Glitter Inlay Technique Video by Dave Brethauer

Welcome everybody! I don't know about you, but sometimes I can't get enough glitter. I've gone through several gallons of Diamond Glitter glue over the years, so it is no surprise that I tend to keep a good supply of glitter in my craft bins. I was inspired when I saw my pack of Martha Stewart glitter (I think I purchased these years ago, they last a long time!) and decided it was time to make a video.
 

 

In the video I start with a super easy inlay technique using Scor Tape double sided adhesive sheets. You get consistently excellent results with this tape so it is on my list of basic must haves - in addition to being useful in a number of special techniques, it really is terrific for glitter application.

The adhesive sheets are applied behind an open die cut, like the Blooming Peony Stem (recently released and one of our best sellers). Once the glitter is rubbed into the open areas of the die cut, the magic begins! The glitter lays down flat - catching glints of light and reflection each time the card is moved. The effect is mesmerizing! I added a sentiment from the Open Studio Watching the World Bloom clear stamp set (it has several sentiments that would work well on this card) and I decided to do a small pack of cards for a friend. I created the same card over and over, but I changed out the base card so that there were Key Lime, Sunflower, Mango, Violet and Pool notecards in the set. It was a really cheery looking gift!

Here is an up close look at what it looks like after you have completed the inlay glitter process. Every speck of glitter catches the light - and because you are applying the glitter by hand, the result is a smooth and flat layer of glitter.

The look you end up with depends on the kind of glitter that you use - the peony above was done with clear glitter, so the color of the paper underneath comes through, but with a frosted look.

Of course you can't stop with just one shade of glitter though - with so many colors available, it is just natural to add some more!

I combined an ink blended background with a layer of clear and colored glitter inside the Deer Grove Oval - check out the video for some general tips on creating an ombre effect. If you are new to working with glitter, then start with a two color project before progressing - it's easy to get a little messy! I offer some suggestions for how to conserve your glitter and how to work with two colors at a time. I used Distress Ink for the background, in Squeezed Lemonade and Tumbled Glass, and created a bright springtime background for the glitter to layer over. In the video, you will see there was just enough room to add in the Scribble Hello from Poppystamps - in basic black cardstock at the corner for a crisp, clean look.

Since a lot of the dies I design are intended to work together, I also added a short tutorial on combining the Deer Grove Oval and the Grand Stag Oval - when these are layered together the deer face each other. You could use these in combination for so many different kinds of greetings - my goal is to always create dies that work with each other to inspire lots of different creative opportunities! And I really love the color combination - Distress Ink in Wilted Violet and Evergreen Bough is such a striking combination.

Once you've gotten the hang of blending glitter, then adding lots of shades to one project is a breeze! I used the Open Studio Butterfly Ensemble and Morning Garden Butterflies to create the shimmering butterflies here. I think if I had the time I would devote a day to creating butterflies - the play of the white against the brilliant color, the possibilities of blending from one area of the wing towards the center - it is easy, fun and inspiring and you can't really go wrong!

Careful - like all of this papercrafting stuff, it is addictive! Fortunately, the glitter seems to last forever (those bottles never seem to get empty - even after all these years!) so you can play and play.

The cloud background was super easy - just a few quick cuts using the Poppystamps Stitched Cloudline and some simple sponging makes for a quick background and the perfect spot to add a sentiment. I stamped greetings from the Poppystamp Ornamental Butterflies clear stamp set in plain black ink. The butterflies provided all the color necessary!

I finished up making the projects and editing the video and took a look around the office - glitter on the keyboard, glitter on my shirt, glitter on the dog...well, don't say I didn't warn you! 

So what inspired the video? This week was the release of our new collections at Memory Box, Poppystamps and Birch Press - yes, all three companies released some amazing new stuff to play with! I had my Deer Grove Oval in hand when I thought, "This would work great with a glittery background..." and next thing you know I had a glitter video. Hope you enjoy it!

 

Save

Supplies

99619 Blooming Peony Stem

30052 Postage Rectangle Layers

CL5197 Watching the World Bloom clear stamp set

99737 Deer Grove Oval

1690 Scribble Hello

99493 Grand Stag Oval Frame

30071 Butterfly Ensemble

30085 Morning Garden Butterflies

1730 Stitched Cloudline

Comments

[Pati L]

Beautiful! Thanks for the video and inspiration! I have lots of glitter I've accumulated over the years but haven't used, so this is good!

[Barbara-Jean]

Wonderful as always, Dave, Thanks!

[Teresa Doyle]

These are really stunning. Can't wait to try this again.

[Lin Brandyberry]

Love your ideas - thanks for the video!

[Tami]

Oh my gorgeous cards, that for the awesome ideas!!

[Tami]

Thanks for the awesome ideas I meant to say!! :)

[Melanie Kilborn]

Wow love your video - thank you. I'm off to practice now as I have loads of Memory Box dies - I just love them x

[Isabelle]

Awesome cards and technic ! Thank you for sharing.

[Anita lewis]

Wow! this was a great tutorial hardly wait to start, thanks Dave, remember one of your wonderful classes at Stampadoodle.

[TracyM #6773]

GORGEOUS!!!
THANK YOU for sharing and inspiring :)

[Elaine Fellows]

Wonderful card and truly appreciate you sharing these. Thanks

[Maureen Chandler]

Dave, your projects are all beautiful! Thanks so much for making such a wonderful video!!

[MaryAnne Rhodes]

Beautiful.....I have several of the original butterfly dies (solid with matching detail) so cannot wait to make some beautiful cards.
Plus.....Easter eggs with your beautiful dies that I have had for several years....that you for the inspiration!!

[julye]

You can't beat a bit of sparkle and why should glitter be just for Christmas. Love the video all beautiful projects so can't decide my favourite, and so many more things for my wish list too so sory for my bank balance.

[Kathy Thisted]

Thanks for the reminder. I have always enjoyed this technique but never remember until i see someone use it with new product and get an ah hah moment. thanks so much

[Jane Luxem]

Thanks for the creative video! I'll be getting out my Memory Box dies and glitter today!

[Bonnie Feller Hagen]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just love your butterflies.

[Pam Steger]

I really, really enjoyed this tutorial. Thank you so much for sharing!

[KT Fit Kitty]

Wow, awesome technique! Gret video! Thank you, Dave! I can't wait to try this!

[Darlene Kalampalikis]

Hi Dave, I love your video. Like everyone else I have so many bottles of glitter. Cannot wait to get going on making these cards.
Thanks so much. You are very clever. See you next video.

Bye for now.

Darlene K

[Melissa S]

Wonderful videos! So clear and helpful!

[Diane McGowan]

NEED to try this technique! VERY pretty!

[Debbie Kaste]

Great video, Dave! Love your dies. My most treasured possessions. Thanks for sharing your ideas with all of us.

[Nancy]

Super NICE ! Merci pour partager de beaux choses!
Nancy

[Verna Davis]

Helpful Hint
If you have glitter scattered around on your work area-use a dryer sheet or part of a Swiffer sheet. Wipe up the debris. These will pick up the glitter and they you have a tidy space once again.