I want to start using layering stencils. What three colors of oxide ink would work well for flowers?

Aug '21 Landjstark

Im just getting started buying oxide inks. Want to try my hand using them with layering stencils for flowers. Somewhat color challenged - what combo do you suggest for the flowers and for the foliage?
Aug '21 PJD (Petra)

Hi there!
Distress Oxides are such a great choice! I got interested in them at the end of last year and faced a similar dilemma. To be honest, if you purchase some basic colours, you can always mix them to achieve a variety of shades and looks.

This site offers a great choice of bundles. My personal choice was to purchase Bundle One (Worn Lipstick / Fossilized Amber / Broken China / Cracked Pistachio / Spiced Marmalade / Faded Jeans / Vintage Photo / Fired Brick / Peeled Paint / Iced Spruce / Walnut Stain / Wilted Violet) as my basic set. I use combinations of these colours for flowers and foliage, blending them, or building up layers using water. Just give it a go and experiment a little with your own chosen colours, you can always expand your ink collection if you want more shades.

I thought I add a visual example, below you see a card I made just recently, using distress oxides. For the flowers I built up blended layers of Antique Linen, Tattered Rose, Worn Lipstick and Fired Brick. I started off with lightest shades (cream and pink), then added the darker shades (dark pink and red), one at a time. One flower also has a touch of Wilted Violet in it. For the foliage I used Iced Spruce, Peeled Paint and Cracked Pistachio. This works just as well with stencils.

Florals And Stripes

I hope this helped a little. Enjoy working with your distress oxides! Let me know how you get on, I'd love to see your creations in the gallery!
Have fun, Petra
Aug '21 Landjstark

Petra, your card is gorgeous! Mixing the ink is a great idea, one I had not considered. Thanks for the suggestions.

Nice to make your acquaintance. I'm in Maryland USA not far from the Atlantic Ocean. Just across the pond from you. 😊 Happy crafting. Linda
Aug '21 Lisn2cats

I don't think there are any real rules to color options (unless, of course, you're going for realism. I love combinations of blues and purples - like Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean and Dusty Concord. I think what works best when first trying this out is a light color for the top layer, medium color for the middle and a dark color for the bottom though you could also blend a little of a darker color in the middles and around the edges of the petal. That is : first layer mostly light (e.g., Tumbled Glass) with a bit of blended Salty Ocean in the middle and around the edges; second layer the same but with Salty Ocean and Dusty Concord.

And, of course, you could just pick colors all in the same color family (since Petra did pinks - and she's an amazing artist!, I'll go with yellows): Scattered Straw (light), Mustard Seed (medium) and either Fossilized Amber (if you're sticking to yellow) or Dried Marigold for a hint of orange.

In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with just about any color combo as long as you blend, blend, blend and highlight a bit. TexasMomof3 is another amazing layered stamper if you want to see more examples. (You can find her in the Forum - she does a lot of the Card Challenges.

Hope to see you in the Forums - the people who post there are fantastic and provide so many pieces of inspiration!

— Lis (aka Lisn2cats); I'm not that far from you ... I'm in Arlington, VA
Aug '21 PJD (Petra)

Hello Linda,

A big "Hi" from across the pond! I am just writing a quick note to see how you are getting on?

Have you had the chance to experiment and try out some combinations yet? There are so many beautiful floral and stencilled cards out there that use great blended colours and colour combos. I hope they inspire you and provide you with ideas for your own colour choices. There are also some interesting articles and videos in the Forum and Blog sections of this website that might be helpful.

Have a great week!
Petra
Aug '21 Terry0773

Just my opinion but if you look to nature and the realism there you'll find that flowers come in all colors and hues. Now if you want to get crazy then there are no rules such as with turquoise hues for instance. Some of the most popular bloggers, illustrators, or whatever you call them are: Jennifer McQuire, Nicole Sporh, Kristina Werner, Laura Fadora and many more. As for the TH oxide inks, he really does do wonderful colors and many shades in the color families. I wouldn't try blending purple into orange as you may end up with brown mud. Also on Pinterest Kristina Werner did a series of blends to show the technique but also what the colors would be. I'd go there to see examples----search: Kristina Werner Distress Oxide Ink Blending.
Sep '21 Landjstark

RE: PJD (Petra): Hello Linda,A big "Hi" from across the pond! I am just writing a quick note to see how you are getting on? Have you had the chance to experiment and try out some combinations yet? There are so many beautiful floral and stencilled cards out there that use great blended colours and colour combos. I hope they inspire you and provide you with ideas for your own colour choices. There are also some int...

Petra,
I finally decided to use Catherine Pooler inks and just ordered ALL of the minis! I'm excited to get started. I've been working on Christmas cards (I send about 120 every year!) and cards to sell at my church's fall bazaar (another 200). I'll have several months now to play. Thanks for your encouragement. Linda
Sep '21 Landjstark

RE: Terry0773: Just my opinion but if you look to nature and the realism there you'll find that flowers come in all colors and hues. Now if you want to get crazy then there are no rules such as with turquoise hues for instance. Some of the most popular bloggers, illustrators, or whatever you call them are: Jennifer McQuire, Nicole Sporh, Kristina Werner, Laura Fadora and many more. As for the TH oxide inks, ...

I really appreciate your insight and advice. I just placed a huge order and am anxious to start experimenting and creating.
Sep '21 Landjstark

RE: Lisn2cats: I don't think there are any real rules to color options (unless, of course, you're going for realism. I love combinations of blues and purples - like Tumbled Glass, Salty Ocean and Dusty Concord. I think what works best when first trying this out is a light color for the top layer, medium color for the middle and a dark color for the bottom though you could also blend a little of a darker color in...

Your insights helped encourage me to actually get started with ink blending. Thanks so much.
Sep '21 Lisn2cats

RE: Landjstark: Petra,I finally decided to use Catherine Pooler inks and just ordered ALL of the minis! I'm excited to get started. I've been working on Christmas cards (I send about 120 every year!) and cards to sell at my church's fall bazaar (another 200). I'll have several months now to play. Thanks for your encouragement. Linda

Oh my gosh, you just HAVE to post what you make - that sounds so incredibly challenging. But now that you have those awesome inks...now you've got ME wanting to shop for ink I have no business buying. Then there's embossing paste to layer with and sprays and waxes....oh boy!