Technique Tuesday - Background Resist Embossing

I really love the Tim Holtz distress inks.  The ink blending tool has opened up so many ways to use these inks, and have made it easy to achieve professional results with minimal practice.  I have used these inks and tools in many of my technique articles, as they lend themselves to various uses.  Today, I am using the inks/tools in a much different way than previously.

I call this the background resist embossing technique.  It is basically a clear embossed image over a stamped background, creating a resist. Then, distress ink is applied, revealing the image in a dramatic way.  Instead of applying ink from the outside and working in, as in many techniques, the ink is applied to the center of the image and gradually fades out.  Here are the cards, along with directions (a link to Gina Krupsky's blog and YouTube presentation follows):

Here's how it's done:

• Stamp background with distress ink - a word or music background is especially good for this technique.  Be sure the image is dry before the next step.  
• Clear emboss image over the stamped background.  I use an anti-static bag on the card so the embossing powder only sticks to the stamped image.  Be sure image is completely cool before next step.
• Ink the ink blending tool with same color of distress ink as you stamped the background in.  Start applying ink heavily from the center of the stamped image, and working out.  Use circular motions with the tool.  Re-ink and re-apply until desired intesity is achieved.  The image will pop out.  It should be dark in the center, and fade out gradually.
• Use a paper towel or tissue to wipe any ink from the embossed image.
• Finish card as desired.

I found this technique, by Gina Krupsky, on the Gina K Designs blog.  Here's a link to the YouTube video:  http://stamptv.ning.com/video/emerging-leaves?xg_source=msg_mes_network .

Tim Holtz (Ranger) distress inks and the ink blending tool can be purchased at Michaels and AC Moore, and various internet retailers.

Enjoy!

lynda