Versamark Techniques - Oldies but Goodies

Hi Crafty Friends!  Yesterday, I demonstrated a couple of easy-enough techniques using the Versamark ink pad.  These are "oldies but goodies", that I haven't used in a very long time.  I figured, why not?!  I did mess up the last one, but I was able to save it.  :)

Just a reminder that I go Live on my Facebook Page every Thursday at 11:00am ET.

 

 

If you were not able to catch me live, you can still watch it on my Demonstrator Page later, OR on YouTube.  If the picture does not appear below, you can click HERE to get to it on YouTube.

 

I'm changing things up with this blog post.  I'm going to start including all of the cardstock measurements, and cutting/scoring HERE on my blog, versus in the Description section of my YouTube video.  (NOTE: I am STILL trying to reach 100 subscribers on my channel, so please hop over there and help me out!   

Let's get to the first project.  This card is using the "Resist Stamping" Technique.  The gist is you stamp Versamark ink on to Glossy paper, let it dry for a bit and then add color.  We used to use the rubber brayer to roll color across.  Now, I'm using the new ink blending brushes.  

 

I ink blended with Cinnamon Cider ink.  I used a darker ink, so that the contrast of the "resist" part would show up better.  I added two bits of ribbon - Cinnamon Cider and Black Glitter organdy.  Dolled it up with stamping and die-cutting the flowers from Pretty Perennials, and hand-cut the "happy birthday" from Happy Thoughts.  I did some ink blending on the flower edges, to soften it up...take away the harsh white lines.  

 

Flowers and greeting are popped up with Dimensionals.  Matte Black Dots to finish.

Paper Measurements:

• Cinnamon Cider card base:  5 1/2" x 8 1/2", folded in half; scraps to die-cut flower overlays.
  
• Basic Black:  4" x 5 1/4"
• Glossy:  3 7/8" x 5 1/8"
• White:  scraps to stamp and die/hand-cut flowers and word.

Stamps:  Pretty Perennials Bundle, Happy Thoughts
Ink:  Cinnamon Cider, Midnight (Catherine Pooler)

Paper: Cinnamon Cider, Basic Black, Glossy, White

Other:  Cinnamon Cider 1/4" ribbon, Black Glittered Organdy ribbon, Matte Black Dots

So that was "Resist Stamping".  Stamping Versmark ink on glossy, and letting it dry.  Then add color.  

 

Next up, I showed "Emboss Resist Stamping".  This is very similar...the only difference is that you add clear embossing powder.  You start out the same - stamp your images in Versamark ink on Glossy paper.  THEn you add clear embossing powder, and heat emboss that.  You'll have a shiny background.  Now you add color, same as before.  For this I still used the ink blending brushes.  

 

After you are finished adding your color, take a paper towel and buff the whole piece.  You do this because the ink pools up on top of the clear-embossed bits.  You don't necessarily see it, until you check your paper towel and there it is.  

This picture shows the difference in the techniques.  The finished card is from the first technique - Resist.  The unfinished piece is with the Emboss Resist.  The Emboss Resist piece is whiter...because you've clear-embossed on white glossy paper.  The Resist technique still holds on to some of the color - that Versamark ink really wants to grab it.  You may want to use one technique over the other, depending on the card you're making.  They are both easy enough and have great results!

Here's a bigger picture - still showing the finished Resist Stamping card on the left, and the unfinished Emboss Resist piece on the right.  (I did not finish the Emboss Resist piece on camera.)

 

Lastly, I demonstrated a technique called "Faux Metal".  I decided on a tag, since it was a smaller project...I figured it would be quicker, and I barely had time to finish!  For the Faux Metal Technique, you take the Versamark ink pad and smash it on a piece of cardstock (doesn't matter what color, because you won't see it), add Gold or Silver, or whatever color embossing powder that you want and cook it.   Then we repeat this process 3 or 4 times - it makes the embossing really thick.

This is where I messed up the technique.  I was waiting for the embossed bit to cool down in between applications of the Versamark ink.  I should not have waited.  I should have just dumped embossing powder on it, while it was still warm from the heat gun - no need to keep adding Versamark ink in between.  I did get it situated, but that could have gone better!

Once you emboss you final layer, ink up your stamp with Versamark ink and then PRESS it really HARD into your "faux metal".  It takes a good amount of pressure, but you'll get an indent of the stamp image.  The thicker your embossing, the easier it is to press into.

I used gold embossing powder, and a brand new stamp set (from the upcoming NEW Annual Catalog) called Etched in Nature.  I also stamped the same image on top of the gold-embossed bit in black ink...it's hard to tell.  Carefully rip around the edges - I wanted some of the white cardstock to show on the edges.

The tag came from my stash.  I think I got it as a freebie, from Unity Stamp Co.  Anyway, it's a darker kraft color, and I like it.  I stamped the same branch image all over the tag in Mossy Meadow ink.  Added my faux metal piece with some Stampin' Dimensionals.   I stamped the greeting on another tag (so it's the same color), and ripped it.  Ink the edges of everything, and add some ribbon.

I had Mossy Meadow Braided Linen trim, and Linen Thread.  I like putting two or three different ribbons together.

If you watched the video, you'll notice that I've taken off the circle of Linen Thread that I had originally attached to the tag (underneath the faux metal bit).  I decided that was too much thread.

Here's a close-up of the faux metal bit: 

There's really no paper measurements to share for this one.  I used pre-made tags, and a scrap of White to do my embossing/faux metal on.  It was big enough to fit the Versamark ink pad on.

I hope you learned something new, or were at least inspired to bring out one of these oldie, but goodie techniques!

Thanks for visiting, and Happy stamping!

Toni

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Reminder:  Use the Hostess Code for this month to get the make-n-take kit for these cards, along with some extra goodies this month.  Check out my Workshop of the Month page for all the details!