This was another invigorating day at Ranger U.  We started with Claudine Hellmuth, who did an overview of techniques with her line of Ranger products -- which included:

• Paint Etching
• Gesso Texture
• Image Transfer
• Peeled Paper
• Multi Medium Resist
• Watermark Resist
• Embossing Resist
• Masking Tape Texture/Water Glaze
• Acrylic Watercolor
• Dry Brush/Color Mixing

Her acrylic paints, gesso and mediums are like no other that I've ever used.  They have such a smooth texture and conistency.  In fact, the quality is incredible!  Plus, she has this sticky back canvas that is super fun and very versatile to use.  I love, love, love her products!

After learning about her wonderful product line and her techniques, we were given a box to decorate -- and had only an hour to decorate it.  Here's what I created:





Then, we had a Distress Workshop with Tim Holtz.  The first product Tim helped develop at Ranger was the Distress ink pads.  I don't think they ever expected the incredible response they received from those first ink pads, and now he has added so many things.  It was fun to hear about the product development process, especially his work with the chemists.  And, it's wonderful how receptive Ranger has been to his ideas!




In Tim's class this afternoon, he covered:

• Distress Powder/Distress Embossing Ink
• Distress Crackle Paint
• Distress Crackle Paint Crackled Resist
• Distress Ink Rusted Enamel
• Distress Ink Nostalgic Batik
• Distress Ink Wrinkled
• Distress Ink Wrinkle Free
• Distress Ink Burnt Edge
• Distress Ink Spritz & Flick Mask
• Distress Ink Pearlized Distress
• Distress Ink Photo Tinting
• Distress Stickles

The distress techniques have been my favorite so far because these are the types of things I enjoy doing with my creations.  Plus, it's been fantastic to learn tips and tricks directly from Tim!  These are a few samples that I created in class:




Tomorrow is our third and final day of Ranger U.  We'll be working with Adirondack Dye Inks, Pigment inks, Color Wash, Alcohol Inks, and Dabbers.  I'm looking forward to another action-packed, creative day!

Take the time to check out the blogs of our wonderful Ranger U instructors:

http://claudinehellmuth.blogspot.com/

http://suzeweinberg.typepad.com/

http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/