bokeh tutorial (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/watercolorbokeh/) has been posted at Splitcoast, but you are free to adapt the method if you do not have the supplies to get the Bokeh look.
Requirements:
1) Create a background using the Bokeh technique.
2) Post either your background and/or completed project in the Artsy Inkers Gallery.
3) I will choose one random partipicant for a small RAK from my stash.
4) You may not combine this with the Second Chance Hangover Challenge. You may combine with any others.
It seems to me there are TWO major methods for the Bokeh technique.
1) Create a colorful background. Use a stencil with different sized circles (or create your own with dies or punches and acetate) and then sponge white pigment ink around each of the circles randomnly till you get a soft look. (this is the tutorial on split coast)
2) Use different sized circle stamps (maybe the stencil would work here too) and stamp with different ink colors or tones until you achieve the look. This first card here is an example of that look: http://www.jjbolton.org/2012/12/saturday-with-alley-way-stamps.html
I do not have a sample for this, so I will be playing along with you this week. I hope that you have fun with this
TIPS:
Create your own stencil using your punches or dies and a piece of acetate packaging material.
When looking for circle stamps, don't forget pencil erasers.
Here is another video showing different colors and slightly different looks https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VtrB1FvcqhU
Here is even another video from W Plus 9. I liked the way she explained things: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ghp6-Ga4wIA
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Yeah!! I am so excited that you are offering this challenge! I didn't get a chance to leave a comment on your other thread so I'm glad you went aead and did off this as this is one of the techniques I want to learn! Thank you Heidi for hosting!
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I have been wanting to try this technique and I have an idea. Can't wait to try this!
Stampwily ;D
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Cool challenge. I am definitely going to give this one a try.
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I've been wanting to do this technique. I hope I get a chance to play this week.
Thank you for the challenge.
Daria
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I finished some backgrounds that I will upload tomorrow. Loved working with this.
Stampwilly
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Wow, Stampwilly, you are fast! I worked a little on it, but certainly didn't finish anything :) Looking forward to seeing your result!
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I was just seeing this in a magazine at the book store today, look forward to trying it out
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Here is my first try
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1201&message_id=ee021a32f287e2af555258f3443d54bf&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
I WISH
...I had taped my watercolor panel down before working on it. All the people in the videos did and I was lazy. It would have been far easier if I had taped it flat.
...I had made my larger circles lighter and then increased the pressure of the sponging as I moved to the smaller circles. I think it looks much better in the videos when they do that.
...I had a sponge dauber, but I think I can do without it. I do think it looks easier to apply the circular dauber. I am using one of those triangle makeup sponges. The small dots are a pencil eraser.
I am not 100% happy with my first try, but I also think it may be salvageable. I noticed in the videos that the panels all looked better in the final project than they did as just the background.
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http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1202&message_id=53dca258a785510b9f444d73aeaa051f&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
I am way, way happier with this second one. I am glad I used smaller circles overall, and I increased the pressure and coverage of the white ink as the circles got smaller. If you use the tape like I did, be more careful than me and maybe you won't rip the edge of your watercolor paper!
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Here is my first try at the other version of Bokeh using stamps. I don't think I nailed it, but it is in the right direction I think. I actually think that using pencil erasers and being even more random would work better.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1203&message_id=2fdb79524449dee60adf7d24592c675f&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
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Oh, yay! I've been wanting to try this again!
I tried this a few months ago after watching Dawn's video. I think I didn't bot off enough water because my results weren't what I wanted.
I can't wait to try it again, thanks Heidi! I'm off to check out everyone's entries :-)
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Heidi I think your samples are great! I think my favorite is the red one...
I didn't realize that white pigment ink is used for this technique! I thought acrylic ink was used for some reason. This is great that it's pigment ink---since I have several to choose from if one works better than another one---and also, I think that pesky annoyance I have with some of my white pigments not being dark or white enough is going to work to my advantage in this technique!! O0
Have you seen anyone do this technique using colors other than white?---I ask this only b/c in photography, "bokeh" can be any color really and even the golds/silvers etc....
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Heidi I just saw your card where you used stamps to do the bokeh---great idea! You didn't think it really looked like bokeh, so I was going to suggest if maybe you did the same stamp using white pigment over a colored BG and see......
Your flower stamp bokeh reminds me of some photos someone showed me over the holidays: It was a photo of a Christmas tree and where all the lights on the tree were there were gingerbread men...they said that they put these glasses the perspn had over the camera lens to take the photo----so it was what happened when you put these glasses on and looked at the Christmas tree lights.
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Here is my background and card I made with it. I had so much fun! I am now doing this using an inked background and white pigment ink on the stencil.
I wanted to try using an alcohol inked background and then take off the color using 91% alcohol. I used a finger dauber sponge with alcohol on it and lightly rubbed it in the stencil. It worked well. I just had to be light handed so that the alcohol did not leach under the stencil.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1205#top_display_media -- background
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1204#top_display_media -- card
I think I covered up my background too much on my card. :-\
Stampwilly
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LOL, Heidi! When I saw the word 'Bokeh', I thot it referred to a city in FL.! ;D I checked out as many of the links as I could--along with your own pieces (terrific). Looks like this another one of those techies that has lots of room for interpretation.
I may not get to this technique right away, but I do want to play with it. Maybe for a KIAE project this month?
FWIW... If you have access to a store (B&M/online) that stocks drafting supplies, you might find 'stencils' for circles & many other shapes--geometric, architectural, landscaping, etc. Before drawing-by-computer, these tools helped designers add elements to their drawings.
I like the white-over-color aspect of this 'nique. I want to try using my white paints. Many of them can go from transparant > opaque just by how they are applied. ;)
Thanks for a fun challenge, Heidi! O0
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Heidi I just saw your card where you used stamps to do the bokeh---great idea! You didn't think it really looked like bokeh, so I was going to suggest if maybe you did the same stamp using white pigment over a colored BG and see......
Your flower stamp bokeh reminds me of some photos someone showed me over the holidays: It was a photo of a Christmas tree and where all the lights on the tree were there were gingerbread men...they said that they put these glasses the perspn had over the camera lens to take the photo----so it was what happened when you put these glasses on and looked at the Christmas tree lights.
That is a good idea, LeighAnn, I did not think of trying to add some flowers with the white ink!
I have wanted to try the Bokeh with a filter over my camera to do the pictures like you described. It looks really cool. I think Bokeh can be different shapes other than circles, although it is usually circles.
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April, that is so awesome you were able to do this technique with alcohol inks. You really need to do a tuturial on your blog because I have not seen it done before with the AI and I think everyone would love to learn this.
The colors are beautiful and your lovely card is wonderful too.
It made me think that maybe this could be done over patterned paper too. I think it is worth a try.
Thanks for doing my challenge!
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Daniel, I think it is a good idea to try this with paints. Why not!?
I have some really inexpensive stencils from PLAID that have different sized cirlcles, hearts and stars. It has been easy to use with this technique, but I also was able to make my own stencil too.
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Thanks, Heidi. ITA that April/Willy's 'color lift' appoach with alcohol inks soooo works for this.
And Willy?........... Sometimes we just gotta cover up our greatest work. Art hurts sometimes. ;) ;D
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After I made my card I felt like I should have left more background. I will do that on my next ones. This technique needs to be seen! :smile:
Stampwilly
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What a beautiful-looking technique - and it looks so fun! I've never seen that before! Thanks Heidi.
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April, I love your card! I will have to try that with alcohol ink.
Heidi, I have those same stencils that you're talking about I think!
I did a watercolor background yesterday, just need to work more on it.
I think it would be nice to do a Christmas card with this technique. It's on my to do list.
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Christin, I am glad you like the technique. It is a little messy but not hard.
LeighAnn, yes, I agree that it would make a great Christmas card in many different colors!
I hope some of you are able to find a little time to make a background. Remember, you can just post your background, you do not have to make a card now if you aren't ready.
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These are the two pieces I madefor the challenge...I will not have time to finish them into cards, since some things came up that we have to do for the next few day....but I wanted to show what I had accomplished thus far!
first attempt (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1209&message_id=6ca4303466640dbcff494a37368f3aea&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)
second attempt (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1208&message_id=c5281ecd5a93f396fc2183fcb9831a09&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)
This is fun--though I think the white ink on the glossy one is still wet....and I think some of the colors (especially on the glossy one) started coming off onto the ink pad, which made me think I wasn't suppose to be using the ink pad directly to the colored BG... :-\
Thank you Heidi for hosting this fun challenge!
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I stole some 'trashing time' & gave Bokeh a try using my (white) slick paint over an alcohol ink BG. The results were interesting. I sent the piece off to an AI pal (without letting her know). I think she'll like the surprise.
Fun challenge, Heidi! TY!
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Melissa and Daniel, thanks so much for trying this out. Daniel, it will be great to see what you came up with.
Melissa, when I was doing mine, even though I let my background dry for a while, I also got some of the ink onto my white ink sponge. I think that might be par for the course. In my case, it did not affect the final result.
I like your backgrounds, I think you are definitely on the Bokeh track!
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Here is my first try of the technique:
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1213&message_id=0f3b2b246d1764bb32e4cce1861f18b1&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
Here is my second try:
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1214&message_id=cec7befd0f65a5d4dda37d79d5330695&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
I learned to use a bit more white ink on the second try and I think next time I would give more time for the white ink to dry before stamping on the images, they kind of sucked up the white ink so it isn't a solid black stamping
Fun technique, like the pretty softness this gives for a background
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Connie, I like both of your cards! That is a good point about stamping the black over the white ink. I think it still looks nice in your card though. Thanks for participating!
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I have been playing with this technique for a few days now and darn it, this is fun......I have a couple different backgrounds that I haven't finished the card but wanted to share since I don't know if I will have time to actually finish the card or not.
The first one (attached to this post) I used yellow and a light brown paint for the background. I used a time holtz round distresser with a foam bottom to apply the background paint so there wouldn't be any paint brush strokes. Then I used a piece of paper I punched three sizes of circles out of for a stencil and used gesso with another round distresser to do the circles on the card background. I made several different tries to get varying degrees of opaque on the circles. It turned out ok except that my paper stencil started leaving runs around the edges of the circles.
The second one (also attached to this post) I used green distress spray and sprayed on the background. Then I used gesso again through my homemade stencil. I think I made 3 new circles as the old ones filled up with runs.
The gesso seems to leave varying degrees of darkness in the circles. I do not have any round solid stamps so I figured a stencil would be best. I don't know what do you think, is this what it is supposed to look like?
The third one I did I used dylusions spray ink for the background, blotted it and then using a baby wipe I wiped off some of the spray ink using a circle stencil. The largest circle on the stencil is still sort of small. But then I moved the stencil and sprayed white linen dylusions spray ink, blotted it, then moved the stencil and repeated the white linen. I really like this background and I actually finished the project out so I posted this one in the gallery. I like this one a lot but I am not sure if it really looks like it is supposed to or not either......what do you think? Link! (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=77&pid=1215#top_display_media)
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As I understand it, Bokeh is originally a photo-effect? So what we're attempting to do is create a similar effect with inks, paints & more. If that's true, then I think we're all doing a pretty decent job of translating.
Sadie. I really like the gesso-ed circles. They have a nice diffused look, but also have just a touch of dimension. The sprayed version is very cool. The 'look' is very similar, but I'm sure IRL one can see differences. When I used my dimensional paint to make my circles, I ended up with something closer to your gesso-ed ones. I'll share more once I have a pic to show.
Here's a tip for those making their own stencils from paper/card... Stenciling (generally) uses very little pigment on the applicator. This helps avoid seepage & such. When using sprays or very liquid pigments, you can seal your paper/card stencils by rubbing a bit of petroleum jelly on both sides & wiping off any excess. Your stencil will be more resistant to liquid pigments. ;)
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Sadie I really like how the yellow background came out, I was going to try the technique with watercolor paints or H2O's but ended up doing both with distress inks but I would like to give the other a try too
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We often talk about trends here and I am surprised at how long it takes for some of techniques to become commonly used. But I think this one still has some bumps with info to achieve more predicatable results. I remember spending lots of time on this technique 2 years ago at Christmas when it was the rage on the Hero Arts board. I never did get results that were happy to me. Just a few weeks ago SCS had a tutorial on this and I now still see a wide range of results much broader than what I see here. I am sure part of what products one has on hand. Anyways now I am having fun with the challenge of achieving dependable results. I think most of our results are very usable...at least major parts.
I agree with Sadie this is fun exploring what results we can get. I started with watercolors on WC paper. I used 4.25x5.5 sized paper. The 1st photo I dried with my heat gun to after painting and before adding Memories Unicorn ink...but the white ink "disappeared into the paint. I heat dried again and added Memories Metallic White...it stayed longer but by morning it too had faded considerably.
I flipped the WC paper over for a smoother surface #2 photo blue background.
I have given thought to other medium but no specific solution yet. The final blue-pink colors are Nick Bantock reinkers....not in love with the red turned-icky pink color.
So Daniel doesn't petroleum jelly leave oily residue on paper?
Thanks Heidi for bringing us back to tackle this challenge!...Jan
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Terrific post, Jan. TY for the visuals, too. O0
The short answer to your PJ question is "No". Once you've rubbed off any excess, the oil doesn't transfer to the working surface--WC paper, etc. Long as the stock you use to make your stencil will absorb the sealer--early stencilers used linseed oil--the stencil will take on a leathery feel. I recommend using thin (unglazed) cardstock for making stencils--even if you aren't necessarily planning to keep the stencil. Thanks for asking. :smile:
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Sadie, I really like all your backgrouds. I really like how you experimented with different materials! I really love the the background in the gallery that is more out of focus. I feel like that really resembles the bokeh photo looks. However they are all great. Thanks so much for participating!
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Jan, I also really like your backgrounds! I think there is a range of looks there, but they are all nice. At this point, I really don't think there is an absolute correct way either and why not use many different materials!?
If were talking about it, I am not married to the idea that there is going to be an absolute correct way to do Bokeh. I think there area variety of ways I have seen it used in photos, and why not have a bit of a variety of looks for papercrafting too?
Thanks for participating and I am really enjoying the great dialogue!
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Thanks Heidi for your compliment and comments.
Sorry if I was not clear that I do enjoy the wide variety of results I am seeing here. I heard a few of us are expressing difficulty in getting the white pigment ink to stay on top of the paint or ink surface. To me that feels like the chemistry between products is not working efficiently with how I am doing the technique...I already put it on my list "to experiment with further" when I get a chance. First up I want to try the products Sadie shared.
Thanks Daniel for your response...I had never heard about using PJ before.
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very cool seeing the different effects you got Jan, I think before I try anymore I might look into a different white ink pad.
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I had a great time doing this challenge with my kids! I ended up with a lovely BG. Unfortunately, uploading photos is completely beyond me here - I had no problems at 2Peas, but every time I try here, it says that my file size is too large. I don't know how to easily solve this problem.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun with it - thanks Heidi! My dd6 created a nice BG, too, which she turned into a card, but she complained that it was "an adult craft" ;D
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Christin do you have a photo editing program, I have adobe photoshop but there are others out there that are free. In my program you can just go in and change the size very easily. If you do have photoshop I can let you know how to size it.
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I had a great time doing this challenge with my kids! I ended up with a lovely BG. Unfortunately, uploading photos is completely beyond me here - I had no problems at 2Peas, but every time I try here, it says that my file size is too large. I don't know how to easily solve this problem.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun with it - thanks Heidi! My dd6 created a nice BG, too, which she turned into a card, but she complained that it was "an adult craft" ;D
Christin, that happens to me when I try to upload in the forum, but have you gone over to the gallery? You get to the gallery by the link at the top of the page.
I am glad you had fun with the background and hope we have a chance to see it sometime!
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http://duhnproductions.com/forum/index.php?board=60.0
That is a link to the Tips and Tricks forum. It will give directions on how to post photos in the gallery. HTH.
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Christin so glad your family got to make art together! As for photo sizes this is not an uncommon requirement for many smaller forum sites with galleries. If your camera has a choice of size I just select small or sometimes referred to as e-mail version. If you have a Microsoft package on your computer check to see if you have a program called Microsoft Picture Manager (sometimes located under accessories).
Or there are free sites online if you search "photo resize". Basically a photo is just upload to a site and select small. However I do not know how "safe" they are.
Or if you use online storage for photos most of them have photo editing.
Once you have your photo re-sized just follow Heidi's link.
Let us know if you need further details.
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I haven't had a chance to check out everyones entries yet but plan to later tonight.
Here's my card I made. I like the background but I don't like my sentiment that I stamped on it. So I'm not super happy with it.
This is a fun technique though and one I plan to do again soon. Thank you, Heidi for hosting O0
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1216
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LeighAnn, your background is adorable. I love the added hearts! Thanks for playing along!
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I had a great time doing this challenge with my kids! I ended up with a lovely BG. Unfortunately, uploading photos is completely beyond me here - I had no problems at 2Peas, but every time I try here, it says that my file size is too large. I don't know how to easily solve this problem.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun with it - thanks Heidi! My dd6 created a nice BG, too, which she turned into a card, but she complained that it was "an adult craft" ;D
The max size for photos here on the forum is 500 KB. To get to where you need to upload, when posting click on Attachments and other options, it will open up the browse to where your picture is on your computer to upload it here.
In the gallery the max size for photos is 1000 KB. To get to the gallery click on gallery on the top of the forum menu. If you want both windows open (the forum and the gallery) hold down your ctrl button while clicking the gallery menu item. When in the gallery (if you are signed into the forum you are also signed in the gallery) look at the top menu, there is an upload button up there. Click it and you will be taken to the upload window....I hope this helps.
Sadie
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I finally got caught up on the discussing here. Everyone has had amazing results with this technique. I managed to get three cards done. Although I forgot to photo the backgrounds before turning them into cards. Oh, and Heidi, you're going to get a sneak peak of the kit I'm sending you. Thanks for a cool new technique.
Easter Bunny (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=77&pid=1225#top_display_media)
Easter Chick (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1226&message_id=0c9639d7770f9704e7612a5aa29453fc&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)
Birthday Hamster (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1227&message_id=fc2d172b1f93807484088fc030698b2f&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)
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I managed to finish a couple of cards. (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1230&message_id=6c43b818e15208b05729b606af238ada&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)
The individual cards and details are posted here. (http://www.scrapbook.com/galleries/13464/view/5312545/-1/0/0.html)
Heidi, thanks for the challenge. I have admired this technique and wanted to try it. Thanks to everyone who posted here; I enjoyed reading about how you did your pieces.
Christinmay, you have my sympathy. I also go crazy with the gallery here. I solved my problem by just taking a picture of multiple cards, decreasing the size over and over until it's under 500KB, and just including the supply list. I post the individual cards and details on my scrapbook.com gallery and link that here. That's the best I can do.
Sadie, wasn't it 1000KB before?
Daria
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The gallery is 1000 KB for photos. The message board is 500 KB for photos or attachments.
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So many wonderful pieces!!! I haven't had time to leave comments for everyone yet, but I got to glance at some and they are great--lots of great examples for me to get to see this technique! O0 WTG everyone!
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Wow, I am so excited that there was so much great participation in this challenge. I have had a busy day today, but will pick a winner before bedtime.
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I wrote down the names of all the participants, cut them out, wadded them up into little balls (how quaint, right?)
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I mixed them all up!
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And picked one at random
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The winner is
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Far North!
Thanks for participating, both by playing along and by the wonderful tips and dialogue.
Jan, you just sent me your address recently, so I will try to get your RAK sent out in the next couple days.
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Wow Heidi, what a treat to be selected! And again it was a delightfully fun challenge which I look forward to using again in the future. Thanks for hosting!...Jan
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Congrats, Jan!
ITA that Heidi's challenge was a great success! It's clear we all had fun playing with the Bokeh technique. Thanks for the fun, Heidi!
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Congrats, Jan! ;D
Stampwilly
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Congratulations Jan!! And thank you Heidi for hosting this fun challenge!
Lol on the pun, Daniel! "It's clear we all had fun..." :laughhard:
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LOL, Melissa! The 'pun' was unintentional. But this was a good challenge. With each entry I'm sure many of us drew on them as we took Heidi's Challenge. And we were able to add our own spin on what we did Bookeh 'style'.
Since my Bokeh was mailed to an unsuspecting Inkster last Friday, I'll have to wait until it arrives in her mailbox. Hopefully it will get to her this week.
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Congratulations, Jan!
Daria
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Congrats, Jan.
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I had a chance to try out Bokeh with a Surprise March ATC (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1244) that I sent to LeighAnn.