SpectraArtTissueClass

SAMPLES: There are three gorgeous samples ready to view.

SUPPLIES:
*Spectra Art Tissue - why Spectra - because it bleeds the color. Expensive tissue will not work for this technique. I have seen this at Pearl and Michael's. You will probably want the assorted package.
*Watercolor paper - I use 140# hot press, because that is what I have. Cold press will probably work too. I'd stay away from rough simply because I don't think it's as easy to stamp on. You could probably go with a lighter weight paper too. But with the heavier weight, you'll have less buckling.
*Spritzer bottle
*optional - pan watercolors
*crocheted doilies - At Jo-Ann's - about a dollar apiece. Or you can try this - <www.newarkdress.com> or 1-800-736-6783 - .50 each (4"). You can always make these yourself.
*Whatever you'd like to stamp your image with.If you intend to add watercolor, make sure you use a waterproof ink. Other than that since the paper is dry, any kind of pad or embossing should work.

INSTRUCTIONS:
   This was included in one of the first stamping classes I ever took. The instructor, Amy Howell, is so full of ideas and she crams so much into a class. I missed most of what she was showing.
   A lot of you have done this technique on glossy paper. I didn't try this until I saw a class taught by our Jackie Ward. Her steps were a little more complicated than these are, and maybe if she's around, she'll share a little about that technique.
   In Amy's class, we did this on regular CS. It works, but the paper warps from all the water. After class when I was playing with it, I let it dry in-between paper towels. This worked out well because I got the pattern of the Bounty paper towel on the paper - made for an interesting background.
   Since that class, I have using the tissue on watercolor paper. I like this better. More expensive to be sure, but the paper doesn't warp. And the watercolor paper seems to absorb the color for a muted effect.
Directions for the first sample card.
   First of all I lay this out on my kitchen counter and do a couple of sheets at a time. Put something underneath to protect your counter.
   Lay out your paper. I use watercolor #140 Hot Press. But I'm sure cold press would be fine, and even a lighter weight paper. Or try regular cardstock.
Tear your tissue into strips or pieces.
   Lay it on the paper. You can overlap - just remember your color mixing rules - blue and pink will make purple. I have found that the lighter shades don't transfer color as well. For the dogwood card, I used the darker pink and blue.
   I noticed this is where Jackie and I do this differently. Jackie spritzes first the paper first and then lays down her tissue. I lay down the paper and than spritz. If you want more intense color, spray the paper first. If you want softer color, spray after the paper is down. Pick up a corner to see if the color has transferred. If not you will have to spray again. You might have to press down with your fingers. Or you can try the paper towel method, if you want a pattern.
   Now being the impatient person I am, I can never wait for the tissue to dry on the paper. I carefully lift it off to see what I got. If I want more of a certain color, I just apply more tissue.
   Let the paper dry completely. Then you can stamp on it with Memories or Ancient Page. That's all I did for this particular card.
Class sample #2
   Same technique as the first card, except I watercolored in the picture using pan watercolors. One more advantage to using the watercolor paper.
Class sample #3
   Same as the previous techniques except you're applying the tissue to crocheted doilies. Interesting....I think this last bunch of doilies I got had some polyester or sizing on them. They were much more resistant to the color. The color will go through to the other side, so you get a choice on how intense you would like the color to be.
   Michele came up with an idea that I have yet to try. Her suggestion was to mix a little pearl-ex in with the water to give it some shimmer. Please let me know how this works if you try this. Any questions, please contact LindaJ.