A complete guide to DISTRESSING - Crafter's · PDF fileA complete guide to... DISTRESSING What is distressing? • Distressing with inks • Embossing with inks Distressing with a

A complete guide to...

DISTRESSING

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What is distressing? • Distressing with inks • Embossing with inksDistressing with a paper distresser • Distressing with stamps


A complete guide to...

DISTRESSINGWhat is distressing?In cardmaking and scrapbooking terms, ‘distressing’ describes the process of giving card or paper a vintage or worn look. In this complete guide we’ll provide you with some handy hints and tips on mastering this crafting technique, which will allow you to create stunning visual effects. Please feel free to pass this guide onto friends and family you think may benefit from it!

The distressed look can be achieved in a multitude of ways, using a number of methods, all of which can be employed to create a distressed effect. Three common ways to distress card and paper are with inks, with specialist tools and with stamps.

Distressing with inksA very simple distressing technique that can be applied to almost any project is using inks around the edge of your creation. By using the right colours, you will effectively and easily age your project and enhance other features of your card.

Inks can come in two main forms - ink pads and small jars with droppers. You can use inks to colour the edges of cards in partnership with foam to create beautiful backgrounds and better define certain visual elements of your card projects.

A complete guide to... D

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Distressing with a paper distresserAs well as enhancing visual features, another way to distress card or paper is to use a specialist tool such as a paper distresser. This will rough up the edges of the card you are using, to create a simple but effective worn edge effect.

The paper distresser from Tim Holtz is ideal for distressing paper and cardstock, enabling you to create altered edges or aged paper finishes on all your crafting projects. With seven sharp recessed edges and a Kushgrip center for handling comfort, this paper distresser is safe and easy-to-use.

Distressing with stampsBy using vintage style stamps in conjunction with distress inks and foam, it is possible to create fabulous vintage effects and stamped pictures with a faux-dimensional effect.

Using distress inks for your stamping will also give your crafting projects an extra something special and softer images can be created by smudging the wet ink.

Sheena Douglass’ new brand, ‘Sheena’, includes a range of rubber stamps which are perfect for creating distressed-effect cards. The artwork has a vintage feel, meaning that it will co-ordinate perfectly with distressed backgrounds created with inks. These can be used in conjunction with a distresser for an emphasised distressed finish.



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So now you’ve found out a little about the different techniques that can be used to distress cards, we’ll tell you a bit more about creating distressed looks!

Distressing Basics




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Distressing the edge of your cardOne of the easiest and most effective ways to use distress inks in your crafting is to use them to ink the edges of your card. You can use the ink pads to apply the colour direct-to-card, and use Cut-n-Dry foam to blend the ink into the card’s natural colour.

A stippling brush can also be used for a similar effect. Keep reading for more information on how to use a stippling brush.

Antiquating papersYou can age background papers by simply crumpling up paper or card. Be careful not to tear your paper while crumpling it up! For the best results, you should aim for an even effect across the paper. Spread the paper out flat and then rub the ink pad over the paper. You will find that the ink transfers primarily to the raised, crumpled elements of the paper to highlight these features.

You can also spritz the paper with water and dry it with a heat gun to further antiquate the finish. Alternatively, while the ink is still wet, you can re-crumple the paper for an even more effective finish. Once you have the desired result and the ink is dry, you can iron the paper to flatten it out for use on a card.

Distressing essentials

Tim Holtz Distress Ink PadsTim Holtz Distress Inks by Ranger have been specially formulated for use in distressing paper and card. The stunning ink pads come in 36 different colours, all with quirky names like Peeled Paint and Worn Lipstick! They’re water-soluble dye inks, which are slow drying and will therefore blend superbly on paper and card.

Tim Holtz Distress Inks are acid-free, non-toxic and fade-resistant, making them a fantastic quality ink. They will help you to create a realistic weathered look on your cards, adding versatility to your crafting projects. The ink pad itself is slightly raised, making it perfect for direct-to-paper techniques.

Distress Re-inkers by Tim HoltzMake your Distress Ink pads last longer with these handy Re-inkers. They come packaged in a glass eye-drop bottle. The ink is slow drying. This means that it can be washed or spritzed with water, which will cause it to run and create aged or distressed looking cardstock, paper or photos.




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The Re-inkers are perfect for using directly on your card, as well as to rejuvenate your ink pads.




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Cut-n-Dry FoamCut-n-Dry foam is a dry double-sided stamp pad foam sheet for use with pigment and viscous inks, paints and glues. It works brilliantly with Tim Holtz Distress Inks to blend colours and spread the ink evenly around the outside of a card or other crafting project.

Stippling BrushA stippling brush can be used to swirl ink around the outside of a piece of card. For the best results, tap a very small amount of ink onto the brush and swirl the colour over the edge of the card. it is easy to add more ink for a stronger colour, but bear in mind that if you use too much it cannot be removed.

Sheena’s WOW powdersAlong with her gorgeous vintage style stamps, Sheena Douglass has also brought out a sparkling range of WOW embossing powders.

Twelve colours are currently available, in two sets - Everyday and Metallics. The two sets contain sparkly powders such as Platinum Sparkle and Brass Sparkle, as well as a gorgeous Clear Hologram and ever-useful and versatile Clear Gloss.

The WOW powders will be a gorgeous addition to your distressing cards!

Advanced Techniques

Achieving a softer lookDistress ink pads stay wet longer than the majority of dye ink pads, and this property enables even greater versatility when using them.

For example, you can drag the ink from the image outline and blend it, using water to enhance the effect. This will colour the stamped image, creating a softer look.

The image to the right is a before and after shot. The bottom butterfly has has the softer effect technique applied to it.




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Embossing with distress inksDistress inks are slow-drying and stay wet long enough to emboss with. A clear embossing powder can be sprinkled over the wet ink and this can then be set with a heat gun to raise the image.

This effect can be teamed with other distressing techniques such as colouring the edges of the card with the ink. This can be achieved using a stippling brush.


Brands you need to know!There are many brands in craft that specialise in distressing products. Some of the names you should look out for if you’re interested in creating distressed-look cards are: Ranger, Tim Holtz, and ‘Sheena’ by Sheena Douglass.

You can also use many generic art products such as stippling brushes in your craft work!

For all your distressing needs, visit our multi-award winning web site!



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Documents

A complete guide to DISTRESSING - Crafter's · PDF fileA complete guide to... DISTRESSING What is distressing? • Distressing with inks • Embossing with inks Distressing with a