11 Clever & Colorful Things to Make With Alcohol Inks

Last Updated on February 18, 2022 by Katherine

Alcohol inks are a fantastic medium for crafting projects. This week on the blog, I wanted to share eleven fresh ways that you can use alcohol inks to create something beautiful.

I had some leftover metallic colors (click here to purchase the same from Amazon) from a previous spat of resin crafting that I did, and I wanted to revisit them because they are gorgeous colors, and I loved working with them! You can also make your own alcohol inks using Sharpie markers if you’d rather not buy them.

One of my favorite things about alcohol inks is how easy it is to create a beautiful watercolor look using them and some rubbing alcohol. It’s a foolproof craft because if you make a horrible mistake, just wipe it all away with a paper towel before it dries and start over!

Have I got you interested? Good, let’s dive right in!

Getting Started With Alcohol Inks

Alcohol inks can be messy, so it is worthwhile to plan out your projects to avoid a headache! Some things to consider having on hand:

• Alcohol Inks.
  • Store-bought (You can find them on Amazon or at your local craft store).
  • Home-made (Learn more: DIY Alcohol Inks – How to Easily Make Your Own Amazing Craft Supplies).
• A drop cloth for an easy cleanup.
• Object(s) for painting.
  • Picture frames.
  • Light switch plates.
  • Coasters.
  • And so on.
• Disposable gloves (unless you enjoy having colorful hands – no judgment!).
• Paint brushes.

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Artsy Light Switch Plates

Check out DIY Switch Plate Covers at Instructibles Living for the original inspiration for this craft.

If you want to add a personal touch to your light switch plates or electrical outlets, this craft is for you. I would recommend buying new plates for this so that you can switch back to the original ones when you move and take your fancy ones with you.

Working on your prepped surface, take your new switch plates (make sure you get them in a light or white color) and begin by coating the surface with rubbing alcohol so that it’s completely wet. Working quickly, add some drops of your ink and move the plate around to create neat little patterns. Be sure to add more colors.

You can also use a drinking straw to blow around the paint and create some cool patterns. Allow your project to dry overnight and then spray them with an acrylic sealer. You’ll see the colors swirl a bit more as the sealer goes on, but they’ll settle down as it dries. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second.

Ink Prints

This craft calls for playing with a bit of fire, but as soon as I read the post on It’s Always Autumn, I knew I just had to include it in this post!

All you need is a frame (with glass), lighter, inks, alcohol, and some white cardstock.

All you do is drop the inks onto the glass, add in the alcohol to create some neat swirly patterns, and then light that puppy on fire. As the alcohol burns, it creates some cool designs.

Once you’ve “fired” the glass, let it cool and then insert back into the frame!

Add your cardstock behind it to finish. Instant wall art!

2 Ways For New Coasters

Coasters are a quick way to add a bit of personality to your coffee table, and I found two very cool ways to incorporate alcohol inks into designing your very own new coasters. One is using resin, and the other is using ceramic tiles.

“Petrified” Resin

Check out Petrified Rainbow Resin Coasters With Alcohol Ink DIY to learn more.

Begin by creating a thin and clear layer of resin in your coaster mold. Allow that to cure fully according to the package instructions. Use a toothpick or heat gun to pop any bubbles that form.

Next, you’ll mix and pour resin to fill the cavity molds, add in your alcohol inks by dropping them into a “bulls-eye” pattern. If you have white ink, use it sparingly, but I think even without it, you can get a beautiful design. The clear layer helps prevent those inks from puddling at the top.

Galaxy Coasters

For this craft, besides your inks, ceramic tile, and gloves, you will need painter’s tape and a gold paint pen. The tape will help you create a beautiful blocked look, and the gold paint pen will allow you to create some pretty little “stars.”

You can read more about Galaxy Color Blocked Marble Coasters at A Kailo Chic Life.

Washer Necklaces

I love how simple and decorative this project is. All you need are some washers, some alcohol ink, and a stamping pad. Check out Sarah Jane’s Craft Blog for the full tutorial and a trick to create your own stamp pad with velcro and wood.

You can also get a bit more creative with your painted washers and use them in a necklace or bracelet project. The possibilities are endless!

Inky Ornaments

If you have some clear glass ornaments that you want to jazz up with some ink, this crafting project from Stephanie Lynn is cool! You don’t need to create these for Christmas either, they can be used for simple decor pieces too!

Sparkly Gems

For this project, you will need some clear, flat-backed gems. You can find these practically anywhere, most crafting stores, or even your local dollar store.

You can create some beautiful little accent gems that you can use in your next jewelry project or as a cool accent in some home decor project as well. Check out the full tutorial at Color Made Happy.

Abstract Painting

You can paint alcohol inks on canvas, but you need to prep that canvas, otherwise the inks will just soak right into the cotton and not move and create the cool patterns you want.

Learn more about prepping a canvas and painting with alcohol from Debra Lyn on YouTube.

You can also work from a product called Yupo paper, which is perfect for working with these inks.

Glass Votives

This project is quite similar to the glass ornament one above. Compressed air can help create a beautiful look as you move the inks around on the glass. Check out the full scoop at Bitz & Giggles.

Using gravity to move the ink around too can also work if you don’t have access to compressed air. You can also use a drinking straw, though you might feel a bit winded after a while.

Swirly Tea Set

This project is perfect to dress up a plain white tea set. Learn How to Use Alcohol Inks On Ceramics from Dans Le Lakehouse!

Ultimately, this project will dress up that white tea set with a swirl of color.

I don’t recommend using the ink on the inside of the cups as alcohol inks and most sealers aren’t food safe. However, you can use these to decorate the outside of your cups!

Rock Painting

Simple pebbles can become beautiful art pieces with a bit of alcohol ink!

Rock painting has developed somewhat of a following as of late on Instagram. Check out #rockpainting to see all the pretty ideas!

Many people use craft paints on their rocks, but you can definitely use alcohol inks for this project too!

Final Thoughts on Alcohol Inks

Alcohol ink crafts are delightfully colorful and awesome, and I hope these ideas have inspired you to go out there and create your own beautiful projects. These projects are all suitable for beginner. Prepping your work area and wearing gloves will help keep the mess at bay!

Experiment with different methods until you create something you are happy with, and if you make a mistake, no problem, wipe that off with some rubbing alcohol and paper towel.

Share this post to your favorite social media platform and let me know your favorite project to use alcohol inks with. Also pin this to Pinterest to refer to later!

Until next time, stay crafty, my friends!!

Other Fun Craft Paint Ideas To Try:

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DIY Alcohol Inks – How to Easily Make Your Own Amazing Craft Supplies