Tuesday 19 February 2019

2019 #2 Topic Introduction: Brayers

 2019 Topic 2: Brayers


Well hello everyone, Keren here! I hope it hasn't escaped your attention that PaperArtsy have developed a fabulous new brayer tool. It's slightly smaller for ease of manoeuvring and great for smaller projects but its chunky and really robust surface is perfect for picking up paint and ink and layering it smoothly. It has a STAND- so no more gunking up your worksurfaces when you put it down! The brayers are available from PaperArtsy stockists.




To start the brayer brainstorming, I thought a lesson by Leandra would be the perfect starting point to see brayers and paint in action and also how to solve the problem of combining less than compatible colours!





This next video shows one of the simplest (& very effective) way of using the brayer. Look out for all the Fresco Finish paints she uses on the second project.


Brayer techniques aren't restricted just to canvases and cards- why not go for some real texture using paint and an embossing folder?


Perhaps you love the brayered scene look but brayering is new to you? This beginners 'how-to' also shows the technique to create beautiful subtle inked backgrounds; just perfect for stamping over and creating scenes.

The surface of a brayer is perfect for getting a smooth lay down of ink and paint. What if you want something more textured? How about pimping your brayer?! This post talks through adding elements like elastic bands etc. onto your brayer and gives some amazing ideas for adding texture to printed fabric by using textured surfaces under the fabric that creates the texture over the surface!


One of the first things that might come to mind when thinking about brayering is monoprinting or using gel plates. Here's a post going through simple techniques and showing how to use stencils too.


If that post whets your appetite and you want to explore more on using brayers with gel plates, check out this video by Kate Crane who proves that grunge can be pretty too!


Brayer techniques can produce surprising effects, and this Bouncing Brayer technique is the perfect example. I'm sure you can find lots of ways to incorporate this into your creating.


If you're wanting to stick to a limited colour palette, I thought that this 'Glow Technique' might fit the bill.


When adding ink to brayers, it becomes really easy to do image transfer. I love Kate Pullen's idea of brayering over feathers, and can see this technique being used with a multitude of everyday objects you already have at home.


We can't forget the brayer's capacity to create a variety of patterned backgrounds. This plaid design was easily created using Distress Inks.


This introductory post could have been sooo much longer. If you look at Leandra's Brayers Pinterest Board, you'll see plenty more brayer inspiration. I hope this has got you thinking about techniques you'd like to try or even revisit. This rotating topic is sure to have us all in a creative spin! We can't wait to see what brainwaves you have with brayers! Do create along with us.


You're going to love the projects we have coming up. We are not doing the linked challenge  for 2019, so if you want to create along with us and this topic, please share on our social feeds so we can see what you get up to. The best places are instagram @paperartsy or post in PaperArtsy People Group on Facebook too. 


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

~ Keren

7 comments:

Miriam said...

So so exciting. Awesome addition to the collection

Cocofolies said...

Great post, thank you Keren!!
I really enjoy catching-up a bit with all these fun techniques, giving really gorgeous results. Very good choices, thank you again.
Corinne x

Flo Langley said...

Great Topic Keren :)

Christine said...

Great article Keren for PaperArtsy!

I've just unearthed my monster speed-ball brayer from eons (it seems to me) ago! I'm loving the new, but smaller, brayers with detachable rollers AND their own built-in stand! BUT now Ranger have re-released their GIANT ink-pads.......

It's good to see that the manufacturers listen to the makers/creatives amongst us!

I love attaching things (threads, elastic bands, etc) to the roller part to make my own custom effects! I'm re-learning how to explore & experiment whilst having FUN at the same time!

Sorry I missed CHSI-stitches this year - last year was great fun!! ~ C ~ xx

Craftyfield said...

Timely theme for me as I have in my hands the new PA brayer, and I can attest its qualities as it had a good road test yesterday at the workshop with Leandra! I can't wait to have another play!

KatheD said...

I've been searching for a smaller brayer, now I know where to look! Thanks for the great topic, I'm looking forward to learning more about brayer techniques and you always offer the best inspiration!

Etsuko said...

Fabulous topic Brayer and must have amazing tool new PaperArtsy brayer, sample videos great!! xx