VTHS: ATC w/Grungeboard & Distress Oxide Ink

I guess grungeboard was originally released over 10 years ago but I'm still having fun with it, especially with distress oxide inks! if you need some grungeboard please message me with your address.

For this swap you will create one ATC for one partner.

You must use the official Tim Holtz grungeboard for this swap, there really is no substitute!

You need to start with embossed grungeboard so either grab a piece that is already embossed (like the swirls, lines, harlequin, etc) with a pattern or use a plain piece and use your favorite embossing folder.

You can either cut a piece of grungeboard to ATC size OR create a shape/diecut that will fit on to an ATC.

First you will apply a layer of acrylic paint to the grungeboard. Distress paint is ideal, but any brand of acrylic paint should work. You don't want a super thick layer or a heavily water down layer. Allow paint to dry completely, use a heat tool if necessary to speed it up but be careful as the heat may cause the paint to bubble. After thoroughly dried, sand the grungeboard until the high areas of the embossed pattern show through. This may cause low areas to also show through, it is fine. I alternated between fine and medium grit sandpaper depending on how thick the paint layer was. Once you're happy with how much grungeboard is showing through again, clean it off with a damp cloth to remove sanding residue.

Next you will apply more paint in some random pattern or using a stencil. You do not want to cover the first layer, just add additional color. Allow to completely dry and sand once more. Aim to expose the grungeboard in the high areas of the embossed pattern again.

You can repeat this process as many times as you'd like with as many different colors of paint as you'd like. Just keep in mind that the grungeboard needs to be exposed to get the best results in the next step.

Once you're happy with your grungeboard, choose a coordinate distress oxide ink pad and dab a bit on to your craft mat. Mist with water to oxidize the ink and drag your grungeboard through it. The watery ink should soak in to the grungeboard but somewhat resist the painted areas. You can dab off the excess with a towel while heat setting. Repeat this process as many times as you'd like with as many colors as you'd like. Just be sure to continue heating/inking/dabbing/misting/heating/misting/dabbing/heating/inking/heating to get the cool layered effect from the oxide inks.

You can now finish your ATC anyway you'd like but you want to accent the grungeboard piece you created, not cover it. When completely satisfied with your artwork, attach a sturdy back if needed, give it a title and include the swap title, your username and date.

If you have any questions the quickest way to reach me is my private message. I do try to check my swaps regularly for comments & questions, but sometimes I am not too timely :-/

As always, if you are flaked on in this swap I will angel for you provided you have given your partner a 1 rating.