Alcohol Ink Art

I had the opportunity to visit the Art Shoppe in Plymouth, Ma this past Sunday to participate in an Alcohol Ink Art Workshop lead by artist Jessie Fries and co-host Eddy Murray. Art, especially abstract art, I find to be one of the most freeing and healing mediums. As Jessie is always saying, “Art is fun!” By being able to explore and let go of control in a playful and safe environment it teaches you to trust and that it’s okay to not always know what is going to happen. For this workshop we made tiles, which I am now using as coasters, magnets and even a few fun pendants!
 
Materials Needed:

1. A smooth/glossy finished surface to create on such as a title, glass, polished leather, etc. Anything absorbent or porous will not work. 
2. Alcohol inks: Best brands are Jim Holtz and Pinata. They cost about $3-$5 per bottle.
3. Alcohol Blending Solution
4. Rubbing alcohol
5. Tools to create with: brushes, toothpicks, Q-tips, cut short straws, sponges, paper towels, etc.
6. You will also want to wear gloves and use a tablecloth as this project can get quite messy. An apron might be a good idea too. 
7. Minwax polyurethane glossy spray to finish and seal your completed projects. 

 
The Process:

1. Begin my taking a few drops of the alcohol blending solution and a few drops of a dark color of one of your alcohol inks and place on a paper towel.
2. Rub this onto your surface and wait a few seconds for it to dry. Its amazing how fast it will dry!
3. Next start playing! Personally, I found it easiest to start working with dark colors and then slowly add lighter colors on top.
4. Explore dropping color from the bottles directly onto the surface.
5. Use a short cut straw to blow onto the colors to create a firework look.
6. Use toothpicks and/or brushes to move the colors around.
7. Use a sponge to add some fun texture.

 
Now lets say you are truly not happy with your design. No need to worry, you can remove all of the paint by mixing a little rubbing alcohol and blending solution on a paper towel and wipe it all away! Or if you love it, go ahead and seal your work by spraying a layer of minwax glossy polyurethane. 
 
If interested in trying this or other fun workshops held by Jessie or her business partner Eddy Murray who does fun metal works visit their Facebook page to see all their upcoming events: The Art Shoppe Jessart Studio