Ink is something I’ve began using much more in my scrapbooking lately. For a long time I thought there was some big secret to achieving that look, and I didn’t know how to get it in my own crafting. But I finally just bought some ink and experimented with different things.
Using ink is so fun and easy, I love it! Ink ads a dimension of color and “embellishment” without cluttering things up.
(Tools: Jolee’s by You Dimensional Sticker, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, Letter Stickers)
Usually I start out with just a touch of ink around the edges, and it tends to turn into something much messier.
This page needed something – those white borders were just too boring. The ink completed my page and really transformed the finished look. My journaling will go in the bottom right corner, on vellum, of course.
(Tools: Cuttlebug Embossing Dies, Cricut (George and Basic Shapes) Tim Holtz Distress Ink)
Here I was experimenting with inking the embossed area of a card. I did the flower first, and I got ink on more than just the raised flower portion, so I inked the whole thing. And added a second color – what the heck, right?!? Sometimes a mistake can help you create something much more interesting than what you originally had in mind.
I love the look of ink on embossed details – a smaller ink pad would probably work better if you want to be precise.
(Tools: Cricut (George & Basic Shapes))
And here I decided I wanted to ink after I had glued all the pieces down. So I used a paintbrush to “paint” on the ink around the edges. It’s easier to do beforehand, but this way worked out just fine. Inking with a small paintbrush is great for small areas and getting a more precise and soft look.
What is your favorite ink brand? I haven’t tried too many different kinds and am looking for suggestions – thanks!
{Photos taken with a Canon Rebel XSi}
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
So far I have only used the color box inks. They come in that small cat eye shape – I like them for inking edges because of their small size. Looking forward to reading your other readers comments to see what they like.
Those are some really cute pages. My son has that camera. I have the Nikon D-80. I sure wish I knew how to use it better.
I love inking the edges of paper to add an aged look.
Stampin’ Up really has great ink. There are a million different colors that also go with all of their papers too, it’s kind of cool how it all works together. A little expensive but mine has lasted a really long time.
I use a sponge to ink around the edges. They are round and sold in the art area of Michaels and from stamping companies like Stampin Up. I cut them into 4 pieces and keep one for each color. It gives a softer look which is what I like and gives me better control. For inking I use SU dye ink and also Tim Holtz distress inks.
I am also hooked on inked edges now! The problem is that I can’t stop!!! Everytime I see a plain border I feel like I need to ink it. My favorite tool for inking is the Inkessentials Ink Blending tool. It gives a softer edte than direct to paper which is nice for a change.
I love inking edges! It just adds that little extra bit of dimension and interest! I use it a lot on my cards (I haven’t started scrapping yet!)
Beautiful projects too by the way. :-)
I have recently started inking the edges of many of my pages and I really like the look it gives. Funny how you can add a new technique and wonder why you had not been doing it all along.