What Are Alcohol Inks? Creative Ideas, Tips & Must-Have Supplies for Crafters
If you’ve ever wanted to add rich, vibrant colour and dreamy effects to your crafting projects, then alcohol inks might just become your new creative obsession! These highly pigmented, fast-drying inks are perfect for card making, scrapbooking, mixed media, mini albums, and even off-the-page projects. In this post, we’re diving into how to use alcohol inks, handy tips for cleaning up, safety info, and of course — my go-to favourite brands!
So, What Exactly Are Alcohol Inks?
Alcohol inks are dye-based, fluid inks that are activated by alcohol. Unlike water-based inks, they dry super fast and work best on non-porous surfaces like:
They’re known for their vibrant colours, fluid movement, and the way they blend, bloom, and react with alcohol-based blending solutions. You’ll fall in love with the organic, almost magical effects you can create!
🎨 Creative Ways to Use Alcohol Inks
Here are just a few fun ways to bring alcohol inks into your crafting projects:
1. Backgrounds for Card Making
Drop or blend colours onto Yupo paper to create dreamy, fluid backgrounds. Perfect for birthday cards, abstract designs, and one-of-a-kind artistic vibes.
2. Custom Embellishments for Scrapbooking
Dye wood veneer pieces, chipboard, or metal charms with alcohol inks to match your layout or paper collection. It’s a fab way to use up stash and create coordinating embellies. Use Alcohol Inks on Cardstock and Foil - Find out how. Alcohol Inks and Foiling.
3. Mini Albums & Art Journals
Use alcohol ink techniques to make statement covers or inside pages in your junk journals or mini folios. Add a layer of stamping or stencilling over the top for a mixed media masterpiece!
4. Abstract Art or Tile Projects
Want to go off-the-page? Create stunning tile coasters, ceramic ornaments, or framed artwork with just a few drops of alcohol ink and a straw (yes — blow it around!).
🧼 Cleaning Up After Alcohol Inks
Let’s be honest — alcohol inks are a little messy, but the results are so worth it!
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Use isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) to clean surfaces, hands, and tools.
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For stubborn stains, blending solution or hand sanitiser works wonders.
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Always protect your surface with a craft mat or plastic sheet (your future self will thank you).
⚠️ A Quick Note on Safety
Like any art supply, alcohol inks need a bit of care:
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Work in a well-ventilated area (especially if using lots of ink at once).
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Keep away from flames or heat — these inks are flammable.
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Wear gloves if you’re worried about staining your hands (because they will stain!).
What’s the Best Alcohol Ink Brand?
There are a few great options out there, but my personal favourite? Tim Holtz Ranger Alcohol Inks — they’re vibrant, easy to use, and come in a massive range of colours. Plus, the blending solution and accessories (like the air blower, tools, and storage tins) are just brilliant for beginners and seasoned makers alike.
We stock a lovely range of alcohol inks right here in the shop! From bright tropical hues to earthy neutrals, there’s something for every creative mood.
👉 Shop Couture Creation Alcohol Inks
Final Tips for Alcohol Ink Success
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Don’t overthink it! The beauty of alcohol inks is in their unpredictability.
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Try layering colours once each layer dries for beautiful depth.
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Experiment on scraps first — even mistakes look cool!
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Add foil or metallic mixatives for extra sparkle and shine.
❤️ Over to You!
Have you tried alcohol inks before? I’d love to see your projects! Share your makes over in the Facebook group or tag @ScrapOfYourLife on Instagram. And if you’ve never played with alcohol inks before… now’s the time to dive in!
Til next time,
Julie ✂️✨
P.S. Go ahead and give that QR code a little tap (or scan it with your phone—either way works like a charm!) and come join our Facebook crafty community. It’s a cozy little corner of the internet where inspiration flows, ideas are shared, and creative hearts connect. We’d absolutely love to welcome you in! 💬🎨
