Hybrid Happenings - "Reverse Hybrid"

It looks like you are knocking organic/analog out of the ball park!!! I do hope you keep creating and sharing with us, Aly. And yes, we are often our own worse critic.

 

So sorry for your troubles! I am assuming any drivers/apps needed were installed onto your computer?? Most printers have the capability of printing connected, even if they are geared toward wifi. Dose the printer have a USB port? Usually, there is software that has to be installed...even if connected via wire.

I got an Epson somewhat recently. Not super high end or anything but I LOVE the super large ink tanks. It is wireless too. Sometimes it is easier for me to print from the app on my phone, rather than my computer. I'm an iCloud user so this process is not difficult...all my stuff is accessible from computer, phone, iPad. Not sure if you have a similar set up...but maybe printing from a phone app rather the computer is possible?

 

Yay!!! I've been waiting for Ona @wombat146 to share her process!!! Doesn't she make gorgeous backgrounds!!!

 

Here is another using a background I created for the September Monthly Muse, week 1. I made quite a few dark backgrounds exploring dark on dark to create a circle effect representing the new moon.

I took pictures of the backgrounds, then further manipulated in Photoshop to create a digital background.



Week 2 Muse:

 

@Cherylndesigns and @mywisecrafts Hi Cheryl and Esther! Thank you for asking . Here are some guidelines...

Both of the moon layouts began as acrylic or gesso on card stock, sprinkled with alcohol ink and/or glitter.

Column 1 - Original photo of backgrounds. Column 2 and 3 - Photoshop processed followed by layout.

I used three 12x12 pieces of card stock cut into 6x6 (I am making a 6x6 mini book from scratch). The colors were heavy textured black, heavy textured dark blue, and a flat black.

On the 6x6 square, I either tacked down newsprint with matte medium (soft gel) or dry painted black or grey acrylic onto the surface. Since these were for a moon inspired theme, I experimented with dark on dark. The sheen and color changes with the application of acrylics and gesso (even if black on black). These backgrounds dried overnight.

The next day...
For the newsprint backgrounds, I applied black gesso to the surface. Gesso washes away with water...so I "washed away" the gesso from the newsprint. I allowed these to dry.

I cut out circles from a lightweight card stock for each background. These were tacked down with double sided sticky tape and served as a mask.

On some backgrounds, I used modeling paste and stencils to create dimension (the middle row is an example). The circle mask was in place.

On all the backgrounds (with the circle as a mask), I sprayed gold or snow alcohol ink onto the surfaces.

Note: I did this outside on the ground!!! This way I did not breathe in the fumes nor did I spray ink all over the walls and floors (mmmm....I might have done that before, even with an under-paper).

On some backgrounds (with the circle mask still in place), I adhered glitter with Mod Podge. I used a piece of wax paper to press down and help the glitter adhere to the background. I shook off excess. These were allowed to dry overnight.

Row 1 is an example of the blue paper, newsprint, black gesso, and iridescent jumbo glitter. The final 6x6 piece (column 1) was photographed under harsh, direct light, in hopes of getting stuff to sparkle. I imported the photograph into Photoshop and worked some Photoshop magic. I applied CU papers/textures to modify the look - running blend modes. I duplicated the base layer twice (so, three base layers total). On one layer I ran a gaussian blur, then played with opacity and blend modes. On the second layer, I ran a radial blur, and also played with opacity and blend modes. I was going for a galaxy, night sky look...kinda like when one leaves the aperture open on a camera while taking night photos.

Row 2 is an example of black on black, modeling paste, and snow alcohol ink.

Row 3 is an example of black on black + gold alcohol ink. I have not used this background in a layout; I add it here as an example of what can be done. This was one of the "simpler" pieces.

If one does not have alcohol ink, watered down acrylics can get a similar look. You can use a spray bottle, or toothbrush to get the splatter effect. The circle serves as a mask. When the background is finished and dried, remove the circle mask leaving a rather neat circle in place - with all the splatters and glitter going around the circle.

So - these are what I am calling reverse hybrid...true organic/analog backgrounds that used NO digital product. I took a picture of each background and processed in Photoshop. Thus, no printer or scanner is needed. I added digital product to make layouts.

I think this is a fun way to combine passions - mixed media art + digital art journaling (or scrapbooking). It's a great way to extend your digital stash and breathe new life into product you already own. And, it's a great way to get messy and play with art supplies you likely already have. Win - win.

Supply List:
Cardstock
Scissors (or circle paper punch)
Acrylic paints
Alcohol Inks
Mod Podge
Matte Medium
Modeling Paste
Stencils
Torn book pages/newsprint
Glitter, Jumbo Glitter
Photo-editing software
Digital scrapbooking kits

Happy creating!