Funkie Junkie Focus – Permanently Perfect

Hello Funkie Junkie fans! Our focus this time is centered on the magic of permanent Archival Ink from Ranger. This ink is a real work horse and definitely a supply you want to have in your crafting arsenal. It is the perfect ink to pair with all sorts of mixed media techniques. Here is my first mixed media tag for the theme:

This layered tag background features diecuts, Distress Crayon and lots of stamping using Archival Ink. (tutorial below)

As I was hunting around in my technique folder for ideas using Archival Ink, I found this one from Tim Holtz's Creative Chemistry classes (way back when!) You stamp with Archival Inks onto Glossy paper as a resist. Tag number two:

Let's take a look at the how-to…

Tag #1:

Step 1 - I cut two big tags out of Mixed Media Heavystock and then die cut patterns out of the top layer tag.

Step 2 - I wanted some stamped images to peek through the die cut areas so I stamped with Archival Ink onto the bottom layer tag.

Step 3 - I glued the two tag layers together and also sealed the top surface with Matte Distress Collage Medium. (Sealing is needed for the next step.)

Step 4 - Using Distress Crayons, I added color to the tag. I blended the Crayons with a damp finger, making sure to get into all the die cut nooks and crannies.

I stamped over the background using the new set Curiosity Shop plus various Glitch stamp sets.

Step 5 - Tim has shared in the past how to add color when you make labels using the Vintage Labels Die Set. It's easy! Use a brayer to add Archival Ink directly to the die before you cut. The ink will transfer onto the paper as you run it through your machine. I do like using the Distress Brayer for this. I have other brands of brayers but the Distress brand seems to be best at picking up the Archival Ink. Experiment with what you have to see what works!

Tag #2:

Step 1 - Using Archival Ink, stamp with bright colors onto glossy paper. Heat dry the ink to make sure it doesn't smear.

Love the new Crochet Trims stamp set!

Step 2 - Blend a darker Distress Ink color over the background. Buff off the extra ink with a soft cloth. The Archival Ink acts as a resist. Cool background! You can stamp over the background with additional images and using more Archival Ink.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep an eye on the Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog, Inspiration Ave. to see all the inspiring content each week. Don't miss it…

Supplies used:

Tim Holtz Stamp Sets - Curiosity Shop, Crochet Trims, Inventor 3, Glitch 1, Glitch 2, Mini Glitch
Tim Holtz Die Set - Vintage Labels

Tim Holtz Die Set - Mixed Media #6

Ranger Distress Mixed Media Heavystock

Ranger Gloss Paper

Distress Collage Medium Matte
Ranger Archival Inks - various

Distress Crayons

Distress Brayer

Idea-ology Paper Dolls Portraits

Idea-ology Paper Dolls

Idea-ology Ephemera

Colors of Spring Bookmark Box with Eileen Hull Dies

For the month of April, Eileen Hull's Inspiration Team's theme is the "Colors of Spring" and we've been busy creating all sorts of seasonal projects! I used her Skinny Mini Book Box Die to create a little gift box full of bookmarks for a friend of mine who is an avid reader. Of course my color scheme shouts "spring!"

Open it up…

the bookmarks fit neatly inside for storage!

I laminated the bookmarks to protect them…

My friend really liked her gift!

A tip for making it a box:

Here are all the parts I cut for the box. The cover parts can be used for journal covers or making a box. When using as a box, it is important to cut off a spine section. Otherwise there will be a big gap because the box sides are not as tall as the full spine width!

Making the bookmarks was fun. I used various paper and die cut scraps from my stash. 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to keep an eye on Eileen's blog for more inspiration from the Educator and Inspiration Teams.

Supplies used:

Eileen Hull Die - Skinny Mini Book Box  ( Sizzix, FJ, SB )
Eileen Hull Die - Mini Book  ( Sizzix, FJ, SB )

Eileen Hull Die Set - Envelope, Folder & Flowers ( Sizzix, FJ, SB )

Eileen Hull 3-D Embossing Folder - Crochet Mandala ( Sizzix, SB )

Tim Holtz Stamp Set - Crochet Trims, Spring Sprung
Tim Holtz Layering Stencil - various

Sizzix Mat Board

Eileen Hull Easy Cut Adhesive Sheets
Gel Press Plate

Some links in this post are affiliate links which do not affect the price you pay but allow me to earn a small percentage of a sale. Thanks! (My husband also thanks you!)

Funkie Junkie Focus – "The Flowers Are Coming"

Happy Spring! Our current Funkie Junkie Focus theme is "The Flowers Are Coming" and they are popping out all over, both in the garden and the craft room. I always think it's nice to have some cards on hand for any occasions that come up so I made a set of spring themed flower cards.

Think pink!

The beautiful Floral Trims stamp set from Tim Holtz is perfect for creating a focal image on a card! The Simple Sayings stamp set is also a favorite sentiment set that I use often for my cards.

I started off by creating several pages of pink inky backgrounds using Distress Spray Stains and Ranger Distress Watercolor Cardstock. I cut them down into card fronts and stamped with Black Soot Archival ink. I then loosely watercolored over the top to fill in the flowers. Easy!

Thanks for stopping by. Keep an eye on the Funkie Junkie Boutique Blog, Inspiration Ave. because you are now getting regular doses of expanded (and inspiring) content each week. Don't miss it…

Supplies used:

Tim Holtz Stamp Set - Floral Trims
Tim Holtz Stamp Set - Simple Sayings
Ranger Distress Watercolor Cardstock
Ranger Distress Spray Stains - Kitsch Flamingo, Saltwater Taffy, Picked Raspberries

Ranger Distress Oxide Spray Stains - Tattered Rose

Ranger Archival Inks - Black Soot, Picked Raspberries

watercolor paint