Bleach Background Swap Announced

For Paper Traders members only

Bleach Stamped Background Papers

Due: 9/16/2011

Hosted by: Lorna Sommer

Directions: We will be taking heavy duty black cardstock (8 1/2" x 11"). Kid's construction paper is too thin and wouldn't stand up to what we're going to do to it! Next fold several layers of paper towels and place on a large dinner plate. Pour small amount of bleach on the papers. I keep my plate of bleach outside the studio because the fumes bother me which is why it's a great project for summertime. Decide what theme or themes you'd like your papers to be and gather 3-4 stamps in that theme (Egyptian, flowers, Celtic, etc.) Lightly stamp onto the bleach soaked papers and then onto the black cardstock. If you get too much bleach you can stamp on another paper first. Too much bleach or too heavy a hand when stamping causes the images to blur. Sometimes I like that look, but if you want only clear images then press very gently. Continue stamping until the page is pretty much covered. Don't forget you can stamp images off the edges too. I lay the papers in the sun to dry to enhance the bleaching process, but that's not necessary. Then gather 3 colored ink pads (or more colors if you wish, but I usually stick to 3) and some sponge pieces. Now color in the bleached images with ink. I've found that rubbing the color on rather than dabbing works better. Next, I take a gold ink pad and sponge through sequin waste in any areas that look "empty". As a final touch, I will stamp a small additional image in gold ink or stamp on top of blurred images to make them more clear. I did that on the Oriental page where I stamped the characters in gold and then stamped on top of the lantern to clarify the image. Also did that on the arch in the Medieval paper. Then you're done! Viola! Gorgeous papers!

Please mail 2 papers flat with cardboard, etc to keep them that way along with $1.00 return postage and a mailing label with your name and address. Please don't tape the envie too much so I can re-use it for the returns. Postmark by September 16th.

Lorna Sommer