Caught In Crystal

  Caught in crystal is a wonderful technique that is quite easy to do but provides you with lovely spectacular results.

Start by drizzling clear crystal lacquer on to a piece of acetate (I use the heat embossable type so that I can stamp and emboss on it to finish the card quickly)
Next, drip drops of alcohol inks randomly over the crystal lacquer. Choose three colours for this (here I have butterscotch, lettuce and red pepper)

After the alcohol inks, use Cosmic Shimmer mica powder and tap the powder in a coordinating colour over the entire piece using the brush enclosed with the set.
Lastly, crumple a piece of white tissue paper into a ball. Open it back up but do not smooth out the wrinkles. Lay it over the piece and use a piece of kitchen roll to tamp it down. The lacquer and ink will come through the tissue paper. Set aside to dry. This will take several hours. Once dry, cut the piece to the desired size in your paper cutter. NOTE: the tissue is to stay on the back, do not try to remove it. Using black Archival ink, stamp on the front of the acetate. If you have used the heat embossable type of acetate you can emboss your image with clear embossing powder. If you have not, you will have to let it air dry overnight. Then mat and layer, add a sentiment, ribbon, brads or whatever you desire to complete your card!   All for now, Sue x

 

48 comments:

jennywren1947 said...

like the idea of this sue must have a go
hugs chris x

Pam said...

Great tutorial, stunning effect, thank you, Sue.

Helen J said...

Great tutorial, thanks, I can't wait to have a go at this technique.
Helen

magpie said...

Oh, wow, what a wonderful technique Sue xx Great end result xx Love karen xx

magpie said...

Oh, wow, what a wonderful technique Sue xx Great end result xx Love karen xx

Unknown said...

I watched the c&c show where Julia showed the card you made with this method and followed your instructions to demonstrate the technique. It's quite a lot of work but made a spectacular card. I think it's so beautiful. I haven't tried it yet but think it would make a spectacular window card & to be honest I think adding too many other elements would just detract from the sheer beauty of this. It's a very arty and would make a fab picture too!! Thanks Sue for all your hard work in adding the tutorials to your blog it makes it so easy to find, you are such a gem!!!

Alice xx

Nana on the Hill said...

thank you so much for this Sue, I will certainly be giving it a go now, with your instructions even I can't go wrong!

Cazann49 said...

Hi Sue, this is a fab tutorial!..I will have to get the products to do this...:)..xxx

Anonymous said...

Saw Jo on C&C this morning doing this technic and thought I'd seen it before on someone's blog - should have known it would be your's Sue - easy when you can look at the pic's and read the instructions.
JanNxx

Anonymous said...

Thanks Sue,
Had seen this but couldn't remember how to do it. Your instructions and pictures were really easy to follow. The worst part of this however is being patient and waiting for it to dry! Even I managed to make some fab backgrounds so if I can do it anyone can.
Many thanks
Beverley W

Unknown said...

You always give us a real treat! This is a super technique, it's a really interesting one to try. I love the colours you've used for it, very autumny!
Diane from Glasgow xx

Anonymous said...

Tried this using Cosmic shimmer pearlescent PVA in dark bronze. Using the same inks it gave a very striking effect. I am going to try the same technique using black pearl.

Wacki Macky said...

Wow, must give this a try, it looks great.

Craftihappiness to you, love Pearl

Anonymous said...

Simply beautiful.

Unknown said...

I love this technique - simply stunning!

Unknown said...

Having a wee try at this just now...

Anonymous said...

I've seen this tech done ages ago with Klear floor polish, I think I've still got some in the back of my cleaning cupboard! I'll give it ago cause it may be a bit cheaper using the floor polish.xx

steph loveday said...

I love doing backgrounds like this, always so effective.

Chris Curry said...

Love this idea. Need time to practice it but I will. Thank you. X

Unknown said...

Thank you for this once have finished the mountain of cards that is Christmas will have to give it a go.

Bejay said...

Could anyone tell me if you have to use the clear lacquer or can it be substituted, also could I leave out the mica powder? Thanks :)

Hot Like Friction said...

Very creative!

Beth T said...

This is jaw dropping amazing! I can't wait to try it!
Thank you for taking the time to put together and share the photos and directions

Jean Z said...

Hi Sue, Love this technique Jean Z xx

barbara macaskill said...

Enchanting!

Cheryl Algie said...

This looks awesome ? What is the Stampin' Up ! equivalent of mica powder ?

Anonymous said...

Ok, stupid question time..... The directions say to use a "kitchen roll" to tamp down the tissue paper. What is a "kitchen roll?"

Unknown said...

This effect can be recreated without the expense of specialist products simply use pva glue and food colourings. The white pva will dry clear

Eunice said...

Interesting idea! Different way to use tissue paper.

Dea said...

Could you use clear drying glue for the same effect?

Cozy Crop House said...

Anonymous, a Kitchen Roll is what Americans call a roll of paper towels.

Great technique!

Cozy Crop House said...

Sorry, that's confusing. In America, we call a "Kitchen Roll" paper towels. I believe Brits call it a "kitchen roll."

Anonymous said...

looks like fun. Will give it a try

Mary Decker said...

You're a very kind person to share such a beautiful technique. Thank you.

karalschuknecht said...

This is a wonderful technique, so glad I found it.

Myis Art said...

stunning!! Thanks

Unknown said...

This is beautiful! It's amazing the how the colors look even with the tissue over them. I think I must give this a try.

BenteS said...

A great tip and a stunning result!
Thank you!
The card is lovely!

sevda handan said...

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hamida said...

blog olarak güzel bir tasarım.

Unknown said...

💔I enjoyed learning a new technique. Thanks

Unknown said...

💔I enjoyed learning a new technique. Thanks

Unknown said...

💔I enjoyed learning a new technique. Thanks

Dipstick said...

Hi Sue and everyone.
Sue A very pretty result from this technique.Love and huggles.
Elaine how didn't your party go?
Pam are you ok lovely? unusual short post today. Love and huggles.
Just taken the dog out with hubby managed a mile on my crutches so pleased. Yesterday got drenched to the skin but hey ho at least we don't have snow. Hope you all are ok where the snow is..
Well must post my cards today and troop around to deliver the neighbors cards. I am so late with everything this year.The dog has more presents than anyone else!!
Love and huggles to Elaine Crewe Trish ( thank you for your kind words yesterday) Donita Laine Theresa G Pam and to you all hope you are all safe, healthy and happy xxxxxx🌸

Judi Tolleson said...

Great Post! Thanks for your share! You can get ribbons with 196 colors and 19 sizes for choice from Yama Ribbon with the best deal!

Olive O said...

Tis is simply stunning!! Must make this background. Thanks for sharing !!

kepsss said...

You were clearly ahead of your time. This is just beautiful.

Sandra said...

Wow! This is gorgeous!

Sandra Smith
Queen Creek