BS Sessions - Tutorials on Distress Spray Stain Backgrounds and Coloring with Black

Welcome, Friendly Friends to the very 

second installment of the BS Sessions!

What are the BS Sessions? Well Samantha knows how to work a marker like nobody's business and Becca loves to get messy with mixed media. We both wanted to learn the other person's crafty secrets so we're going to ask one another a question on the last Thursday of the month. Becca will provide you with some amazing Mixed Media techniques and Samantha will show you some tips and tricks about coloring! We'll both provide our followers with a little tutorial, because if we have these questions - our followers might too!

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Which brings me to this month's question, asked by Sammy:

What are some good ways to make backgrounds for cards with Spray Stains?

Being the Damsel of Distressed... Yeah... I own a ton of Distress Spray Stains (I don't have them in every color.... yet!) Samantha, on the other hand, just bought a bunch of Dylusions Spray Stains. 

It's important to note that some spray stains are different. Distress Sprays are reactive to water so you can do some funky cool techniques with them that you wouldn't normally be able to do with others. Likewise, both Distress and Dylusions have really pigmented colors - meaning you'll get a much more vibrant result with them than some other brands. For example, I've tried a couple Heidi Swapp spray stains and I use them when I want more of a pastelly tone or not as vibrant of a color. 

Some of the techniques (water reactivity) will only be able to be done with Distress Spray Stains, but some can be done with all types. 

Background one - Double Dip Dyeing with Distress Stain

Start out with your blank piece of paper. Since I know I want to use a heavy spray of water with this one, I'm using watercolor paper. You can also use heavy weight cardstock, but I wouldn't try this with lightweight cardstock because the paper will pill. 

Spray your paper all over with stain - I used Spun Sugar and Dusty Concord because they blend nicely. 

Then spritz with water - you'll see your colors start to run together and lighten. There will also be "holes" in the color in places where the most water was applied. This is unique to Distress products - water reactivity.

At this point, take time to COMPLETELY dry your background with a heat gun. Then move on to the next step - There will be extra stain on your craft mat that has formed little bubbles. Press your paper color side down into these bits, give it a little bit of a wiggle back and forth and then lift. 

So for this background, the water reactivity parts are unique to Distress Spray Stains, but a similar result can be obtained with Dylunsions, Sammy! 

Background 2 - The Galaxy with Splatters

Can you all tell that I am totally making up these names? :)

For this background, we're not going to use any water. Spray stains will be more concentrated the closer the nozzle is to the paper.

So I sprayed some bits close to the paper, and then pulled back and did some sprays further away, varying the effect a little bit, getting variations in the concentration of colors.

Lastly, I unscrewed the caps of some of my metallic colors - Picket Fence which is a nice white and Brushed Silver. This part gets a little messy, so make sure there's nothing in the general vicinity (and that you're not wearing a white shirt - woops!) 

The end of the straw will have ink on it. If you position this over your paper, then tap the nozzle with your finger, it will start spraying off all over the place and you can get some really lovely splatters. 

Background 3 - The Full Mixed Media Madness

Distress Sprays work SO well with various types of media. You can blob on bits and bobs, put a layer of gesso down and then spray to get a beautiful effect. 

For this next background, however, I chose to go with some texture paste and washi tape. 

Firstly, I sprayed a nice, even spray of Scattered Straw

Then I made certain that was fully dry and added a layer of washi tape and texture paste through a stencil (for a texture paste tutorial, see last month's BS Sessions). 

Next, I spritzed with darker shades of the same tones - Spiced Marmalade and Mustard Seed. This helps to vary the colors and add depth to give a nice visual appeal. 

Lastly, I used the same splatter technique from above to add black splatters all over the place. 

(This time I also to a process photo so you could see what the straw looks like without the bottle)

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So there are 3 different backgrounds for you! :) 

A couple other notes about Spray Stains:

> They are messy! I've seen people use a cardboard box to set their card bases in before spraying because it really does get everywhere. 
> Keep your paper towels on hand - You can dab up excess spray if it starts to get away from you or if you accidentally spill a whole bottle of black Distress Spray Stains all over the place after you uncapped it to take a process photo for your blog readers. 
>Keep baby wipes on hand - If you're switching from color to color, you can wipe your hands off in between.
>Your hands will get stained! So wear gloves or something if you have an important business meeting the next day. 
>Think about how colors will blend. You don't want to spray green and red in the same vicinity, for instance, because they will make brown (unless you want brown - then spray away!)
>Have fun. These things SO are not meant to be for a perfectionist. 

Now - if you're interested in improving your color skills, make sure you head on over to Sammy's blog 

because she's answered my question:

How do you color with black? I wanna know how to do hair and clothes!

Special Stamp Release - True North

I was *thrilled* to get my inky hands on the latest STAMPlorations release - True North. I happen to love lighthouses and so this set was a must have for me.

As soon as those polymer babies were in my hands, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. So I pulled out my Distress Inks and set to work!

 

I did a tutorial a couple weeks ago about how to sponge ink and then use transparent texture paste to get a great raised surface. This starburst was a result of that!

 

Then I kept the sponging going! I used a blue-gray shade of Distress Inks (Stormy Sky) to create a sky background, and then a darker blue (Faded Jeans) to create my water.

 

 

Then I used my darkest blue Distress Inks (Chipped Sapphire) through the Tribal Swirls stencil to give a retro-mod feel of waves.

Next, I used some torn and crumpled cardstock to create "rocks" for my lighthouse to sit on. I sponged the rocks with Pumice Stone and then added Black soot to the raised areas before sprinkling with bits of Black Soot Distress Spray Stain.

Then I stamped and colored my lighthouse with Spectrum Noir Markers and put it all together!

As you can see - I distressed up the lightbeams a bit (couldn't help myself). Even through there are some awesome sentiments in this set, I opted to not stamp one on this particular creation because there is already a lot going on.

Hey! Do you want to win this set? Then head on over to STAMPlorations because Shery is giving it away! Leave a comment here and then hop on over to the STAMPblog. Some very lovely other creations have been made by my fellow STAMPteamies so go take a peek!

I'm entering my card into the following challenges:
Cardz 4 Guyz - You rock (hey, there's a rock in it) :)
City Crafter Challenge - Paste It
Craft Stamper - Take it Make it - Ink Stitch Paint Collage Print Paper - I used lots of ink, made my rocks with collaged paper, and created my own print with the stencil!
Just us Girls - Trend week - Use stencils

Distress Spray Watercolor Wash - Hop to Stop

Hurry Hurry Hurry! There are only >>2<< days left to link up for the Hop to Stop! I'd love to see your creations! 

Not sure what the heck I'm talking about? The Hop to Stop is a 2-week linkup party where we're asking papercrafters to use their voices and share their talents to bring awareness for victims of Domestic Violence. One in 3 women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime.

Since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month here in America, and purple is the official color, all you have to do to play along is make something that *features* purple! And there are over $500 in sponsored prizes! 

>>Link up your purple creations HERE<<
 

Before I share my latest purple creation, I thought I'd feature a few of the stories that have been shared throughout the Hop. It's incredible how long I've known some of these crafters, and how I might not really know their stories. Domestic Violence is silent, and not something that's freely shared about, and this hop is helping to change that narrative.

KT Fit Kitty 

Kitty shared bits of her story in comments along the hop - and believe me, she's commented on almost every linkup in the hop. 

"My mother was a victim of domestic violence, from my birth father, and she is lucky to be alive. She escaped with my brother and me when I was three"

Terri Burson 

 Like Kitty, Terri had first-hand experience with domestic violence as a child. 

As a child, I was a witness to domestic violence.  My birth father used to beat my mother, even going so far as to break her nose while driving in the car. Those childhood memories molded me into the person that I choose to be today; the mother I choose to be; the strong woman that I choose to be.

Em Louise Fairley 

One thing that's been mentioned so many times in comments throughout this hop is "thank you for giving me a place to share my story." Em shared a bit of hers, something she hadn't felt comfortable doing in the past. 

While my experiences don't define who I am, they have, all of them, helped shape me into the woman I am today.

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Thank you to ALL of you who've been one of the 178 linkups so far. You may not be able to see all of the private messages sent my way, but just know that YOU are a part of helping some women share their stories, and know that they are not alone in their experiences. 

And now for my card! I used some of my new Paper Smooches sets along with a Distress Spray Stain Double-Dip Background. 

STAMPS: Paper Smooches Tri-balations and Royal Cuteness.

 I also used some incredible adhesive ribbon from May Arts to create that swag banner. A while back I went a little crazy buying the cool adhesive ribbon and honestly, I have no regrets. It's so fleepin' cool and easy to use!

I loved the sentiment paired with that princess. :) 

I'm going to link this up to Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Watercolor (because my background is a watercolor wash).  613 Ave Create - Anything Goes. Allsorts - No designer paper.

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One last thing before I go - My friend Taunya (who is the sunshiniest ray of light that you'll ever meet) of Daisies Girl is having a blogoversary contest. After this hop is done and I have time to breathe, I'm going to totally play along but I thought I'd throw it out here, too in case any of you all want to go wish her a happy month and play in her challenge! :) 

Cards for Causes - Hop to Stop and Breast Cancer Awareness

So, one week ago I posted the link-up for the Hop to Stop and I have been BLOWN AWAY by the amazing support of the crafty world. Seriously, you all are SO beyond amazing.

I've read through every linkup, often laughing (even though domestic violence is a serious subject) and even more often while tearing up. It's been absolutely amazing to see people raising their voices and talents to bring awareness to just how many men and women have suffered at the hands of an abusive partner. 

There have been so many GORGEOUS designs, and I wanted to share a couple stories with you that have touched me. I am not sharing stories to sensationalize this issue, but rather to show you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are not alone in our darkness. Through community, there is hope and light.

Jessi Fogan of One Crafty Mama

I "met" Jessi a year ago on a very similar post that I made for Domestic Violence Awareness month. She reached out to me and we've been fast friends ever since. She shared her story then, and it's definitely worth the read.

"He was excellent at belittling me and making me feel unworthy. He simultaneously made me feel that I was unlovable - and also that I was a slut. The emotional abuse was constant. The physical abuse began with a bang".

Jade Morrison of Crafts by Jade

Jade shared bits of her story on her blog, and I couldn't help but to have my heart reach out to her. She also made two very beautiful, emotion-filled creations. One about her childhood, and one about the woman she is now.

 

"I hear the crackle of his belt and the screams my mother makes. She is suddenly quiet... then I hear his footsteps coming towards my door, nowhere to go and nowhere to hide..."

Dr. Sonia SV

Sometimes the blog posts I read through weren't relating to personal experiences of domestic violence, but secondhand experiences. I thought Dr. Sonia's account was so powerful. 

"Some months back I got a new receptionist for my clinic. She appeared lazy and disinterested in her work, she wouldn't hear the phone ring and would walk slowly and lazily even though she was healthy and young. She left after a forth-night and afterwards we came to know why she had been so distracted... the poor lady had an alcoholic husband who would regularly beat her up. Appearances can be so deceptive..."

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I wish I could post ALL of the accounts that touch me right here, but I have a couple of my own creations to share, too! But I will be sharing more as this week goes along because there was some powerful art and POWERFUL comments!

POWERFUL My first card is another purple creation for the Hop to Stop - which, by the way - you have one full week left to link up! There are over $500 in sponsored prizes, and I'd LOVE to see what you make.

 Click >>HERE<< or on the image below to link up!

So my card features a bunch a purple goodness and it will be donated to my local domestic violence agency - Community Violence Intervention Center because the Hop to Stop is doing a card drive for their clients.

I wanted to keep it a simple sentiment so I colored a pretty flower and used some gorgeous papers and lovely ribbon to finish it off. 

Stamps: STAMPlorations Blooming Buds by Dee's Artsy Impressions, STAMPlorations Bloom Sketches,
Paper: DCWV Magnolia Way Paper Stack, Paper Temptress Laser Gold Glossy Lustre
Ribbon: Paper Temptress Cappuccino Satin with Gold Edges

Overall, I love how elegant it turned out! 

It was inspired by one of my favorite challenge - aptly named The Challenge. It is back from summer hiatus, but due to my move I haven't gotten a chance to play along, so woohoo! And I'm also playing along with Through the Craftroom Door -Anything Goes Challenge

 

And purple isn't the only color lighting up the web right now, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. I don't have personal experience with breast cancer, but it has affected friends and coworkers. So I'm happy to help spread awareness for another worthy cause. 

I love the dresses from the STAMPlorations PartyDresses Bee's Knees set. I tried to get at the spirit of being different and being proud of those differences, as many women who've undergone breast cancer treatment and mastectomies have experienced. 

There are a few challenges that are going PINK in honor of the month and I'd like to support Words 2 Scrap By's - Fight like a Girl challenge, 613 Avenue Create - ATG with Pink option, Craft Rocket Challenge - Pink, D.L. Art - Pink Linky Party

I'm also linking it up to Virginia's View - All things Colored

Whew! What a ridiculously long post! Before I go, I'd like to say a 

HUGE THANK YOU

to those of you who've followed my blog in the last week. 

Usually I try to call people out by name, but with 32 of you, I don't think it's possible. Just know that I appreciate all of you! 

STAMPlorations October Challenge

October! What? Where did you come from?
The leaves are changing and flitting off the trees with abandon in this North Dakota wind. Soon all will be barren and snow will blanket the earth.

Whoa, wait. wait. This isn't my poetry blog (just kidding, I don't have one of those). Ahem. Sorry. 

What I'm really here to tell you about is the new challenge that's up at STAMPlorations!

Look! That's a theme - Stamps and Fave color combo! Look - that's a sketch! 

Here's the deal folks, you can use one of these things. OR you can use both of these things.

The choice is yours.

Choose wisely, Padawan. 

Woops - sorry! This isn't my Star Wars fan blog (just kidding, I don't have one of those)

Anywho, I chose to use BOTH of the things!

And you guys/gals/hobbitses will be so surprised because it's the most CAS card I've ever done, and I actually like it! 

ooooooooooooo! Coffeeeeee!

If you all can't tell, I'm in a very silly mood whilst writing this. I apologize. (kinda)

If any of you were around for my birthday bash, then you'd know my favorite color combo is purple and teal. So I scribbled some purple gelatos onto the base and then added my sentiment from the STAMPlorations: Big Grins by Becca Cruger (hey! that's me!) Literary Caffiene-ations set. I also stamped some cups from the Sketchy Coffee Cups set and colored them up with Spectrum Noir Markers 

So come play along over at STAMPlorations! You have a whoooooole month to play AND you can win prizes! The winner gets a good ol' gift card to the STAMPstore to win some pretty new things.

YOU DON'T NEED STAMPLORATIONS STAMPS TO PLAY ALONG!

ALL ARE WELCOME.

WE COME IN PEACE.

Anywho - I'm just eeeeking in to the very last day of the Fall Coffee Lover's Blog Hop! I'm also sending it over to Addicted to Stamps - Clean and Simple challenge.

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This card also FEATURES purple so it's the perfect creation for the Hop to Stop! 

Haven't heard about the Hop? Well, go check it out because there is close to $600 in prizes up for grabs! 

You can link up your purple creations >>here<<

The Hop to Stop

If you're wondering why everything (at least that's my hope) in the blogosphere is turning puple... there IS a reason - the Hop to Stop is here!

You see, purple is the color of National Domestic Violence Awareness month. 

1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence over the course of their lifetimes. 

Let that sink in - 33% of all the women you meet. 

And women aren't the only people who are affected! Women, men, transgender - gender doesn't matter. Domestic violence is something that exists regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, education level, etc.

And yet, it's something that is rarely talked about in very public ways. It's something that's hidden and hushed. And since papercrafters are some of the most amazing people out there, some of you have agreed to make a card (or cards) to raise awareness for this issue. Throughout the hop, I'll be pointing to some of my other bloggy friends who've experienced DV. Together, we CAN make a powerful impact.

Speaking of amazingly awesome - ^^^ Do you SEE that graphic above?! These are all the incredible companies who've agreed to support this blog hop. 14 companies and over $500 in prizes! I can't thank them enough! 

THE RULES (oh those pesky things...)

If you'd like to participate in the Hop to Stop, here's how it works:

• 1 - Make a card that FEATURES purple
• 2 - Link it up below before October 14, 12noon CST
• 3 - New creations only please, no backlinking allowed
• 4 - Provide a link back to the Hop! (it would be great if you put the badge in, too!)
• 5 - You MUST comment on at least the 3 entries before you to be eligible to win (be a good neighbor) buuuuuuut visiting the sponsor blogs/shops is HIGHLY encouraged. (hey - they are pretty generous and it would be great if we could thank them! There might even be an extra special top-secret prize in it for someone - wink* wink*)

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Whew, ok we got that out of the way. Now for my card. I'm making this for the Hop, as well as for the current challenge over at Eclectic Ellapu - For a Cause. 

I'm also sending it over to Virginia's View - all things colored challenge, and Simon Says Stamp Monday - Ombre challenge.

This card/this issue hits very close to home for me. You see... I am one of the 33%. Most people would never realize because it's not something I talk about very much. I'm only now realizing that in sharing our stories, we can heal and help. 

So my message to those of you who've gone through domestic violence (or those of you who are experiencing it now) is this:

You may have felt alone in the dark...

THERE ARE OTHERS WHO SHARE YOUR STORY

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

And no matter how many tears you've cried

IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT

Though you feel damaged and torn

THERE IS HOPE AND LIFE

Though your heart is scraped and hidden

YOU ARE WORTHY OF REAL LOVE

Because you are AMAZING. And you are more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

 

Stamps used are Unity Stamp Co's Faceless Beauty Set

If you are experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help! 

Call the 24/7 confidential National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-799-7233

Abuse is not just physical. It can be emotional, too.

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And now - the sponsored prizes! 

Make sure to go visit the sponsors and say thanks!

The Cat's Pajama's is giving a $50 gift card!

DCWV is giving a prize pack of papers and stickers!

 The Funkie Junkie is giving 3 Purple Distress Spray Stains!

Hero Arts is giving a prize pack of stamps and embellies

Happy Little Stampers is giving a $30 gift card

May Arts Ribbon is giving a TON of purple ribbon

MHK Designs is giving some gorgeous digital stamps & paper

Newton's Nook is giving a $20 gift card

Paper Temptress is giving a $25 gift card

Simon Says Stamp is giving 6 of their purple ink pads

STAMPlorations is giving a $20 gift card

Unity is giving a $200 prize package

 

Verve Stamps is giving a $30 gift card

Winnie & Walter is giving a $25 gift card

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 Whew! Anyone else as as amazed at that generosity as I am?! 

Now... one last thing before the linkup (I know, I know... it's a long post. Some of you have asked if you could send your cards somewhere special, and so I've reached out to the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) here in Grand Forks, ND. They are SO excited about the plan and said they could definitely use cards. 

CVIC is a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and child and adult therapy for victims of physical and sexual violence.

It's not mandatory, but if you want to send cards to CVIC, email me (bexcruger@gmail.com) and I'll give you my address. 

I can't wait to see what you've created!

An InLinkz Link-up

Mixed Media Card Challenge - Black and Orange

October means a NEW challenge up at the Mixed Media Card Challenge blog and we're giving you a chance to break out the black and orange! 

I do a lot of mixed media cards, but I particularly love this challenge because it gives me a chance to dig in the back of my drawers and bust out some things that I haven't used in awhile.

For my card, I used the theme - black and orange, but I left the glitter in the drawer. 

I did, however, pull out Distress Inks and Black Soot Distress Spray Stains to create a cool background - I actually used the background from the stenciling tutorial I posted last week. 

Then I stamped and masked some beakers, colored them in with Spectrum Noir alcohol markers. I added some frantage in the larger beaker, and then I mussed up the corners with some stamping and added some Distress Stain drops. I added a smoky base by using black Gelatos. 

  

Last but not least, I used glossy accents to make the eyeballs all 3-dimensional and stuff. 

It turns out that many of the other mixed media challenges are on the Halloween bandwagon, too, so I'm going to link up to 

Mixed Media Mojo's - Halloween challenge 

Mixed Media Monthly's - Spooky word search challenge (turns out black and orange are both in there!) 

So yeah. That's my card! 

You should come on over and play with us at the Mixed Media Card Challenge this month so I can oooooh and aaaah over your talents!