Artsy Inkers

Stamping/Crafting Fests! => Older Fests => Inktoberfest 2014 => Topic started by: howdyheidi on September 17, 2014, 10:46:06 AM

Title: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: howdyheidi on September 17, 2014, 10:46:06 AM
Quote
THE GALLERY KEYWORD FOR THIS CHALLENGE IS LUINF14

The Gallery for this challenge can be found HERE. (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/thumbnails.php?search=LUINF14&submit=search&album=search&title=on&newer_than=&caption=on&older_than=&keywords=on&type=AND)

For help with how to use forum and gallery, please visit the Forum Tips and Tricks Board. (http://duhnproductions.com/forum/index.php?board=60.0)

Technique Instructions

Supplies: 
Dye ink: you will probably want a light colored ink.  I thought Distress inks worked best, but you can try any ink you have. 
Watercolor paper: worked best for me, but plain white cardstock also worked just fine. 
Background stamp: or another large stamp.
Another stamp.

This is just a variation on watercolor stamping technique in order to get a pretty, soft background that you can stamp right over top of.

1) Ink up your background stamp with your light dye ink.  Stamp off onto scrap paper.
2) Without cleaning stamp, spritz lightly with water and stamp onto watercolor paper.  (As an alternative, you could try huffing ont he stamp instead and see how it looks.)
Allow paper to dry.  The result will be a light colored soft background. 
3) Stamp over the background with another stamp or stamps (use any ink color).  You may choose to color that stamp any way you wish.
4) Complete project.  This may be a card, ATC, tag, etc.

Tips:  If your background is darker than you would like, stamp off more color before spritzing with water.  In this case, you could also just use black as your second stamped color.

Requirements

There will be a RAK for this challenge. It will be randomly drawn from qualified entries and will be probably be something from my stash.

1) Please create a NEW project that uses the technique above.
2) Please upload a photo of your project to the Artsy Inkers Inktoberfest Gallery.  Please use the keyword LUINF14.
3) Please also leave a comment in this thread with a link to your project.
4) You may combine with any other challenge that allows combinations.

Please make an effort to comment on the other entries for this challenge.
Ask any questions in this thread please.
Enjoy the process, and share any troubles or successes you have had here!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 03, 2014, 07:22:25 PM
Here is my sample card (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=584#top_display_media)

Detail image. (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=583#top_display_media)
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 03, 2014, 07:25:35 PM
This is a photo of the backgrounds, left is watercolor paper, right is regular cardstock.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 03, 2014, 07:37:21 PM
These are photos of other backgrounds I tried.

The first was a dark ink, Gina K eggplant, which I stamped off REALLY well before completing the technique. This is the same tweed background stamp as in my sample card, but I must have used a bit more water.  I think it is so cool for a Halloween card because the color actually separated out some.

Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 03, 2014, 07:38:25 PM
And this is Distress Tea Dye with a stripe stamp.  I like this it look Americana Antique-y.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: djc on October 04, 2014, 09:39:22 AM
Your sample is gorgeous.  I love the elegant soft look. 

I can see I'm going to have to learn more about the workings of this board.

Thanks for the challenge.
Daria
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Iring on October 04, 2014, 09:43:00 AM
I love your sample Heidi! 
This looks like fun.  I already have an idea which challenge I might pair this with.

Thanks so much for the pictures showing the different inks and papers!  Thanks for hosting!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: CarefreeSadie on October 04, 2014, 10:11:02 AM
Your samples look wonderful!  Such a simple thing to stamp off some of the ink but it makes such a cool look.  Thank you for hosting howdiheidi.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 04, 2014, 10:18:04 AM
Your samples look wonderful!  Such a simple thing to stamp off some of the ink but it makes such a cool look.  Thank you for hosting howdiheidi.

Yes, it is so simple it is barely a technique, but I really like the look you can achieve.

I was able to make another sample while doing LeighAnn's challenge.

You're my Favorite in the Bunch (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=589#top_display_media)

I hope you all will give it a try.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 04, 2014, 11:26:43 AM
Another cool technique to try. 

And good grief, you already have a challenge completed.  Ack. I'm impressed.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 04, 2014, 07:15:02 PM
I actually got a project finished and posted on the first day of the party, a first for me.

Squirrel Bookmark (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=592#top_display_media)

I had a bit of trouble getting the background right and this piece was actually the third try.  The first one came out too dark.  I figured out that I needed to stamp off a couple of times.  The second attempt didn't stamp completely.  The third time was the charm. 

Since taking the picture, I redid the heart because I really hate how the hand drawn one came out.  I explained my fix over on the Book'em thread.  I did a die cut inlay, this way the piece can still work as a bookmark.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 04, 2014, 07:36:21 PM
Great job, Craft Nerd!  I really like the color you were able to get with the spiced marmalade and the gradient of color too.  I think that may be the advantage of using a darker ish color, you get some variation which is really interesting!

Thanks for playing!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: CarefreeSadie on October 04, 2014, 10:09:49 PM
Here is an Anniversary Card I made for this Challenge, well I also made it for an Anniversary that actually is today!  I don't think that my scanner shows how pretty the background turned out but I hope you can imagine how nice it looks.

Card Front (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=594&message_id=4f0587e19d6a38cbedb680a1d6838e73&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)

I really enjoyed doing this challenge and now I have a finished card......yeah!  The inside of the card is in this post, the outside is in the gallery.  Thank you for looking.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 05, 2014, 07:22:31 AM
Sadie, your card turned out so well, and I really think the inside is adorable.  What a great surprise to open the pretty geometric card, and see the cute scene inside. 

Thanks so much for playing along, and I am glad you liked it!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 05, 2014, 10:30:51 AM
Sadie - the inside image is so cute.  I love House Mouse.  I left praise for the outside, which came out amazing.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Iring on October 05, 2014, 11:01:25 AM
Sadie, those mice are sooo cute!  Now it's definitely an anniversary card!

WARNING :  This technique can be addictive!  Cut plenty of card fronts.  You will need them.


I've gone back in the craft room for more watercolor paper 3 times!  I'm loving this technique.  I'm having a hard time forcing myself to quit and turn a background in to a finished card. 

Thanks Heidi! 
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 05, 2014, 11:16:07 AM
I'm so glad, Cindi. You have all week to make one into something but in the meanwhile you are building up a lot of fun backgrounds to work with sometime. 

I think a lot of us did the same thing with the wax paper backgrounds that one fest. 
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 05, 2014, 02:29:35 PM
See, now this technique is not cooperating with me.  I had to give it 3 tries for my bookmark.  And that was actually the second piece I started for this challenge.  The first piece took 3 tries before I got results that worked.  The stamp I used for attempt 1 didn't have enough going on. It was a snowflake background stamp.  Too much white space.  And the second attempt was too dark.  That project is still in the works. 

Don't get me wrong, I really like the results I eventually get, but I'm also stock piling rejects.  Which will sit on my desk and maybe get used some day.  ::)  I'm such a pack rat. 
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 05, 2014, 03:28:14 PM
See, now this technique is not cooperating with me.  I had to give it 3 tries for my bookmark.  And that was actually the second piece I started for this challenge.  The first piece took 3 tries before I got results that worked.  The stamp I used for attempt 1 didn't have enough going on. It was a snowflake background stamp.  Too much white space.  And the second attempt was too dark.  That project is still in the works. 

Don't get me wrong, I really like the results I eventually get, but I'm also stock piling rejects.  Which will sit on my desk and maybe get used some day.  ::)  I'm such a pack rat.

That is interesting.  I had 10 rejects on the paper towel stamping before I got a usable one.  But with this technique I had no rejects.  Just goes to show that these things sometimes just happen!

But really, your bookmark background is perfect, just perfect, so I think it was worth your three tries.  ;)
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 05, 2014, 03:32:43 PM
But really, your bookmark background is perfect, just perfect, so I think it was worth your three tries.  ;)

Thanks.  And don't get me wrong.  I don't mind having rejects.  Other than the snowflake one, I like my rejects.  They just don't work for the challenge.  But I'm sure I'll use them eventually.  I may even find a way to fix the snowflake one.  And I have fun playing with the challenge. 

It seems that just about every party I participate in has one technique challenge that gives me a bit of trouble.  But I love the technique challenges because they usually get me to try something new and fun. 
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Iring on October 06, 2014, 11:14:35 AM
Well actually Sarah, I was having a blast making backgrounds, and then I remembered, hey!  I have to stamp directly over these backgrounds!  Uhhh, I kind of got sidetracked and I made some black harlequin backgrounds, and I got fancy and spritzed with water mixed with iridescent medium .... great backgrounds, and I did use the stamp off, mist with water technique ... but not so good for stamping directly on top!  So actually, I stamped 11 backgrounds and this one is probably the only one that will work to actually meet the challenge.   :idiot2:
That's ok though, because I really only need to make one, and now I have some good backgrounds that will probably require layering with images stamped on another piece of paper.

So in effect, when I commented earlier, I was having great fun, but I wasn't meeting the challenge!  Haha!

I did love this challenge though!  I can't remember the last time I made a one layer card (not required, but that's why this challenge pairs so well with the book 'em challenge, right?).  It's been a long time since I stamped in color (not black)!  And I haven't water-colored with distress ink in awhile ... and I was really chicken to do it, but I got brave and splattered ink over my finished card (yikes)!

These fests really get me stamping again (as opposed to card making with more paper crafting/minimal stamping), and using my supplies.   I'm really thankful for that!

Hydrangea card (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=22&pid=606#top_display_media)
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 06, 2014, 11:35:10 AM
Cindi, your card is absolutely gorgeous!  I love everything about it and want those stamps now that I saw what you did with them!

Yes, there is a twist with this challenge in that I am requiring you to stamp over the background.  IMO, that is what makes this a "fest-worthy" challenge.  I agree that all those darker backgrounds can easily be used with layering like it is patterned paper.

A couple ways you might be able to use them for this challenge:

Those are just some additional thoughts if you don't have any of the light ink colors.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 06, 2014, 03:04:17 PM
Cindi - too funny about getting a bit carried away and veering a bit off challenge.  I'm sure you can still find great ways to use the backgrounds you created. 

Heidi - those are great suggestions for working around not having light enough inks.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Far North on October 06, 2014, 08:43:06 PM
I am ready to take a photo of mine.

Cindi-a couple other tips that might be of some help....1. as I looked at my stamps I found far more bold lined Christmas stamps than in the rest of my collection.  I was surprised since I never gave any thought to it. 

2.  The properties of archival inks make it rise above distress inks.  So if at all possible use it for a focal image stamping if you have a strong background.  I have several colors of AI for this reason.  Do test this before stamping on your 1 layer card cause a couple of Wendy Vecchi's light color AI inks don't do this as well as others.

Hope you find an easy solution!...Jan
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Iring on October 06, 2014, 09:00:35 PM
Thanks everyone for your suggestions!  I was able to make another entry for this challenge using one of the black soot backgrounds I created.  I chose solid stamps, stamped in black archival ink and used a Stampers Big Brush pen to touch up a few spots.  Actually, because I stamped off twice I was able to get a fairly light background even with Black Soot distress ink.  Even a fine line spider web in dusty concord shows up decently.

I combined this challenge with LovePug's Book 'em challenge to create a tag shaped, one layer, Halloween book mark (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=612#top_display_media).

Still having fun with my Lighten Up'd backgrounds!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 07, 2014, 08:59:19 AM
Far North, thank you for your additional tips.  That is a good point about the Archival inks.  I also think that maybe my Christmas stamps are chunkier in general! 

Iring, I love your tag.  You really illustrated well how to use a background that was done with black!   How awesome! 
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Far North on October 07, 2014, 12:37:31 PM
This was a fun and easy challenge to expand our thinking about uses of generational stamping.  Thanks Heidi

Update:  Here is my corrected link (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=614&message_id=7383c2fd88094f7a2149dcde5555df11&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)

Below is the 1st inking of my background stamp.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 07, 2014, 01:31:40 PM
Jan, your background is really pretty!  I am sorry, your link is showing a fatal error, and I cannot find your card in the gallery either. I hope to be able to see it soon.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Far North on October 07, 2014, 01:35:09 PM
This is my corrected gallery link (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=614&message_id=7383c2fd88094f7a2149dcde5555df11&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)

Thanks!...Jan
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 07, 2014, 08:47:25 PM
Jan, your card is lovely!  Thank you for correcting the link so we can all see it now.  I am glad you were able to use those stamps on a card!  Thank you for taking my challenge!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: lovepug2 on October 08, 2014, 11:33:51 AM
Cindi is right, this is addictive! Thanks for such a fun challenge Heidi!

I've made a few different backgrounds. Now I just need to turn them into cards.

I'm off to leave some praise, wonderful entries so far!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 08, 2014, 03:50:34 PM
Jan - that background stamp is lovely and the card you created is great.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: stampwilly on October 09, 2014, 11:35:12 AM
Here is my entry that I combined with the Starting Point challenge. This was fun! ;D


http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=626#top_display_media

Stampwilly
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 09, 2014, 12:09:21 PM
I am so glad you tried the technique on kraft paper.  It turned out really well and I love how well it goes with your embellishments.  Very nice and thank you for taking my challenge!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Far North on October 09, 2014, 12:45:09 PM
April did you make your cute burlap tree? I have seen these diecut trees popping up in galleries and wondered how the edges are kept from fraying.  Any tips?  Great card!
Thanks!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: stampwilly on October 09, 2014, 04:59:59 PM
Jan, I bought these burlap trees at Hobby Lobby. They do ravel, but not bad.

Stampwilly
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: lovepug2 on October 10, 2014, 09:50:01 PM
Love the card on Kraft, April! Never thought about trying colored cardstock.

I counted today and I made 4 backgrounds total. It's a fun technique!

Here's one of the cards I made
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=632

Thank you, Heidi! I really enjoyed this challenge  O0
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 11, 2014, 08:23:39 AM
LeighAnn, your card is very pretty!  Left praise in the gallery but thanks so much for taking my challenge!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: yellowcherrios on October 12, 2014, 11:30:48 AM
Here is my lighten up challenge piece:

whale and lighthouse card (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=642&message_id=3f1eba42201e3473bca4976d29a9b2c2&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)

I had a little bit of trouble with finding an ink that matched the whale die-cut….broken china distress ink was too greenish when used in this technique despite it is a light ink….so I used the faded jeans DI even though it was a dark ink to start with.  Thus I had to use black mementos ink for the lighthouse stamp.

I want to try this technique again but with lighter ink and also a colored ink for the overstamp image.

TY Heidi for a fun challenge!  I learned a bit about the inks and spiritzing the water and WC paper! lol!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 12, 2014, 11:41:08 AM
Melissa, your card is really pleasing to the eye.  i really like how your overstamped lighthouse image is a complement to the focal point whale.  Really neat and thank you for doing my challenge!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 12, 2014, 08:13:50 PM
I got another one done. It combines this challenge with Paper Towel and Mixed Media.

Snowflakes (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=656&message_id=07b0427d999ca4f023f6ed61e3ca71c5&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock)

Thanks for a great challenge and a fun new technique.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 12, 2014, 08:55:04 PM
What a great card, Sarah!  I mentioned in my gallery comment that it has so many techniques and parts that it reminds me of Daniel's kitchen sink pieces.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 12, 2014, 09:05:28 PM
Thanks, Heidi.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, I took three tries for me to get a background light enough to work.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12)
Post by: howdyheidi on October 13, 2014, 09:25:28 AM
Thank you all for playing with my challenge.  I provided a link to our gallery in the OP.  Please continue to link your projects here if you want to use this technique again. 

I went ahead and put all the entries in my trusty leprechaun hat and I picked one winner to get some stamps and things from my stash.

The winner is....


....


....


Iring!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: Craft Nerd on October 13, 2014, 09:58:03 AM
Congrats, Iring.

And thanks again Heidi for a great challenge and a cool new technique.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: yellowcherrios on October 13, 2014, 10:11:28 AM
Congratulations Cindi!!  and thank you Heidi for a neat challenge!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: Looser on October 13, 2014, 11:49:18 AM
Yay, Cindi!

And thank you, Heidi! I had fun taking your challenge. My entry (combined with starting point) should reach you soon.  I had lots of fun using a 'light touch' for the BG & the over-stamping went well...mostly! ;D
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: howdyheidi on October 13, 2014, 11:51:03 AM
Yay, Cindi!

And thank you, Heidi! I had fun taking your challenge. My entry (combined with starting point) should reach you soon.  I had lots of fun using a 'light touch' for the BG & the over-stamping went well...mostly! ;D

I will be watching for it, Daniel!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: Iring on October 13, 2014, 12:55:54 PM
 ;D  Thanks Heidi! I have some nice backgrounds to play with as a result of your challenge!
 I just noticed we won each other's challenges!  I did not know I'd won yours when I picked from the bowl here!  Your package is addressed and sealed but alas, no mail today (Columbus Day).  I went to the PO today because I forgot  :idiot2: and now my daughter's birthday card is going to be late  :(
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: howdyheidi on October 13, 2014, 01:39:41 PM
;D  Thanks Heidi! I have some nice backgrounds to play with as a result of your challenge!
 I just noticed we won each other's challenges!  I did not know I'd won yours when I picked from the bowl here!  Your package is addressed and sealed but alas, no mail today (Columbus Day).  I went to the PO today because I forgot  :idiot2: and now my daughter's birthday card is going to be late  :(

Yes, that is funny.  I am glad it is not a mail day because I need a little time to get the stuff together!
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: Looser on October 17, 2014, 10:46:19 AM
A big TY to Heidi for providing a pic of my entry (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=676) for the challenge.

I found it very interesting to use the technique to do a BG stamping light enough to show & then overstamp on it.
Title: Re: INF14 Lighten Up Challenge (10/4 - 10/12) Winner Announced
Post by: howdyheidi on October 30, 2014, 09:12:42 PM
I finally caught up with all the things in the gallery.  Thanks so much for playing Daniel and Melissa!