One of the best thins about the crafting/artin community is that I’m constantly getting inspired by other blogs. One of my favorites is BalzerDesigns.com– Julie is an amazing mixed-media artist and I’ve been lucky enough to appear on her show “Scrapbook Soup” the past few years.
Last week, she shared a canvas that she did as part of a Ranger Challenge with Distress Paints. She followed THAT up with tutorial using foam and metal foil tape that got my gears working!! 
So I spent the better part of an afternoon doing my own version of the technique. Per her tutorial, I tried it with Distress Paints. But then I got to wondering what would happen if you used other materials– say, Vintaj Patinas or solvent-based inks like Surfacez by ColorBox.
Behold: 
From L-R: Distress Paints, Vintaj Patinas, and Surface re-inkers.
I found that the Distress Paints were the most matte, the Patinas were glossier, and the Surfacez allowed the metal to show through for the most shiny effect.
Then I ran them through my embossing machine.
Come to find out, you don’t even need to mount it on foam for a nice emboss or deboss. It worked great on the manilla tag, too!
I decided I really liked to accent the shine by using a layer of Mod Podge Dimensional Magic (as shown above.) It really played up the layers!
Click this picture to see my post on Braille Valentine’s Day Cards!
And in this card, I didn’t use the MPDM, but instead added a little more ink on top to highlight the texture.
I also tried die-cutting it and embossing it without mounting it on *anything* first. That also worked OK! I personally love this card:
And to finish off my play day, I made these earrings:
The quickie instructions:
- Mount foil tape to foam
- Color foil tape with inks or paints
- Emboss with folder of your choice
- Die cut or hand-cut into a shape you like
- Punch holes
- Top with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic Glitter formula- let dry (optional)
- Set Eyelets
- Add bead drops using a wrapped loop technique
- Add large jump ring and ear hooks
And I made you a little video, too:
What do you think? Would you give it a go? I’d love to hear your feedback!
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Lovely projects you had done
Love it! Looks like I’m in for yet another trip to the hardware store! Thanks Jenny!
I LOVE the ROCK AND ROLL card!!!!! The thank you card is beautiful as well! LOVE the shiny pink…
I love re-purposed objects for crafting! One of the more fun places I’ve been is the leather-craft store (my son was into making leather wallets for a while, and the local place that made and sold riding gear had all KINDS of cool stuff!). Thanks for trying out all those different inks on the metal. Do you think the plain old Ranger alcohol inks would have the same effect? Did you add the Modge Podge to your earrings as a sealer?
I loved Julie’s post, too. The Dimensianal Magic adds a whole new layer to try…kudos!
I did use the MP to seal the inks. And YES, any alcohol ink would give the same shiny effect as Surfacez. (Pinatas or Adirondacks.) Have fun!
My favorite art supply store is the hardware store. Have always loved walking through the isles looking at products thru artist eyes. I’ve used the metallic tape on steampunk and other projects before, LOVE the stuff!! Keep up the good work, Thank You!
Pretty!!!!!!! I am in love with those earrings, so richly colorful!
wow those earrings are beautiful. i found my husbands foil tape he was suppose to do the pipes with but did’t. finders keepers lol