Glitter Impaired!!
 

I must be the only person who can't seem to get glitter right! I have some wonderful glitters that I want to use but somehow it doesn't look even. I usually use two-way glue. I try to get the glue to be blue when I sprinkle on the glitter, but it just looks clumpy and thick. If I let the glue *dry* first, won't that make it repositionable and then the glitter won't *stick*? I think my problem is in how I apply the glue itself, or maybe it is the type of glue. Any suggestions?

I am really trying for that soft look. I recently was in a store with sample boards from Northwoods and Holly Berry House stamps. They used ALOT of glitter and the cards were absolutely gorgeous! Check out the samples from Holly Berry House. (Scroll down the page to get a close-up look.) See what I mean about the *soft* look!?! I really want to achieve that! Somebody help me please!!

Good quality glue and glitter make a huge difference for me!
I am a glitter fiend :mrgreen: and I prefer loose ultrafine glitter and my Sakura glue pen. The best glitter for me is the Art Institute glitter but I also love the SU dazling diamonds.
I just got some of the Martha Stewart glitter and he fine point glue pen but haven't tried it out yet. Will let you know!

I know a lot of gals love the Stickles, but I had the same problem as you with the Stickles. It just never looked right and didn't always dry true to color.

Me too!
 

I am also glitter impaired! Thanks for this thread!

i don't know where to start so I am subscribing ...

GeryB

Gosh yes I see what you mean - their glittering on those snowmen is lovely ... and no I don't know how to do it!
I usually use my glitter to cover 'whole' sections (sprinkle it into clear gloss) or my stickles to highlight, so I'd love to know what the trick is too!

Anyone have suggestions on how to glitter? I'd like to make Christmas cards soon using a snowman stamp and glitter but I need help getting that dainty look!

It could be that those were done with Stickles - it's easier to get a less-is-more effect with them than when you are pouring loose glitter onto your own glue.

I use glitter on almost all of my card. I use Hero Arts Ultra Fine Prisma Glitter, and the quickie glue pen. I think it has to be a really, really fine glitter in order for it to not look clumpy.

I so agree about Art Institute glitter glue when it comes to the ultrafine glitters. But I love Stickles and it depends on the color you choose as to if they are good. Some like the purple and deep red seem to clump and the color is off. But, my-oh-my, Fruit Punch, Cotton Candy, Cinnamon, and about 5 more, are ones I use all the time. Stickles are really great for a hint of glitter but I don't use for large applications.

Here are some hints that might help with glitter:

Shake up the glitter before you use it because it does settle (same with embossing powder)

Don't use too much glue, the glitter is light so it only needs enough to stick to the paper, not hold weight. Too much glue and the glitter seems to get lost in the glue and it won't "twinkle"

Apply the glue evenly - if it has lumps (i.e., not smooth) the glitter will be lumpy.

Let the glue set for a few seconds before you add the glitter; the glitter will stick better if the glue is a little tacky

I tried the using Art Institute fine point applicator and although it will draw very fine lines, it clogs often. Now, I cut the opeing of the glue bottle so it only has a small hole.

Store a sewing pin in the opening of the glue bottle to help prevent clogs.

Use an embossing buddy to keep the glitter from sticking to paper where there is no glue.

I use wax paper sheets to catch the extra glitter. like the paper that separates cheese slices from the deli; I buy them at CostCo. The wax paper doesn't have as much static electricity as an embossing tray so the glitter easily slides back into the bottle.

Don't heat emboss glitter - most will change color

I use micro-brushes to move the glitter around if I have a mistake. The rushes are smaller than a q-tip and they don't leave fuzzy stuff in the glitter

A swifter really does a good job on picking up run-away glitter (I just learned that tip a few ago here on SCS) - thanks to the OP.

I'm sure there must be tutorials that can give you a lot more tips but maybe this will help. Oh, and the biggest tip of all, once you put on the glitter, set it aside and do something else. I try to let it set overnight so I know it is good and dry. I usually put the glitter on last because it needs a bit to dry thoroughly. We won't talk about how many times I "did not" wait and what happens ...

I just looked at the pictures, and I think they used Fine crystal snow. Stampendous makes this glitter

I think the keyword is Ultra Fine. I have some of the older (coarse) stuff and never us it. SU Dazzling Diamonds is a great ultra fine glitter.

You're singing my song. Personally, I've totally given up on glitter. I've decided that I'm glitter challenged and it's useless to beat my head into that brick wall. I now avoid glitter at all costs and admire those who do wonderful things with it.

I can't roller skate either. Always wanted to, went every week to the skating rink for a full year during high school, never could get the hang of it. I'm convinced we all have things we just aren't meant to do. I was never meant to have wheels on my feet or glitter in my fingers.

Now put me on a horse and I'm invincible!

I use the art institue glitter and glue. I use the fine tip on the glue bottle. I stick a ball straight pin in it for storage. One tip is to glitter from dark to light. If done the other way around you will get dark colors in your light colors. I know that northwoods only uses the art insitute stuff in their sample boards.

has anyone tried Martha Stewart glitter glue? I'm thinking about buying it since I really like her glitters.

Stamphappy, thank you SOOO much for sharing your tips on using glitter!!!!!!!!!! You are such a sweetie to type all that out for us, and I found it very helpful!

Xiunyuki, I've used the large bottle of Martha's glittering glue, but not the small applicator tube. The large bottle comes with a large brush so you can use the lid like your applicator brush. I've used it to apply patterned paper to chipboard and wood (works AWESOME and no warping!), and also to coat a piece of chipboard with ultrafine glitter. The glue is a really unique consistency, kind of like mousse. So, it's not runny and stays where you put it.

I end up with more glitter on me than on the card and then I itch, lol. I tend to use an irridescent embossing powder instead. I'll keep checking in here to get more ideas for using glitter. I have some and would like to use it more if I could control where it goes. Thanks for the thread.