Puttin' on the Ritz! Creating Glitter Borders

The last few days have been SO busy. School ended today and all the last minute flurry of activity has me "sleepless in Seattle." I could literally fall asleep here at the computer this afternoon, but as I wasn't able to complete this post last night I am filled with renewed determination to get it done this afternoon. I am SO very excited to be sharing these glitter techniques with you because as I stated in my previous post there is something incredibly different about this glitter.

 
We hope to share little glitter samples as shown below in a variety of colors with the orders that are coming in over the next few weeks so that you can see for yourself how gorgeous and different this glitter is. It just is impossible to translate the beauty through the computer screen.

First we have two transparent colors as shown below.

 

This is the cool tone glitter that was applied to the Delovely paper in the previous post. It is difficult to actually take a picture and have the colors be true, but you can see how this glitter is shown on white paper on the left and black paper on the right. It has such an elegant and luxurious look and feel to it.

There are so many scrumptious colors to select from.

 

I am currently working on an Excel spreadsheet that will show the glitter color that corresponds with the Memory Box and Hero Arts cardstock we carry. They coordinate AMAZINGLY!

 

As you can see I have been busy :-D I am working hard to try and make this easier for you because I know that you will love these just as much as I do! Now on with the project.

 

This gorgeous Hero Arts image is so fun to color. Above are the Copic colors I used to color the image. I apologize that we have already run out of this set - I should have know that when it was shown colored it would be gone instantaneously - more are on their way and we hope will be here shortly.

I am not going to go in to the coloring of this image because that would make this post insanely long, so on with the glitter directions.

I applied a piece of Be Creative tape to my Neenah cardstock.

I prefer to cut my tape slightly larger than my project and then using my Fiskars fingertip knife I cut through the adhesive only (it's much easier than it sounds as you use the edge of the cardstock to guide you) and roll the exposed adhesive away and discard it. This gives me little "tabs" to work with when I am applying the glitter. 

Next I used my Scalloped On the Edge die to cut through the layers of tape and paper and then snipped the end tabs free.

If you haven't created little swatches when you receive your glitter you will find that it is easy to select your color by simply turning your bottle over and hold it next to your project as shown above.

Remove the wording from your tape and pour your glitter over the adhesive. Shake off the excess and using a soft brush such as a make-up brush remove the remaining glitter. The next step is always critical - BURNISH the glitter into the adhesive on the tape using your fingertips. It is incredible how it brings the glitter to life and makes it permanent. You might get glitter on you as you are working, BUT it will not come off your project and be all over the recipient of your gift after you burnish it in. :-D

 

There are so many ways to add additional colors and with this post I wanted to keep it easy. After completing the process above I simply added a thin strip of tape overtop my glittered project as shown above.

Again remove the liner with the words on it and pour your glitter over your adhesive. If you forgot to burnish your project you will end up having the two colors mixed together, but if you burnish you will be amazed at how clean and precise each color of glitter remains.

There are so many options available to you depending on the final look you would like for your project!

Remove the excess glitter, use your soft make-up style brush to remove even more glitter flakes and then burnish again.

Not only can you use the tape with the glitter but I find that the Designer Dries Clear Adhesive is magical as well. I dotted little droplets of glue on the stamens in the flowers and applied glitter to these. The gorgeous subtle gleam and texture were the perfect compliment. 

Tomorrow brings my most complex project. I hope that you have been enjoying learning about the creative options that you will be able to achieve with this product! We ran out of some colors quickly, but hope to have more the beginning of next week. So keep checking back to our store or join our Face Book Fan Club to be updated when the glitter arrives back at our warehouse.

Simple elegance - it's my favorite look :-D

 
stamps: Hero Arts Delicate Blossoms

paper: Neenah Solar White, Memory Box Sunflower

ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see mug in picture above for colors)

accessories: Be Creative 5mm and 40mm (1 1/2") , Glitter Ritz Microfine Glitter -  Ice Blue, Dark Gold, and Apricot, Designer Dries Clear Adhesive, On the Edge Scalloped Die,   

   

Comments

[Shona]

For Ellen...I realize this is a year late to your question, and Im sure you have found the best technique...but I found this information and wanted to share with you just in case....here's the link...

http://www.tsukineko.com/tips/GP_tips.php

[Lori]

I just started really playing with glitter last weekend - so I was so happy to see that you are too. You always have so much thorough information, set out in such a logical and helpful way. You haven't addressed the problem that I am having yet, so maybe I am just being impatient, but I am hoping that you will be looking at using stamps and glitter in a future post. PLEASE? I have been trying a number of variations of stamping with a glue pad, and "attaching" glitter. So far, the image looks great when it's freshly glittered, but once it is handled at all, the glitter comes off. Can you advise if there is a better way to do it, or a better product to use?
Thanks Ellen.

[Cathy Hughes]

I love glitter! I hope you give details later about the coloring of the card...it is so pretty.

Cathy

[Debbie Olson]

This is just lovely, Ellen!

[JeanFB]

Wow, this is beautiful! Thanks for the tip about burnishing the glittered tape.

[Julia Stainton]

This is stunning Ellen! Can't wait to try some!

[Sandra]

WOW! Beautiful!
Sandra

[Lisa Silver (Silvergirl)]

Really stunning, Ms. Ellen! I just adore the bold colors and the glitter embellishment!

hugs to you,
lise