This is a simple design using the aluminum foil and alcohol inks, wrinkling the aluminum, glue to light weight paper then daub with various alcohol inks. The trees are left over scraps from a previous project. The real fun was making ink. I gathered walnuts and rotted them in the garage for several weeks in water. When the time came to cook them this was the ugliest thing I ever saw complete with mold and rot! I attempted to remove the outer shell before cooking since that is the part that makes the ink but it was like removing the outside of a tennis ball. I decided to cook them and worry about that later. As it cooked everything turned a black color, far preferable than actually seeing what was in there since beetle larva can survive the boiling. Beady eyes in a boiling pot would have ended this very quickly. As the water boiled, I used my thickest gloves to stick my hands in it and start breaking up the ugly mess. I cooked for 5 hours but I believe I should have let it go longer. I then took an old pair of support hose which will never be worn again to strain the sludge. With the help of my guest and craft buddy, we started scooping the sludge into the panty hose. I hoped my legs didn't look as bad in the hose as the nasty, lumpy sludge did! After straining we strained again since a lot of sludge pieces got into the ink. After it cooled we poured it in jars and added 20% alcohol to prevent molding. This did thin out the ink but I was thrilled with the color. It was then used in a mister, sprayed on a craft sheet and any dye reinker or alcohol ink worked beautifully for blending colors.
Thanks for stopping by and I'd love to know if anyone else tried this.
Date: Friday, October 31, 2014 GMT Views: 2758
Favorited:18
Registered: May 9, 2008 Location: N.Tonawanda, NY between Buffalo and Niagara Falls Posts: 2751
Sun, Nov 02, 2014 @ 7:19 PM
Nancy, you are a hoot! I loved your description of your labors to make your own walnut ink, I could just picture all that fussing. I would never have made it past the mold and smell. But, your card turned out just gorgeous with amazing results. Thank goodness for Ranger inks for us slugs.........
------------------------------ Sue Drees MY BLOG Proud Fan Club Member "I'm thankful that in God's design, he planned it so your path crossed mine"
Registered: May 23, 2009 Location: sunny california Posts: 9825
Mon, Nov 03, 2014 @ 7:29 AM
I am so glad that I had a little time this morning and found this card. It is amazing...you have such a great way with tin foil and metals. And a big thanks for your great story...I will be picturing you, your friend, and the stocking full of sludge and laughing all day. My DH is wonderful, but he gets a little nervous when I take out the messy dylusion sprey...I don't think I will be making ink sludge soon. Another GORGEOUS Nancy creation.
Registered: March 15, 2012 Location: Alabama Posts: 11018
Mon, Nov 03, 2014 @ 7:41 AM
What an amazing technique and your card is divine!!! Now I will know where to go for supplies if the craft stores all shut down....right up to your place for some home-made ink! Nancy, you rocked it out with this one too! Beautiful card!!!
Registered: June 4, 2009 Location: Deatsville, Alabama Posts: 82443
Mon, Nov 10, 2014 @ 2:25 AM
Wow - you are making your own ink now? Is there anything you can't do my friend? I am so darn impressed. So if you sold it, what would you name it? Lucky crafting friend that was with you - seeing your genius crafting brain at work like this. I am amazed and bow to your abilities my friend. Hugz!
------------------------------ Nancy Williams - Hope your day is Spirit-filled and ink-filled (in that order)!DRS Designs-DT, Punchkateerforever, Dirty Dozen Alumni
Registered: October 3, 2007 Location: Prescott, AZ Posts: 989
Fri, Nov 14, 2014 @ 12:35 PM
Oh my, Oh my, if this isn't the most beautiful card I have EVER seen!!!!! I can't think the ink you made had anything to do with this card, or did it? Whatever, it truly is so beautiful it ought to be framed and in an art gallery. I'm new to your Gallery and sooooooo excited that there's more to look at. Thanks for sharing your talent.
------------------------------
Page:1 · 2 · [3] · 4 · More »