Alternative to Twinkling H2O's

[copperlobster]

I posted this at the end of an older thread on a discussion of Pearl Ex vs Twinkling H2O's and thought more folks might get a chance to see it here and share their experiences.

Have you ever tried this?...

Before twinkling H2O's even came out, I tried using my kid's Crayola watercolors with Pearl Ex... made a little puddle in them and added a bit of Pearl Ex (either a 'neutral' metallic or a similar color). The watercolors already have a binder in them (I believe) and the results seemed pretty close to what I experienced months later at a free M&T with the H2O's. I was able to control the intesity of color by the amount of water I used to create the puddle of color.

So I never jumped on board the 'Twinkling' thing since I have sooooooo many Pearl Ex Colors and teenage kids who don't use their paint sets anymore! Might be worth a try for those of you in the same boat before you plunge into the next "gotta have"!! I also like the fact that I can use Pearl Ex in a number of other ways (especially with Versamark). My teenager girls have even added some to nail polishes and used some as body glitter on special dance nights! (do be careful about inhalation when applying!).

Juliann

[eringobragh]

Thanks for the great idea. I have four little kids and loads of watercolors! I've just been reading about H20's but wasn't ready to jump in. I'll try your suggestion first.

[NavyWifeArmyMom]

I wonder if this would work with other watercolor sets, or does it have to be Crayola brand? I have a lovely "almost professional" watercolor (dried blocks) set in a wonder wooden box, as well as a "professional" set of watercolor tubes. If your method would work with both or either, this would be a great boon to me, help me use up old items AND, save me some $$ right now.

I just love coming to these forums - such greatnadvice, tips and hints! I think I'm beginning to be addicted!

[copperlobster]

I just happened to have that brand (Crayola) on hand. I don't know why it wouldn't work with whatever base of paint you used. My husband watercolors, but I don't know if he would appreciate it if I sparkled up his pallette! You'll have to try it and let me know how you make out!!

Juliann

[elisablaze]

I tried mixing them with the watercolors and doing a watercolor brush background for a card and some of the pearl ex came off onto my hands....i used the Reeves Watercolor tubes....i sealed with some Golden's Soft Gel

I plan on playing with it some more....not sure if it's the paint or too much pearl ex but i love the background i came up with


Melissa

[sharpeez]

I have been getting this kink of background for some time by using irridescent watercolor medium with my ink refills. A bottle of the medium is about $7 at Hobby Lobby and you can add as much or as little sparkle as you want (or just add a little sparkle here and there or marblize with sparkle). You just put a few drops of ink on some sort of pallate (I use wax paper) and add as much of the medium as I want. It's worth a try!