Tips, Tricks and Techniques

FAUX BURN
The edges of the three rectangles on this card have a burned appearance.

This is an easy effect to achieve.  It does take a little

time and practice.

What you will need - 

dark brown ink

black ink

sponges

thread cutter 

Begin by sponging in from the outer edge with

your sponge loaded with dark brown ink.

I will sponge in lightly a fair distance and then

re-sponge again, but not as far in. 

The second sponging makes it a little darker.

This adds more depth.

Now for the "burn".

Rough up all the edges with the thread cutter.

You can use any edge that will slightly tear or

rough the edges.

With the black ink, flick the very edges 

with your sponge.  You may have to do it more than once

to get the burned look.

It takes some practice, but soon you will be an addicted

sponger, just like me.  This technique is wonderful

for vintage and masculine designs.

I have been known to use two, three or even four shades 

of brown ink to get just the right look.  

The lighter shades are farther in, using darker and 

darker ink as you progress towards the outer edge.