Distress Ink Coloring by Ashley Marcu

Ashley Marcu has a special tutorial for us today — coloring stamped images with Distress Inks.  She makes it look so easy and fun, I know you’ll love this technique and want to try your hand at it! Ashley used our new Amour 2011 Valentine Slapstick Stamp, “Hedgehog Kisses“.

by Ashley: Today I’m going to show you how fun and easy it is to color Penny Black’s hedgehog with Distress Inks. First, stamp your image with Memento Dye Ink and allow it to dry completely. Next, start applying Antique Linen Distress Ink to the fur and body of the hedgehoges. I prefer using Sponge Daubers by Tsukineko when working on smaller areas. When applying the ink I like to add it lightly, adding several layers until I get the color I want. Be sure to blot off your dauber on the side of your paper to avoid adding too much color.

Next, cut out each hedgehog and add Walnut Stain Distress Ink to the edges of the fur. I held the image and inked it off the paper so that I could ink between his fur and along the edges. To smooth out the colors go back with Antique Linen Distress Ink and blend between the colors. I also added a very light layer of Spun Sugar Distress Ink to his cheeks.

The next step is simple but it adds a great finishing touch to the project. On a different stamped image ink the hedgehogs ands and feet LIGHTLY with Antique Linen Distress Ink. I often don’t reink my dauber for this part because there is normally just enough to get a light coverage. Cut out the hands and feet and apply them to your finished image.

TIP: I run a black permanent marker along the sides of my trimmed pieces for a clean crisp look.

Finally, ink the heart balloons. First I applied Worn Lipstick Distress ink to the middle of the image. Next I added Fire Brick on the left and Spun Sugar on the right. I then went back with Worn Lipstick to blend the colors together. Cut out the images and add Glossy Accents to really make them pop.

I have one more tutorial for you tomorrow then we’re back on Monday with a full week of projects including a full Design Team showcase that you will not want to miss!