Distress Spray Stain - C Clark Creative

Have you tried ink smooshing yet? If not, prepare to be amazed. I’m using Distress Spray Stain today to achieve some fantastic backgrounds which are then layered into some fabulous cards. To make it even better, I’m using a few more goodies from Simon Says Stamp’s Stamptember release.

For the video tutorial using Distress Spray Stain, click the link below. To see the cards, just keep reading!

Card Panels

To create two cards, you will need four panels of precut watercolor paper. After preparing two card panels with an anti-static tool, use VersaMark Watermark ink to stamp Deco Squares background stamp, then use heat to set white embossing powder.

Next, take one of the plain card panels and stamp selected sentiment(s) using VersaMark Watermark ink. Heat to set using selected embossing powder (Copper).

You now have two embossed background panels, one embossed sentiment panel, and one plain panel to ink smoosh.

Now you can begin ink smooshing! Working one color at a time, begin by spraying a few spritz of Distress Spray Stain onto one card panel, then press another card panel atop to transfer color. Allow card panel to dry partially before moving onto next color. The dryer the panels, the less the color will mix.

Continue to layer colors until you are happy with outcome. Finally, let panels dry thoroughly.

Die Cutting

Select Dotted Ovals dies sized just larger than selected sentiment(s), then die cut. Die cut one of the white embossed panels using the 3 1/2” x 3 1/2” Dotted Square die. The remaining embossed card panel and plain card panel need to be trimmed to A2 card size (4 1/4” x 5 1/2”).

Card Assembly

For the first card, adhere A2 sized, embossed panel onto a card base using adhesive of choice. Select larger sentiment and adhere to card using foam tape. This card is complete! Simplicity in design allows the Distress Spray Stain to really show it’s beauty.

The second card utilizes the plain A2 panel as a background to the smaller embossed panel, which is popped up via foam tape. With the smaller of the sentiments also popped up with foam tape, this card is also complete. The sentiment is a perfect focal point to variations in texture and layers, even as the same color scheme follows through each layer.

These colors of Distress Spray Stain (Milled Lavender, Tattered Rose, and Tea Dye) are a perfect palette for subdued color, yet allow enough variation to continued interest in the cards. Ink smooshing is such a fun technique, I am always in awe with the beautiful panels I end up with – every time!

For more inspiration using ink smooshing, check out my post on Ink Smooshing!