You probably know me well enough to know that I ADORE layers. Layers of fabric, rugs, blankets, clothes, paper and paint. Sometimes the best part of having all of those layers though is stripping some of the layers away so that you can see some of what is underneath, give it a raggedy edge and make it look really old even when it’s not.

On the above piece I layered paint over some other products and then stripped it off. This isn’t a finished piece but something will later be a part of a larger mixed media work.

I’ll share with you how I got this far.

First, I took a couple of pages out of an old German book and gave it a light wash with gesso.

The over all effect is a white background but you can still see some of the words.

And then I stamped on top of the gesso with my lovely LaBlanche (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE LaBlanche) stamps and StazOn ink.

Just so you know, I did try stamping with Memento ink but when I brushed over it with Matte Gel Medium the ink smeared – Not so with the StazOn. But if you are a Memento person (or it’s just what you have on hand) be sure to give your stamped image a quick spray with some kind of sealant before using the gel medium.

Tear out the stamped image and adhere it to an Ampersand panel with Matte Gel Medium. Let Dry.

Add the first layer of paint and let it mostly dry. It needs to be dry enough that when you add the next layer the colors don’t blend but not overly dry. It’s kind of a trick to find the right balance.

Add a second, third or maybe even more coats.

The final step is to use an old rag and rubbing alcohol (you may want to wear gloves at this point if you treasure well manicured hands) and wipe away the layers of paint.

Experiment with wiping away a little or a lot.

Experiment with how many layers of paint you put on.

Experiment with different colors.

This is one of those techniques where you’ll get hooked on the PLAY aspect.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you. 😉

PS

Baby wipes also work well for wiping away the layers of paint and then when the wipes are dry THEY can be used in a different mixed media piece.

PSS

There is a give away for this blog hop and you can read more about it at Life in the Craft Lane.

PSSS

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