Ok, I couldn't sleep so I made another card. This one was done with SU's Lovely as a Tree stamp set. I remembered the song Old Tannenbaum from my youth hence the title. I tried the cracked glass technique a thousand years ago and decided to give it another shot. However, I did a couple of things differently. For starters, I wanted the tree to have bulbs. Not just any bulbs, but something dimensional. So I glued very small gold half pearls onto the stamped image. It was after that, that I proceeded with the technique. Now the half pearls did not become completely covered with UTEE. I guess they would have after a LOT of applications but I did not want that. So after three or four times, I stopped. Next I cracked the hardened UTEE and chalked up the cracks with Colorbox chalk dye for an antiqued look. But I ran into a problem. I don't know why, but the UTEE lost its glossy shine and became very dull. So I got the idea to paint it. It wasn't my first thought though. I considered using baby oil but I was concerned about it seeping into the cracks or wiping away the chalk dye on the surface. Lo and behold...clear FINGERNAIL POLISH to the rescue! It worked beautifully! Gave the glass a nice sheen and I didn't even have to push back any cuticles. LOL. Lastly, the half pearls took a beating from all that melting and cooling and they also lost their shine. And the gold coating on some them came off. But I came up with another idea...I painted the pearls first with glitter glue, then colored them with a red copic marker after the glue dried. I like the results of that too. So all in all, I think I have discovered that maybe... just maybe I'm more creative without sleep. It's been almost 26 hours. Thank God for Thanksgiving and vacations. Otherwise, I would be one hurting soul if I had to work today. I also think maybe I'm a little "punch drunk" given the way I have rambled on. Well, hope you like. Happy Turkey Day!
Date: Thursday, November 25, 2010 GMT Views: 1399
Favorited:7
Splitcoast Dirty Dozen Alumni Stamp Like You Mean It
Registered: March 24, 2006 Location: Posts: 38589
Wed, Dec 01, 2010 @ 7:47 PM
Aaaack! If I could do this, I'd sty up all night! This is gorgeous, and it is my fav SU stamp too! Beyond beautiful!
------------------------------ Pat Smethers "The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun scorched land and strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden." Isaiah 58:11