Craft Stamper December TIMI Challenge: Stamping with white

Hi!
Time for another inspiring Take It, Make It challenge by Craft Stamper Magazine: Stamping with white!

Every now and then I come across discussion threads in which paper crafters look for a good white stamping ink. One that would not give a solid white result and not something transparent nor vague, and that could even be used with stamps with lots of details.  I don't think there's one. I have tried out several types and brands, but had issues with every one. Some inks are ok, but most of them don't give you a proper white, crispy stamped image. Or if they are somewhat ok, the ink pads dry out really fast.

Instead of buying new white ink pads I have started using white acrylic paint and white embossing powder. Acrylic paints work best with basic images without too many details. However, acrylic paint can be used on various surfaces, and depending on the amount of paint used, the result is really white and not transparent. When stamping with acrylic paints I suggest you use a crafting mat as your 'ink pad', and just spread the paint on it with a brayer or a crafting knife. Do not use too much paint, as it will easily run and cover the entire stamp, and the stamp details will not be visible anymore. The thinner your layer of paint is the crispier but also more transparent will your stamped image be. After stamping it's important to wash the stamp right away, as you will not get the paint off once it has dried. For removing the paint from the stamp I like to use an old, soft toothbrush, warm water and hand soap.

When using images with lots of details I like to use white embossing powder. Some of the embossing powders work amazingly well with detailed stamp images. When playing with embossing powders you have several options for crating a white image - if you want to create a white chalkboard finish I suggest you have a look at this past tag project of mine, in which I used a chalkboard technique introduced by Tim Holtz.

For my December TIMI card I used both of my favorite white stamping techniques: Stamping with white acrylic paint, and heat embossing with white embossing powder:

The card background is standard craft cardstock. I love he combination of light brown earth tones and clear white. It may be that I'll use this color combo for my Christmas cards, too :)

I started with adding a bit of ink on the background edges and center, and continued with stamping the dotted texture with white paint. All the layered elements are cut with BigShot:
* Doily from white cardstock using *this die*
* Flowers from burlap paper and craft cardstock using *this die*. Burlap flower was 'white washed' with acrylic paint before gluing on the background
* 'Hello' sentiment from craft cardstock using *this stamp and die set*
* Leaves from craft cardstock using *this stamp and die set*

I hope you get inspired and create your own white stamping project. We have a generous sponsor this month,  Rubber Dance. One lucky winner will get a £20.00 voucher in the Rubber Dance online store!

And there's even more:
The Design Team will their Top Three projects, and the overall Winner will get published in Craft Stamper magazine! Woohoo!
And: The Challenge winner will be offered a Guest Designer spot for an upcoming challenge!

So hop over to Craft Stamper Magazine blog, have a look at the DT entries and post your own project here!

Wishing you an inspiring weekend. Thanks for stopping by - hope you have time to leave a short comment ♥ ♥ ♥