Tuesday 2 April 2013

Gilding flakes and an apology

Apology first - to those who were, ahem, misinformed about Poliflora and the shortage affecting sticky products on my post of yesterday - which was of course April Fools Day. I washed my mouth out with soap then went and stood on the naughty step for a couple of minutes hours. But, thank you for taking it in good part :) And here's how justice comes back and bites you - the Crafters Companion sticky tape runner I was using whilst making today's card only went and broke on me - wasting half the contents. That'll larn me!

OK, gilding flakes - I've had a couple of pots of these for absolutely ages, over 18 months now. Frankly, I opened one pot when I got them, took a quick peek and before I could close the pot they were jumping everywhere - so that idea got put on the back burner.

But, I've been watching a Barbara Gray DVD and yesterday felt compelled to have a try. I'd forgotten that Elizabeth used this technique way back in 2011 - plus by coincidence Maggie used gilding flakes the other day. There was a great tip from Maggie as well - rub a little bit of talcum powder into your hands before working with the flakes! And the very first thing to do is to empty the pot into a much larger container before even starting to play I found :)

This is the result of my first attempt - even though the photo makes it look a bit like a barrel :)
I used:

- 5" x 7" white card stock

- image was stamped using black StaZon ink onto a piece of double sided adhesive sheet. I think, by its very nature, stamping onto sticky sheet doesn't give as crisp an outline as card - but, hey, I was playing, OK? The stamp is a Hobby Art stamp, called 'Tree Scene'

- then, the stamped image was covered with a piece of acetate - over the already exposed sticky

- the backing was peeled off the self adhesive sheet on the reverse side of the image, and then the fun really began

- I covered all that sticky sheet behind the image with 'Variegated Red' gilding flakes,  by Crafty Notions (in truth they're gorgeous shades of gold and copper) and rubbed 'em in first wiv me finger and then with an Indigo Blue scoochy sponge

- next, the flakes were covered with more sticky sheet and stuck onto card then trimmed to size and sliced into three before being mounted onto black card (and that's the point at which my glue runner jumped up and bit me in the b*m for being a bad girl earlier in the day)

- the sentiment is from SU's now discontinued stamp set called 'Sincere Salutations', stamped with Memento 'Tuxedo Black'

And wahoo - I'm just in time for this week's male card 'Seize the Birthday' challenge, following this sketch:

Hope you all had a lovely Easter break, and also that I'm forgiven.

Di
x

28 comments:

  1. Gorgeous technique...I think I live under a rock cuz I haven't seen this ever IRL...just by reading blogs.

    Your card turned out so nice and the metallics are just shimmering!

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  2. This effect on this card is gorgeous Di! (I will reveal to you that I am, in fact, very gullible!! So, I will try and remember that on April 1 I am not to believe everything I see or hear!!) heehee Cathy x

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  3. Di, you are forgiven...as a matter of fact I couldn't believe I fell for it. I pulled it on my crop group this morning. All of them fell for it. One gal was in total shock. She even snuck off to order a few. She came back and said "good new". The word must not be out yet. The price is the same and there are plenty. I almost didn't want to tell them. Thanks for the laugh.

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  4. Oops...I forgot to tell you, I love your card. I have an envelope of golden flakes. I just may have to brave up and give it a go. Thanks for the great tip.

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  5. Hahahaha - wicked person but you see it came back to bite you when your tape runner broke !!! It wasn't me that hexed you either !! :-D

    Great card with the gilding flakes... I tried it once and got lovely gilded fingers LoL

    Hugz
    IKE xxxxx

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  6. Absolutely stunning Di, I love the gilded effect against the black trees.
    luv
    irene
    xxxx

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  7. You caught me onn Sunday night because I was still up as we moved into Monday. But it gave me a good laugh, and I had my wits about me the next morning!
    I love the gilded card. I used to do this a lot but I haven't had mine out lately. I had some sticky-back acetate so I stamped on that with Stazon (usually an angel), cut it out and then peeled off the backing to gild it. I've bought the Flitter glue now but haven't tried it yet.It is such a lovely effect isn't it? Kate x

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  8. I never believe ANYTHING i read on April 1st - so you, entirely, forgiven!!!

    I often have gilded fingers but the effects can be soooooooo worth it!!!

    Love your project! Hope you'll be gilding for Britain from now on!

    Kathyk

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  9. I hexed that tape runner especially! Bwahahahaha! xxx

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  10. Oh, you naughty girl, l fell for it hook, line and stinker! I even asked hubby as he knows bout chemicals and stuff. Sucker!

    Lovely card, the stamp is very similar to a SU one. The technique is very effective.

    Have a great day xx

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  11. Beautiful card Di. I love the effect you get with gilding flakes, but haven't been brave enough to have a go yet. Hope you had a great Easter break.
    Hugs
    Caz x

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  12. Morning Di, Your forgiven....lol your card is gorgeous great technique and really effective too! enjoy your day x

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  13. This really is gorgeous Di - I love gilding flakes but have only used them in workshops.

    As for your April Fool - that really was a corker and it made me guffaw out loud!!!

    Well done you naughty lady!

    Hugs Sue Pxxx

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  14. Hello Di, what a gorgeous card - and I think you have nailed it yet again for a shout out at seize the birthday! Aren't you a naughty girl (snigger) about the tape. We could very well have a shortage now! Sent an e-mail, I hope. Had two goes (sigh). Lynn x

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  15. Gorgeous card there Mrs. Loving the gilded look. I must get mine out again but with my chest lately I daren't or otherwise Brecon will have a lovely shine! Great tip about the talc!
    I thought your AFJ was pretty funny if a little flowery!
    Hugs
    xx

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  16. I have a pot of gilding flakes gathering dust somewhere but seeing your lovely card has inspired me to hunt it out and open it. That tree image is gorgeous against the rich golds.

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  17. No problem Di, 1 st of April is to have fun...
    Love your gorgeous card and colours are stunning,
    hugs Tamara

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  18. Gorgeous card - would never have guessed it was the first attempt with gilding flakes. I still haven't bought any of these, but had C & C on in the background this afternoon and am sort of 'hovering' ... x

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  19. Never bought any so never tried it but I do so love the effect it gives, very brave of you and a great job done, looks fabulous.
    I was one of the lucky ones, never believe anything on April 1st and knowing you thought hmmm, but a fabulous idea.

    Kath x

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  20. WOW!! This is brilliant Di!! You're braver than me - I love the look of the stuff but always chicken out when I think about buying some!Can't believe this is your first attempt!!
    xx

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  21. A gorgeous, gorgeous creation! I have quite a bit of gilding flakes, and the crafty notions colours are some of the best. I've only just seen your April fool joke, you rascal! You do make me laugh - think I would've swallowed it too, lol!

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  22. Whoa, I had to get my pinner out for this one, Di! It gives a whole new meaning to the word, "brilliant!" Off to see what tape shenanigans you were up to . . .

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  23. Wow! Just WOW! This is simply gorgeous, my lovely, the shine and the subtle colour of the background are Fab. U. Lous!!!

    love Mags B x

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  24. You really mastered that technique,Do. One more tip -keep your brayer well protected from gold leaf or holding flakes. It takes forever to scrape them off. How do I know this? Oh yes, I did. Have fun. xx Maggie

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  25. Stunning card Di. Think I will give having a go myself a miss. Don't like the sound of those flakes leaping and jumping all over the place. Hugs Mrs A.

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  26. Gorgeous card, Di - much better than my novice attempt :) Love the tree stamp. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  27. Lovely golden card. I'm like all the other commenters...have some of the flakes..too afraid to try this. YOu just gave me some courage to try...Might have to contact Miss Maggie again. She gave me the bestest instructions on brayering (any boo-boos attributed to Operator only...not the teacher! . This was a beautiful card. TFS

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  28. Lovely card - I've not used glitter flakes yet, but must give them a try.
    Kath x

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