Add a few ink colours in a bowl, allowing them to blend naturally. Don't stir or mix them. Otherwise, the colours will merge to become a single tone.
Gently tilt the bowl to pour the ink on the paper or other non-porous surface chosen for the artwork.
Get the straw to manipulate the ink and create effects or designs.
Blow through the straw to move the ink and create effects or designs on the paper. Notice how I blew air through the straw, moving it in a swirling motion to spread the ink in a whirly pattern.
The swirl or pattern needn't be perfect. The idea is to move the paint to create contrasts to add depth or texture to the artwork.
Repeat the process of blowing until the desired effect is achieved.
Next, cut along the outline of the ink art to separate it from the paper sheet.
Paste the ink art on another piece of paper to complete the artwork. Looks stunning, doesn't it? All that remains is to frame and hang the artwork on the wall.
Note: I pasted the ink art on bold yellow paper to create a striking contrast. Another option is to paint the background in another colour (without cutting out the artwork).
Here are a few alcohol ink art tips for creating different effects:
The first artwork might often not turn out as expected, but that's all right. Experiment with the various techniques on paper to gain confidence in creating a specific effect. Here are a few tips:
. Instead of a straw, use a blower or hairdryer to move the paint around the paper to create a pattern or effect. Try making ripples by holding the hairdryer at an angle and moving it in a zigzag motion.
. If working with a straw or hairdryer is challenging, use a paintbrush to swirl the ink in the desired pattern. A paintbrush is also an excellent tool for using alcohol ink to create a traditional image instead of abstract art.
. Dab ink on the paper with a cotton bud to create another effect.
. Dip a stamp in the paint and press it on the paper to make a pattern.
. Alternatively, spread the colours on paper before pressing a stencil on the paint. Transfer the stencil to a fresh sheet of paper to create an artwork.
These tips and techniques present just a few possibilities; the options are endless! Have fun creating unique DIY alcohol ink artwork.