Techniques

Contrasting Colour Glitter

Ok, here it is: my final card for the glitter class that happened tonight.  Tom finally got my computer going again - something about restarting, blah blah, memory, blah blah blah, too much.  Whatever. ;)

So this puppy is a delight - this is showcasing a technique of using this fabulous paper you can get a Michael's called 'Art Accentz', and it is SO sticky!  you can also use Heat & Stick powder with glitter, as well as 2 way glue pens, crystal effects, sticky tape, glue dots, etc.  However, for this particular technique (punching), you need the Art Accentz, as the backing on the tape is strong enough to be punched, and then re-adhered. 

Here's how I did it:

1) I adhered the WHITE side of the sticker sheet to the paper, and smoothed it out. 

2) I removed the BROWN backing from the sticker sheet.

3) I punched out shapes from the sticker sheet.

4) I adhered (WAXY SIDE DOWN!), the shapes I punched out, back onto the sticker sheet.

5) I then took Fine Cosmo Glitter, and sprinkled it onto the sticker sheet. 

6) I pushed in the glitter with my finger, to both adhere it fully to the sticker sheet, as well as get the metal flakes to lay as flat as possible (and catch the light). 

7) I tapped off the excess.

8) Using my paper snips, I then carefully pried up the shapes I cut out.

9) Using a contrasting glitter colour, I then filled in the spaces with that glitter, and repeated the process.

Voila!  Enjoy. ;)

Coloured Sparkles

Ok - let's talk about the hottest trend right now - SPARKLES!  This is a great way to generate excitement in your art, catch the eye, or add a touch of the feminine side of things - I mean, who doesn't love sparkles?! (Ok, I admit to the floor of my craft room being LITTERED with shimmery sparkly bits from my experiments!).

So, let me talk to you about how to start using this stuff in your projects!  First off, you need a very fine glitter - Stampin' Up! sells stampin' glitter that lasts a VERY long time, but gives a GREAT effect - good coverage, LOTS of light reflection.  Check them out on page 187 of the catalog - $6.25 for a jar in three colours: Romantic Red, Dazzling Diamonds, and Silver Shine. 

So, how do you use the stuff?  Well first off, know that it is really fine, so it can get a little messy.  With a little help, you can control this mess: Use your powder pal (same page in the catty) to control the mess - just sprinkle to your heart's content, and then funnel it back into the container when you are done using the built-in funnel.  Although, sometimes I like to feel girly, and come out of my scraproom glittering like an angel...  <ahem>

Ok - so there are lots of way to get the glitter to stick to your project, and not to the person who receives it later.  You can use Liquid Glue, a 2-way Glue Pen, or my personal, stinky favourite - Heat & Stick Powder (again, same page).  Heat & Stick is amazing stuff, as you can get REALLY fine detail on where you want your glitter to adhere, instead of just big blobs of glitter.  You can also get very consistent coverage this way.  Here's how you use it:

1) Use Versamark (either a pen for small detail you are adding in, or the pad to stamp an image) to detail where you want sparkles to go. Sprinkle the Heat & Stick (H&S) powder on, tap off excess. 

2) Gently heat the H&S powder with your heat tool, until it changes consistency.  It will become sticky - don't overheat, or you will lose that stickiness. 

3) Sprinkle your glitter over the sticky H&S powder - tap off excess. Brush off any stray glitter with a paintbrush.  Gently heat-set the glitter and you're done!

Ok - for those of you who are thinking, cool, but I want MORE.. here's more!  How about changing the colour of the glitter???  Oh yes - you can tint it to match all the SU! papers, ribbons, you name it!  Here's how:

1) Add one drop of classic ink to an empty stampin' store container (or something tiny you have and don't care about). 

2) Mix in a few drops of water.

3) Add about a half a teaspoon of Dazzling Diamonds Stampin' Glitter and mix.

4) Continue adding glitter until all the dye is absorbed.  You'll notice that the glitter will take on a fluffy texture as it absorbs the dye. 

5) Continue to mix in glitter until the fluff begins to sparkle.  The dyed glitter will retain its fluffy texture, but the colour will reflect off the added glitter.  So all you will see if coloured sparkles! 

Now You!