I is for Inks

April 10, 2020
A to Z Challenge
I is for Inks

I have enjoyed taking part in the A to Z Challenge this month. The theme I chose was crafting.
We are slowly making our way through the alphabet. Today the letter is I. 

As many of you know, crafting is one of my most favorite things to do. Between crafting and genealogy - I must balance my time because both are my favorite past-times and can consume a great portion of my day and/or night.

A couple of years back, I was introduced to ink pads by purchasing a box of crafting items through a Facebook buy and sale group. I had never worked with ink pads even though I have over 200 different rubber stamps and acrylic stamps in my arsenal of crafting inventory. (the reason I don't like to use them is, I can't tell you the number of scrapbook layouts I have ruined because of trying to place an inked image on them. They either don't impress properly, or they are smudged). Since that time, I have honed my skills where "inking" is concerned.

I'm no expert by any means of the word and I still have room to grow to do when it comes to inking.  I get very frustrated at times when it comes to inking. Luckily, I now own a Mini Misti Stamp Tool that helps me if I am making cards or something small like a tag and want to use a stamp from my stash.

my Mini Misti

In the past, when I wanted to distress the edges of my pages, cards or tags - I used a makeup foam. They work great - but would always fall apart in a very short period.

Last year, in my crafting/swapping group I had, I was introduced to the Ranger Mini Ink Blending Foam and a Blending Tool.  I have the rectangle Blending Tool by Tim Holtz as well.

I have several different colors both in the mini and in the larger ink pads.

There are many colors to choose from in the Mini Distress Ink lines and the larger ink pads. I used to have many more ink pads and holders but being in a smaller space now where we live, I had to downsize many things.

Ink pads are available in many different brands and colors. Some of the brands out there are PMLAND, Lsunshine, CLEARSNAP, Dedoot, RANGER (which is my go-to brand), Goomart, Craft Rainbow, Recollections and Craft Ink just to name a few. I think most people have their favorite ones to use. I know I do...

As you see from my photo, I do have other brands of inks besides Ranger. LOL

Depending on the papercraft project one is working on, they may choose to use a different type of ink. It is important to use the best ink for your projects. 

Embossing Ink and Embossing powder on a tag I made

EMBOSSING INK - are used for heat embossing. They are thick and sticky. When I'm working with embossing powders for a different type of look on my projects, I use Embossing and watermark ink because it dries slowly and gives me time to sprinkle embossing powder on top of my projects. Here is a picture of a tag I created using an embossing ink pad and embossing powders. Do you see the shimmer? That's from the embossing ink and pads. The effects are wonderful when I choose to use this ink in my crafting projects.

Dry Ink used on a Bullet Journal page I made. 

DYE INK - is a water-based ink. They come in a variety of colors. This ink absorbs into paper and cardstock and dries quickly. This is the type of ink I use if I'm stamping images onto a project. The stamp I used to create this image was by Prima. She is called Priscilla with a top hat.

PIGMENT INK - is thick and creamy, opaquer. It sets on top of the paper longer and needs longer drying time. Pigment inks are very blendable. They can also be used with a heat gun and embossing powders, too. Many stampers like using pigment inks when they are stamping images on their projects.

DISTRESS INKS - have special qualities and stand out from the rest of the inks. They are water-based and were designed to create a realistic, weathered look on paper. I usually use my distress inks when I'm working on vintage craft projects. Something that sets distress inks apart for me is I can add water to them for many of my craft projects. These can also be used with embossing projects.

Chalk Inks, etc. 

CHALK INK - I have several of these in my stash. I must admit though, I don't use them much. Chalk inks are like chalk (hence the name). They are fade-resistant and fast-drying on most surfaces. I have noticed when I use the chalk inks in the past on small stamped images, I get clear, crisp lines when using them.

SOLVENT INK - are permanent! They can be used on paper, semi-porous surfaces such as glass or ceramics. This type of ink works well when stamping on vellum or acetate transparencies for handmade shaker cards. The reason is it doesn't run when used with water-based products such as watercolors.

There are also refills for some of these types of inks so one isn't having to constantly buy a new ink pad. Just purchase a bottle of refill ink for them.

Crafting with inks can be fun. There are many different techniques out there in the crafting world when it comes to using inks. I haven't mastered them all, but I'm working on it. In the meantime, I'll show you a photo of my rubber stamp collection and this isn't even all of them!!!

I is for INK

Have a GREAT day and Happy Easter weekend, everyone! (what kind of ink are you going to use on those eggs)?

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

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#AtoZChallenge, #crafting, #inks, #Ranger, #TimHoltz, #papercrafting, #homeschoolmoms, #homeschooleducators, #stamping, #mixedmedia, #MistiStampingTool, #Primadolls, 

Disclaimer: In this post are my affiliate links, if you click on the links and make a purchase I will make a small percentage of the items you purchase.