Hi and welcome back to my craft room! Some stenciling and experimenting and just plain playing around has been going on here. Today's cards were inspired by Loll's use of stencils and glass bead gel. I'm a novice at using any kind of texture paste with stencils -- I don't even have a palette knife -- but since I ordered the gel in January I thought it was time to give it a go. Loll makes it look so easy. Well, it is once you know what you're doing (which I didn't).
I thought I applied a thin coat but this stencil is a full-size slimline and I was surprised at how heavy the finished panel was. I decided to cut it down but not with my cutter (yikes!), so I selectively cut it apart by hand. Not a huge issue but it was not something I'd planned on. In the end it made two cute cards that I like a lot, plus there were leftovers for the insides.
I think the second card is my favorite -- woodgrain cardstock for the base and an oldie frame die from my stash.
One note: I knew it would take a while to dry, but after 48 hours and still tacky I realized it was never going to not be tacky so I sprayed it with clear acrylic matte sealer before I assembled the cards. No more tacky (hurray!). I don't know if this is to be expected, but it worked out okay. Spray matte sealer is a staple in my craft room.
I'm sure it pays to watch a how-to video (which I didn't), but I will because I definitely plan to use this very cool medium again.
Close up:
I'm going to share in two challenges:
NBUS Challenge #61. My never before used schtuff is the stencil and the glass bead gel.
That's all folks! Have a happy weekend!
23 comments:
I have just signed up behind you on NBUS, so I thought I would head right on over and actually feel like I am on top of things for a change (of course I am not really but never mind). I love both these cards, they are simply gorgeous. I have some glass bead gel and have only used it a couple of times. There is definitely some skill involved, but the effect is stunning. Loll is a master at it. In fact I am currently admiring one of hers on my mantelpiece at the moment. Thanks for the tip re acrylic matte sealer. I will look into that xx
Well we have a sunny day but a bunch of snow...
Pretty cards. Lots of glitter. BIG GRIN, Have a great day
Both beautiful cards and love the fabulous glass bead gel,not seen that before.
Carol x
I absolutely LOVE using glass bead gel and yes, the trick is to get a very thin coat on, and then it dries nicely without being tacky. If you don't have a palette knife, an old credit card works really well too to scrape away all the excess. Your cards are both absolutely BEAUTIFUL Leslie and I know the sparkle and SHINE is like no other! Can't wait to see what else you do using the glass bead gel! Hugs. :0)
Your two new cards are so sweet and pretty, Leslie:-) TFS your new techniques. Love and Hugs...Nancy :-)
Both cards are lovely but there is just something about the second one that speaks to me. I think it is the face the frame is there for the flowers...it just makes me happy!
Both cards are beautiful and I can't believe the beautiful shimmer and shine on them, I bet IRL they are even more stunning. I just looked up the glass bead gel and was amazed it is actually made with real glass beads, very different that's for sure but your stenciling with it is amazing!!
Thank you for joining our challenge at Stencil Fun!
Diane SF Co-Owner
{Nellies Nest}
{Stencil Fun}
What beautiful texture the bead gel makes! I never thought of applying little beadies to any of my stencil pastes. I wonder if some of them might work? Darling cards. Thanks for mentioning the tackiness, too, Leslie. I would not have thought of using the acrylic matte sealer spray. I have some of that in my stash, too, and only used it occasionally in other ways. My beadies were usually adhered with EP or glue, so this is a thought on some of my "wetter" pastes, although the product you have used is extra pretty! The email in my inbox today, announcing your post, also sported a post for the Allsortschallenge. They have an animals challenge going, with an advertisement showcasing a border of dear Golden puppies! Couldn't help but think it was appropriate to share an email with your notification LOL. hugs, de
Leslie, what a set of amazing cards! I've never used or heard of glass bead gel, might be something to look into. These are both so beautiful, love all the sparkle on these, definitely makes me smile! Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful day!
Leslie, this is so very beautiful! I'm quite sure I DON'T have any of this wonderful gel in my possession, but it looks and sounds like I could learn a thing or two from you and Loll about how to use it!
GORGEOUS results!
=]
WOW! Two beautiful cards using the glass bead gel, Leslie! The colors are so vibrant and gorgeous and both cards turned out beautifully! I found out the hard way not to use my paper cutter on glass bead gel. It took ages to get the residue off. I may have to take a look at this stencil after seeing your results!
Your cards are so interesting and intriguing. I like the sparkle look you get. They are both gorgeous. I'm going to make time and check out the video. Thanks for sharing her link!
Glass bead gel is new to me Leslie and kudos to you for giving it a go. What a magnificent result - loads of sparkle and shine - and great problem solving with the matte sealer spray too. I love the stencil you used and both card designs are stunning. Vicky x
I have a jar of that stuff I have used maybe once it does make for a lovely glow. Your cards are fantastic, Leslie. And you have to make more. So beautiful!!!!
Very unusual texture to these flowers, but I love it. Reminds me of tapestry. Using stencils for the paste seems like a lot of fun. That is if you can get it to dry. Thanks for the tips and tricks.
Wow they turned out gorgeous for sure, such pretty sparkle texture, love the soft spring colors you used, glad you were able to figure out how to use them on two cards, they both are lovely. I have a few texture paste that I don't use very often, and have never used glass bead gel. Great tips on how you were able to get it all to work!
WOW! For not 'knowing what you were doing', these are AMAZING and you did a BEAUTIFUL JOB!!! What a cool product ... I have the knife but not any of the pastey things to go with it lol. These are both just amazing ... awesome creations my friend! Thanks so much for joining in the fun at our STENCIL FUN challenge! Good Luck and we hope you’ll come back often.
Darlene
DAR’S CRAFTY CREATIONS
Co-Owner … Can You Handle the Pressure, Double D, Four Seasons, Peace On Earth,Stencil Fun, Simply Clean & Simple, Two Old Bats, Triple B, Word Power
I'm so glad you're venturing into mixed media :), the glass beads look amazing with the shine and texture. What a great idea cutting the image out and adding it to another card. xx
I've never even heard of this!! It's so very cool! And your cards, as always, are gorgeous.
I'm admiring these beautiful cards and the terrific shimmer of the glass bead gel. This one is new to me! Leslie, way to go, trying new things! You inspire me so much.
Lolly does make it look easy, no matter what she does! Congratulations on doing a brilliant job yourself with your first outing! I think you picked a perfect stencil and both designs are such happy cards! I wish we all lived closer so we could paste together! Thank you for inspiring everyone to use their NBUS! Hugs, Darnell (p.s. Not sure if I've said, but I love your new photo with Sophie!)
AMAZING!! I love your two cards from your one stenciling with glass bead gel. Isn't the sparkle incredible??!! I'm never disappointed when I add some to a card. :) You did a fabulous job, Leslie. I love the spring colours and the texture. It does add weight to the card, but I always try to remove it to the thinest possible with my palette knife before letting it dry. It's still thick, but I usually get some off. It should dry in 24 hours ... probably was quite thick so it took longer. I have never used a spray sealer, but what a great tip. xx
Gorgeous cards, Leslie! You did an exceptional job with the glass bead gel. I love glass bead gel. Did you know that it comes in black also? I use a lot of the clear when doing MM projects.
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