Thursday, April 11, 2013

Spray 'N Paste

Yesterday, Lori (list mom of Everything Wendy Vecchi) shared a link that really inspired me.  Britta Swiderski did a video of her technique of applying Wendy's metallic embossing paste over a background of Dylusions spray inks.  There is an interesting reaction between the two, and the results are just gorgeous.  Just click on Britta's name to see what I'm talking about.

Anyway, Lori decided that the new challenge at EWV would be to use that technique on a project.  First I pulled out my great big, nearly untouched Dyan Reaveley journal, and decided that this would be where I'd do my experimenting from now on.  With no worries about the finished product.  So far, it's working for me.

Here are a few of my experiments.  First, a background with some of the green Dylusions and a Michelle Ward Stencil Girl stencil with gold embossing paste.  Then, another part of the same background, same stencil, but this time I used the silver paste.


 
 
Next, I used Wendy's stripes stencil.  First I applied the gold paste holding the stencil so the stripes are vertical.  After it totally dried I repositioned the stencil right over the vertical stripes, this time holding it horizontally,  and applied the silver paste.  Before removing the stencil I very lightly pounced over the paste with a paper towel for a little extra texture.  This isn't the greatest photo; it's really striking in person.
 
 
 
Then I decided I should try the technique with different colored backgrounds.  Again, these do look way better in person.  First, some deep purples/blues with gold paste, followed by pinks/reds with silver paste.  And the stencils I used are Wendy's layered flowers. 
 

 
 
Before leaving the experimental phase and actually using this technique in a project, I started to wonder how it would work with a different spray.....namely Ranger's Color Wash.  Now, generally, the Color Wash sprays are darker and earthier than the Dylusions, so I just used the brightest that I had.....butterscotch, terra cotta, and red pepper.  And I didn't bother with a stencil.  I just scraped some gold paste over the dried ink with an old credit card.
 
 
 
I think the Color Washes work well, at least the shades I chose.  The next time I decide to play mad scientist I'll try this with some of the other colors.  And while I'm at it, I'll see what happens when the paste is applied over other sprays, ink pads, crayons, chalks......
 
Here is the journal page I did for the challenge.
 
 
 
The gold paste was applied over Wendy's lovely leaves stencil.  When the paste was nearly dry but still a bit soft I pressed a stamp onto the leaves (any old stamp; I wasn't trying for an image, just some texture).  I also used a stylus to make some dots. 
 
By the way, I keep a few sheets of deli paper on my table, and use it to blot off excess inks, paints, sprays, etc. After a day or two of blotting action, the paper is full of colorful goodness.  The two butterflies (Wendy stamps) were stamped onto one of those sheets, cut out, and then glued onto the page.  The page also has some random stamping, doodling, and little dots of paint.
 
**CAUTION**  If you're experienced in such things, this warning may seem as obvious as a take-out coffee cup announcing that the content is hot, but if you're new to all this, you'll be thankful.  WASH THE EMBOSSING PASTE OFF YOUR STENCILS AND STAMPS BEFORE IT DRIES!  I'm just sayin'.






13 comments:

Dorothy said...

Way too fun Eileen!!

Socrates said...

Absolutely gorgeous. You took the video and ran with it, and the results are stellar. Go Eileen!

Anonymous said...

Oh how PRETTY!!!! I need to play with that technique as well!!!!!!! I've missed making it by your blog!!!!!

Lori said...

SO cool! Now I really need to try this!! LOL....I just love the effect and how it picks up some color behind....love, love, love!! Oh, and thank you for joining the MAC!!

Patzee said...

Brilliant! Love the metallic madness and your wild experiments!

Elena said...

I love the way this looks Eileen! I have to find the time to try it. Thanks for sharing! And yes, I have all of that!!! LOL!

wendy vecchi said...

WOOHOO! Looks like you had a very fun productive play day.
These look GREAT.
BE PROUD!

jacquie said...

Wow Eileen these are awesome! i can't wait to try this!!!! what wonderful results!

Vic said...

Beautiful! I'm waiting for my paste to arrive - I only have black.

Marjie Kemper said...

You sure had fun playing! Love the different looks you created. Need to get myself cracking on this one.

Shelly Schmidt said...

Love the page you created and love the beautiful technique : )

craftyM said...

I have been experimenting with embossing paste in my journal some time back and have had great fun with it, but not in combination with sprays...I am hooked on dylusional sprays now so I see a bit of playing in my future this weekend!! YEAH!!!!! Thanks Eileen! Love the things you have shared here! especially those fleur de lis pages WHOA!!! NICE!!!

craftyM said...

PS: What video is Sox talking about... I think I missed something...