Mix-Ability challenge: Scratch Art

It's my turn to host the Mix-Ability challenge this week, and it's time to do a little scratch art! My kids love the pre-made scratch art papers, but you can get the same effect with supplies you (or they) might have already. Here's the skinny:

To make my sample, I actually started with a stamped image (Unity Stamps) as a guide for my coloring... I used a light color so the outline wouldn't show through.

Once I had my color base down (Gelatos and Distress Crayons), I covered the panel with black Distress Crayon (of all the mediums I tried, this one worked best for me, with the best and smoothest coverage).

With the MISTI, I restamped the image in the same place using white chalk ink...

I used the end of a paintbrush (this one has a chisel end) to scrape around the outline, revealing the color beneath.

I added some extra etch marks in the flower - that will take some more practice to perfect... when you're used to adding shading, it's hard to reverse your thinking to remove highlights! Probably should have chosen a smaller image too... but there it is...

The sentiment is from Unity Stamps as well. In the background... I had a lot on my mind, so I scribbled out a prayer in a quick scrawl.

This next piece was an experiment too - just wanted to see if I could accomplish a fade out with the scratch technique. I stamped the poppy in Versamark Habanero ink first, then did some coloring with Distress Crayons over the top, stamped in white for a guide, and scratched off the outline where it covered the crayon coloring.

You can tell that I'm stressin' when my color combos get a little crazy... and that's when I'm so grateful for an art form that helps me channel my thoughts out onto something that's outside my head. Art is definitely good therapy!

The sentiment here is from a set that I designed that's in limbo right now until I decide how to revamp it. It's a fun mix-and-match set that needs a new twist, I think!

I added just a few highlights with a small stylus just for  a tiny bit of contrast.

This was a fun one - I hope you'll try it out!