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Dr. Ph. Martin's Calligraphy Colors are a fine quality pearlescent paint/ink which
can be used to create a variety of effects. They come in 24 colors
that can be purchased individually or in sets of 12 each. They
also have matching stamp pads for some of the colors. They are
well worth the expense when you consider how versatile they are.
They follow the Doc Martin’s tradition of providing rich,
vibrant color which I have come to expect from their products.
I have used them to create stunning
backgrounds by “dribbling” several colors of the ink
onto wet glossy paper, spritzing and allowing the inks to run
together.
You can also dribble the colors onto
a brayer, spritz lightly with alcohol or water and brayer onto
either glossy or regular wet cardstock for a different background
effect. Or just lay down some color onto a plastic “palette”
(a piece of acetate works fine), run your brayer through it and
then brayer onto your surface.
You can also use these inks to create
an iridescent “faux” polished stone effect: spray glossy
cardstock with alcohol, dab a metallic marker onto the cs, put
2-3 drops of ink onto either a felt square (stuck to a wood block
with velcro) or a cotton ball, spritz the felt with alcohol and
“pounce” onto the cardstock to lay down your color.
You can paint with them to just about
any surface. The colors blend nicely and they even dry on acetate
(I haven't found many products I can say that about!). Try them
on wood, glass, paper, plastic or, I don't know...anything I
guess! They've dried to a beautiful opaque finish on every surface
to which I've tried them.
In addition, you can paint them directly
onto your stamp or, if you want a thinner application, drop the
color onto a plastic “palette”, swirl it around a little,
stamp into the ink and then stamp onto your project. (You do
need to clean your stamp immediately when done stamping).
Then, try mixing them with other materials
for different effects. You can mix powdered pigments into the
inks for additional shimmer or add color extender if you need
them thinner or wet longer. Mixing with Crystal Lacquer is another
possibility. You can emboss them, blend them, swirl them, sponge
them, stipple, paint ...you name it! You can even use them for
their intended purpose which is to add them to your nib for writing
(although I wouldn't know about that...never did get the hang
of that “Calligraphy” thing!).
I've even used them to coat the inside
of clear glass ornaments. I dropped several colors inside the
ornament, swirled them around to blend together and let them
dry upside down. Beautiful “marbled” ornaments to give
for gifts and so easy!
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with
these inks since I purchased them a few months ago. I'm sure
there are many more things that you can do with them than what
I'm able to think up. Basically, I think they're appropriate
for just about any coloring technique when you want a gorgeous
iridescent finish.
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