Creative Cards Newsletter Issue Thirty Two - 4th August 2002

In This Issue:
1.

Using Copper and Lilac Pearl Ex:

Using Gold and Lilac Pearl Ex:

As well as creating backgrounds the way I have just covered, you can also use this technique to create wonderful little tiles which would look good as card embellishments all on their own!

Here is how to create them:

Heated Pearls Tile Backgrounds

This technique is better suited for smaller pieces of card, I used small squares of approx 2 inches square which can be used as tile embellishments on cards.

1. Take 2 pieces of black gloss card roughly the same size.

2. Place a dollop of glue on one of the pieces of card only and stipple it all over using the stipple brush

3. As before tap on some pearl ex in 2 different colours and then stipple that into the glue

4. Place the sheet of card which doesn't have any glue or pearl ex on it over the top of the card that does.

5. Rub the card evenly over the back and then peel it off slowly..you have created 2 backgrounds in one!

6. Heat to set to finish

Experiment with how you peel apart the tiles, if you do it slowly you can create ripples and textures. Or smoosh them around in a clockwise motion to create swirls!

Add less or more glue..this also creates different effects for backgrounds too!

Heated Pearls Tile Background Samples

Here are some samples of the heated pearl tiles I have just covered:
Using Gold and Lilac Pearl Ex:

Using Copper and Lilac Pearl Ex:

More Heated Pearls Tile Background Samples

These 2 samples where created by twirling the card stock around in a clockwise motion before peeling apart:

As you can see I have been experimenting using less and more glue or pearl ex and also with how I pulled the 2 tiles apart to achieve different effects:

Stamping On Heated Pearls Backgrounds

For stamping on these backgrounds I recommend the Brilliance inkpads as they are juicy enough to stamp on this type of surface, plus they air dry naturally.

I have used my brilliance inkpads to stamp on these backgrounds and they give a wonderful effect...

Pearl Ex Alternatives

If you don't have Pearl Ex you can substitute with other mica alternatives such as Moon Glow, Fairie Dust, Perfect Pearls or Powered Pearls!

Some cheap eye shadows have mica in them and they too would be suitable!

More Ideas for Creating Heated Pearl Backgrounds:

You could sponge the glue on rather than stipple it it on...or use other tools, for example; one thing I like to use is household pan scourers..you know the cheap plastic types? These would also create and interesting texture.

You could also add more glue to create a combing or wood graining effect in the glue and pearl ex, for this you could use an ordinary comb or a wood graining tool bought from DIY shops.

I have tried this technique on lighter colour card and to be honest it looks better on the darker card as it sets off the pearl ex...it still works..but obviously not as vivid...

The little tiles would look good binded in gold cord and mounted on cards!

I hope you enjoyed this background class and have as much fun creating these backgrounds as I did!
Please share your artwork with us all.  If you create backgrounds using this technique we would all LOVE to see them! Don't be shy now!