SOOT STAMPING!!!This month I'm going to show you a technique called "Soot stamping"! Some of you may have heard of it already, and for some of you it will be totally new! It's heaps of fun, and gives you a really interesting result!
Your challenge this month is to create a project using the Soot Stamping technique. As always, you are free to create whatever you want - as long as you stick to the challenge guidelines!OK, so let's get started with the tutorial!You will need:
* White gloss cardstock
* Stamps
* A candle
* Fixative spray
Now, that's all you'll need if you want a white image when you stamp. If you would like a coloured background, then you will also need:
* Some inks - I used TH Distress Inks, but alcohol inks would work really well with the gloss cardstock too.
* Something to apply the inks. Pictured here are a brayer and a foam applicator. Both are fine. But you can use anything you feel comfortable with. :)
I have done a few examples to show you both the white background and the coloured background. :)
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: OK, before we get into it, you must follow these safety precautions. You will be working with an open flame, and potentially flammable materials, so all care should be taken at all times.
* This technique should be done in a well ventilated area, preferably outside. Black smoke will be coming off your project.* You must have a source of water close by. You will be working with flames and paper which has the potential to catch fire.
* If you are a child, you must be supervised by an adult at all times.
* The edges of your project will catch fire quicker than the middle - if this happens, make sure you stop it from smouldering - it can still be burning even if you don't see the flames.* Always use a test piece first until you get the hang of it so that you don't ruin your project.
* Make sure your candle is extinguished BEFORE you spray your fixative.
Commonsense stuff, but still best to specify!
Let's get into it!
Step 1:
Colour your gloss cardstock using your chosen ink. Here I have used a brayer and TH Distress ink - Peeled Paint. Skip this step if you are wanting a white background.
Step 2:
Cut your gloss cardstock to the desired size, and then wave it over your candle flame, glossy side down. Your cardstock must be actually touching the orange part of the flame.
Do it slow-ish, but keep it moving at all times. Your aim is to blacken the cardstock, not burn it. Using your fingers can get a little hot, so I came up with a better idea:
I attached the cardstock to the end of my brayer with blutack so I didn't burn my fingers! Any long object will do, just make sure it's not plastic, as it can get quite hot and could warp it.
Keep going until you achieve the look you want. You will end up with pieces that look something like this:
It is important to note here that anything that touches the soot at this point will wipe it off - this includes your fingers! See the line on the red piece? This was where the corner of the white piece brushed up against it. So you need to be very careful not to touch it at this stage. :)
Step 3:Grab your stamp and stamp straight onto the sooty cardstock:
(Excuse the inky fingers! LOL! And I'm actually right-handed - it's VERY hard to take photos of yourself stamping! LOL!!).You do not need any ink on your stamp - the stamp itself will remove the soot, leaving the impression:
Pretty cool, huh??! :)
You can use large stamps to create great backgrounds, or you can use detailed stamps as a feature on your card. I have created samples to show you both. :)
Step 4:When you have created the image you were after, you need to spray it with fixative so that the soot will not rub off when you touch it:
I have used a workable matt fixative that I got from an art store, but in a pinch I reckon you could use hairspray. :)
(That damn can is the reason I'm late posting - I searched my whole house all day looking for it! It was under the bed. LOL!).
Leave aside to dry (only takes a few minutes) and then your piece will be totally touch-proof!
You should end up with pieces that look something like this:
Here is a close up of what a feature stamp looks like (on plain white background):
And here is a close up of what using a background stamp will look like:
Of course, you needn't use such grungey / gothic stamps - this technique looks great with flower stamps too. :)
That's it! Now all you need to do is use your pieces in your creations!! Here is what I came up with:
For the background of my card, I used a piece of gloss cardstock that I had inked with TH Distress Ink - Peeled Paint. I used a large text background stamp.
For the feature, I used the main stamp on the plain white cardstock. I then tore around the edges, and inked them with TH Distress Ink - Walnut stain. The feature stamp is mounted to the background using double sided foam mounting tape. To finish I added some metal mesh, and some screw brads.
Next I created an ATC:
Again I used the text background stamp, this time on plain white cardstock. I stamped "Rocky" straight onto the background first, to create a shadow for the main image which I stamped onto white cardstock, and then cut around. I inked the edges of the gloss cardstock with Stazon ink, and added metal mesh and a start brad to finish the design.
And last but not least, another ATC!:
This time I used a plain green background (distress ink on gloss cardstock), and an off-cut of the sooty text from before. I added "Big Head" which was stamped onto white cardstock, and cut out. To finish, I added a start brad, and scratched a "spider web" into the gloss cardstock with a sewing needle.
OK everyone!! Now it's your turn!! I just know you'll have as much fun with this technique as I did! I can't wait to see everyone's entries!Entries must be emailed to me by midnight 28th February 2009 to be in the running for the fabulous prizes from our sponsors (to be revealed soon). See full challenge guidelines in the sidebar.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the technique or the challenge rules - I am more than happy to help! :)
Happy stamping!~Sarah~
