ATC Background Techniques

There are heaps of ways to create ready made backgrounds for your ATCs (Artist Trading Cards) and cards. I find it useful to create a whole lot at once and then they are ready to go when I need them.

GESSO TECHNIQUE

MATERIALS: Gesso, old credit card, cardstock







Simply dip one edge of an old credit card into some Gesso and scrape it across the surface of your cardstock. Once dry you can then rub in some ink to give a lovely finish. Try spraying some Glimmermist over the top for an extra bit of shimmer.



ALCOHOL INKS

MATERIALS: Clay based shiny paper, Alcohol Inks, Alcohol Blending Solution, blending tool


I recently discovered Alcohol Inks. I just love the quick and easy finish you can achieve with them. They dry in no time flat!!! Just a few drops need to be applied to the blending tool before you dab and swirl onto the special shiny paper. To lighten and blend further, just apply some blending solution in the same manner as the inks. To stamp over the top, Archival Inks work best.





DISTRESS INKS:

MATERIALS: Distress Inks, Mini Mister, non-stick Craft Mat, cardstock or heavy duty watercolour paper.



This is a technique I saw Tim Holtz demonstrate on his blog and just had to try for myself. You simply stamp your Distress Ink pads directly onto your craft mat. Then spray on some water with a Mini Mister until it beads. Place your cardstock on top and swirl about until it is fully covered. Dry with a heat gun and then repeat until you achieve the depth of colour that you like.





RESIST EMBOSSING:

Materials: Flourish stamp, embossing ink, clear UTEE, Distress Inks, white cardstock
This is probably my favourite technique. All you need to do is apply your chosen stamp to your white cardstock with embossing ink, sprinkle over some clear ultra thick embossing enamel, shake off the excess and set with a heat gun. Now simply rub in some Distress Inks using a sponge applicator. You can get some really beautiful results using different combinations of colours.



Hope you enjoyed this post and can use some of these techniques for yourself.

Cheers
Belinda