Sunday 28 June 2015

Sparkling Medium

Glitter is used to create a number of effects in the craft world. This decorative material consists of finely cut sparkles that shimmer when the light strikes them.  It can be used to create a realistic look such as sparkling snow or add finishing touches to your cards.  

I have noticed as a crafter how glitter has become highly popular over the last few years and it isn't surprising with so many options to choose from.   Glitter can be bought loose, in various degrees of thickness, from ultra fine to chunky and even hairy glitter; In tubs which is spread on using a spatula and in small bottles which you squeeze out through a fine nozzle applicator.

My favourite loose glitter supplier is from "Stamps by Chloe".  Chloe really is the queen of glitter, embossing powders and stamps.  

I wouldn't be without my Stickles glitter either.  This is produced by Ranger and comes in a multitude of colours.  It has a fine tip applicator and all you do is just gently squeeze to use.  It comes out in a wet gel like substance which then needs to dry.  
  
Over the last week or so I have been working on a number of cards using stencils and sparkling medium which is another form of glitter suspended in a gel.  It is easier to work with than loose glitter. However, it does require you to immediately immerse your stencils in a bowl of water when you have finished with them.  It is a favourite technique because the results are fabulous. 

Sparkling Medium is available from Imagination Crafts.  It also comes in a wide choice of colours and a little goes a long way.

How to use Sparkle Medium:
You attach your stencil to your card stock using some tacky tape.  Then take a small spatula spread a small amount of the sparkle medium over the the stencil.  Spread in two directions and put any excess back in the jar. Peel the stencil away from the cardstock and leave the card to dry for about 1/2 hour. 

Now see how easy it is for crafters to achieve the shimmering and sparkling effect they are looking for below with my finished cards.



















and finally a card that was really good fun to make.  If you would like more information on how I made it please read my post called "Domed Cards".