how-to snow cap mixative...

hey there bloggers!  hope you had a great weekend.  it's been lots going on around the studio, but of course i always find a little play time to create.  i started working with the new snow cap mixative for the adirondack alcohol ink line.  this was a new release at the recent cha show and just the the picket fence distress stain - it's a game changer... 

by simply adding this wonderful opaque white alcohol ink to the mix, it takes the translucent alcohol inks to another level of possibilities.  i decided to do a little how-to and show you what this one ink can do to whatever collection of alcohol inks you may have.  i'm working with the basic supplies when it comes to alcohol inks: non-stick craft sheet (this is so important to have a non-stick and non-porous surface when working with the inks), ink applicator tool, alcohol inks (various colors), blending solution, and the new snow cap mixative.  let's get started...

one of my favorite uses for the snow cap mixative has to be creating the look of patina.  the technique is the same in all of the samples i'm showing here, it simply depends on the colors you select.  so i've decided to share a few of my favorites:

step 1: apply alcohol inks to metal adornment by dripping directly on.

step 2: shake snow cap mixative well. (since it's a mixative you need to shake it each time before you use it)

step 3: drip the snow cap directly over the inks.

step 4: tap ink applicator tool with a piece of felt attached to it on to inks to combine the mixative with colors creating a milky mixture.

step 5: allow ink to dry or dry with heat tool (careful metal gets hot).  reapply if needed.

blue patina: stream, sail boat blue, stonewash, snow cap mixative

green patina: lettuce, meadow, juniper, snow cap mixative

mixed patina: stream, lettuce, meadow, ginger, snow cap mixative

another cool thing to use this ink combination on are staples - especially tiny attacher refills.  i get asked all the time about creating these staples in more colors and antique finishes.  the solution is simple, just ink them!  simply apply the inks directly on to the refill block of staples and dry with a heat tool.

check out the color possibilities.  here is the difference when coloring the staples with just the ink (remember the colors are translucent), and using the same color alcohol ink with a little snow cap mixative (which creates a perfect pastel color).

another possibility is creating faux antique finishes just by using alcohol inks: antique silver (mushroom), antique bronze (ginger), antique brass (caramel)

you can see that when stapling on your projects inking them really stands out.

now how about creating backgrounds with alcohol inks and the snow cap mixative?  again, really cool results.  this photo shows ink backgrounds on ranger's alcohol ink cardstock.  the background on the left is just using alcohol ink colors, the one of the left uses the same colors plus the snow cap mixative.  see the pastel effects this gives?

well hopefully this little how-to inspires you to give this new snow cap mixative a try.  whether you're creating your own patinas, altering your favorite embellishments, or using it for backgrounds, it's amazing how one single color opens up numerous possibilities.  let the inking begin...t!m

Comments

[Sarah M]

OMG You're sooo right it IS a game changer!! I looooove the look of all that metal goodness with the mixative! Thanks Tim!!

[Marian]

For once I have done something BEFORE you. I was coloring my staples six years ago with alcohol inks.

[Eileen]

Very cool Tim! I especially love the staples.

[Tammy F.]

I am so excited to get creating with ALL of your summer CHA releases, but I think the Snow Cap mixative and the Picket Fence distress stain are my top 2 favorites. The possibilities are endless!!

[MichelleBinBC]

I've got a whole bunch of metal charms in my stash that are going to be snowified. Love this technique! Thank you for sharing.

[Shelly]

Crap!! why do you always come out with something i HAVE TO have!! this truely is a game changer, and i MUST have it!! thank you for your ideas and products :D

[Sherri]

Very awesome!! Thanks for the how-to. Very informative - as always. I have a month off -- time to do some major damage in the studio!! yippee~

[Cheryl]

I am going to have to get some of the Snow Cap Mixative So I can star to play Thank you for sharing

[Gretchen H]

Must have... Thanks Tim for your endless supply of awesome ideas, tips and tricks! Can't wait to get my hands on this!!!

[Kemberlei]

That is very cool! I look forward to trying this technique very soon.