Four Cards That Will Make You Want to Try Ink Smooshing
Ink smooshing is a fun and easy technique that can add a unique touch to your handmade cards and other paper crafts. The technique involves applying ink to an acrylic block or other non-porous surface, spritzing it with water, and then pressing the block or surface onto your cardstock. This creates a beautiful and organic watercolor-like effect that can be used as a background, focal point, or to add texture and dimension to your projects.
I shared the ink smooshing technique video yesterday on both my Facebook Page and my YouTube Channel. I have the replay here to share with you as well and the four cards that I made from the ink smooshed panels from the video tutorial.
Four Cards That Will Make You Want to Try Ink Smooshing Video Replay:
I have added the video replay below.
Ink Smooshing Technique:
To get started with ink smooshing, gather your favorite inks, an acrylic block or other non-porous surface, a spritzer bottle filled with water, and some cardstock. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create beautiful ink smooshed backgrounds:
Apply your ink to the acrylic block or non-porous surface.
Spritz the ink with water until it beads up.
Press the block or surface onto your cardstock, moving it around to create a unique pattern.
Allow the ink to dry completely before adding additional layers or embellishments.
If you have problems seeing the video tutorial here on my blog you can always watch it on YouTube by clicking here. Below the video I have the four cards that I made using the ink smooshed backgrounds.
4 Ink Smooshing Cards Ideas:
Ink smooshing is a versatile technique that can be used with a variety of inks and colors to create different effects. It's also a great way to use up leftover ink and create a unique and one-of-a-kind background for your cards.
For my first card I used the Irresistible Blooms Stamp Set to stamp the floral and leaves images onto the ink smooshed panel in Tuxedo Black Ink. I also added a piece of the Hello Irresistible Designer Series Paper for a little more color and texture. This was a scrap I had in my stash but it was the perfect size for this card. I added a sentiment onto Basic White Cardstock stamped in the same ink and a few Iridescent Rhinestones to add a little sparkle.
My next card I used the one of the panels that I had heat embossed an image on and then did the ink smooshing technique. For this card I used the background with the image from the Apple Harvest Stamp Set. I added more interest and color to the background panel with my colored pencils to make the image stand out a little more from the background. You could also add a shadow with a light colored Stampin' Blend Marker as well to make it stand out even more. I added a simple Vellum Cardstock panel and a sentiment stamped with my Daffodil Delight Ink Spot from the Classic Ink Spot Collection.
For the third card I went all manly! I stamped one of the sentiments from the He's All That Stamp Set repeated down the left side fo the ink smooshed background panel. I then added it to a piece Pebbled Path Cardstock before adding it the same Basic White Thick Cardstock card bases as the other cards. I then stamped the same sentiment again on another piece of Basic White Cardstock and added it to a Pebbled Path Cardstock mat layer. Before adding the last sentiment to the card I added a few Basic White argyle die cuts from the All That Dies. I love the look of the bold dark Pebbled Path Ink and cardstock next to the colorful background.
For the last card I made it into a Mini Slimline Card. I took the other heat embossed panel and cut it down to fit on the Mini Slimline card base. Butt before adhering the panel I added a few more floral images and a few dots in Pebbled Path Ink over the heat embossed area. I used the same stamp set (Quite Meadows) that I used for the white heat embossed image. I then added another layer of Vellum Cardstock but I embossed it with one of the Basics 3D Embossing Folders before adding it to the card. I then stamped my sentiment in Pebbled Path Ink onto a piece of Flirty Flamingo Cardstock and popped it up to finish the Mini Slimline card.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, ink smooshing is a fun and easy technique to try. So grab your inks and give it a go!
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