Welcome Back
An extra post this week, this post is for Seth Apter’s Art collaboration project; Burried Treasure. It was first published in April 2010.
Previously, I introduced you to Acrylic Dabbers. In today’s post I will share one of my favorite techniques for using them.
Rust Technique 1
- My 6x 4 Challenge piece for Layers, May 2009
The rust technique was used on the die cut frame on this piece last year. Follow the tutorial below to create this technique for your own projects.
You Will Need
- Acrylic Dabbers in Terracotta, Espresso and Silver
- Die cut shape in black cardstock
- Craft sheet
- Scrap of sponge or Kitchen paper
- Mini mister (optional but useful)
Method
To See how to creat the effect, please watch the film below.
Options
This technique works best if your base card is dark. It is also best done on itricate die cuts that simulate wroght iron work. Go for designs that are fine and intricate rather than larger areas. Less is more with this technique.
Since making this tutorial I have started to experiment with other brands/types of acrylic paint. If you don’t have dabbers, do experiment with the acrylics that you have.
Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon
Billie 
Love this technique Billie. Now that the wedding is over I’m hoping to do a bit more with paints. I was checking through some boxes of craft stuff I had packed away and came across some bottles of metallic acrylic paint I bought cheaply from Wilkinsons a couple of years ago and will incorporate those with the other acrylics I have and seen what sort of mess I can get into
Hugs
Lynn xx
Hi Lynn
SOunds like a great plan, can’t go wrong with messy play! That’s where most of my techniques came from
Have fun and can’t wait to see the results.
hugs
Billie
I’ve been doing a lot of rusting lately, but never thought about using paint to get the same effect. Thanks for sharing this repost.
Hi
Thanks for stopping by
It seems to work with many kinds of paints, go for the matt versions for the most ‘realistic’ rust, or any kind for a different look.
Have fun
Best wishes
Billie
Welcome back and thanks for the helpful tutorial. I have heard of Kelly Rae, but have not visited her site or read her books. Thanks for that tidbit, also!
Hi Gina
Glad you liked the tutorial.
Best wishes
Billie
Most excellent! I’m going to go looking for some of these dabbers to use on my mail art. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Dave
This technique works with other kinds of acrylic paints too, the dabbers have the advantage of being matt and quite thick. I have a love hate relationship with the dabbers, when they work I love them when they clog up and go on strike I hate them. This got me experimenting with other kinds of acrylics to replicate the effect.
Enjoy your experimenting, will catch up with your blog soon
Best wishes
Billie
Just finished watching your rusting video on the paper and it was just great. Had never seen this before- nor had I seen the dabber paints. Thanks so much for this tutorial. Found you through Seth’s Buried Treasure Collab and so happy I did. Many thanks again!
Hi Jilly
Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the video. Try the technique with any acrylic paint you have, matt paints are most realistic for ‘true rust’. Experiment with the colours for different results. I love to age and distress papers.
Will check out your blog soon too.
Best wishes
Billie