Bleach Beauty

This is an easy and fabulous technique, that can create some stunning effects, and can be for any occasion.  I have in the past, made sympathy cards as well as thank you and birthday cards, using this simple technique.

The main consideration is the card stock you use, and you may have to test lots of different cards before you find one that the bleach will react with. 
The card must be uncoated. Unfortunately many manufacturers now appear to coat the card (I am told by a friend in the business that the technical term is laminate - totally different to what we crafters believe lamination to be).  I also find mid to dark colours work better in order to see a contrast.  The colour activation when bleached will also vary, as each final card colour can be made up of a variety of colours in the dyeing process.
 
I used a specific bleach pad called Castaway, but you could fold some kitchen tissue, place in a plastic container large enough to allow your stamp to be inserted, and carefully pour on some household bleach until the kitchen tissue is thoroughly damp...thus making your own bleaching pad.  When you've stamped your image onto your card stock, allow it to dry for 5 minutes.  In the meantime, thoroughly clean all the bleach from your stamp so it does not rot the rubber.  I should also have said, that a stamp that is fairly deeply etched works better.

After 5 minutes, cover with a piece of clean copier paper and place a hot (highest setting), dry iron over to activate the bleach on the card.  as you can see from this example, the red card turned a yellowy orange.  I then used the same stamp to stamp the image at either side, using an embossing ink, and heat setting gold embossing powder.  The bleached images creates a depth in the perspective of your design.  Don't be afraid to stamp off the edges, and don't get hung up about everything being in line either - particularly with floral themed stamps, they would naturally occur free and easy !!  All that's left to do is mount onto card, I like to use a metallic colour that matches whatever embossing powder I have used.  Add a greeting is you wish, depending on the purpose of the card, and a few gemstones for a delightful accent.  When you've tried this, you'll find it so quick and easy (providing you can source enough card), that you could get a production line going.  What about snowflakes, or a Christmas tree and get ahead - you know you'll run out of time if you don't start making those Christmas cards soon :)

Have fun !!

Christine