2016 #23 Bleach Techniques {Challenge}

2016 Topic 23: Bleach Techniques

Will Koffman

Hello everyone, Darcy here with our latest topic for you. This time we will be exploring the ways in which we can use bleach in art. i am sure many of you will at some point have accidentally splashed bleach onto clothing which results in lightened spots but have you used bleach deliberately on art projects? Over the next 2 weeks hopefully we can give you some ideas for discharging colour so your bleached bits are no longer just accidents. 

This next piece was done with Brushos but why don't you try bleach over PaperArtsy Infusions for some cool effects. 

Donna Heart

Before we start, let's see who won the Topic 22: Alcohol Inks and Markers Challenge...

I was thrilled to see so many gorgeous alcohol ink pieces. Colouring in is so relaxing, team that up with your favourite stamps and it's a winning combination. Great to see you creating matching embellishments too, a little alcohol ink can transform almost anything. 

The winner of Alcohol Inks and Markers is: Etsuko  from My Favourite Things

Email Darcy to claim your prize. Darcydotneedles@gmail.com

A little history first, going right back to the Egyptians bleaching was employed to lighten fabrics. of course they did not have bleaching chemicals, but they knew all about sun bleaching and deliberately left wet linens out in the sun to lighten them. 

By the 12th century the Dutch had become the leaders in bleaching techniques, so much so that fabrics were sent over to Holland for bleaching from all over Europe. They use a mix of potash and sour milk, dipping the fabrics, soaking and drying several times over. this process was slow and after factoring in transport time it could take up to 8 months. in the 18th century the sour milk was replaced with sulphuric acid, this cut down the process time to around 4 months.

By 1799 a revolutionary discovery was made by a Scottish chemist,Charles Tennant, by combining chlorine and lime he created what we now know as bleaching powder. 

Jule Mallett

So how can we use bleach in artwork, well of course it can be used on fabric, to great effect. there are a ton of ways to use bleach on fabrics. Take this t shirt for starters, such an easy way to transform even the cheapest of shirts. 

Katie

Remember that bleach does not stop working, even after you wash the fabric, it will continue to eat into the fibres and will produce holes eventually. To slow down this process make sure to neutralise with a vinegar solution. 

Another fun thing to decorate is a tote bag, simple but effective. 

Maria Shacreaw

If you have tired old denim, why not give it a new lease of life.

Fran Duncan

Bleach can also be used on decorative items for around the house. Take a look at how Gail bleached some real leaves to use in an autumn project. 

Also check out these beautiful pine cones. I think this is one that I will be trying, don't they look so pretty. 

Jonathan Fong

While hunting for bleach examples I found some gorgeous pieces of art, who knew humble bleach could look so good. This piece is done with ink and bleach.

Tula Parker

This stunning bird's nest is by A J Dunne. This is a cyanotype, bleached out and then coloured with tea. 

.. and this gorgeous horse from Jenny Johnstone, this uses Quink and Miltons bleach. 

I love the simplicity of this piece, just ink and bleach but the shapes created are wonderful. 

Ruben Hernandez

Don't think that you have to just stick to black ink, you can go crazy with ink colours and then bleach out. This is a really effective greetings card done with ink, watercolour, bleach and metallic paint. 

Christine Holton. 

Another card showing bleaching techniques, this time from Andrea Kidman. 

You can of course stamp with bleach directly into your inks, this video from Jessica Taylor shows you how. 

Remember that bleach is a toxic chemical, you must handle with care. Wear protective clothing and gloves, and make sure the room is well ventilated. Do not have any naked flames nearby and of course do not allow children to try this technique. When using bleach on your rubber stamps and stencils be sure to wash them thoroughly straight afterwards to avoid damage. 

If you do want to try 'bleach effect' projects with children then use lemon juice. These ATCS were done with watercolours and lemon juice and turned out brilliantly. 

Kathy Barbro

You can also stamp out your images and colour them with bleach. Once the bleach is dry you can leave the card as it is or then go back into the bleached areas and recolour them with inks. 

Dina Kowal

This same stamping and bleach colouring technique can be used to create a background , in this video Renje shows how she create a journal page background. The detail is amazing and so pretty. 

Finally look out all your old photographs and try adding bleach to those, check out this blog post from Diane where she explains how she dips her photos. 

So many techniques, I do hope you find time to try a few of them, if you do be sure to link up and share your projects with us. 

Don't forget to follow Darcy and Leandra's Pinterest boards if this topic pushes your buttons, you will see plenty more examples to whet your appetite there! 

I am really looking forward to seeing what you create over the next 2 weeks!

Darcy

Topic 23: Bleach Techniques PaperArtsy Blog Challenge

We'd love you to share your ideas and link up your creative response to our current blog topic. Take a minute to read the challenge guidelines below.

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Bleach Techniques link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Dec 11th, winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

1. The challenge is a for you to show how you are inspired by the current blog topic.

Your entry should contain:

- a mention of which post inspired you and why, and 

- a link in your blog post to that original post on the PA blog.

The whole concept of this challenge is 'play along with us'. You are encouraged to put your own twist on ideas you see on our blog, do your own thing - whatever grabs you!

2. The link you put on our linky page must lead directly to the specific post on your blog where you have explored the technique/ idea mentioned in point 1 above. Don't link to the home page of your blog.

3. We prefer your challenge blog post is created exclusive to our challenge, but if our topic fits perfectly with another challenge, then you may link to both if appropriate.

4. You are most welcome to use stamps/ products/ substrates you have to hand from a variety of companies, we do not expect you to exclusively use PA products - it's lovely when you do though!

5. You can enter as many times as you like. We don't want to restrict your creativity! 

NB. Link closes at 17:00 Sunday Dec 11th (London Time)

6. The winner of the random draw will receive a £50 credit voucher to be redeemed on the PaperArtsy Website. The credit voucher includes VAT and postage. We request that one of your purchases is an A5 rubber stamp. You can add any other items to your basket, but the final total should not exceed £50.

7. Each fortnight on Sunday, the winner will be announced at 19:00 (London time). In the same post, the link for the next fortnight will be posted. 

8. It's your responsibility to claim your prize coupon from Darcy. 

email: darcydotneedles@gmail.com

Good Luck! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask!