Elegant Toile

Hello

One of the great things about Convention is the demonstration of techniques old and new that get the inspiration and creativity flowing.  This year, the bleach technique was demonstrated on the main image from the 'Elements of Style' stamp set.   This a great design for this technique, so I decided to give it a go myself.  The last time I tried bleaching was here, way back in 2009 with the purpose of recolouring the image.  This time I've left it white, as it is a very detailed design.

Here is a close up of part of the flower panel.  I've really like the soft look and slight variations in colour, rather than being totally white.

 

Project Details
Stamps	Elements of Style, You're a Gem
Card stock & Papers	Soft Suede (Textured), Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White
Ink	Versamark, Soft Suede
Accessories	White Taffeta Ribbon, 1mm Pearls (not SU)
Tools	Beautiful Wings Die, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Big Shot, Oval Punches,  Scallop Border Punch, Dimensionals, Clear embossing powder, Heat gun, Aqua Painter, Bleach

This time, I used the 'Bella Toile' background stamp  on Marina Mist cardstock and it gives a slightly less white look. This reminds me of the toile fabric that I bought in Auxerre, France a few years ago.   Apologies for the lighting on this photo, as I took it at night with artificial light.

Project Details
Stamps	Bella Toile, Teeny Tiny Sentiments
Card stock & Papers	Very Vanilla (Textured), Early Espresso, Marina Mist
Ink	Versamark, Early Espresso
Accessories	Very Vanilla Taffeta Ribbon, Basic Pearls, 1mm Pearls (not SU)
Tools	Scallop Trim border punch, Word Window punch, Butterfly punch (not SU), Clear embossing powder, Heat gun, Aqua Painter, Bleach

My tips for this technique are:

• Set aside an Aqua painter specifically for bleach and mark it clearly.
• Put a small amount of bleach in the barrel of the aqua painter and empty it out when finished. The bleach loses its efficacy after a while and you will need to replace it anyway.
• Keep the brush tip fairly dry (blot on a tissue first) so that you can control the amount of bleach and prevent it from going outside (or under) the lines of the design.
• Try out the bleach first on a scrap, as different coloured cardstock will yield a different result.
• Use a light touch with the brush as you can go over it again if necessary.
• If you are going to recolour the bleached area,  make sure your piece is totally dry first.
• Like all techniques, practice makes perfect!

 Happy stamping (and bleaching)!

 

Comments

[Leonie]

These are terrific, you have inspired me to have a go at this technique!

[Kerry S]

Such delicate and pretty cards. Great technique.

[Chris H]

Both cards are exquisite, Judy. You have inspired me to try it out. Love the little butterflies, too!

[Christine Blain]

These are both beautiful, Judy. Must try this technique (one day!).