Water stamping: A Studio L3 Compendium challenge

Readers here who've perused my blog know that we have a sort of problem which makes us unable to properly follow instructions. Especially with recipes for food, but now apparently with recipes for ink to paper techniques as well.

You'd think then that I'd know better than to participate in Linda's Studio L3 Compendium challenge.

For instance, when our Mr. Holtz clearly states in his Compendium of Curiosities "...apply in a circular motion," follow his instructions. Or, at least don't be upset when your own "dragging motion" inking looks more like a blurry super graphic from 1976.

Next, when the instructions point out that the technique works best with "...bold, deep colors," do not choose, as your very first ever Distress Ink, two tones of brown. BROWN.

Still, friend Tim does repeatedly tell us to believe in the artist within ... even if that artist seems less like Picasso and more like Sally from Mrs. Smith's second grade class.

So, the creation you see alongside this post is done with Crushed Olive and Wild Honey on a four-inch square. The water stamping is courtesy a Stampin' Up wheel named ... something I don't remember.

You'll see more of this technique from me in the future. It's very, very cool.

What's not really very cool at all are my photography skills which resulted in this overexposed photo: At least the watery image shows up nicely.

The pressed embossing is from a Cuddlebug Asian folder, appropriately sanded, and the nameplate, sans text, is Grungeboard.

The plate is coated with more of the Crushed Olive ink, then lightly dipped into a smear of Dimensional Pearls Lettuce.

I have to mention that I love this particular creation as it reminds me of my grandmother: For many years she had a HUGE crushed velvet couch in those fabulous 1970s colors of harvest gold and avocado green with "reverse embossed" flowers.

My god. It was awful. And I loved it. Perhaps it is her fault that I am drawn to absolutely hideous furniture.