1. Ink larger, bolder stamp with lighter color.  Stamp image.
2. Ink smaller detailed stamp in darker color and stamp image over the first image.  This technique creates beautiful and easy stamping in seconds.
 

1.  Ink up outline image in a solid color.
2.  Color in design with markers, colored pencils, chalks or watercolors.
 

1.  Using markers, apply ink directly to the stamp.
2.  Breathe (huff) on stamp to remoisten ink then stamp on paper.  Markers allow you to create a personalized multi-colored image. 

 

1.  When using colored pencils start with a light color first and work towards
darker colors for shading.
2.  Let colors overlap and blend in interesting shades.  It is more effective to
apply several light coats of pencil shadings.  Add more until the desired
intensity is reached rather than one very heavy application.
3.  Stray marks can be erased with an art eraser. 
  

Allow for soft graduated shading and professional looking blending effects.
Embossed designs look beautiful when shaded with colored pencils.  Watercolor pencils are more versatile than regular colored pencils.  You have the option of creating colored pencil effects.  Colored pencils can be used only for coloring in an already stamped design.  They cannot be used directly on your stamps.
 

When using colored pencils start with lighter colors first and work to the darker.  Let the colors overlap and blend for interesting shades It is more effective to apply several light coats of pencil shadings, adding more until the desired intensity is reached, rather than one very heavy application. Stray marks can be erased with an art eraser.

Creating Watercolor Effects (optional)
Once the coloring is completed (you can stop here) or achieve different effects by adding water.  Color your image with dry pencils, blending and shading as
desired. Dampen a paintbrush with water and paint over colored areas. A
barely damp brush gives brighter color with pencil lines showing. Adding more
water will blend the colors more smoothly. The more water you add the less
intense your colors will be. But adding excessive amounts of water will cause
the colors to run together and the paper to buckle. Blend the colors instead
by stroking with a H2O or blender pen eliminating the need for brush or water.  You will find that this is a great use for the H2O pen!

Watercolor pencils give you professional looking results with the benefits
of ease in use, lots of pigment, reasonable price and the use of a fine point
for coloring small areas.
1.  Use with a palette: rub a pencil tip on a piece of paper to build up pigment.
Use a damp brush or H2O pen to pick up pigment and add to your art. This
is a great way to mix colors.
2.  Take the pigment directly from your pencil tip for brighter bolder colors. Dip your brush in water and press to the tip of the pencil. This will give you undiluted pigment for strong colors.
3.  A thick opaque look can be achieved by dipping the pencil tip in water and applying the color wet.
4.  Dry use of watercolor pencils to color stamped images on dark paper or on velour paper gives beautiful results. 

 

H2O PENS

The H2O pens makes floating or blending color easier. It enables you to blend several hues together giving more variation with mediums. You can achieve this without using as many colors but still getting depth and variation in color. It works with all water based markers, colored pencils, chalks, dye pads and pigment pads.

Blending Techniques on Embossed Images:
1. With the tip of your water based markers, lay a hint of color on the actual embossed line of an image. This color is now sitting on the surface of the embossed line. The embossed lines serve as a palette, making it easier to move the color, thus eliminating a hard line created by the marker. Working in a circular motion and in small areas, use the H2O pen to pull out the marker color into the open area of the design. When this process is completed a light application of color will appear on the image. To prevent the color from appearing to washed out, continue to add more color using the marker and the H2O pen until the desired depth of the color is achieved.
2. Start with lighter colors and then gradually add darker colors.
3. Limit the colors to be used. Three basic colors differing in intensity, plus variations in value will give life and interest to a stamped image.
Helpful Blending Tips:
1. Place several short strokes of water based marker color onto a white glass bowl or Styrofoam plastic plate/palette. Using the H2O pen pick up the color and apply it to the stamped image.
2. When working an intense color, to lighten that color, touch the tip of the marker to the tip of the H2O pen. By touching the tip of the H2O pen with the tip of the marker, the marker color that has transferred to the pen tip will be lighter in value.
3. Apply the H2O pen to the stamped image first working in small areas at a time. This preps the area and allows one to apply various marker colors to blend directly onto the card.
4. Before changing colors, wipe the H2O pen clean on a scrap piece of paper.  Be careful not to pick up too much color. If there is too much, simply wipe the H2O pen tip on a scrap piece of paper before coloring the image.
5. For a realistic blended look, layer color on top of color.

H2O Pen and Chalk
Blend and moisten chalk colors with the blender pen to intensify colors and work the chalk into the surface of the paper.  You can apply a little to an area you are coloring or use an applicator and take the pen tip to it to pick up the color, then apply to image.  It will not need spray fixative to remain in place. The H2O pen sets the chalk.

Blender Pen and Ink Pads
Stamp an image using a waterbased dye pad.  Use the H2O pen to lightly stroke the outline color into the inside areas.  This will result in an image with several tones of the same color.

Blender Pen & Markers
1.  Stamp an image by coloring the rubber die of the stamp with waterbased makers.   Pull color form the outline to the center areas by stroking with the H2O pen.
2.  Use a H2O pen to apply marker ink which has been scribbled onto a palette blending colors just like you would blend watercolor paints with a brush.
3.  Use a H2) pen to soften the stroke marks left behind when you have colored an area with markers.

CHALKING - PASTELS

The best choices for papers and cardstocks are smooth and uncoated.  Chalk can also be applied to wood, paperclay, paper mache & other porous surfaces.  If there are any mistakes to fix....use a small white or art gum eraser.  To prevent smears you can seal the chalk but I find after the first brushing off it doesn't seem to smear any longer.
To seal you can use matte spray fixative or hair spray (hold 8-10" away).

Shading:
May be used wet or dry.  Blue, Grey or Black are good color choices for shadows.
Layer colors.  Start with the lighter color and apply a deeper color of the same tone on top of the lighter shades.

Reverse Chalk Resist:
Using black (or dark) cardstock as your base, rub chalk all over it to creat a
background. (use a cotton ball). Ink up your stamp on the VersaMark pad then stamp into the chalk -- the VersaMark removes the chalk where the image is.

Chalked Embossing:
Chalk will stick to embossing powders especially white.  For best results, start
by stamping on dark colored cardstock in white and emboss in any of our white embossing powders.  Apply the chalk to the white areas of
your stamped image.  After chalking, rub with a eraser to get rid of the powdery look and make the image shine.

Chalked Applique:
Using the white Liquid Applique embellish the details of your work.  Allow it to dry before puffing it up with a heat tool and then apply chalk to it.  It picks up the color and holds.

Chalked Sponging:
Using sponges and chalks with  stencils will give you beautiful effects and backgrounds.

Chalked Pigment:
Stamp a solid image in white pigment ink on a dark cardstock.  Let it dry and
then color lightly with chalks.

Chalk on Dark Paper:
Create stunning designs.  Stamp a design using white pigment ink and white
embossing powder then heat.  Apply chalk with a cotton swab around and
in images.  Take a paper towel to wipe off excess chalk.

Chalk/H2O Pen:
Chalk colors can be beautifully blended with the H2O pen. The pen
fluid also "sets" the chalk, eliminating the need for spray fixative.

Finishing Your Chalked Project: If desired, use a spray fixative or
hairspray when finished.  This will also deepen the colors and add sheen.
You need only a light coating. 
 

CELLO BAG ENVELOPES

You can address the back of your card instead of writing handstamped by.
Put the card into a cello bag.  Use the 6x8 cello bag. Cut 2" above the card
and 1/2" angle to flap over and seal with tape.   Also make sure your postage
is on the outside of the bag not on the card.
 

BUBBLE BACKGROUND

There are two variations to this technique.  See which one you would like to try.
Method #1
1.  Put detergent into a bowl and toss ink on top of it.
2.  Stick a straw in and blow bubbles onto your cardstock letting the bubbles pop onto the card.
3.  The cardstock does not have to be glossy.however that does work best.
Method #2
1.  Brayer a color onto glossy paper.
2.  Take a small bottle of bubbles and blow bubbles in the air.
3.  Try to catch the bubbles with your brayered cardstock.
4.  It works best when you blow the bubbles immediately after you've brayered your background.
 

WET AND DRY EMBOSS

1.  Stamp an outline stamp with the Basic Black ink pad and let dry completely.
2.  Use a wet Q-tip and go around the edge of the outline.  Place on your mouse pad and trace outline with stylus.
3.  Turn over and use the wet Q-tip again to moisten inside the outlined area. Use your stylus to color in the wet area (inside the outline). This makes the image pop up on the right side of your project.
4.  Allow to dry.  Color in with pastels and/or embellish with glitter.

CLEAR ON CLEAR EMBOSSING

Using clear or slightly tinted embossing pad and stamp your image on colored paper.  Use clear embossing powder over the clear inked stamped image and heat emboss it.  You now have a subtle yet elegant looking stamped image that shows through the color of  your paper.  The clear outline of the embossed image with catch your eye against the colored background of the paper you have chosen.
 

VELLUM EMBOSSING

White Vellum * Embossing Pad (white or other color)
1.  Stamp image on vellum with embossing ink, emboss quicky.  Allow heat source to warm up to maximum temperature as vellum is not designed to withstand such heat and will pucker/bubble/scorch rapidly.

2.  Color the design from behind for a soft subtle stained glass look with markers or colored pencils.  Mop up extra ink and let dry.  You can color the image on top of the vellum for a bright vibrant look too. 

MONOCHROMATIC

This means using 1 color.  Design a card that uses cardstock, ink pad and marker of the same color.using white or another neutral color to show contrast.  You may stamp an image in Basic Black, color image in with one color, flick edges with the same color and layer onto the same colored cardstock.  Very simple.
    
 

WALL STAMPING

There were a few variations and tips on this.  First of all you can stamp on your walls using acrylic paint or the Fabrico Crafters Ink.  A tip: To keep acrylic paint from drying on your stamps.  Take a shallow dish and place very damp paper towels.  Place the images face down on the towels in-between stamping various images.  This keeps the paint moist on your stamp.  Be sure to clean your stamps ASAP....keep an old toothbrush handy to aid in getting into tight spots.

You can apply acrylic paint to your image in a few different ways.  Try whatever works for you!
A.  Put paint on a paper plate.  Take a sponge brush and grab a little paint.  Sponge paint onto stamp.
B.  Take a damp sponge and place on a paper plate.  Put paint on a the sponge to use as a stamp pad.
C.  Fold felt up and put paint on the felt.....use this as a stamp pad.

1.  Apply paint to stamp and gently stamp the wall with your image.  If it messes up....have baby wipes on hand to IMMEDIATELY get the paint off the wall.  Try again. 

CLAY POTS

1.  Spray the clay pot with a sealer spray, lightly.

2.  You can paint the base of the pot with acrylic paint or leave plain.
Stamp your image (bold works best) in a Fabrico pad & apply to pot.  Be careful as the pots are curved and it's a little tricky keeping the stamps from sliding and stamping in the position you want. So go slow.  When using the Fabricoyou need to heat set the clay pot.  Heat set the clay pots with a hair dryer, heat tool or even in your oven (10 to 15 Minutes).  It gets very hot!  Be careful.

You may also use acrylic paint to stamp with instead of the crafters ink.  Take a sponge brush & apply it to your stamp.  Make sure you don't use too much paint. Also, keep the paint from drying on your stamps.  Take a shallow dish & fill it with folded paper towels & get them very moist with water.  When using a few different stamps with acrylic paint.place the stamps face down on the damp paper towels.  It keeps the paint from drying on your stamps.  When cleaning your stamps use a soft toothbrush and water in case the paint gets in the crevices.
You can emboss your images with pigment ink or Fabrico ink pads and clear powder.
For extra protection you may want to seal the clay pot when finished.  For a glossy look.spray with glossy sealer.
 

FABRICO FABRIC STAMPING

Fabric * Fabrico Ink Pads * Hard Surface  * Cardboard * Fabrico Markers * Stamps

Instructions:
1. Wash your fabric without fabric softener, this is to remove 'sizing'.
2. Dry fabric without using a fabric sheet softener.
3. Iron your fabric so you have a nice smooth surface to work with.
4. Find a hard surface to stamp on.
5. If you are stamping on a shirt or bag (or anything with 2 layers), you will need a piece of cardboard to place between the 2 layers of fabric, to avoid it going through the top layer onto the second layer.
6. Ink stamp by tapping the stamp onto the pad. Check for nice, even coverage. Do not press or rub, as this puts too much ink on the stamp.
7. Position onto fabric and apply firm, even pressure. Hold in place for 30-45 seconds. Coarser fabrics like canvas require more pressure.
8. Complete your design.
9. Allow to air dry.
10. Iron either side of fabric to heat-set ink.
11. Wait at least 48 hours before washing.

Cleaning Up:
Clean stamps as soon as possible. Two clean up pads are ideal. Keep one wet and the other dry. Do not let the ink dry on the stamps.
Tips:
Plan design first; play with stamps on paper or an old piece of material. Odd numbers of images, patterning or color are most appealing.   If you make a mistake, wash fabric immediately with soap and water.  Heat set outline before coloring in with Fabrico markers. Otherwise, you will smear the ink.  Use Fabrico markers to touch up stamped image if necessary.  Use sponge daubers or sponge to create a colored background.  Wash stamped fabric inside out, in cool water and line dry to keep colors their brightest.

FABRICO/Fading on Fabric Solutions:
1.  Wash fabric without using fabric softener or dryer sheets.
2.  Stamp your images (bold works best).  Make sure you keep the stamp pressed down for a little while.  You have to give the ink time to sink into the fabric.  (Some people let it dry overnight before heat setting.)

Heat Setting 3 different ways
A.  After you stamp (& color if needed), place a sheet of wax paper onto the image.  With a warm iron, iron the wax paper onto the fabric.  This seals in the colors (this technique was done when air brushed T-Shirts were in).  You may also iron the wax paper onto the inside of the shirt too.

B.  Put your fabric in the dryer on high/cotton setting 15 to 30 minutes.

C.  Heat set it with an iron, making sure it is warm enough.  Keep the iron moving & in an area for a good 30 seconds.  Check carefully so it wont burn.

BLEACH PAINTING ON CARDSTOCK

1. Emboss an image with black pigment ink & clear powder onto colored cardstock.  Embossing the image helps to keep the liquid bleach that you are painting with inside the image lines.  Let dry for 24 hours or heat with a heat tool for quicker results.  You can color in the white areas with markers.
2. Take a damp synthetic bristled brush to paint in your images.  A synthetic brush is recommended because it wont get ruined as natural bristles.  Be sure to clean your brush under water thoroughly.  You may also use a Q-Tip to paint into large areas to be bleached.
There are different bleaches & gels on the market.experiment.  Clorox Advantage has been highly recommended.
 

BLEACHING BACKGROUNDS

Using Q-Tips dipped in bleach.create backgrounds (like swirls in the snow).  Use your imagination. Use a cheap toothbrush & splatter with it.
Experiment with different colored cardstock.  You may have to apply bleach more than once in an area.  Let dry between coats.
 

BLEACH STAMPING

Household bleach (the regular kind for laundry)
Dishwasher gel (look for hypochlorites on the label)

Bleach Stamping on Fabric
1. Testing:  Test the reaction of bleach on fabric you want to use before you spend a lot of time stamping.  Some fabrics dont bleach well.  One reason to test fabric is because it wont always be white when bleached!  Card Stock and fabric can change to many colors.  Youll see a reaction fairly quick but gel takes longer than liquid bleach.  Cheaper fabric is usually better because its less colorfast.
2. Safety:  You should do this in a well ventilated area.  Please be careful if you have respiratory problems.  As far as stamps go, there shouldnt be a problem using bleach on your stamps.  Clean them well when done.
3. Gel vs. Liquid Bleach:  Liquid bleach tends to bleed and spread.  The gel stays put but takes longer to react and the color change isn't always dramatic.
4. Stamps:  Solid or fairly simple stamps are recommended on fabric.
Instructions:
1. Use a sponge brush to paint gel to the stamp.  Thinly coat the surface but try not to gum up the cracks since this can obscure details.  If you are doing a garment remember to put something between the front and back.
2. Stamp your image onto the fabric firmly (Bold images work best).  Remove the stamp and let dry or heat with a heat tool.  (Note:  By using the heat tool to dry the detergent.  This will help make it so that it doesnt smear while doing the rest of the fabric.
3. Once you've stamped your images wait and watch.  The gel is weaker than liquid so the color change takes longer and sometimes not as pronounced.  Even so, you may like a lesser change.
4. If you like what you see then rinse the piece in water to remove the gel.  Then iron it dry but if you're in a hurry put it in the dryer.  This stops the bleaching reaction.  Another way to stop the bleaching process is to use vinegar or baking soda.  This neutralizes the bleach.  Whatever is easier for you.
Uses:
1. If it's a garment that you've stamped, rinsed and dried, it's ready for use at this time.
2. If its' a bleached stamped swatch, you can use fusible webbing (wonder-under) and iron it to a card or to attach it to a garment.  If attaching it to a garment you can sew around the edges, fringe if you like and/or use wonder-under or sew it on.
 

BLEACH STAMPING/CARDSTOCK

Before stamping or using bleach, be sure that your area is well ventilated and is protected.  You may consider wearing clothing that you don't mind messing up should bleach get on you.  There are a few different ways to apply liquid bleach to your stamps.
1. Paper Towel Pad:  Pour fresh liquid bleach onto a bed of folded paper towels but not too much bleach, making sure its wet but not full of puddles.
2. Fine Mist Spritzer Bottle:  Put undiluted liquid bleach in the bottle and mist over a protected area.   Dont spray directly onto the stamp.  The stamp only needs to be barely damp to work on your cardstock.  You'll know that it works for you when you've tested this onto scrap cardstock.
3. Felt Pad:  Instead of using paper towels as a pad you can make one of felt.  Saturate the felt.  You can pour the bleach out when done and reuse the container later with fresh bleach.

The containers people have used for their paper towel pad or felt pads have been the bottom of Tupperware, a sandwich size Glad container or recycle a styrofoam meat tray. If keeping bleach in a spritzer bottle or container you'll notice that bleach will become cloudy with time.  This is the bleach reacting to light (notice that bleach bottles are opaque).  Just pour out unused bleach and refresh your container when ready to use again.

Experiment for what works right for you and practice.  When using the paper towel pad or felt pad, dab (not push the stamp too hard in the bleach) your stamp onto the bleach pad a few times to make sure you have it wet and covered.  Stamp your images onto the cardstock.  Hold the stamp down for several seconds so that the detail of the stamp gets impressed onto the paper.  If you want a lighter/less detailed look, hold the stamp down not for very long.  Watch the change.  Clean your stamps immediately after using them and dry.  Use cleaner for this.