Backporch: Technique of the Week: Zentangled Black Inchies

In conjunction with the Art 'n Soul Newsletter, this is an expanded version of Technique of the Week, published today.

I got this idea from a post by Cindy Shepard, CZT. She was using stencils and white paint on black paper and Zentangling in the white space. I decided to take it a step further and use one of my favorite mediums: Art Squares by Inchie Arts.

I used a 3" black Art Square, and a great new stencil by Magenta (TM146) (I could not do a link for you to this mini sized heart on their site, but we can get them exclusively - for now - at Art 'n Soul).

Most any size Art Square would work for this, depending on the stencil you're using.

Using Dylusions White Linen paint by Dyan Reaveley of Ranger, I dipped a mini blending tool into the paint and rubbed it around on my craft mat to work the paint into the sponge.

I positioned the stencil over the Art Square, and applied the white paint with the blending tool.

When the paint was dry, it was a perfect canvas for Zentangling. The ink in a Micron pen is the same color as the black Art Square, and if you need to make some of the edges neater you can do so. I added Zentangle patterns into the white spaces of this gorgeous little heart from Magenta. You could do less if you wish, and leave more of the white; it's up to you. This was really quick and fun to do.

Be sure to wash off your mat, your sponge (blending tool) and your stencil.

I inked just the first two lines of the Magenta stamp 07.927.H (Multilingual I Love You) with Versamark Ink. Using a stamp positioner, I lined it up and stamped; then embossed with JudiKins White Diamond embossing powder. I love how it turned out!

In Progress

To finish the card, I prepared a base card of Neenah Solar White 110# cardstock. I took a strip of So Silk Beauty Pink cardstock (2.25" x 5.5") and dry embossed with a We R Memory Keepers Next Level embossing folder (Wave 662676).

[Just a note about this embossing folder: we are trying to get them in the shop and they are being backordered quite a bit, but we are going to keep trying. They are very worth it; they give a beautiful look to your embossing. They are, however, thicker than a normal embossing folder, and they are 6"x6", so they do not fit into a Cuttlebug. The sandwich for the Big Shot varies depending on the model that you have, but if you do not open the tabs, lay your folder with the cardstock inside onto the base plate and use only one cutting plate. I tried opening one tab, and using two plates like we would normally do with an embossing folder, and it was too thick to go through. I ended up opening all the tabs, and it went through, but shot one cutting plate and the folder across the room!]

I adhered everything down with Scot Tape, and placed various sequins, adhered with Ranger Multi Medium Matte adhesive.

Magenta Products Used