A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

September 19, 2023

Autumn, Birthday, and Christmas AI and Tin Foil

Hello Stamplings!

How are you? I hope you are doing well and enjoying yourself wherever you are! I have a Threefer to show you what I've been playing with this past week, so get your comfy shoes on. I don't know what that has to do with it, but okay, comfy shoes are good.

I was watching a You Tube video (don't ask me which one) and you know how one ends and another one starts automatically, especially if your attention drifts and you start looking out the window? The new video turned out to be a Marion Emberson video using the technique of alcoholic ink on kitchen aluminum foil. 

That led me on a search of other videos and I found blogs where this has been done ten years ago! Maybe there are even older ones? So perhaps you played with this technique long ago, but I must have been in the Principal's office that day. (No surprise that.) That's one of many cool things about the Interworlds: you can always find new and new-to-you crafty things to try!

Onefer
To make a large foil panel in fall AI colors (below), I glued a piece of aluminum foil to cardstock and folded over the sides. Once I was satisfied with the colors, I die-cut the leaves using a Simon Says Stamp die called, "Etched Laurel Leaves." The brick e/f background was in my BOB. Hammy decorated it using his feet daubers and metallic inks. I gold heat-embossed the sediment, ran a copper ink pad around the border of it and the two panels and ... shazambam, it was done!

Here is the panel of tin foil after inking:
And here are a few leaves I die-cut to make into more cards:
Challenges:
Twofer
How about these for bright alcohol colors?? Sorry, I should have warned you to put on your sunglasses! The above is actually my first result using AI on aluminum foil. I didn't get the subtle results that Marion did and that's an understatement! But I have to say, the bold jewel tones are beautiful in real life. I used a Sizzix e/f for added texture ala Marion. 

Challenges
Threefer

There were quite a few spots of ink that remained sticky on the brightly colored panel I made, so I stuck on gold foil in those spots before dry embossing. Even after that, however, it wasn't completely sticky-free. I was concerned about ink getting on my embossing folder, so I laid a sheet of opaque vellum over the colored foil before I closed the lid and embossed it. 

When I lifted the embossing folder and removed the vellum, sure enough there was quite a bit of ink on the vellum. All that ink would have been on my embossing folder and now, WOW, I ended up with this stunning sheet of vellum, which natch, I made into a card. 

Here's a closeup:
The photos don't do the vellum panel justice. I will be doing this technique again, both for the foil results and for the vellum mop-ups!

Challenges

~~~

If I saw the date right, I just noticed there is a new Gina K. video about using AI on glitter foil so maybe this technique is making a comeback. Can't wait to watch the video and try it on glitter paper!

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

Rereading this I have to add: If I've done this technique before at a retreat with you, please forgive me for not remembering. It's sad that I feel like I have to add that to my posts now, but I'm finding that I am often "very sure" that something happened or didn't happen, only to find out I am not remembering or misremembering. My brain is all filled up, I guess, and now things are starting to overflow out the back!

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! 

*Life is too short!

56 comments:

Lisa Elton said...

Those are some snazzy tin foil leaves! How DO these people come up with these techniques? They're like mad scientists LOL! Three terrific cards, Darnell. So happy to spy one in the JUGs gallery!

Pat said...

What a great technique using alcohol inks with the aluminium foil and I think this has legs, if you know what I mean..lol, and I must give it a try, and then the second with all the bright AI colours and prettily embossed is also a great idea, and the vellum makes a wonderful background for a seasonal card too. I think my brain is about full up too. x

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Fabulous AI threefer, Darnell - especially love the vellum piece but they're all wonderful!!

Debbie said...

These are all gorgeous!! The inked and embossed foil is amazing, so now I'm off to watch that video! :)
Thanks for playing along at Cardz 4 Galz
Debbie - C4G DT
Debbie's Dash of This and That

Loll said...

All three cards are FABULOUS!! I have always loved the vibrant colours of AIs and you have showcased them today, Dolly. I have done AI's on aluminum foil, but only because I always use a piece of foil to as my mat for working with AIs ... and I usually get a beautiful piece to turn in to cards afterwards. :) I am loving that vellum mop-up piece ... it's gorgeous. So clever of you to protect your EF AND end up with a beautiful card front! Love, Lolly

Cheryl W. said...

Wow, these cards are eye poppers! And I love the extra leaves you cut out. They're perfect for Autumn-themed cards.

As for repeating stuff or misremembering, I'm of an age when I love the repetition (because I forgot things all. the. time.) and misremembering means you're just sharing a new and interesting story. Works for me.

kiwimeskreations said...

WOW WOW and WOW again Darnell - I vaguely remember this technique, but i think it was before I had any AI's - I will have to have a play now - and using the vellum like that was genius, and the result equally stunning!
I do love how Hammy helped with the inking etc on the first card - bless his little dauber'd feet
Blessings
Maxine

LesleyG said...

Wow what a cool technique, love how you got different effects and discoveries, resulting in fabewlus cards! My brains been full up for ages, so I love repeats and reminders. I now realise why my parents enjoyed watching films over and over 😳xxx

Aquarius said...

A great technique and some fabulous cards, well done for using the vellum 'mop up' piece as well. Shame we can't purchase extra memory for our brains which is what we do when the computer fills up 🤣. Hope this shows that I read your posts from top to bottom - don't want to miss any gems of wit.

Julie B said...

I know what you mean about getting sucked in to You Tube videos but I have to say it was worth it! Love the subtle autumnal colours of the first and well done saving your EP AND creating a third card in the process! :)

Cathy said...

Wonderful cards Darnell, that laurel leaf die is so detailed and the AI foil colours so pretty. The vellum looks like marbling, gorgeous! Cathy x

Carole said...

Wow you have been busy an dI love your cards. Yes I remember this technique Darnell...so I guess it gives my age away...you are obviously too young to remember it! Good job my glasses have reactive lenses for the second card...so bright and happy and I bet it shines lovely in the flesh so to speak...and the third? well clever you finding another 'mop up 'way. Vellum in the folder...yeah must try it...does it work with ordinary ink? Hugs xx

Karen said...

That technique is new to me, and your gorgeous leaves are an inspiration to give it a try!

Jeanne said...

These cards are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing. Whether or not you've done this before doesn't bother me. I'm not sure I remember this technique myself, but it sure sounds like something that would have been popular when I was in the midst of scrapbooking and begining cardmaking. Everything comes round in cycles and this is the new old cycle. You having fun is the most important part and clearly you did! Thanks so much for sharing! :)

Birgit said...

OMG! I was just watching a video on this technique yesterday!! I wonder how the tin foil is when you emboss it because of its thinness. Does it now break apart? Please let me know the strength of it. I love the cards! I love the look of t(e leaves on the white brick background and love the vibrant colours on the 2 card. All are beautiful.

Brenda in IN said...

You have outdone yourself on this post. This is brilliant and I can't wait to try it. Those Etched Laurel Leaves are stunning. The extra leaves take your breath away with their beauty. And what a happy accident on vellum that made a wonderful card. I believe our ears are to rid ourselves of the overflow of information we take in. Just let what you no longer need pour out! When we can't remember it's because our ears are stopped up.

jimlynn said...

You and I both must have been in the Principals office when this technique came about! I saw a video on it on Youtube a couple of days ago and pretty well just sat there with my mouth open. Why haven't I tried this! Duh! Cool looking cards and now I'm going to have to try it. Loving those pretty leaves and love the way you did the vellum. That really came out neat looking.
Lynn

Gerrina said...

What a great way to get two cards with that techniques! Have to do that again soon... Hugs, Gerrina

Vicki Dutcher said...

Oh how pretty! All 3 end results are stunning! I’m going to have to try this. Thanks for sharing at JUGS and STB.

I Card Everyone said...

I can't believe it, D! I JUST watched a video where the maker used tin foil to dry emboss! We might have been in the same wormhole and didn't even know it! lol
You've made this beautifully inked foil shine like a diamond - or maybe topaz, rubies, and turquoise OH MY!
=]

Sue said...

Just catching up Darnell while I got the chance! great cards fab foiling hugs Sue x

Marcia Hill said...

I don't think (maybe??) I've ever seen this technique before, but have to say I'm loving it and can't wait to give it a try!! Your cards are all beautiful Darnell and I'm loving the Fall colors AND the jewel tones in the 2nd card. And what a great idea to use the vellum with your embossing folder...I can just imagine how pretty that looks in real life!! (So frustrating to not be able to catch those looks in photos isn't it?!!) Anyway, lovely, lovely cards my friend! Take care. Hugs. :0)

P.S. Heard through the grapevine you'll be having a visitor from France next month...please tell her I said hello and give her a big hug from me!! :0)

cuilliesocks said...

What a fabulous technique Darnell, not one I've tried. Your cards are all absolutely stunning, such beautiful designs and wonderfully colourful, Kate x

Cat Craig said...

Cool outcome. I'll have to check this out. Love your cards! Enjoy your days.

Ink Outside The Box With Diane said...

Spectacular cards, all of them! What a great technique to play with on foil. Note to self: must try. I especially love the last unexpected results with lots of wow card. Thank you for playing along with the Krafty Chicks Challenge.
Diane - DT

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Wow Darnell, your cards are all spectacular!!! The second one, so bold and vibrant, catches my eyes, gorgeous!!! Love all the leaves you cut out from the first panel and such clever idea using the vellum as 'mop up', the result is really awesome!!
I tried that technique nine years ago, and still have some pieces in a box LOL :D I didn't glued aluminium foil on cardstock, but recycled the aluminium baking tray lids for freezing foods. These lids are cardstock baked laminated with aluminium foil, so ready to go! :)
Hugs

Donna said...

Awesome cards Darnell. I remember doing this years ago and anxious to try it after seeing your cards.

Kate said...

What a fabulous technique Darnell! Those leaves are gorgeous esp those Etched Laurel Leaves you used in the Onefer - love the curve and the shine! If you have time, why don't you add it to the Time Out Challenge 247 - it fits perfectly with our photo inspiration!
Love the Twofer too - such a wonderful mix of colours!
Your Threefer is just gorgeous - what a great idea to mop up the excess AI! I love vellum and can't wait to try this! Thanks for sharing it with us at The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge and inspiring us all!
Hugs, Kate!

Alyson Mayo said...

Love that the Noel card was the third part of a technique - great background! Thanks for sharing with us at HLS Christmas :)

Christine Alexander said...

Loving the AI colours on the foil. the die cuts are stunning with the touches of colour and your mop up is so artsy :) great technique to play with. I'm so glad you reminded me of this xx

Susan said...

Wonderful threefer using AIs! Love the look of those autumn leaves on the first card, and Hammy's foot daubing on the embossed background. Great call with the third card to mop up the extra AIs from the second card. Made a lovely background!

TK said...

Oh MY these are gorgeous, Darnell! Love the wonderful fall colors, bright jewel tones and that oh so delicate vellum mop up! Using your thinker for that vellum panel was plum genius! I'm very curious on the colors you used for your panels...
Also, I always say "only so much can fit in a brain; if you force more in, something HAS to fall out"! True story, for me

Sue - said...

Three gorgeous, gorgeous cards. Love the autumn colours and the pretty vellum. My brain is definitely full and overflowing!

Sandra H said...

Oh wow Darnell absolutely fabulous cards and wow the technique is stunning love the autumn colours the foil provided and the due cot leaves totally stunning great embossed background too and well Noel a favourite Christmas word used on cards xx

Em Louise Fairley said...

Darnell, all 3 cards are stunning! xoxo

Faith A at Daffodil Cards said...

Yep! We are learning every day, that's why it's called "Sometimers", sometimes I remember, sometimes I don't! Especially when we can't find that file in our brain. All I can say about your cards is WOW! WOW! and more WoW's. Incredible results and cards from the inks Darnell.
Faith x

Nancy said...

What a fabulous technique Darnell, not one I've ever seen! Your cards are all so cool. I have so much tin foil, I am going to have to give this a try! The leaves are really perfect! Thanks for inspiring us and for linking up at Seize the Birthday and Just Us Girls. Take care!

Bobby said...

I guess I wasn't distracted enough because I saw Marion's video on the screen but bypassed it. Now I'm sorry I didn't watch because you have made such beautiful cards using that technique. I hope I can remember to do it when I get back home to my alcohol inks next week.
Those leaves that haven't made it to a card yet are stunning, Darnell. And how wonderful is that mop up vellum panel.
Thanks for sharing your birthday card with us at Just Us Girls and Time Out.

Brenda said...

there are so many old techniques that are popular once again and I love it. Just like I am loving all your gorgeous cards Auntie! Those leaves die cut from that AI paper are gorgeous! Love the fun brick background too. I had to laugh about watching YouTube and another one starting up as you are distracted looking out the window. For me, I tend to doze off as a video is play only to wake and find another one playing. LOL Especially if I've had several nights of sleep loss! Each card is simply stunning and all have such different looks. I really love the vellum one, very cool looking and you saved your embossing folder. Ha, I'm not quite your age and I can't remember much either. I know if something looks familiar, but it takes a while to pull it from my brain. LOL I think we are all in the same boat anymore! Hugs, Brenda

Kate said...

Thank you Darnell for adding your gorgeous onefer to our gallery at Time Out! You're a star! Hugs, Kate!

Linda said...

I love this technique and I have tried it once but kind of forgotten how to do it. These foil pieces are so gorgeous. Your fall leaves are fantastic and love your cards. The one on the vellum looks like marble. So pretty.

HilaryJane said...

I love all three of these cards and thank you for reminding us of this technique. I don't think I have used it before either, but like you who really knows. Please don't feel you have to add caveats in case you aren't remembering right. It happens to us all xx

Deanne Saunders said...

Beautiful!!! Thanks so much for participating in my PINSPIRATIONAL challenge!!! I appreciate that you play along and I enjoy visiting your blog!! Have a happy crafty day!! Deanne at A Little Bit O’ Paper

nancy littrell said...

Wow..Awesome beautiful alcohol ink on foil cards and LOVE how you got an extra background when you placed a piece of vellum in your EB Folder to catch any stray AI...it made a beautiful background...you are so clever and creative my friend. TFS the video..I just finished watching it and am inspired along with your 3 Stunning cards, Dolly:-)

Also..I am sending you a Big Hug and many Thanks for my Birthday card that I received yesterday and used one of the Group of 7 Cardmakers Techniques...Blending Ink on colored cardstock..Your colors plus all the gold heat embossing are stunning, my friend. Denny was impressed too:-) I am feeling soooo inspired and loved...Love and Big Hugs to you dear, sweet Dolly...Nancy

Bonnie said...

All three of these are GORGEOUS, my friend! I don't think I've seen anything quite like this and missed this video entirely. Or else I've just forgotten that I'd seen it. Either could be the case these day! I especially love your brilliant trick to protect your embossing folder and get another fantastic background too! You go girl!

Lynette said...

So beautiful, Darnell, and I don't believe I've ever seen it before. I'll go watch the video now. Thanks for sharing it.

Patti J said...

Darnell, these are all beautiful! I’ve used aluminum foil with embossing folders, but have never used alcohol inks wit it - thanks for sharing! I’ve probably heard of this before, sonce I’m older than dirt, but I sure don’t remember it! Glad you jogged my memory! Happy weekend!

Stamps and Paper said...

Fabulous cards Darnell, the foil and alcohol technique is stunning great for die cutting..I think its our age forgetting where we have seen things so your'e not the only one... just catching up after spending another week away...we are now home for the winter..

Anne x

Colleen said...

Seems like I recall that technique from years past...your leaves are really cool, especially since they hae the added veins going through them! thank you so much for joining us at STB with this stunning birthday card!

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell.
oh this technique is fabulous and your cards are so very stunning.
What a fab idea the vellum was and suchj a lovely outcome for that technique.
Love the Noel Die cut it's gorgeous.
I think at our age we are entitled to forget certain things as you say we have taken so much in over the years that some must as you say leak out now and again.
I hate forgetting how to spell certain words and have to rely on a spell checker now.
Lots of crafty love and hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Lynda said...

What great cards - and that really gorgeous vibrant panel is amazing - such colour and shine. A joy to receive, I'm sure. Thank you for joining us at Happy Little Stampers atg birthday challenge xx Lynda/Loopyloo DT

foleysfriend said...

Gorgeous card. I have put my sunglasses on - LOL! I love the alcohol ink on the aluminum foil through the embossing folder. Thanks for joining us at Happy Little Stampers ~ Birthday Challenge.

sue n.

foleysfriend said...

I'm so amazed at what you created from left-over ink on your embossing folder. What a clever idea to ink up some vellum. Thanks for joining us at Happy Little Stampers ~ Christmas Challenge.

sue n.

frommycraftroom said...

Beautiful!

Quillish said...

Whoa.. Darnell..Such cool techniques! Love the foil and AIs.. have to try! The die cut leaves look so beautiful and real. What a gorgeous card for our challenge. Thank you for joining us with such an inspiring card, hope you will take time out to join for our ongoing challenge on Cancer Awareness/ Encouragement theme :) Hugs Ishani

Catie Cuddles said...

Wow those bright alcohol inks on the shine … ❤️
Thank you for joining us at Happy Little Stampers anything goes with dies challenge.
Happy crafting!
Catherine x DT