Supplies:
Clorox Bleach Pen
Bleach
Paper Towels
Plastic Container
Stamps
Bubble Wrap
Versamark Inkpad
Solid Colored Dark Cardstock or Handmade Paper
Scrap Paper
Non-natural hair paint brush
Optional gloves

Instructions:
I highly recommend covering your workspace with lots of scrap paper! If your hands are sensitive to bleach, gloves may be a good option too. Bleach will not dry-out or damage your stamps unless you leave the bleach on them for a long time. I also recommend having a stamp cleaner pad close by so that you can wash your stamps soon after using them with the bleach. I have heard that stamping in the Versamark will protect your stamp from the bleach better than nothing at all, but I have found that if you clean the stamp very soon after using the bleach there isn’t any residue left to hurt the stamp. Use your best judgment if the stamp is not replaceable, you may want to be extra careful and stamp in Versamark, then bleach, then on the paper.

There are 2 main ways that I have found bleach used with stamps. Bleaching to create a background or bleaching to lighten or highlight a stamped image.

Let’s work with the background technique here.

1. Layer about 5 or 6 paper towels in a plastic container and cover with bleach. I used the top of my stamp cleaner container. The amount of bleach needs to make the paper towels wet, but not swimming. You want to be able to pick up enough bleach on the image but not drown it.

2. Press your stamp into the Versamark pad first if that is your choice, then into the bleach towels, then onto your paper. You may want to try it both ways to see the difference of using the Versamark or not.

3. You should begin to see a lightening in the stamped image area almost immediately.

If you do not, add more bleach or pick up more bleach on your stamp. As the image dries, you will see the image pop out more. You can speed up the process by using a heat tool.

4. Stamp your desired pattern and set aside to dry when you’re happy with the outcome.

Clean your stamps and set them and the plastic container to the side.

5. For a more random background effect, pull out a scrap of bubble wrap and a bleach pen. The bubble wrap can be the large or small bubble kind both work, it’s your preference as to which one you may want for your project.

6. Turn the bubble wrap so that the bubbles are up facing you. Shake the bleach pen very well before using. Remove the tip to the "fat" end of the bleach pen and rub across the bubbles covering an area large enough for the paper you are stamping on.

Make a couple passes with the bleach pen to allow for good coverage.

7. Turn the bubble wrap over onto the background paper and press firmly.

8. Remove the bubble wrap and you will see your pattern start to emerge.

9. Repeat the process until your are happy with the coverage.

10. When you are finished, set the paper aside to dry and wash the bubble wrap under water thoroughly.

You can use the small tipped end of the bleach pen to write a word or draw a shape. Go slow and use caution with this end since the bleach comes out quickly with little pressure.

Some additional samples:

You can also stamp and emboss an image then "color" it with the bleach to lighten certain areas of the image. You can use a bleach dampened paper towel and paint brush for this technique. A synthetic paint brush is best for this application. This use is very effective for Halloween images or flower petals.

Below are two cards made using the bleaching background technique. I have found that it is the experimentation using bleach that allowed me to really accomplish the look I wanted. Don’t be afraid to use bleach, just be aware of it and use in a well-ventilated area. Wash all surfaces thoroughly when you are done. I wouldn’t recommend using this technique in your scrapbook since bleach is such a strong chemical. I would recommend using it on cards or tags or small embellishments.

Have fun and I can’t wait to see your creations!

See more of Andrea's work in our gallery.