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.

Umot Radas

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

Tammy Hobbs

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.

Michelle Zindorf

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!

Threads

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.

Made By Nicole

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.

Charmaine Ikach

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

Jenny Hall

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.

Lisa Volrath

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