"july technique challenge" - tim holtz(c) 2008
supplies: non-stick craft sheet, adirondack color wash, big & bossy pad, clear embossing powder, heat tool, jet black archival ink (ranger); stamps (stampers anonymous); craft iron (clover); #8 tag (american tag); plain newsprint; embellishments (tim holtz idea-ology)
step 1: stamp various images on tag with big & bossy clear embossing ink and emboss with clear embossing powder. *tip: i prefer using bolder images for this technique.
step 2: spray various colors of adirondack color wash over embossed tag. use as many colors as you like and blend by misting water over colors if necessary. *tip: adirondack color wash works great for this technique because it is a sprayable textile dye and the colors remain vibrant!
step 3: place wet tag between plain newsprint and iron with a craft iron on the highest heat setting. continue ironing over the newsprint until your stamped image appears in the newsprint. this step is re-melting the embossing powder and and absorbing it into the newsprint. *tip: a craft iron is about twice the temperature of a normal household iron and can re-melt the embossing powder - you can use a household iron but you might have to iron a bit longer, and be sure not to use it on clothes again....as if.
step 4: while paper is still very hot, CAREFULLY start removing the top layer of newsprint from the tag. if paper sticks, simply reheat the area with the iron until it easily peels back.
step 5: when your finished ironing, all of the embossing powder should be removed from the images leaving them flat and matte. if you still see embossing powder, place a clean piece of newsprint of the tag and iron again remelting the remaining powders and absorbing them into the clean newsprint. *tip: check out how cool the newsprint you ironed on is???
step 6: stamp various images on to solid colored areas of the tag using jet black archival ink. you want to be sure to stamp with a very dark permanent black ink for the best contrast from your "faux bleached" images.
step 7: embellish tags using your favorite embellishments. (pinch me now, i'm in heaven with my idea-ology stuff!) *tip: use the sprocket gears and game spinners over the clock parts - coincidence they fit? i think not.
step 8: here's another variation of this technique using some nature themed images. (hey wait a minute...are those some of my new stamps???)
okay, so there you have it - something different to try with pretty cool results. i use adirondack color wash on natural fabrics too including silk, cotton, etc. remember it's very intense stuff! this technique is also great to use just about any theme of stamp so go crazy! and speaking of crazy, i thought i might as well give these 2 tags away along with a few of my "component" stamps from stampers anonymous. just post a comment on today's blog post - anything, just let me know you're reading the blog and hopefully enjoying the challenges...the winner will be chosen on tuesday morning - good luck...t!m
Well, I'm planning my day around trying this technique out. Love the look of the bleach, but don't want to use it. The colors all look great and you make everything look easy! Thanks,Tim
becky
Posted by: becky jeffress | July 06, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Love the technique you have shared here! Thanks for always inspiring Tim!
Posted by: Courtney | July 06, 2008 at 10:26 PM
This is absolutely awesome! I had an idea how you planned to do the faux bleaching...until you ironed it! That was certainly unexpected. Stunning tags. Thanks so much for sharing!
Posted by: christina | July 06, 2008 at 10:30 PM
No way!! I'm only the third commenter?? This technique is way cool & seriously love your stamp designs!!
Posted by: lorena b. | July 06, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I love these tags! And I can't wait to get my hands on those new nature stamps. Absolutely beautiful! Thanks Tim!
Kim
Posted by: Kim | July 06, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Awesome tags. I missed your technique challenges and I will definitely try this one again.
Posted by: Liz | July 06, 2008 at 10:37 PM
A really cool technique! I've been really hesitant to use bleach, so thanks for the lesson! :)
Posted by: DeniseD | July 06, 2008 at 10:40 PM
These are just fabulous! I can't wait to spot all the new stuff that is going to be coming out! I'm all giddy with excitement. LOL
Posted by: Jennifer Love | July 06, 2008 at 10:40 PM
LOVE this new technique and can't wait to try this out! Your new stamps look great, too! Thank you, Tim, for another awesome challenge!
Posted by: Joann Loftus | July 06, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I've been looking for more ways to use the color washes and this looks great!!! Can't wait to try it!!
Posted by: Helen Brown | July 06, 2008 at 10:45 PM