Crafting with Alcohol Inks

Crafting with Alcohol Inks

One of my goals for the year is to create more art. I used to paint, sketch, and make pottery and ceramics daily, it defined who I was as a college student and art major. I spent hours enjoying my secluded time making the ideas that flowed constantly. That is before I had children.

Something about motherhood has brought me back to a lot more finger painting, marker wall murals, and Jackson Pollock inspired food designs on my furniture and carpet. Needless to say I am unsure if I ever want to get out my brushes and paints that represent $100’s of dollars and be rushed through so I can clean up before very bad things happen.

Because of my current state of affairs, (which is a lot of fun!) I have to find projects that fulfill my desire to be artistic but won’t take me weeks to complete. Of course I start to peruse books to find new methods and ideas that I want to try out. Some of my best inspiration comes from trying new techniques and buying new products I have never used. I mean who doesn’t love a new tube of paint, fresh canvas, or a perfectly tipped pencil? I am always on the search for that new art supply to get me going.

The first time I stumbled upon alcohol inks was when Ulysses Press sent us their newest publication, Crafting With Alcohol Inks by Allison Murray (affiliate link). It is always a surprising day when there is an art supply I haven’t used before. This surprise makes the creative juice within me boil up and I get super jazzed, even antsy, to try it.

Most of the items in the book are vibrant colors and remind me of the watercolor method of blowing the paint around the canvas and to allow it to freely mix together creating an organic feel. It’s a project where you can kind of let the ink do its thing and it comes out fantastic. The more you try to control the progression the muddier it becomes and results are less satisfying. It is also a fast and rewarding way to create really amazing things.

Alcohol inks are a must try because they are specifically for non-porous surfaces such as glass, metal, and ceramic. The ink stains the product and the effect is something you won’t be able to stop staring at. I was especially excited to try it on metal because I had an old tray that had been chipped up.

I quickly and easily made a marbleized effect and I was incredibly happy with the results. One of my favorite looks that the book shows you how to do is a galaxy effect. With swirls of colored ink and glitter it will give you an on trend look for your next Insta-worthy mission. There are so many options to execute a new art piece with ideas for gifts, holidays, accessories, décor, and clothing alcohol inks are a must try.