Hi All,
I’m not sure what to call this technique, so I just called it what it is… blanking out the color.
I removed the distress ink after stamping it to make this butterfly pop, then I added some shadowing with Black Soot. The butterfly panel is all one layer. Here is a close-up:
Watercolor paper will work best because the ink takes longer to absorb and become permanent. You could try using other water-based inks, but the distress inks are going to give you the best results because of the way they react with water.
I have one little tip about the background that I didn’t really talk about in the video. I created a full-size background at first, but then I cut it down to 3 inches high. Why? Because the background was extremely bright and colorful. My butterfly was getting lost. If you ever think your card isn’t looking right, try cutting back your background and matting it on white. I used woodgrain cardstock at the top for some texture, but I also considered clear embossing a pattern with Versamark ink or embossing paste, kind of like with THIS CARD.
Enjoy the video! I’ll be back tomorrow with a craft room update – it’s getting so close!! 🙂
Supplies:
To purchase at Ellen Hutson, click the EH link. To purchase at Simon Says Stamp, click the SSS link.
 Brushstrokes Background |
 Tim Holtz Butterflies EH|SSS |
 Altenew Sentiments EH|SSS |
 Twisted Citron Distress Ink EH|SSS |
 Squeezed Lemonade EH|SSS |
 Black Soot EH|SSS |
 Ranger Black Archival Ink EH|SSS |
 Versafine Black Ink EH|SSS |
 Wink of Stella, Clear EH|SSS |
 White Gel Pen EH|SSS |
 Shape ‘n Tape, Black EH|SSS |
 Canson Mix Media Paper DB|AMZN |
 SSS White Woodgrain |
 Neenah Cardstock EH|SSS |
 Stamp-a-ma-jig SSS|SU |
 Aqua Painter |
 ATG Tape Runner EH|SSS |
Connie
I really like squeezed lemonade and twisted citron used together. I have the brushstrokes background stamp and will definitely try it with those ink colours. I also decided to bite the bullet tonight and buy the Shape ‘n Tape in Black. I’ve seen you use it on other cards too and it always looks so easy and effective. Your simple but elegant cards win hands down!
Mary Jane
Love the card. I have never seen the Shape ‘n Tape before but will definitely give it a try.
Rachel
Really pretty card! Love the black trim!
Becka
Nice card. Enjoyed the background technique.
okiedee
Oh I did enjoy this Darlene! Learn another method..thank you so much…this card is amazing.
swimbikerunat60
Ohh!! I love this bright background and what a fabulous tip of removing the ink of your stamped butterfly and adding the outline, it looks like it’s actually standing on top of the panel.
Those two colors are really beautiful together.
Thank you for sharing. Darlene.
Bertie
Love this card as I do all your cards. I will be trying this technique for sure.
Andrea
I would think you could also call it “water bleaching.” 🙂 Love the Squeezed Lemonade & Twisted Citron color combo. I never thought of using those two together, but will have to file that idea in my mind for future projects. (Just wish my mind file were more well organized! LOL) Thanks for the tip about cutting down your background, too. Can’t wait for the craft room update. Hope you will get to move in soon! 🙂 ~ Andrea
Jan
Wow, wow, wow! I love everything about this card Darlene. I never would have thought about the background and the colors are perfect. You sure have a special gift. Thanks for sharing.
mjs1033
great technique to share.
Natasa
Beautiful!
Diana Trout
I love the distressed look of the background and the shadowing!