Alcohol Technique | The Maui Stamper

I’ve had an idea I’ve been pondering for a while, and recently I spent some time working with it. I tried a number of variations, and I’m not sure I’ve got it yet. I hope if you look at this long enough, you’ll see the word ALOHA. This isn’t my original idea: you see this done all over the islands in wood blocks and printed on bumper stickers. I wanted to translate it to paper, and it proved more challenging than I expected.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Aloha handmade card

Stamps: None!
Color Palette: Basic White, Highland Heather, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Real Red, Bermuda Bay
Accessories: Big Boss, Stitched Rectangle dies, Stitched Triangle dies, Stitched Circle dies (retired)

I created this as a slimline card in order to have space for the letters, but it seemed a little boring, so I started to play:

I went back to the 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″ format for this version, and created a background using the Alcohol Ink technique. I did it on a vellum layer, which gives those bold colors a softer look.

Next I pulled out my Timeless Tropical stamps and created a bold background with Daffodil Delight and the hibiscus image:

On a roll, I used the palm tree (also from Timeless Tropical) in Granny Apply Green:

Honestly, I think it looks really crowded in 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″, and I might give it a try with a custom card size and a handmade envelope. It’s a fun concept, but I think it still needs work. What do you think? Different size? Different background? What else?

In the News You Can Use department, our seasonal sale is coming up! Mark your calendar and order early, as I predict these essentials will fly out the door. Save on

Card stock 10%
Stampin’ Up! ink (exclusive of bundles) 15%
Dies – yes, dies – 20%

When you order your ink pads, be sure to add the coordinating ink refill to your order. It’s just a few extra dollars, and trust me, you’ll be so glad to have it on hand! Plan your orders in the Online Store so you’re ready to go on November 16th.

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Start With Savings Demonstrator Promotion November 2021

How would you spend $75? Through November 30, you can sign up to save on every order you place – and join a community of friendship, inspiration and fantastic support. Your $75 turns into $125 of Stampin’ Up! product that YOU choose – free of shipping – and is your ticket to the Maui Stampers and the inside world of Stampin’ Up! Contact me with your questions or join now!

Don’t forget the gorgeous Eden’s Garden Suite, available now as a sneak peek from the January – June 2022 Mini Catalog. The stamps and dies will be available in 2022, but the exclusive Designer Series Paper, Cotton paper, and embellishments are available only while supplies last or January 3, 2022, whichever comes first.

I spent a marvelous afternoon a couple of weeks ago playing with Stampin’ Blends and the alcohol technique in Crystal’s Stampin’ Garage. It took a few tries to get the hang of it, but once we got over that bump we couldn’t stop. All you really need are Stampin’ Blends, vellum, a small paintbrush, and 91% rubbing alcohol.

(Who knew 91% Rubbing Alcohol was so hard to find? Thanks, Covid.)

Maui Stamper Stampin Up Stampin Blends Alcohol Technique Happy Birthday card

Stamps: Art Gallery
Color Palette: Basic White, Misty Moonlight, Garden Green, Balmy Blue
Accessories: Big Boss, Stitched Rectangle dies, Forever Flourishing dies, Poinsettia dies, vellum card stock, 91% rubbing alcohol, small paint brush, small dropper, Stampin’ Spritzer, Stampin’ Dimensionals

You need a non-porous paper like vellum for this technique to work. It’s pretty simple: add color with Stampin’ Blends in any pattern you like. Use 91% rubbing alcohol to reactivate the ink and gently move it around, color by color. Finally, add interest by dripping the alcohol with a small dropper, the Stampin’ Spritzer, or the flick of your paintbrush.

I chose to add these leafy elements, but some of my results needed nothing more than a sentiment. I learned that I like more monochromatic combinations, especially blues and greens. (HUGE surprise there, eh?)

Maui Stamper Stampin Up SALE-a-bration 2021 8-3 to 9-30

Shop early, shop often – your supplies for this project or your holiday crafting can earn free stamps, paper and accessories! SALE-a-bration runs through 30 September 2021, but supplies are limited! Shop HERE.