Distress Crayons are, without a doubt, my most used Distress product. When it comes to versatility, they truly can’t be beaten, even when compared to Distress Inks! Why? Because these little beauties can be used on so many different surfaces, including non-porous ones, where Distress Ink would just wipe away.
Over the years, I’ve received a ton of questions about Distress Crayons. How do you use them? What’s the best way to apply them? How long do they last? And most importantly, Do you need to seal them?
I decided to create this post to answer all those questions and to show you just how many ways you can use Distress Crayons in your projects. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, these crayons will become your new go-to tool in no time!
So, let’s jump in! Below, I’ll share 10 creative ways I use Distress Crayons that will help you get the most out of these versatile crafting supplies.
#1 - Coloring a stamped image
Use a Detailer Water brush to add Distress Crayon to a stamped image (French Garden stamp set). I stamped the floral image with my Stamp Platform, colored it with crayons, then stamped it again.All splatter in the background was also done with crayon. Make a puddle of crayon and water, then pick up with an old paintbrush to flick it over the card.
* the image has been stamped using Versa Fine CLAIR Ink Pad - Nocturne Black. I LOVE how black this ink is - truly amazing!
#2 - Coloring over slick surfaces
Add color to any of the slick surface products in the idea-ology line: Found Relative, Paper Dolls, Photobooth, Photomatic and any of the Layers SKU's. To color, I scribble the crayon over the surface, then rub it with my index finger (sometimes I have to touch a wet wipe to get a slightly damp fingertip). You will know if you have too much water, if the color just wipes away. Dry the spot with a heat tool for 5 seconds, then start again. You can also use a cotton swab (must be good quality) to move the crayon around. This gives you a different look than just using your fingertip. I use the Detailer Water Brush to make dots of color (like on the flower crowns) or when I color in buttons or stripes in clothing.
#3 - Color over metal
Use a light colored Distress Crayon to color over metal surfaces like a Word Plaque. Just rub the crayon back and forth over the surface, then finish by using both thumbs to rub the crayon. The heat from your thumbs, warms the crayon and helps to disperse it over the surface.
#4 - Color over Collage Paper
After adhering Collage Paper to a surface with Collage Medium, use crayons and a Detailer Water Brush to add the color to the image. The Collage Medium has sealed the paper image, and therefore given us a slick surface to work on. The technique works like a charm.
#5 - Faux Patina: over metal or resin
Each of these objects: Salvaged Heart, Adornments Butterflies and Adornments Flourish, were painted with Distress Paint and left to dry. Once dry, Walnut Stain Distress Crayon was scribbled over the paint and rubbed in with fingers or sometimes a brush to get into the very small spaces. A wet wipe can be useful if you get to much. Just remember, if you wipe away too much, dry the area with a heat tool and start again.
#6 - Watercolor over an embossed image
This is the Pinnacle Hearts Embossing Folder from Simon Says Stamp, all the hearts are raised from the surface of the Distress Watercolor Cardstock. I dipped my brush into water then picked up different colors of pink Distress Crayons to paint the hearts. This was easy to do and so relaxing! I love this embossing folder!
#7 - Aging paper
This is the technique I use the MOST! Every single time I add paper to a project (especially Vignettes or Etcetera projects like this #8 Etcetera Tag), I add a coat of Collage Medium to the surface. Once dry, the crayon can be added, creating a wonderful aged surface. I love that you can build up the crayon on the seams and where the paper overlaps.
#8 - Monoprinting
I bet you didn't know you could Monoprint with Crayons. Well you can. You just need a wide paint brush to move the crayon around while the stencil is still in place. *More on this technique at a later time.
#9 - Coloring die cuts
This is an easy way to color die cuts. Just scribble out a few colors on your Studio Mat and you are ready to go. Use a Detailer Water Brush to pick up the crayon (or a small damp paintbrush) and color away. Don't forget that a color like Pumice Stone can be used for shading white leaves like I did with the daisy.
#10 - Blending over a surface
The last one is another of my favorite techniques!Use Collage Medium to adhere the paper and die cut pieces (this is an old Sizzix Thinlit called Organic) to the substrate. Add another layer of Collage Medium to the top and let dry completely. Scribble complementary colors of Distress Crayons over the surface and rub with a slightly damp index finger. I like to add the crayon color one at a time, blending together, then add another color and so on. Sometimes I use a brush to get the color into the small spaces around the die cut. I also use a wet wipe if the color is not diffused enough after rubbing. I know can always go back and add more.
Do I need to seal my Distress Crayon work?
95% of the time I do not seal my work, because once the crayon "cures" or dries on the surface, it will not come off on your hands. The exception being, if you add water. But who does that?
In the 10 examples I have shown, the only one I would consider sealing is #2 the Found Relative image, but even this has a caveat. I would only take the time to seal the image if it was going to be handled excessively, say if it was going into a journal, or if you were going to stitch over the surface and the presser foot was going to come in contact with the crayon. In these cases, I would simply spray them with a clear Spray Fixative. You can find it at any craft store in the art department. The crayon is not effected by the spray and will not wick. Once the fixative is dry, the crayon will be permanent. Be sure to spray in a well ventilated area or outside. I put images on a paper plate and once they are sprayed it's easy to carry them back to my craft room.
Do Distress Crayons fade?
I have not found that Distress Crayons fade. I have journals that I made 5+ years ago and the color is just the same as when I colored the images. I suppose you may have some fading if you have used it, say on a canvas, and it is subject to sunlight every day. Although, I have two vignette pieces that have been hanging in my craft room for many years and both still look great.
How long to Distress Crayons last?
I am still using the same crayons I got years ago when they were released. The exception is Walnut Stain, Peeled Paint and Picket Fence. These colors have been replaced because I use them so much. I also try my best to make sure the cap clicks when I put the crayons away. I think anytime you can keep air away from the crayon (when they are stored) is a good thing.
I hope this post will be a help to you when you are thinking what Distress product to use next! My answer is always going to be Distress Crayons for their versatility and long lasting color!
Now carry on,
paula
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