DIAMOND DUST TECHNIQUE

I follow a few fellow Stampin' Up! demonstrators on YouTube. Each night, as a bedtime treat, I go to my YouTube channel and feast on a few of these wonderful videos, hoping some of the talent and creativity would transfer to me via osmosis.

The other night I was fascinated with what was presented in a video by Shelly Godby of Stamping Smiles. She mourned the fact that Stampin' Up! had retired the Iridescent Embossing Powder, and decided to try on her own to duplicate the finished look you get when using that embossing powder.

She divulged her "recipe" for her new embossing powder. (Thank you, Shelly!) What she created with her newly-minted technique, which she refers to as Diamond Dust Technique, was beautiful. 

I was intrigued enough to give it a try on my own. Unfortunately, as I'd said previously, I watch these videos at bedtime. So, I wasn't about to run down to my Creation Station to try out Shelly's technique right at that time. 

But, the next day, I was down there trying it! 

Unfortunately the photos cannot capture the glistening effect of 

Shelly's Diamond Dust Technique, but this is what I created:

I know the photo shows up a few sparkles here and there. Imagine those few sparkles multiplied by thousands, and you will realize how wondrous this technique looks in real life!

I kept trying to capture the look in a photo, but failed every single time. I guess you'll just have to try the technique on your own to appreciate how cool it really is!

According to Shelly -- and the recipe I used for my card -- to concoct your own mixture, mix in a separate container (I used an empty embossing powder jar) equal parts of Clear Embossing Powder and Dazzling Diamonds Glitter. I had a gelato spoon handy, so I simply used two scoops of each for my "embossing powder".

To do the technique, stamp a piece of Whisper White cardstock as you wish. Once you are happy with your stamping, take VersaMark ink directly to the entire surface. Make sure that your VersaMark is quite fresh, because you want a good even layer of it on all spots in order for this to work properly.

Once your piece is all VersaMarked, pour your mixture all over, being sure that every single spot is covered with the glitter/embossing powder combination. Tap excess back into its container for another time. Then, with the Heat Tool, melt the powder. It is difficult to see when it starts to melt, so be careful. When you think it is all embossed, tilt it and check for any powdery spots that the heat may not have melted completely and take the Heat Tool to it once again.

Seriously, once you finish this technique, you will want to cover up as little of this piece as possible.

Set the piece aside to cool completely -- and so you can admire it as you work! -- while you finish up the remaining elements for your card. For mine, I'd added a strip of the 5/8" Polka Dot Tulle Ribbon (page 175, Annual Catalog), mostly because it is lovely, BUT it is see-through.

I then added a simple sentiment on an oval label cut with the Stitched Shapes Dies (page 196, Annual Catalog) and a weird little flower I put together with a small Basic Rhinestone in the center to try to mimic the glistening of my background.

If you would like to watch Shelly's charming video for yourself, you can access it HERE. And, be sure to subscribe to her channel. She always has great ideas!

Thanks again, Shelly, for sharing your creativity with us!

Glistening

Smiles.