distress ink

Happy Tuesday!  I’ve had a request for a tutorial on another project that was featured on the Ranger blog a few years ago, but is no longer up on their site.  I originally called it a Simple Summer Card set, but by changing the colors and stamps a bit, the technique is lovely for autumn (and winter!) too so I thought I’d share it with you here today!

I used a simple torn paper masking technique to create stripes of blended color.  You can see from the card samples some colors that pair together nicely, I like using yellow as combines with so many colors beautifully!

 To start, pre-cut a white layer of cardstock and tape torn copy paper over it onto your craft sheet, leaving a space for your ink to be applied.

Using an ink applicator tool, start with your lightest colors and layer them over the torn paper.

Continue layering and blending more shades of Distress Ink until you are happy with the shades.

Ink up a background stamp with one of the lightest colors you used and stamp it over your inked background.

Lift the torn copy paper to reveal your finished background!  Oooh, aaah… isn’t it pretty?

Stamp a foliage or tree type image over your background in Black Archival Ink.  Use coordinating colors of Distress Markers to create a 3D embellishment with a butterfly stamp to add a bit of texture to your simple card.

Layer the piece of white cardstock onto a black card base and your card is complete!   Repeat and create in a variety of colors and with assorted sentiments for a nice gift… or leave the sentiment off and add them as you need them 🙂

Inky hugs,

Tara