Sisters to host Alcohol Inks 101, 102

Join the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, for the upcoming workshop “Alcohol Inks 101,” from 9:30 a.m.-noon, on Saturday, Sept. 11, and plan to stick around for “Alcohol Inks 102,” from 1:30-3 p.m., on the same day.

Sister Rosemary Schmalz will facilitate both events.

“Alcohol inks have become quite popular in the past few years, both for artists and crafters,” Sister Rosemary commented.  “Basically, alcohol is to alcohol inks what water is to watercolors.  Alcohol serves as the basis of the pigment and dilutes and spreads the colors.  The inks are fast-drying and highly pigmented. They are best used on nonporous surfaces.

“It is how the inks work together that make them unique,” she continued. “One color tends to resist the other, making interesting edges and patterns. Colors flowing together do not necessarily mix, but retain their own hue.”

During the first workshop, participants will learn how the colors move, mix and resist while learning how to introduce texture and how to rejuvenate the inks after they dry.

Sister Rosemary said all who attend the introduction workshop should come with a “mindset of playing, since the inks are difficult to control.”

“One should not expect to leave this workshop with a piece to frame and hang,” Sister Rosemary continued. “Yet exploring how these inks behave, and refuse to behave, is endlessly fascinating and participants are guaranteed to have fun.”

During the second workshop, participants will expand their new skill by using different materials, including foil, tile and plastic.

“Alcohol Inks 101 offers the basics,” Sister Rosemary said. “Alcohol Inks 102 extends the experience. Only those who have registered for 101 may register for 102.”

Cost to attend the first workshop is $50, while the cost for the second workshop is $25. All materials are included.

The registration deadline for both workshops is Sept. 7.

Register online here or by calling 812-535-2952 or emailing provctr@spsmw.org.