Alcohol Ink Washer Necklaces

Alcohol Ink Washer Necklaces Tutorial

I received a package of alcohol inks for Christmas and then bought a second set with a 50% off coupon at Michael's.  I've used them now to make coasters and to decorate some candle holders.  I was just getting my sea legs with these inks to begin with.  I applied the ink directly onto the surfaces and played around with rubbing alcohol as a blending solution.  But I thought it was high time that I used an applicator to use them the way they were intended.  Of course, the applicator is just a stamp with some velcro on it and it costs 6+ dollars....not to mention buying the pre-cut pieces of felt. So I figured I'd make my own.  I was very much in a use what you've got mentality, so I grabbed a scrap piece of wood and a couple of strips of velcro (hook and loop tape).  I used the hook side and lined two pieces up next to each other.  Luckily they were just the right width.


I had the sew-on kind of velcro, so I spread some tacky glue thinly onto the surface and glued it down. Then I used the block as a guide to cut a few pieces of felt the right size (any light color will work--you just need to be able to see where you've applied the ink).  Once the glue has dried, I stuck the felt right onto the velcro--worked like a charm. [Update: I've posted a tutorial just for the DIY Applicators.]


Next, I set up my alcohol inks and a paper plate to work on. I have the Farmer's Market set and the Nature Walk set.  The alcohol ink is an alcohol soluble dye, so it will stain.  If it gets on the table, wipe it off with some rubbing alcohol before it sets completely dry.


I squirted multiple colors of alcohol ink into a portion of my applicator (since I was working on small washers) and stamped away.  The photo below is what the washers look like after stamping over them twice.  You can continue to stamp until you get the look you're going for.


These were so easy, and I ended up with such pretty results so quickly that I made a bunch of them.  I let them dry for a few hours.  Be aware that the alcohol ink gets a bit darker as it dries, so if you think your washers are turning out too bright--give them some time.


The above photo was just at the end of my stamping session and the photo below shows darker hues after they have dried and I had sprayed them with some clear acrylic sealer.

Alcohol Ink Washers

Then I strung them up on some beading cord and tied the ends.  I would have put a bead above the washer, but I didn't have any on hand that both pieces of cord would fit through, so I may pick out some beads for my next batch.  I think they turned out great and they were so much fun to make.

Alcohol Ink Washer Necklaces

Update: I revisited this craft with different ink colors and with attempts at glazing the surface of the washers.

Comments

  1. Did you have to do anything to the washers before putting the ink on them?

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  2. I pulled them straight out of the package from the hardware store and started stamping. If they were not brand new, I'd probably wash them off first to get rid of any dust or dirt.

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  3. Did you stamp both sides or just the one?

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  4. I just stamped one side. Sometimes there's one side that has more rounded edges, so I would pick that side as the front on those washers.

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  5. Thanks for the awesome tutorial. I can hardly wait to get to the hardware store and to order some alcohol inks! Great gift idea.

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  6. Try putting some ice resin on top of the finished washer. Awesome!

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    1. Sounds like a great idea...or maybe some diamond glaze...

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  7. I use the diamond glaze, it makes it look thicker and real shiny.

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    1. I have used mod podge and spray sealer so far, but trying out a glaze is on my list of things to try (stay tuned :)).

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  8. I was told to use the back side of the washer to put the ink on or stickers, so the roughness wouldn't be on the skin so much. you say to use the rounded part, does it make any difference?

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    1. The backside on my washers is pretty smooth (I have bought them from Menards and Home Depot). If they had jagged edges, flipping them would totally make sense.

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    2. on the back of my washers I used felt cut round with the hole out in the center. I used a color that complimented the colors on the washer! It also adds a finishing touch!

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    3. That's a great solution if you have sharp edges!

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  9. I just made some of these and put the Diamond Glaze on top and they look fabulous. Now to get some cording to make the necklace!

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    1. Glad to hear. That's totally on my to-do list :).

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  10. Have you ever had your washers chip from the edge? That's the problem I'm having. Trying to figure out what to seal with that'll protect it from that. I was using modpog or krylon spray. Both chip :(

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    1. The metal was chipping or the sealant was? I've never had either happen.

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  11. Love your tutorial thank you. I've tried a number of different techniques but the alcohol inks work best for me and I'm currently working on the best glaze to finish them off with.

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  12. Thanks! I've tried a couple glazes. They are tricky to get a good layer on without it collapsing into the center of the washer. Let me know if you have a favorite!

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  13. I have just discovered alcohol ink and I am intrigued. I have not tried it yet but soon.
    The washer idea is brilliant. I can use this idea for some wind chimes I will be putting together. This is exciting...thanks so much.

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    1. Ohhh...wind chimes sound like a delightful idea. I hope they turn out great!

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  14. LOVE THEM, but I am a little confused.
    What is the applicator, is that the thing you made?
    Did you just squirt colors
    randomly and then stamp away?

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    1. Yes, the applicator is a thing I made, but you can buy them too. And yes, you just drip the ink onto the felt and stamp away.

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    2. You can also buy those makeup sponges (triangled ones) very inexpensively and they work perfectly!

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  15. is there a certain type of washer? when I sponged mine it did not adher just looked like drops

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    1. Nope. I've stamped some very shiny/smooth washers and some more rough ones...with either type you just have to stamp repeatedly until the colors start layering and looking the way you want them to.

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  16. could you please tell me what ice resin is and diamond glaze, I am new to this , but really love the look !!

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    1. Ice resin is resin. It's a clear plastic coating. Diamond glaze (and paper glaze, dimensional magic, glossy accents are all different brands of a similar product) are clear glue/sealers that imitate resin. I have no experience with resin, but I've used a couple of the Diamond glaze like products with the washers with mixed success. Click on the "Washer" tag at the right side of the blog to see all of my different attempts at washer necklaces.

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  17. I see you have 2 different size washers on the cord. Are they adhered together?

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    1. Nope, I didn't glue them together, I just looped the cording around both washers.

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  18. Hallo, Sarah Jane from the bush in Australia, I do adore your different lovely thingies you produce -- but what I love even more is that you are so willing tom share all your findings and how you did it with everybody. That is just wonderful!! God bless!! I so wish craft items and ingredients were as readily available here as in the USA!!

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  19. Sarah Jane, seeing that you are so very clever in my old eyes, I think that you you might be the one to tell me which of the E6000 glues would be best to use should I want to glue a ceramic cup to a saucer so very permanently in order to hang it from a tree as a bird feeder after it has been hung with with beads and washers and whatever else will dangle and clink happily in the wind while the birdie feeds. Thanks!

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    1. Regular E6000 "craft" is their multipurpose. It's good for lots of different surfaces. If you want something permanent, though, you may want to go with a two-part epoxy.

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  20. Just stumbled on this kids project. I have made them. Try stamping on the finished washer with a clear embossing ink pad. Then immediately sprinkle with clear embossing powder. From about 5 ot. 6 inches away blow dry with a heat tool, and it will melt and make a raised clear seal. Pretty professional looking!

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    1. I hadn't thought of clear embossing powder. Now I have to try that! Thanks for the tip.

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  21. I've seen "recipes" to make your own alcohol inks. Have you, or anyone else, ever made them and tried them on washers like this? I want to try this but also want to be frugal.

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    1. I've tried using sharpies on ceramic tiles and wasn't impressed. I've seen recipes for using Rit Dye to make ink, but I've never tried them.

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    2. I have made alcohol inks ..you remove the core from the permant markers just open them up put them in a small baby food jar or such i used test tubes plastic that i bought . and place the inside of permanent markers such as bic inside the container and cover with 90 % alcohol. usually you must obtain this from the pharmacy.much lower cost

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  22. Tried this it’s super easy and gives amazing results. Very cute making for gifts to give my co-workers. Thank you so much for sharing! I’d have uploaded a pic but don’t see a tab for that. 😁

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  23. What size washers did you use..internal dimension and outside dimension?

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    1. This project has been on the blog for ages, so I couldn't find the washer bags or the necklaces from this post, but based on what I have used lately for washers are 1 and 1/4 inch washers with a 1/2 inch opening. I have paired those with 3/4 inch washers that have 3/8 inch openings. But I think the ones from this project are a bit smaller (like the large washer is a 1 inch washer). My best advice is just to go to the hardware store and pick out what you think looks nice together.

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  24. Such a great idea I have some Al. ink left over and good way to use it up.

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    1. It doesn't take much ink to cover washers! I hope yours turn out great!

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  25. I tried this last night and used Marabu alcohol ink. I took a clean washer and put ink on the end of a face sponge as I didn't have a stamp pad. I tried "stamping" the washer and all that I got was solid colored washer with none of the effects that you got with your stamp pad. Was my face sponge too soft and I need to make a harder stamper? I would really appreciate any help that you can give me. Thanks!

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    1. I haven't ever tried using a sponge, so that could be part of your problem. But it's probably also from the ink being too wet to create the little circles. Put very little ink on your applicator (whatever you use) and keep blotting/stamping until the ink starts to get a little tacky and starts creating the little circles.

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