Shine Like A Diamond...

Hello friends...

It's time for a new challenge over on the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog and this week we are showcasing Tim Holtz products with our theme...SHINE LIKE A DIAMOND. We really hope you'll join us and play along and can't wait to see how you add some sparkle and shine into your projects!

For my project, I created a Christmas card with a difference...inspired by the chalkboard style and using Perfect Pearls to create the shimmery chalkboard effect.

It's time for a brand new...

...and here's how I created this Christmas card full of sparkly goodness!

To begin with I started by stamping the wonderful message sentiment from the Tim Holtz Doodle Greetings Stamp Set 2. I cut a panel of black card and inked up the message with Versamark Ink, stamping the wording centrally onto the card. Whilst the ink is still wet, use a brush to pick up some Perfect Pearls from the pot and pounce the powder over the ink. When the entire inked surface is covered, gently brush away the excess to reveal the wording in all it's shimmery glory.

To set the powder, I spray the card surface with a very light spritz of hairspray. It doesn't have to be expensive, the cheapest is fine...it's just to set the powder. NOTE: You can also spritz with a fine water mist but I like the hairspray as it doesn't wet the cardstock.

Edge the border of the card panel using the Picket Fence Distress Crayon and then set aside.

To create the sparkly layers for the message, I cut another piece of black card, slightly larger in size than the message layer. I then added some Transparent Texture Paste around the outside edge of the card, using a palette knife to apply it. Sprinkle a combination of micro beads, glass glitter and Sugar Glitter over the top and allow to dry completely.

Once dry, matt the sparkly layer onto a piece of corrugated card, followed by a layer of gold metallic kraft core cardstock. I used foam pads to each layer for added dimension.

Now moving onto the background ~ and for this I cut another piece of black card and began by spritzing the card with Prima Color Bloom Spray in Frost. Heat dry the surface before then adding the next layer but I love the way that the spray creates this wonderful effect of the galaxy onto the card ~ it reminds me of the opening credits to Star Wars!

Using the Snowflakes Layering Stencil, I applied Transparent Texture Paste through the stencil and whilst the paste is still wet, sprinkle Vintage Platinum Distress Glitter Dust over the top. Set aside to dry and be patient...don't go poking the paste with your fingers!!!

Once dry, matt and layer the background onto a piece of gold metallic card, followed by a layer of silver metallic card and then wrap some twine around the centre.

I mounted my card layers onto the front of a kraft card, card blank and then attached my sparkly message onto the right hand side using foam pads to secure into place.

Now as if there wasn't enough shimmer and shine, I decided to add some more and attached sequins from the 28 Lilac Lane neutrals tin, sorting through the selection to get all the coppery, bronze metallic tones and attached these to the corners of the message....

...and also onto the background, clustering and layering them together.

The final part of all this shimmer is to create those poinsettias and for this I used the Tattered Poinsettia die to die cut gold kraft core card stock. I then layered each of the petals to give me these beautiful dimensional blooms.

Attach the blooms to the left of the message, together with some foliage cut from silver metallic card, using the Holiday Greens die set.

Finally, add some crystal gems in the centre of the flowers to complete this wonderland of sparkle.

 

I hope you've enjoyed how I created this chalkboard inspired Christmas card and as always if you do need any further inspiration, then you need look no further than our blog to see all the wonderful creations from all the very talented Design Team members and every week, one lucky random participant has the chance to win a $50 gift voucher from Simon Says Stamp. You have until Monday 8am Ohio time. 1pm UK time, 2 pm CET to join in and good luck....

Recipe for project:

Tim Holtz Dies: Holiday Greens Mini Thinlits, Tattered Poinsettia
Tim Holtz Stamps: Doodle Greetings Stamp Set 2
Tim Holtz Layering Stencil: Snowflakes

Distress Crayons: Picket Fence

Surfaces: Metallic Kraft Core, Kraft Card, Yupo, Black Card
Mediums: Ranger Transparent Texture Paste, Vintage Platinum Glitter Dust, Prima Color Bloom Spray Frost, Perfect Pearls, Versamark
Glitters: Gold Rush Glass Glitter, Copper Micro Beads, Antique Silver Art Sugar

Embellishments: 28 Lilac Lane Neutrals Sequin Tin, Prima Sweet Peppermint Crystals, White Hemptique Twine

Ranger Craft Sheet

Palette Knife

Foam Pads

Heat Gun