Artsy Inkers

Stamping => Stamping Swaps => Topic started by: Far North on November 22, 2016, 11:13:03 AM

Title: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 22, 2016, 11:13:03 AM
Happy Holidays!  I don’t know about you but I am very short on time to send my usual number of handmade cards.  So I decided to offer this one last Happy Mail swap this year so to send at least 1 Artsy Inker. 

The challenge for this holiday card is to use the technique presented in the videos below.  You will create a dendritic, a branching tree-like pattern, for an artsy card background.

For this technique you will need any kind of acrylic paint, paper, two similar sized surfaces- packaging acetate, or glass, or Plexiglas etc. paint brush, spray bottle of water and rag.  Adapt as needed.

 I suggest adding a simple optional special holiday treat to the inside of your card. For example 2 or 3 extra handmade card backgrounds will hopefully stay within your usual postage cost. 

The first video is a brief presentation of the dendritic monoprinting technique. Others show more variations and are longer.  You may want to open the gear icon at the bottom of the video screen and speed up to a faster speed.  1.5 is about the fastest I can understand the speaker. 

By AtomicShrimp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eerBW37SLxM&index

Dendritic Monoprinting - Circles by Cat Hand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=482_bifbcyA 

Dendritic Monoprinting  by Shannon Green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLHg1BYR14Y

ART LOG-Dendritic Printing pages 8 & 9 by Wendy Mason
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48LB-Wco0xI&t=99s

To play in this swap please leave a comment on this thread and I will sign you in on the list below.  I will send my card to the last person signing the list so everyone will receive a card.

Timeline details:
1.  Sign-up with a note on this thread before Monday, November 28 at midnight your time. 
2.  Make your card.
3. Take a photo of your card and surprise before mailing.
3.  All cards must be in the mail no later than Tuesday, December 13 midnight your time.  Please post a note here when your card is in the mail.
4.  When you receive your Happy Mail card please post a note on this discussion thread.
5.  After your card recipient has posted a note here saying your card was received please post your photo in the gallery with description.  When making your gallery post please remember to find the “Swap Album” and click on the “Happy Mail Swap”.

Please post on this thread a note of your progress as well as any questions/comments.
Thanks for considering this swap! …Jan

Sign-up for Happy Mail
1. April sends to Jan
2. Heidi sends to April
3. Yankee sends to Heidi
4. Cindi sends to Yankee
5. Kathy sends to Cindi
6. Jan sends to Kathy


Jan sends to last player-
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: stampwilly on November 22, 2016, 03:50:29 PM
Love this easy looking and fun technique! Please sign me up!

April :smile:
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 22, 2016, 10:22:49 PM
So glad you want to play April.  I believe there will be a learning curve but at least the process is only a few steps.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Iring on November 26, 2016, 08:55:08 AM
This looks like such a cool technique!  I don't think I've seen it before.  With the wedding on Dec 10th, I think I'm going to have to pass this month.  If by some miracle, I get done with wedding prep ahead of schedule  :laughhard: I will sign up. 
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Iring on November 26, 2016, 08:56:15 AM
Really, it's so hard to pass up!  I know I will just put myself over the edge though!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 26, 2016, 11:06:56 AM
Cindy, sorry you might not be able play...but I understand.  This certainly is the time of year we get overly busy even without a wedding in the mix.

I have been working with this technique for the past few days and have made over 15 backgrounds. For me the toughest thing is finding the best quantity of paint.  The first video mentioned a teaspoon of paint but for my first attempts I used considerable less because that was my impression from the video.  I used a couple colors of inexpensive craft paint.  My first pull was okay but the paint dried quickly and I could hardly get any paint onto the 2nd paper.  I improved my results by using more paint; having everything organized on my working surface including a stack of paper to print on; knowing where I was going to place the wet prints; trying to get 1 good result from each "glass" prior to using up any remaining paint and stop thinking about possibilities while making prints...just ink the glass apply pressure, slowly pull the pieces apart and lay paper on wet paint and lightly apply pressure to transfer ink.  If not enough ink is transferred one can always try another layer on top...or use the back.

Paint Colors-For me I found limiting colors to 1-2 worked well.  White paint helped considerably in providing different tones of color.  I didn't mix the colors much since it would be smooched together anyways. Sometimes when I didn't achieve enough pattern in my print I added a metallic paint over top.

Making cards-I find myself leaning towards bold, simple focal designs and using mostly diecuts.  Of course you can diecut the background as desired.

I have already made 3 completed cards so obviously I am having lots of fun with this technique. Hope you do too!  Would love to hear about your experience in trying this technique.
...Jan
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 27, 2016, 06:59:39 PM
I added an example card in the gallery. (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=15&pid=3068#top_display_media)
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on November 28, 2016, 05:43:45 PM
I was away all weekend, so I am just getting to this thread now.  I think this is so neat and I would like to try. I don't have pieces of glass, but I think I could do it on a very small scale.  If that is okay, I would like to sign up.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 28, 2016, 07:40:18 PM
Heidi I am happy you can play! I would think stiff packaging material would work well.  The video tutorials are certainly done with a variety of materials.

Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Yankee on November 28, 2016, 08:16:44 PM
My family just left.
I would like to try.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 28, 2016, 08:28:34 PM
Shelia glad you will have some time to play!  If you have any issues-give a shout and hopefully we will be able to help.  Hope you have as much fun as I did!  Warning it is hard to stop!
...Jan
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Iring on November 28, 2016, 10:09:40 PM
Ok, sign me up!  I can't resist.
I should be back from the wedding December 11th or 12th and I will reserve the 13th just for me!
I hope to play with paint before then and I'll reserve the 13th for finalizing a card or adding goodies.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: stampwilly on November 28, 2016, 10:19:34 PM
I have loved doing this technique and have made about 40 backgrounds! I thought since I had everything out I might as well make a few! LOL!

I used sturdy plastic from packaging, but I think glass might work better. I did get some good results though. At first I forgot to smooth out my paint with a brush so the paint was thicker and less defined. The less paint you put on the finer the lines, so the amount of paint plays into this as well. I used just white paint on some dark colors of cs and on the rest I used 2-3 colors of paint.

April :smile:
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 28, 2016, 10:38:19 PM
Oh April you had me laughing out loud when I read you made 40 prints!  If I would had more time I would have been right there with you! Thanks for sharing your experience! 

If player have a couple low cost pictures frames perhaps the glass could be borrowed and returned the same day.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 28, 2016, 11:48:26 PM
Oh Cindi I am happy you know you will need some crafting time after the wedding and will spend it working on this challenge! 
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on November 29, 2016, 11:37:30 AM
If it's not too late I would like to be added! This sounds like fun and I am going to Michael's today for other things so can pick up a few colors of acrylic paint since I have none! ;-)
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 29, 2016, 12:51:42 PM
Yes Kathy glad you can join in the fun here.  Inexpensive acrylic paint works fine (like$1-2.) remember M's has coupons on their website.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on November 29, 2016, 01:03:55 PM
Yeah, looks like we have a full house of all the regular Happy Mail players.  Of course we would love new players too!

A quick reminder that I ask all players to post when their happy mail is actually put in the mail.  I am sure this is helpful to some of our players for various reasons.  For me it means that I will not head to the post office today when it is 26 degrees below zero here and I receive no notification from the PO that mail has been placed in my box.  Tomorrow is to be 28 below zero--and I probably won't go then either since it is expected to be much warmer on Thursday.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Yankee on November 30, 2016, 07:38:45 PM
Ok, Heidi your Happy mail put in the mail today.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on November 30, 2016, 08:02:44 PM
Ok, Heidi your Happy mail put in the mail today.
Wow, you are so fast!
I will be watching for it!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: stampwilly on December 02, 2016, 01:36:44 PM
My Happy Mail is on its way! I mailed it today.

April :smile:
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on December 05, 2016, 03:45:07 AM
April, looks like you timed the weather great for delivery....it has been 26 below zero since your note but this week it is to be back to -16 and warmer...yay.   Thanks for saving me from the long johns!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on December 05, 2016, 07:15:40 AM
April, looks like you timed the weather great for delivery....it has been 26 below zero since your note but this week it is to be back to -16 and warmer...yay.   Thanks for saving me from the long johns!

Jan, your weather never ceases to amaze me!  Stay warm!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on December 05, 2016, 03:10:52 PM
Sheila sent me the loveliest Christmas card!  It is really cool and has details outside and in!

She also sent me the prettiest backgrounds! WOW!  Thanks so much, Sheila!  You should consider doing a tutorial or challenge with some of the techniques from the extra backgrounds.  So cool!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on December 05, 2016, 08:21:34 PM
I have Cindi's address! And I will be working on this Thursday. Tomorrow is busy!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: stampwilly on December 05, 2016, 09:42:27 PM
Jan, I forgot to put extra backgrounds with your card so I will be sending them tomorrow! Too much going on here! LOL! :smile:

April
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Yankee on December 06, 2016, 12:40:53 PM
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3072#top_display_media

Here is the card I sent to Heidi.
I made the focal for uninked challange, then didn't get around to doing anything with it.
So that is why so much green.  Not my most used color! But I was trying to get a evergreen looking background!
I stamp I got at the stamp show in Nov.  I love these stamps where you are doing different things while layering.
Rubber Necker has a bunch of them.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Yankee on December 06, 2016, 12:45:49 PM
Heidi, I don't remember how I made the backgrounds.  I have a Few.
But they are most likely Mica Gloss, or alcohol ink.  Both are fun and I tend to overdo the amount.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on December 06, 2016, 07:33:50 PM
Wow there is some mighty good cooking going on with this swap :smitten:

April your card was in my post office box today!   It is wonderful...can't wait for you to share!  I am amazed at how thin lined your repeating pattern is!  Any tricks for  us who would line thinner lines? Terrific use of your print.  If you made any others into cards please share.  No problem with the backgrounds...that was optional...so take what time you need to mail them.

Shelia, I loved your card too and I left you a comment too!

Is anyone having trouble with getting what they consider usable results?  Speak-up  there are already skilled folks here that can help give you tips as needed.

Kathy, I put your envelope in the mail today.  Hope you like it okay--it is an artsy design.

Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: stampwilly on December 09, 2016, 09:10:40 AM
This is the card I sent to Jan. She asked how I got smaller lines. At first I did not because I forgot to thin out the paint using a paint brush. When I realized that I had not done that I used less paint and brushed on the paint until it was pretty thin. Then the lines were smaller. I think the amount of paint is the key. I also used thick plastic from packaging to do this technique instead of glass. I don't know if that had a play in the technique as well. Also here are some other backgrounds I made.

card  --                                 http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3077#top_display_media

backgrounds  --                    http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3079#top_display_media


April

P.S.  Jan, your other backgrounds are on their way! :smile:
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on December 09, 2016, 11:47:50 AM
Thanks April for sharing!  After reading about how you thinned the paint I wonder if I complicated the process by using difference brands on paint. They certainly began with different consistencies.  I am making a note for next time I do this technique...thanks. 

Left you comments in the gallery.  Thanks for playing.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on December 09, 2016, 12:19:22 PM
I am just starting the technique today. I really improvised and used things like an acrylic block, packaging and even tried my craft sheets.  The craft sheets looked cool, but did not transfer the paint well. 

Actually, the transfer of the paint onto paper was the hardest part for me.  I have a bunch of things drying although they don't look like any other examples i have seen, I think i will be able to make something pretty. 

So, my card will probably be the latest one sent out, but I AM working on it, no fear!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on December 09, 2016, 12:21:27 PM
Heidi, I'm right there with you. I worked on this yesterday. My problem was finding nothing but 4 inch square pieces of glass. But I did get some pretty cool printings. I am working on my card today. I like this technique!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Yankee on December 10, 2016, 09:47:02 AM
Years ago they did these type of printing with ink and a plastic folder ( the flat kind that you add another piece of plastic for the spine and to hold the papers inside) I even bought the book on how to.  But finding the book is not a chore for before Christmas.
I just took apart two reg sized picture frames (that needed cleaning ). Cleaned them, used them, cleaned them again and put pit tires back in.  Handling the glass was scary, but do able.  I do think less paint is the key.  My first couple didn't work because of to much paint.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on December 10, 2016, 06:34:46 PM
I received my card from Jan today and bunches of really neat backgrounds! Thank you Jan!

Mine will probably go in the mail Monday or Tuesday.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on December 10, 2016, 07:44:51 PM
My card is done, but won't go into the mail until Monday. 
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on December 11, 2016, 12:03:10 PM
I had a fun time printing with round Dendritic Monoprint images.  Then I played with lots of ideas to make this card for Kathy.
You can see it here in the gallery.You can see it here in the gallery. (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3083#top_display_media)  Thanks for leaving a comment!...Jan
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on December 13, 2016, 01:11:21 PM
Mine is all finished and ready to go to Cindi. But I can't leave it out for the mail person due to theft in our area and I am expecting a UPS package sometime today. If they come early enough I can get out to the post office but yesterday they came at 6:30.

If it doesn't make it out today, I will for sure take it to the post office first thing tomorrow!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Iring on December 13, 2016, 04:48:27 PM
Not a problem Kathy, don't risk missing your package delivery, and certainly don't let anyone swipe my card!

Quote
Warning it is hard to stop!

You got that right!  I stayed up in to the wee hours last night making close to 50 backgrounds!  I printed on light and dark cardstock, sheet music and book pages.  Today I finished a card for Yankee and got it in a mailbox to be picked up at 2:30.  Phew!  It's a good thing DH is not home, the kitchen is a disaster area!   A mix of wedding, paint, die cutting, digital cutting ... I'll start to tackle the clean up tonight.

This technique was so much fun.  I used a thick piece of glass that came with my circle cutter and a glass pane out of a picture frame.  The thicker glass was really nice to work on.  I also liked that my thick glass was square and my picture frame glass was rectangular and longer, so it made it easy to lift and separate the panes.  I used craft acrylic and thicker Golden brand acrylics including iridescent bright gold and iridescent pearl.  A few times I spread the paint with a brush, but I also got good results just smooshing the paint between the panes by pressing heavily on the top pane.

I got results that remind me of everything from trees to coral.
Fun!
Thanks for the challenge/swap Jan, and for encouraging me to sign up even when I was overwhelmed with wedding!
(By the way, the wedding went with out a hitch, we had a ton of fun and the bride and groom didn't want to leave the reception!  They had a sparkler send off and the sparklers were close to 3 ft long so they lasted long enough that they ran through them 3 times!  I'll share some pics later this week.)
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: stampwilly on December 15, 2016, 05:20:59 PM
Cindi, sounds like the wedding was fun!

I got my swap card from Heidi today! Yay! It is so cute and I love the background. Thanks, Heidi for the other lovely backgrounds! I can't wait for the others to see your card.

April :smile:
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: howdyheidi on December 15, 2016, 06:34:07 PM
Here is my entry:  http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3089#top_display_media

Glad you like it, April :)
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Yankee on December 18, 2016, 07:55:02 AM
My beautiful card arrived from Iring.
Thank you Cindi for the extra backgrounds.
Please post it for the group.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Iring on December 18, 2016, 06:30:41 PM
Here (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3093#top_display_media) is the card I sent to Yankee.

I used a Silhouette cut file to create the card and put the dendritic background behind the papercut front.

I had a lot of fun making these backgrounds!  I made some kind of big and solid and some just circles.

Thanks for sharing this technique Jan.
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Iring on December 20, 2016, 08:25:57 AM
Kathy, your beautiful card arrived, and stuffed with an assortment of pretty backgrounds!

I love the card, it's gorgeous! 
There are alcohol ink, dendritic, acetate, quilted (can't remember if there is another name ... djc's challenge) and watercolor backgrounds. 

Thank you so much! 
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on December 20, 2016, 08:43:27 PM
Oh I'm glad you like it Iring! I will post a picture tomorrow!
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: Far North on December 23, 2016, 11:33:23 AM
I love you inlaid work with you dendrite background.  Great creativity...thanks for sharing!

I have posted 2 more cards made with dendrite backgrounds.  Here is the gallery link. (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=3102#top_display_media)
Title: Re: Happy Mail-Happy Holidays
Post by: SWLady on December 27, 2016, 01:40:53 PM
Here is the card I sent Iring. Dendridic (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=3106&message_id=acde68ec28934ed0d6dfe2a6bebb559c&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock). I liked this technique. One of the backgrounds I also sent with the card looked like coral. A lot of what comes from this reminds me of undersea things!