Calling All Inking Experts...

Judy, cards look great. Sometimes just a little ink on the edge gives a mat, photo or edge of a piece of paper or cardstock an ending definition and makes it stand out from the page a little more. If you want a little more ink to show on the edges of the paper you can try using a cotton ball dapped onto the ink pad, or a make-up sponge, or even for a different look a stiff paintbrush where you just dap straight up and down into the ink so it is on the bristles. They sell special ink daubers for this, but a stiff brush works just as well. Just practice on some scrap cardstock to get the look you want. I've used a brush to dap ink all around the edges of a piece of cardstock getting lighter as I move toward the center. It gives the paper a shadow effect. I'll try to find a sample and load it for you to see.

Sandy

head to a chinese art shop and ask for caligraphy brushes. they are stiff brushes for their artwork. Also you can always get camel hair brushes and then put a rubber band around the brush close to the top to stifen them.

HTH Kate

Here are some links to what I was suggesting:

I push the edge of the cardstock straight into the ink pad and push it up and down a few times and then rotate the cardstock to get all the edges.

Hi Judy,

They look great and look just like where I started out. Very subtle, but it does make your card pop. When I've tried to get more ink on the edges I've scraped the card on the corner of the ink pad. BUT be very careful or you'll get the corner printed on your card if you get too carried away. haha Also darker inks will make it pop more too.

I just read about using an old toothbrush to ink the edges. I'm trying that next. Goes right along with Sandy's suggestion to use a stiff brush.

Lynne

I'm a pouncer, too.

Sandy

I am a swipper and a pouncer. It all deponds on the type of ink pad I use.

Thanx Sandy. It sounds almost like the same procedure as with chalking - if you use the cotton balls or make -up sponge. I'm going to get a stiff bristled paint brush and also see how that works.

Judy, SA

That's a great idea! Thanks Kate. We've got a nice Art Shop in our local mall and I think they might stock that caligraphy brushes. They do have a bit of craft stuff aswell....hmmm...I think I should take the Credit Card along! :)

Judy, SA

Thanks for looking Lynne. The toothbrush technique also sounds interesting. I guess you'll get a "scratchy" effect. Please post if you do try it - I would love to see :)

Judy, SA

Oh my Goodness - I only went online again tonight (Wednesday) and she removed that video clip!! But thanks so much for finding it Marilyn! There was other very interesting clips on the webpage aswell :) Amazing what you can find on youtube these days!

Judy, SA

Marilyn, it's really strange, but all that shows up my side is a black box with "We're sorry, this video is no longer available". Darn! But not to worry - I did find this link on the site:

where she actually uses the whole inkpad on the edges of the cardstock. The result is what I have in mind and I want to try it on Sunday, if time allows :)

Have a great weekend!

Judy, SA