Bokeh, derived from the Japanese word ‘boke’ (blur), refers to the effect of blurred elements in a photograph. In this DIY, we recreate that photographic effect using paper and various inks. Explore depth and sharpness, and be amazed by the original outcome!
Take a sheet of smooth A5 watercolour paper, 300 grams, and secure it to a work surface with tape. Dampen the paper thoroughly using a spray bottle.
2
Choose three colours of Distress Oxide ink and apply them to the damp paper using a blending tool. Use a separate foam pad for each colour. Make gentle, swirling motions to blend the colours seamlessly. Allow the paper to dry completely.
3
Create a stencil from another sheet of watercolour paper by cutting out circles of various sizes using a circle cutter. For example, maintain a half-centimetre difference in diameter between each circle. Keep the cut-out circles for later use.
4
Utilise the homemade stencil with opaque ink and a blending tool. Create white circles by making swirling motions from the outer edge towards the centre. Ensure each circle is dry before proceeding to the next.
5
Continue making circles until you achieve the desired result.
6
Use the remaining circles from step 3 and colour them with one of the Distress colours using a blending tool.
7
Once the ink is dry, stamp designs onto some circles and a message onto one circle using embossing ink.
8
Sprinkle embossing powder over the still wet ink and shake off the excess powder.
9
Heat the embossing powder using a heat tool until it becomes glossy.
10
Transform the project into a card by taking a sheet of A4 cardstock in the colour hyacinth and score it to form an A5 card (14.8 x 21 cm). Then, cut a piece of black cardstock to 13.8 x 20 cm and the sheet with the circles to 12.8 x 19 cm.
11
Attach the cut-out sheets to the base card using double-sided tape. Use 3D foam pads to adhere the circles to the card for an added depth effect.
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