Shimmer Powders are more popular than ever and it’s easy to achieve some fabulous looks with the color and shimmer. Let me show you how I work with my shimmer powders.
In my finished card here, I’ve used a 6″ x 6″ panel from Prima, called 6 x 6 Paintables – Salvage District. In these pads of watercolor paper each design comes printed either in black or white heat embossed allowing for lots of options. I chose to show you the white heat embossed option first.
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After taping down the panel to a hardboard, I lightly tapped on 2 different powders from 2 different sets with a #2 synthetic fan brush. I just dip the corner of my brush into the powder and lightly tap it on all over.
Then I spray with water. I use a plant mister for my spray bottle so it gives a nice fine mist rather than a heavier stream of water. I add more color and/or more water and move some of it with a wet paintbrush.
It ends up looking like this! Then I take my heat tool and using the lowest setting dry the panel. Usually not completely, but enough to lay it flat again. Then I leave it to completely dry on its own.
Another way is to make your own watercolor panel as I have done here. I heat embossed a panel using Tim Holtz Embossing Glazes. I used Rustic Wilderness and Antique Linen.
These are both panel completely dry. Although you can’t see it, they are both very shimmery and catch the light nicely.
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This is another card front done using one of the Prima Panels that was printed in black. After it was completely dry I die cut it and then inked around the edges with Distress Vintage Photo Ink. The inked edge really gives the panel a finished look.
As you can see all of the panels dried nicely and look really pretty. I love being able to lay down different colors and watch how they blend. There are several brands of shimmer powders on the market. But, these are fast being my favorite ones! I think the possibilities are endless with the techniques and all the different colors of powders! Give this a try – I think you’ll have lots of fun! And tag us on Social Media with your creations! We love to see your work!
Betsy Birge is from Liberty, US. She has been writing for TPC since 2023. Betsy started paper crafting in 2006 and she mostly makes cards. Her style is a bit of everything and she loves watercoloring both her cards and fine art showing in local galleries.