Have you ever wanted to work on a new project, but didn’t know what medium to choose? Have you ever wanted to create a new look using tools you already have on hand? Let’s explore what can be done with regular household bleach:
(1) Block stamping: rather than inking up your rubber stamps, dip them into a paper towel that’s been absorbing some bleach. Use this stamp on dark cardstock, book covers, construction paper and any other kind of craft paper you’d like. Experiment and practice on sheets that aren’t going to be used for the final project. Be sure to wash your stamp off completely when you’re finished.
(2) Roller stamping:: using the same paper towel soaked method, run your roller across several times. Rolling the bleached pattern across paper creates a different effect each time. These patterned papers can be used for multiple projects including greeting card backgrounds and art journal page work.
(3) Your little black book: have you ever seen those notebooks and journals containing nothing but black pages and wondered, "what medium can I use on these pages that’s different?" Well, these books are a mixed media artist’s playground! Use paint brushes, rubber stamps, roller stamps, sponges and other tools to bring out the bleaching effects. Use these pages as stand-alone projects, or add other mixed media effects. The choice is yours.
(4) Bleach pens: these are so much fun to work with because artists have so much control with them. It’s important to use one that’s a fresh as possible because pens that are older or stale won’t produce very good results. Manipulate your bleach pen marks using wet brushes or sponges for even more possibilities.
(5) Spray Bottles: fill a small pump spray bottle with bleach and spray it on to your dark papers, craft paper and other projects for that "speckled" look. Spray lightly for a delicate look, spray using stencils, or spray using die-cuts. There’s a lot of opportunity for creativity here, so don’t discount anything.
Playing with this "medium" is fun, but it’s also dangerous. Like other household chemicals and art supplies containing dangerous additives, keep all of these materials out of reach of children. Clean up your surfaces well and some suggest use of rubber gloves when working with the bleach. Depending on how much bleach your using or how long you’ll be manipulating your art work, be sure to keep your area well ventilated.
