Seashells and Shimmery Crystal Effects!

Hi Crafty Peeps!  This morning, I shared just two cards in my Live video.  I featured the Friends are Like Seashells stamp set, but I also added Shimmery Crystal Effects to the mix.  My original plan was to color the Crystal Effects and paint it on the shells...watch the video where I show you the HORRIBLE results that I got.  So, plan B.  :)    These are the cards that I showed -

 

If you were not able to catch me live, you can still watch it on my Demonstrator Page , OR on YouTube.  If the picture does not appear below, you can click HERE to get to it on YouTube.

 

 

Let's take a look at the first card - I LOVE Magenta Madness and Petal Pink together!  Notice that these cards are a wee bit different.  I stamped all of the shells in both colors of pink, and used some on one card and the opposites on the second card.

 

My original plan was to color the Shimmery Crystal Effects with reinkers, and then paint it on to the shells.  HORRIBLE BAD.  It was disgusting!  So I changed to Plan B - stamp and cut the shells out first.  Then I went back in and added more color with some Stampin' Blends markers.  Then add the Shimmery Crystal Effects, and I dunked them through glitter....it was more glitter than I planned for, but I'll never say no to more sparkle.  In my head, I wanted to just sprinkle a little glitter on, like pixie dust.  Not dredge it through the glitter...but it works!

 

The background layer is embossed with the Seashells folder.  I used the Blending Brush to add Petal Pink all round the edges.  Then I roughed up the edges with a combination of my fingernail and a bone folder.  Roll up the corners.  

 

This close-up gives you a better look at the ribbons.  I pulled them apart on purpose, to fray them.  I used the Magenta Madness ribbon, which was a little tough to pull and fray, and the Braided Linen Trim.  That stuff was a BREEZE to pull apart, and I really like the effect!  It makes me think of fisherman's nets, or ropes.

 

You can also see the Opal Rounds - I really love those little gems!

 

On the next card, I got to color the Shimmery Crystal Effects like I wanted to, and smeared it on with the palette knife to make the background.  You need a silicone mat for this.  Squeeze out a generous portion of Shimmery Crystal Effects on to your silicone mat, then add a drop (ONE DROP goes a long way!) of reinker and mix it all up, using a palette knife.  Then use the knife to scoop it up, and smear it all over your card layer.  I LOVE this, and will use it again. I used Bermuda Bay reinker here.

While the background was drying, I stamped and hand-cut my shells and seahorse.    I added some more color to the seahorse and sand dollar with some Stampin' Blends. 

 

I used the same Braided Linen Trim on this card, but I tied it in a knot, and it's anchored to the card by the dimensionals underneath all the seashells.  Again, I finished off this card with some Opal Rounds - those things are so versatile!

I hope you're inspired to drag out your Crystal Effects - shimmery or just clear that we used to sell...both will work.  Mix in some reinker and make something beautiful!

Supplies you'll need to create these (Stampin' Up, unless otherwise noted.  Items may be retired.):

Stamps:  Friends are Like Seashells, Seaside Notions

Ink: Magenta Madness, Petal Pink, Night of Navy, Bermuda Bay

Paper: Magenta Madness, Night of Navy, White

Other:  Shimmery Crystal Effects, Magenta Madness ribbon, Braided Linen Trim, Stampin' Blends (Magenta Madness, Petal Pink, Coastal Cabana, and Seaside Spray), Opal Rounds, Silicone mat, palette knife, Reinker (Bermuda Bay)

Just a reminder that I need a few more BINGO players!  RSVPs/sign ups are needed by next week - April 1st.  We play bingo on May 2nd.  

Thanks for visiting, and Happy stamping!

Toni

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