Showing posts with label diamond dust. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diamond dust. Show all posts

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Pink Sugarplum Reindeer (DIY)...

... and visions of sugarplums danced in my head..."


(enlarge photos to see glitter effect)
Pink frosted sugarplum reindeer that is!


These little 'dears' are the latest addition to my cottage Christmas decor...


Can you ever have too much pink for Christmas? I don't think so!


Just look how they sparkle and glitter with freshly fallen 'snow' on their backs... But they didn't start out this way.


I found them this spring in a junktique store (while searching for these Staffordshire dogs!). They were so inexpensive that I had to get them. I loved their graceful lines and although I thought they looked beautiful as brass statues, I couldn't stop thinking about how fantastic they'd look painted in a soft cottage color...


... so I applied a nice coat of all purpose sealer to them (so the paint would adhere to the brass)...


... and after they were dry, it was time to paint them. (I originally painted them pale pink but then changed my mind and mixed a few colors together to come up with my favorite shade of peachy-pink!)


It took about 2-3 coats to completely cover the brass.


When they were dry, it was time to brush on a high gloss craft varnish.


And when that was dry, it was time to give them some pizzazzzzzzzzz!!!


Working in sections, I brushed on another layer of varnish and while it was wet, I sprinkled each area with glitter, then tapped the reindeer to remove the excess (I used waxed paper so I could fold it and pour all that excess glitter back into the container.)


After the varnish and glitter dried, it was time to add some Diamond Dust to the top of their heads and backs (I think it makes them look as though they have a dusting of snow on their heads and backs!). Again, this was done by applying varnish to the top of the heads and backs and then spooning Diamond Dust over the wet varnish. And again, I tapped the deer to remove excess Diamond Dust and then poured it back into the container. (Diamond Dust is actually ground glass so I don't ever handle it with my bare hands!)


Voila! Sparkly cottage reindeer! This whole process can be used on most any type of surface, so if you happen to find a wood, glass, ceramic, paper mache, brass, etc. deer (or Santa, Snowman, angel or whatever!) that you love, but you're not crazy about the finish or color, then by all means - seal it, paint it, varnish it, and glitter it! (Avoid picking up your finished projects where you've applied diamond dust glass glitter - ouch! I always pick these guys up by their legs or antlers since the diamond dust is just on their backs and the top of their heads.)

Now be sure to head over to Beverly's How Sweet the Sound to see her Pink Saturday item and to find a list of all the other pink loving bloggers who are sharing some of their PINKS today!!!



And thank you so much for all of your get well wishes for our Spotty. We are so thankful that he seems to be doing much better! I'm sure he'll be up to posing for the blog again in no time!!



Donna

Friday, November 21, 2008

The Glitter of Christmas...

Gather up some friends and/or family and have fun with this simple DIY project, creating glitter ornaments and gift tags for the holiday season!


Be sure to treat everyone to a mug of hot chocolate topped with marshmallow and a candy cane before you start! It's sure to put everyone in a festive mood!


Well, Spotty says we've lingered over hot chocolate long enough and it's now time to get to work! (Any photos can be enlarged if you want to see more detail.)


This is a great way to recycle old Christmas cards that you've received, or the few that are left in the box after you've sent your sout. (I cringe when I think of all the beautiful ones I've thrown out over the years!)


I think these two chickadees are perfect for this project.


And I think I can get two out of this beautiful card (I'm just using a small frame to see what I want to cut out). I definitely want the dad and boy decorating the tree as well as the mom and baby sitting next to the nativity set... So let's start cutting these cards!


Once you have your card designs cut out, it's time to make them fabulously sparkly! First, brush Folk Art Gems Diamonds over the entire design (this gives a subtle glitter); while wet, sprinkle Twinklets Diamond Dust over the areas where you want incredible texture and glitter (for this project, more is better in my book!). I painted this angel with Gems Diamonds, and then sprinkled a generous amount of Diamond Dust on her wings... Hold the card sideways and tap the excess Diamond Dust back into the jar (use a paper plate or lid under the jar to catch any spill over so you can easily put it back into the jar when you're done).


Then set them aside to dry. This little chickadee got full coverage of both Gems Diamonds and Diamond Dust for an all over sparkle... I love how he came out!!


I wish the camera truly captured how glittery these cards actually are...


Just imagine how these ornaments will sparkle and shine with the reflection of your Christmas tree lights!


Oh, good - they're all dry. Now it's time to punch or poke holes into the cards and attach hangers if you're planning to use them as ornaments or gift tags. My ornaments are very simple, but you could get really creative and add trims or buttons or whatever your heart desires..


Done!! Since I don't have our Christmas tree up yet, I hung them from some bare branches to show you the finished product. I hope you enjoy this fun & simple project!

Donna