In today’s video I’m mixing Alcohol Ink, both plain and metallic colors, with a dose of 91% alcohol to create pretty abstract paintings with glimmering metallic effects. The process is pretty darn easy with those ingredients and the addition of an air source.
Use either Tim’s Alcohol Inks or Jacquard’s Pinata branded ones. As you’ll see in the video I work with both.
As for the air source, people use a variety of options. I ended up with one that I’ve not seen before my husband dreamed it up; an old CPAP machine. I adjusted the pressure on the air output to the lowest setting the machine had and found that it, in combination with a tip from a bulb syringe that I taped to the end of the hose, worked. You can use whatever works for you: blow through a straw, squeeze a bulb syringe, an old hair dryer. If it works, then it’s perfect!
Supplies For This Video:
Tim Holtz Alcohol Inks – open stock colors (on sale at 25% off)
Tim Holtz Alcohol Ink – multi packs (on sale at 25% off)
Yupo Paper Pads (on sale at 25% off)
Joggles Fineline Bottles – Choose one with either a 24 or 25 gauge needle tip
4 Comments
This reminds me why I love abstract art so much: everyone can see something different in each piece. I see a face in the all blue ATC and a frog in the turquoise and green 5×7. Of course, sometimes its just a feeling rather than and object I sense or a simple appreciation for something beautiful. Great video, Barb!
Thank you – perfect explanation and timing – since I just purchased the metallics from you! Question – have you experienced a difference in how the inks flow when using higher or lower concentrations of alcohol, or alcohol versus blending solution?
excellent video with some ideas I’ve been wanting to try but didn’t know how to accomplish it. so thanks 🙂
Ha! I just got a new (quieter) CPAP, so I could repurpose the old louder one for crafts! BRILLIANT! Thank you for suggesting it!