Dotty Circles
Alcohol Inks and Aluminum Foil
Good day, fellow crafters. Today I present to you a card that I created while experimenting with various materials. In this case, specifically, I was working with alcohol inks and aluminum foil to create background panels. The interaction with aluminum foil unfolds in two distinctive yet equally fascinating methods. You can either apply the inks directly to the foil, allowing them to flow and blend organically, or for a more controlled approach dab them onto the foil with absorbent pads. Today I chose the latter method and it provided a more intricate and detailed design and textured effect. I hope you enjoy.
To create the background for this card, I first began by getting my supplies in order. I chose to use the Altenew Dotty Circles embossing folder, featured left, Ranger alcohol inks in the colors Aquamarine, Denim, and Everglades along with my secret ingredient…a piece of 5x7 inch Aluminum Foil from my kitchen.
Using a different absorbent pad for each color I carefully dabbed the colors around the foil until I got the hue I wanted. I then allowed the inks to dry naturally, if you use a heat gun you will move the ink around and it may not be your design intention. I next placed the foil into the embossing folder, colored side up, and ran it through my Gemini die-cutting machine. This left a superb transfer of the embossed image in the foil. I then carefully transferred the foil out of the embossing folder to not wrinkle it and set it aside.
The next step was to create the sentiment. To do this I used a piece of black cardstock, which eventually became my mat, and cut the sentiment out of its center using the Simon Says Stamp You’re Doing Awesome die-cut set, featured right. I did this twice, the second time with white cardstock and then double-stacked the sentiment and adhered it together with Barely Art liquid glue to give it some dimension.
The next stage was assembly. I took the black cardstock I used for my sentiment so as to not waste materials and trimmed it to size for the card’s mat. I then applied spray adhesive to the back of the foil background panel and adhered it to the mat. I then adhered that composite to a white card base with double-sided tape. Then using liquid glue once again, I adhered the sentiment into place. With that, I called the card complete.
Note: Please be aware that I don't have any sponsorship arrangements with the suppliers mentioned in this post; I simply appreciate and frequently use their products. To support the creation of more content like this, I've included affiliate links for some of the featured supplies. Utilizing these links won't incur any additional costs for you, but it does provide a small benefit to me, allowing me to continue sharing my work with you.
