Monday, July 28, 2014

Acrylic Block Stamping and Oopsie Daisy

I found this link a while ago, before Oopsie Daisy was released. While the post really isn't about the technique shared below, I liked the overall look of the soft inked "frame" and floral image together. Since I didn't really know quite what the Oopsie Daisy art would look like at the time, I bookmarked the post anyway, thinking it might be something to try.

I don't have a rectangular stamp like the blog author does, so I thought I'd try getting a similar "look" with my 3x4" acrylic stamp block. I was pretty pleased with the results.

The key to using the acrylic block (in lieu of a rubber stamp) is good cushioning underneath. My CS desk blotter is nice and thick so that worked for me, but if you don't have one you could try stamping on top of an old catalog or magazine--or even a mouse pad.

Start with a clean acrylic block. I assure you my block doesn't normally look like this . . . it's usually an inky mess . . . but some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball took care of that, easy peasy.


Ink the edges of the acrylic block (make sure to ink the smooth side, if your block has a grid like mine). Starting from the outside, sweep ink toward the center. For added dimension, start with a light color and add a darker color around the outer-most edges, if desired.

Press the acrylic block onto paper. You will get different looks depending on the texture or finish of the paper. Experiment, have fun with it.


Since I love the look of watercolors paired with the Oopsie Daisy images, I tried the same technique with Gelatos.


Start by lightly misting the acrylic block with water, then add color. Use a light color first with a darker shade around the outer edges, if desired.


Press onto paper. If you're lucky, you might get a second impression.


Be sure to thoroughly clean your acrylic block after each use.

One advantage to using the same block to add rubber stamps is that positioning is a no-brainer!

Topaz CS Hybrid ink "frame"

Topaz CS Hybrid ink "frame"
Gray Gelatos "frame"
Yellow Gelatos edged with orange
Who knew you could use your acrylic block AS a stamp? Well, now ya know!

Creatively yours,
Karen


18 comments:

  1. Those aregreat cards!! Everyone has been making really gorgeous cards with Oopsie Daisy!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Karen, this is a great tutorial!! Love the framing and artsy look you achieved with an acrylic block!! Awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That is a nice technique, thanks for sharing.

    pat-czap

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh cute...oooo my tiny block might make the perfect twinchies!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for posting this neat idea

    ReplyDelete
  6. Absolutely brilliant, Karen! I should have brought you coffee this morning.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a fun idea.....and, like Janet, would be good on all size blocks....

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great idea for card making, love it Karen, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fun way of stamping for quick and beautiful cards!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oooo! Another cool technique to try! Love that I already have everything I need to play with it. And I agree it's perfect with Oopsie Daisy. BTW, I finished the 15 additional cards from OD collection and now I think I'll make more with this technique! Can't seem to get enough!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, I hope you'll share the additional cards you made in the Galleria or on the chat forum. Fun-fun!

      Delete
  11. Such a clever technique--going to have to try it out. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very cool technique, Karen. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Karen,
    I love how you adapted the idea to suit your supplies. Your cards are wonderful. Now I am looking at my water soluble media in a new way. TFS

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a terrific, easy technique! Thank you, Karen -- the cards are gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.