Friday, April 8, 2016

Distress Crayons: a subtle approach

It's raining here today (not something we say often in CA) and I always like to be working in the craft room when it rains.  If it's not too cold I sometimes even open the window so I can hear it better.

Well today I thought I experiment a little more with the Distress Crayons.  Follow along and I'll show you what I did.

Scribble out some crayon on to the craft mat.  You will also need a Mini Blending tool and a bit of water.
Use the Mini Blending tool to pick up the crayon.  The foam must be damp not wet.  Here are some hints:
  • too much water - it picks up the crayon way too easy and almost makes suds
  • too little water (or none) - it won't pick up the crayon (it will just squeak across the mat)
  • damp sponge - picks up the crayon easily (if you feel like you have too much water on the foam just pounce it on a paper towel a couple times and that will take cake of it)
 I cut a card front from Mixed Media paper and used a large stencil to add a pattern with the Blending Tool.
Now go back and pick up another color.  Same blending foam (no need to change the pad) - I just pounced it on the paper towel a couple times before going into the Fossilized Amber. 
 This time I'm using a Mini Stencil to change the scale of the circles.

 Another Mini Stencil to add some numbers with Seedless Preserves.
 I mounted the card from on Silver Metallic cardstock and then on a turquoise Kraft Core.
 A little stitching around the card finishes it off.
 Next, I mounted the self adhesive Deco Sheet onto a piece of cardstock then punched tiny 1/2" hexagons using the Tim Holtz Hexagon punch.  A quick way to make a lot of hexagon pieces.
 A dot of Glossy Accents works perfectly to adhere the hexagons to the card front.
 A sentiment from the Hashtags stamp set.
I thought the card needed a bit more detail so I used Ranger Watercolor paper and the Tattered Flower Garland to cut a few small flowers.  They have been colored with Distress Inks and a waterbrush.
 I adhered a small Crinkle Ribbon bow with Glossy Accents.
And then added the flowers.  These flowers have a hole in the center for layering with a brad.  I find that if you bend and squish the flower to make them more realistic, the hole fades away.
I added a Heart Charm to complete the cluster.

Its hard to show the shine of the silver Deco Sheets but that textured surface really makes the card fun.  The hexagon punch was super easy to use to create all those hexs...can't imagine doing that by hand.
Well, I hope you will try the crayons/blending tool technique to make a background.  I ended up creating a few card fronts while I was experimenting.  I found that more often than not, I did not even have to wipe off the foam pad between colors (that foam pad is kinda magic).  I think this would be a great way to add color to an art journal.  I guess I better try that size surface next!
now carry on,
paula


43 comments:

  1. Another great technique Paula, I love how it creates such delicate tones! Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Such an elegant card, it's so beautiful Paula and that background looks amazing...I'll definitely have to give it a go! x

    ReplyDelete
  3. FAbulous way to use the crayons, showing again that the distress range is so versatile and fun to play with.

    ReplyDelete
  4. You are so clever! Love this card.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Amazing, then of course all your creations are amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. So beautiful Paula and a great technique (on my list to try when the coloured on s arrive!!) x

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Background looks fantastic :) love the crayons.
    Beautiful Card <3

    ReplyDelete
  8. LOVE THIS!!! Thank you for the great inspiration, sweet friend!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh WOW ... great tips ... like how you play ( yeah it's rainy here too ... I had plans of play but my body had other ideas ( I got a nap ) :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love the sweet subtle tones and great design. Going to give this a go

    ReplyDelete
  11. Soft subtle tones with a pop of shine. Sweet.

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's sort of an EXCELLENT idea to use a damp foam pad to blend color with Distress Crayons. Off to try this...... (thx <3)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Fabulous tutorial Paula. Love the finished card. Hugs Rita xxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great Tutorial Paula, your card is amazing! The Distress Crayons are amazing to work with!

    Hugs,
    Ellen

    ReplyDelete
  15. A stunning card Paula x Thanks for a great step by step and useful tips too

    Best wishes
    Annie x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great tips Paula. Always inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  17. WOW !!! What a great nice tutorial, now I have to try immediately, thanks Paula!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh man I love this effect! I look forward to giving it a go! TFS Paula, fantastic as always! :D
    Dolly

    ReplyDelete
  19. Your experiments are so inspiring! TFS Paula!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Okay, now I HAVE to get the mini stencils! Love this Paula, thanks for the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing this way to use the crayons Paula. My first set of crayons arrived in the post today. Can't wait to try them out.
    Julie x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful card Paula! Love the tutorial, now I have to get my crayons out and play a bit!
    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I must try NOW your technique! it's fabuolous and I love so much this Tim Holtz Hexagon punch, I want it! as always, everything seems easy, I highlight seems, because what you do is pure class, which is why it looks easy! Wonderful tutorial! thanks for sharing your creativity!!! BArbara

    ReplyDelete
  24. Really love this technique, beautiful card. Always love step by steps x

    ReplyDelete
  25. Beautiful! I love the hexagon punch.

    ReplyDelete
  26. WE here
    http://essaykings.co.uk/
    were just astounded and mesmerized by the selection of color you have focused on! they look incredibly harmonious! Nice! Grateful for that!

    ReplyDelete
  27. And you don't like cards!!!! This is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. There are so many distress products, Paula, and although it's tempting, I don't want them all. What made you choose the crayons for this project? I see people using them for outlining and shading. When do you find yourself reaching for the distress crayons?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marcie, This was just an experiment to juxtapose what others have been doing. I had only been seeing the crayons used in very dark shades and wanted to find a way to use them in a more subtle way.

      Delete
  29. Goodness me, this is FABULOUS!

    Kathyk
    Distress Crayon fan!

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a wicked cool technique!! Love the way that background turned out!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Really a great way to use Distress Crayons! Very nice card.
    Cheers, Roberta from RobsCreations

    ReplyDelete
  32. happened to see this card On Pinterest today- it is gorgeous and I love your idea with the watercolor crayons-I am definitely pinning this for future reference

    ReplyDelete
  33. I would have never thought to use a mini blending tool. Thanks. Awesome project.

    ReplyDelete