Have you ever tried Crystal Effects? Not only does it work well as a clear-drying adhesive for adding beads, buttons, glitter and other embellishments, it can also be used to give a 3D, lacquered finish to any stamped image.
I tried it out with the Big On Christmas stamp set and I love the results! Very eye-catching, don't you think?!
I gold embossed the image, then colored it in with markers. TIP: When you're finished coloring, it's important to gently dab the image with a tissue to pick up any ink residue that may be sitting on top of the embossing. If you don't eliminate the resisted ink, you run the risk of smearing it over your stamped piece before it dries. (If you click to enlarge my Noel card, you can see that I found this out the hard way.)
Crystal Effects
I applied a thin layer of Crystal Effects over the ornament, using the tip of the applicator to spread the adhesive. I laid down a bead of it just inside the edges, then began dragging the glue toward the center to fill up the image. I like applying this adhesive from the outer part of the image, so I have a cleaner glue line on the edges, and I don't get it too thick in the center. Once you have even coverage, and have made sure there are no bubbles, allow it to dry thoroughly for at least an hour. The surface will smooth and even out as it dries, eliminating the applicator strokes.
Important Drying TIPS: The key to this technique is to allow the image to dry completely…naturally…without touching it! I mean it! You'll be tempted to see if it's dry, but if it isn't, and it's still a bit tacky, you'll end up with a not-so-lovely fingerprinted surface.
Also, trying to speed the drying with a Heat Tool can scorch the embossing powder, and give you the illusion that it's dry when it's only dried the surface.
I used silver embossing for this one. And, I made my snowman sparkly by sprinkling on a light dusting of Dazzling Diamonds while the Crystal Effects was wet.
I added Dazzling Diamonds to the tree, as well. Again, reinforcing the importance of wiping off any ink residue after coloring…my residual red ink bled as soon as I added the adhesive.
Other Card Details: Wild Wasabi card front is embossed with the Perfect Polka Dot Impressions Folder. I used Candy Cane Christmas Designer Paper, and a piece of wide scalloped Baja Breeze card stock created from the Tasteful Trim XL Die. Tied with a 1/4" Red Grosgrain ribbon.
Two Cards From One
You know how I enjoy CASEing card designs, well this one provided me with a bonus. I was inspired to create two cards featuring different techniques out of one CASE this time!
My inspiration for today's cards, as well as the Glitter Ornament card (shown right) from a couple days ago, came from this beautiful card by Evelyn Osinski…
I loved her card, especially her glossy ornament, but wanted to do the heat & stick glitter ornament with the glittery striped paper from the Candy Cane Christmas package. Doing two different cards, with similar design elements was the solution—and I love them both!
Angie