Alcohol Ink Backed in Spray Paint Glass Gems


Ok, so I know I've done the alcohol ink glass gem thing a couple of times, but I got this idea in my head that it would turn out even cooler if I was able to cover the ink with something so that it was less transparent. I tried aluminum foil; it sort of worked. Then I had a stroke of genius...why not spray paint them. I figured white would be the biggest contrast, so that was the winner for this first attempt.


I dug out my glass gems (time to head to the dollar store, my stash is getting low--only had ones with weird shapes and flaws left) and my alcohol inks. I set up my mat and my applicator with felt.


Then I stamped them like crazy. I was reminded how the darker colors work a ton better on this project. I'd recommend using the Earth Tone Ranger inks on this project, but since they are being spray painted, I tried all kinds of different colors. I always gravitated back to the darker ones.


I even tried splattering one (bottom left), but I ended up going back over several of these gems with even more ink the next day.


After they were dry from my second round of inking, I sprayed them all with a thin coat of clear acrylic sealer (not pictured) so that I wouldn't have to worry about any possible bleeding with the white spray paint. (Update: If I were doing this project today, I'd use Kamar Varnish to seal/fix the inks.) I let the sealer dry and then taped them with some painter's tape so the tops of the gems wouldn't get any spray paint on them. This could have been done before the clear sealer, but doesn't need to be.


I sprayed them with white spray paint and let them dry overnight. When I came back to them, the inks were bleeding through the white on the backs. So I knew they needed another coat, I figured silver would look better on jewelry than white, so I sprayed my second coat in silver (not pictured).


Then I glued some bales onto the backs to make my necklaces. I usually use E6000 to glue on bales, but mine went missing, so I used superglue. It worked, but I nearly glued my fingers together several times.


I glued some strong little magnets onto the backs of the leftover gems and turned them into magnets.


Now the color on the gems pops regardless of what surface you put it on (or what clothes you wear it with). If you've ever tried anything similar--let me know in the comments. Should I try black or silver next?

Comments

  1. I hate to give up a trade secret but the foil tape works awesome for this kind of project.

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    1. That's a fantastic idea! I'll have to try that next. :)

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  2. Have you ever tried black paint on the back?

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    1. I have not. I'm guessing it would work best with the brightest shades of ink. I'll add black paint to my to do list to try. :)

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    2. I have used Black Nail Polish and it turned out GREAT!!! I then make them into rings.

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    3. Ooh! Sounds like something I need to try!

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  3. Replies
    1. Aluminum foil tape is the tape used to connect duct work (but not to be confused with duct tape). It's shiny and has a paper backing that you peel off. It's available at the hardware store.

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  4. Love your gems! I used to use E6000 glue but found something better.It's called Beacon 3-in-1 advanced craft glue. It comes in a bottle, instead of a tube and doesn't harden up like the tubes do. You can get it at Michaels or Hobby Lobby. I use it for all my craft projects and works really good on heavy duty magnets!

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    1. That's a glue I've never heard of. I'll add it to my "to try" list! Thanks for stopping by the blog.

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  5. I'm just getting into the whole painted glass gems thing, and I'm kind of obsessed. I've painted the backs of clear gems with fun colors of nail polish and glued them to the outside of an old candle jar, the colors matching those of my bathroom, and it's filled with q-tips. Using alcohol ink is something I'm so excited to try. Your gems are gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration! ��

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  6. Was the spray paint more durable than the tape? I have wondered how well that will last. I had painted mine with silver or gold paint over the alcohol inks and then sealed. I am planning a seniors craft event later this month and trying to gather more info before. Thank you very much for the tips. You have probably prevented a lot of misshaps!

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    1. I like the aluminum tape better than the spray paint. Spray paint on glass is a bit hit and miss, it can scrape off and is tricky to get to cure. I tried enamel paints made for glass, but they mixed with the alcohol ink when I brushed it on. Aluminum tape doesn't have any of those problems and it's stayed put without needing a sealant so far.

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  7. I have been making stepping stones using gems. I have also made gazing balls. I made one with inked gems and sprayed with clear coat but they started coming off. I've re inked them and want to try putting in a stepping stone. I am wondering if I should spray with clear coat or paint. I'm worried that the mortar won't hold them in place. Any advice?

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    1. I've never made stepping stones with gems, and I haven't ever worked with cement. If I were guessing, I'd spray the inked gems with Kamar Varnish just to make sure the ink is set. I assume the cement mix doesn't have any alcohol based materials in it; as long as that's the case, the biggest issue you'll have is with fading. Direct sunlight will fade alcohol ink after time. There are UV spray sealers that are supposed to help, but I don't have any experience with them.

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  8. For the last several months since I retired, I've been using nail polish (there are so many awesome glitter and metallic polishes out there) and many I got at the Dollar Tree! I purchased "pendant blanks with cabachons" (many shapes and sizes are available) on Amazon Prime and have made over 100 so far! I'm always looking for new ideas and you have caught my attention with you use of alcohol ink! Definitely going to try it! By using the pendant trays/blanks you already have a high polish silver background! Thanks for the inspiration and my "next try"... Your blog is wonderful! So far I have only used E-6000 glue and am very happy with it.

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    1. Awesome! Nail polish on these sounds like a ton of fun. Thanks for stopping by the blog!

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