What are Tom Holtz Distress Inks?:
Distress Inks by Tom Holtz for Ranger Inks are specially formulated inks that are ideal for distressing or aging rubber stamping projects. These are very versatile acid-free, non-toxic and fade resistant inks that can be used in a wide variety of ways. Distress Inks are ideal for achieving the 'shabby chic' look that is so popular and also giving an antique feel to stamping projects. The inks are available in 24 colors in both ink pads and in re-inker bottles. The ink pads have a raised pad which makes them ideal for direct-to-paper techniques.
Using Distress Inks:
Distress Inks are water based inks and are specially formulated to spread when wet. One of the most popular ways of using distress inks is to creative wonderful aged and textured backgrounds for stamping projects. To achieve great results simply crumple a piece of paper and then carefully unfold it and rub a distress ink pad over the top. The ink will add color to the raised part of the paper giving a textured effect. A quick spray of water will encourage the color to bleed outwards giving a depth to the shading. This can be repeated with different colored Distress Inks added as required.
Buying Distress Inks:
Distress Inks are readily available from craft and stamping supply stores. The Ranger Ink website has more information about stockists.
Tips for Using Distress Inks in Stamping Projects:
- After distressing the paper, let it dry and then gently iron it to provide a smooth surface for stamping
- Use the Distress Ink pads to ink the edges of torn paper for a co-ordinating color scheme
- Use Distress Inks to stamp onto wet paper, the color will bleed from the stamped image giving stunning results
- Try using Distress Inks on various paper or cardstock surfaces - glossy and mat finishes produce different results
More Information About Distress Inks:
The Ranger Ink websites offers a lot more information about Distress Inks including Tom Holtz's own tips about using Distress Inks and project ideas.
