If you are like me, one of the greatest benefits of working with gourds, is realizing you can look at a single gourd, and imagine countless projects you can do with it. Wood burning, carving, weaving, and of course painting to name a few. Of course most of us are familiar in using acrylics and oil based paints - but if you are looking to break out of the routine of set lines and patterns - alcohol based paints may be for you. This guide will provide a list of supplies so you can start using alcohol inks for gourds. These inks allow you to let the art take shape, and instead of being bound by set patterns and lines - you'll find that you are merely a passenger as the art goes in the direction it sees fit.
If you need those lines and guidelines - alcohol paints may not be for you, but if you are willing to take a risk and let the product have somewhat of a life of its own - take a look at what it takes to get started in working with alcohol based inks.
What is Alcohol Ink?
So just what is the new or unexplored ink/paint that I've been alluding to, and just what makes it different? Well to start off alcohol inks are dye based, vibrant pigments that can be used on non-porous surfaces like plastics, glass, ceramic, gloss papers and of course gourds. Another fascinating feature is that once the ink is applied, the alcohol evaporates, leaving the dye behind. However, one extremely unique feature is that once alcohol ink dries, it can be re-constituited with rubbing alcohol (91% Isopropyl Alcohol), allowing for one of a kind effects that cannot be achieved with more traditional products such as acrylic paint. Alcohol ink is waterproof, adding to its durable properties.
Creating with alcohol inks is a fun, freeing, and an energizing method of artistic expression! The vibrant hues, and ever wide range of techniques, allows the artist to make fascinating effects, patterns, and as well as beautiful unexpected outcomes . The inks train individuals to "let the process happen" and let go of their tight-fisted control on their craft and on life.
What Can You Expect
Alcohol inks at first may test your patience. It is not designed to be used as paint by number - the inks are free flowing and often take on a life of their own. Check out this video to get just a sample of how they work. There are also more videos as the end of this post that my help you get an idea of just what to expect when working with these inks.
What Do You Need
Alcohol Paints - There are a handful of choices out there, but we highly recommend staying with one of these:
The Ranger line comes in bundles of three, in different mixes of shading. In the Ranger arrangement, there are 60 hues in addition to metallic colors. Other brands, for example, Jacquard, offer an extensive starter set. It's worth looking on the web to understand what is out there. You may be may want to test the medium with only three or four hues, or you may prefer to see what a more extensive scope of colors will look like.
With respect to costs, these appear to change as indicated by various hues if purchased independently. Generally speaking, a 15ml container of ink is similar to a 5ml container of craftsman quality watercolor paint, however once more, the paint cost differs as per the shade of the color. The upside of alcohol paints is that because the paints are so vivid, the inks will go far.
Don't feel like you need to stick with one brand. You can mix the various brands if you prefer one brands shade over another, and using multiple brands on a single project.
Blending Solution/Dilluters
The most basic way is using simple rubbing alcohol. Make sure it is the 91% variety.
Precision Paint Dispenser/ Jacquard Set Of Three Squeeze Bottles & Tips
Because this ink likes to "move" - when your project does call for a bit more precise placement, you'll appreciate having these dispensers handy to get the ink to the appropriate starting spot.
Aqua Pens - Great for holding extenders or alcohol for precision placement. You can also add the alcohol ink blends to these pens as well.
Adirondack Refillable Pen - You can customize each pen to make your very own alcohol ink marker.
Stamper
Other Supplies (Likely On Hand)
Small Container - Use the containers to hold the inks or the blending solutions or rubbing alcohol.
Rubber Gloves - Spoiler Alert - these ink stain - take precautions to keep your hands from looking like an ink blot. Also - make sure you are using old clothes as well. While at some point the ink will get out of your hands - your clothes won't fair as well.
A Simple Drip Tray -
A Paint Palette - You may already have one of these lying around somewhere. Only use small amounts of the inks if you load up your palettes as the ink dries quickly, however one of the upsides of alcohol ink is the ability to reconstitute it simply by adding more alcohol.
Paint Brushes - Again you likely already have some on hand. Pull out your finer brushes for alcohol work.
Cotton Balls - for blotting paint and cleaning
Q-Tips - Q-tips can provide a soft brush stroke to blend edges. In addition, if you need to remove heavier applications of the ink, they can be quite handy for that as well.
Straws - For Blowing the paints and using the end to blend paints.
Canned Air - Again, for blowing paints. Using canned air will produce more dynamic effects.
What has been outlined here will provide you with a good tool kit to begin working with alcohol inks and dyes. There are a plethora of resources on the web that can further help you learn more about this creative use of color. You won't use these inks/dyes as frequently as your other set of paints - but they will make a lovely addition to any gourd art tool box.
Where do you go from here?
Keep reading and keep researching tips and techniques. After you have some of the basic supplies it is time to put them to use.
Alcohol inks won't be an everyday tool that you use when you are constructing your gourd projects. That being said, they really can be used on just about any project you strive for, from a gourd bird house to a gourd lantern.
One great place to get some ideas in Miriam Joy's You Tube Videos. Miriam is a crafter that using many of the supplies listed below, and shows you just how to get going. Check out some of Miriam videos specific to working with alcohol ink and gourds: