AECP Irresistible Inking Technique, Soft Ombre Inking & The August 2019 Altenew Inspiration Challenge

In one of my past AECP projects, I used a technique wherein you can achieve an ombre blended look on your one-layer stamps to give it more dimension. For this project, I did the same inking technique but on layering stamps. The AECP Irresistible Inking Techniques class teaches you several to ways to ink up your layered stamps. So I decided to step up my game and try it on layered stamps. For this project, I used the Altenew Strength Blooms stamp set. The Fabulous Florals stamp set will also work for this technique.

To create the flowers for my card, I chose four inks that work well together. So for this card, I chose Pink Diamond, Rubellite, Razzleberry and Grapevine Altenew Inks. I also recommend using a stamping platform like the MISTI.

First, I put the base layer on my MISTI and stamped it using Pink Diamond Ink. Then, still with the base layer on the platform, I used my finger dauber sponge and took some Rubellite and dabbed it on the stamp concentrating only on the middle and then a little on the edges. You can continue to dab in areas you feel need dimension.

Next, I positioned the second layer of the stamp and proceeded to use the same technique as described above but concentrating only on the middle of the stamp and a little on the edges. I used the next darkest color.

Then I continued to do the same with the third and final layer. For the leaves, I did the same technique. The colors I used are from the Tropical Forest ink set. This technique gives the flowers and leaves a soft ombre, almost ethereal feel.

Here is a photo comparison using the same ink colors without the use of a finger sponge dauber. There is a big difference in the end result. If you don’t have a finger dauber, you can try dabbing off ink from the stamp using a soft cloth before stamping on to the paper. You can check this technique without the use of a finger dauber here.

For the background of my card, I used Silver Lake ink with a brayer, a technique which I also learned from the Altenew Academy AECP Irresistable Inking Technique class given by Sara Naumann. If you want to take your inking to the next level, I recommend taking this class. You will learn to use different techniques using your ink pads.

To finish my card, I swiped embossing ink on the edges of the brayered piece then used Altenew Antique Silver Embossing powder to give the edge a bit of definition and shine. I then used the Frilly Frames die cut to frame the flower clusters. The sentiment I used is from Mama Elephant Occasional Labels stamp set.

I am also entering this card in the Altenew Inspiration Challenge for August. Click here if you would like to join the challenge. There is a US$30 Gift Certificate at stake to use in the Altenew store!

I had a fun time with this technique and hope you give it a try!

‘Til next time!

❤️

Anna

Disclaimer: I am affiliated with some online stores including Altenew, Concord & 9th and Hero Arts. If you use any of the links above, I get a small commission from these wonderful shops at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!