Distress Ink/Pads

Having sorted out my little drawer set for the distress inks sponges I decided to use them for next weeks school workshop. Doing something along the lines of Lorraine's class at our last retreat. I'm just doing a colour in sides of tag and image stamp with them. Time being a factor and the rest of the card needs to be put together too.

I have four ladies who come and I know that none of them will have used these before and probably not got any at home.

So... with that in mind part of my spiel to them is about dye ink pads in general.

Can I tell them they can use normal dye ink pads to do the same type of colouring and blending that we did/do with distress inks. I imagine at least two of the ladies would go home and wish they could do it again....so if I tell them that say Impress/Momento inks can be used to do similar colouring, would I be right. (have any of you used them) ???

Also.....does anyone know anywhere at the moment that has an offer on the distress pads. I've looked on ebay and there are a few I've put bids on, but am being outbid almost as fast. Might be worth just buying them anyway...but I know they can be expensive. ???

Thanks xxxx

As to your first question Karin. The answer is no. Basically anyway.
Distress ink pads are made to be wetter than a normal dye ink pad (which will usually dry very quickly) to give you time to work and blend with them. Anybody new to the technique would find it quite difficult with normal pads, especially on porous card stock.

CARD CRAFT-UK have them for £3.95 with free postage, which is a good price. They've also got Cut 'n Dry foam for £4.96.

Ooo thanks hun, on both counts. I did kind of think that might be the answer to other pads but had to ask cos I am frequently wrong

Thanks re prices....I did look at cut n dry foam somewhere else, but am grateful you've found one which is postage free too....must go shopping now then >>>>>

You can get some lovely effects using any old ink pads and stencil-type brushes, Karin. I don't bother with the stencil brushes, they are too expensive, but you can often get the kiddie's brushes with rather stiffer bristles quite cheaply.

Tap the end of the brush on the inkpad: tap off onto some scrap until you get the depth of colour you want (less better than more - you can always go over it again). Start with the lightest colour and go darker as you build up. Just tap the end of the brush on your paper or card to transfer the colour. I made a couple like that at the last retreat and, although they're not the same as the one we did with Lorraine's technique, they're pretty good. And you can use the pads you already have.

Lynda

Yes, I'm with Lorraine there - do loads of distressing as you all probably realise, but only ever use Distress Ink pads as the others seem to give far too intense colouring. I love blending with the distress pads on the craft sheet too.

Where do you get your card? What should I look for? I just use what I've got to hand which as you might guess has intermitent success.

I'm getting to like these too and Malcolm put the distressing tool & pads in my Christmas stocking, although have got cut'n dry foam too. Need to buy some more, so off for a look as like the idea of free p&P.

It is trial and error with card Karelyn plus how much 'force' you use when inking. I use Personal Impressions Premier Quality Smooth White Card 10 sheets - 250gsm for my Promarkers and distress inks but some of the luggage tags I've got work better and other don't.

To be honest I use which ever card is to hand. Its usually about 280gsm or 350gsm and is nice looking. If i use distress pads i am looking for just a nice colour. The one I did today came out really well. I used Broken China first and then Dusty Concord on top....matched the paper really well.

Thanks re tip Lynda. I don't have loads of pads these days mainly momento and stazon apart from distress LOL but some of my ladies have cheaper stuff....obv it won't work for them. But I can point them in the right direction.

Thank you, made a note and might just get myself some for when I need something that must work.

I always use Stampin' Up cream card. It is such good quality and isn't too pricey for a biggish pack of A4. I save it for when I am wanting to do delicate (not all that often!!!) as it has such a lovely surface.

We all manage to find something we like don't we, its amazing to think of how many different products there are out there.

Well, I ordered an ink pad, a promarker and some of the card from these yesterday. It arrived today!!!

Wow great stuff.
I do like getting parcels in the post LOL.
Just ordered some more beads cos Carol sent me a link for some delicas and I need them if I am going to have a go at another tutorial LOL.