first shot at alcohol inks! - warning: long post

Hey there! I know... it's been a while since my last card post. I've been so wrapped up in the festivities over at the the Hero Arts blog that I haven't even thought about blogging myself myself! :) Have you SEEN the awesome changes over at the website?! AMAZING. That's one thing about hero Arts... just when you think they can't get any better, they find a way to do it anyway. Love, LOVE that company. :)

So, here's a card I made last night for the Thinking Inking Class over at Two Peas, which is being taught by the faboo Jennifer McGuire. The class is 9 weeks with 3 videos each week demonstrating the infinite ways to use Tim Holtz's Distress products by Ranger... such as Distress Inks, Crackle Paints, Paint Dabbers, and Alcohol Inks. This particular card is for the Thinking Inking Class Week 5: Part 1 - Alcohol Inks (Backgrounds).

Okay, QUICK CONFESSION: I've been stamping for nearly seven years, and NOT ONCE have I ever delved into the world that is alcohol inks. *gasp* I know. I'm not sure exactly why... maybe it's because I associate them with distressing, which is not one of my stronger areas (it terrifies me actually, LOL). Maybe it's because I've always thought of them as too dark and grungy, which also just isn't my style. AT ALL. Maybe I was too afraid of making the investment in product, only to find that I didn't like or couldn't produce the the results I wanted. Or, maybe I've just been too afraid of the mess. LOL

But one thing Jennifer's classes have really taught me so far is that distress products and alcohol inks don't have to mean messy, dark, and grungy. I have been simply blown away by what she has demonstrated so far! And I've been SO inspired by her work that I had to finally try it for myself (click to see larger):



And I LOVE IT. Seriously! What took me so long?! Why was I so afraid and hesitant to try something that is so quick, and so easy... and SO gorgeous! This card was completely inspired by these cards here. I mean, come on... do these look "messy" or "dark and grungy" to you?! Gorgeous. Loving everything about her cards - the backgrounds, the dimension, the butterflies - I kept with the butterfly theme and broke out my new SU! butterfly die and gave it a shot. Above was my initial version, but I played around with it and added a few extra touches (click to see larger):



So what do you think? Better, or too much? My hubby likes the first card better... he says the simplicity really allows the amazing background to shine and take center stage, which in this photo, is a little easier to see (the marbling). I'm not sure which one I like more... leave me a comment and tell me what YOU think! :)

To get this look, I used the Wild Plum, Butterscotch, and Copper alcohol inks on a 4 x 4 inch piece of glossy card stock. I then diecut only HALF of the butterfly on one edge of the card stock, ink-side up. Then I flipped the card stock ink-side down, and diecut the other edge, then cut the 4x4 piece in half, between the negative wings. Finally, take one half from each side (one diecut and one negative) and put them together with pop dots for that dimensional "split negative" look. :)

Anyway, sorry to get so windy... but I gotta say, that I am in LOVE with alcohol inks now! The card above took 15 minutes. And the best part - I have the two other pieces left over to make another card just like it! Fifteen minutes, to make two cards, both with completely beautiful, unique backgrounds... definitely worth it. I'm HOOKED.

Thanks for peekin' and have a great day! :)

SUPPLIES: Archiver's glossy card stock, Wild Plum, Butterscotch, and Copper alcohol inks, Memories black ink, Hero Arts CL341 "Thank You Sayings", SU! butterfly die, Martha Stewart 3-in-1 butterfly punch, pop dots