Hummingbird Necklace and Earrings by Kaaren Poole

Hummingbirds are such enchanting creatures. They’re both cute and beautiful with the striking iridescence of their feathers that flashes in the sunshine – perfect images for jewelry. So I decided to make a set of hummingbird earrings and a necklace. Art Glitter is the perfect product to add gorgeous sheen to the birds. And crystals add even more sparkle! Here’s how I made them and what I used.


Make the polymer clay Hummingbirds
Condition the clay according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

From the green clay, form a snake shape about 3/8” thick and trim it evenly on both ends so that it is 1” long. Form a second snake shape 1/2” thick and trim it to 1 ¼” long. With the tissue blade, slice each snake shape in half lengthwise. You will be using the two smaller pieces for the smaller earring hummingbirds and one of the larger pieces for the larger pendant hummingbird. You will not be using the second larger piece.

Repeat the previous step with the black clay.

Press one green piece and a same-size black piece together on the long sliced edges. Repeat for the other pieces. You will have three snake shapes, two smaller ones and one larger one, each half green and half black lengthwise. These are the bodies. The green sides are the bellies and the black sides are the backs.

Lay all three body shapes on the work surface green side up. Use the edge of the tissue blade to make a mark across the green side at about 1/3 the length. This line divides the belly (the 2/3 part) from the tail (the 1/3 part). Now cut away the green part to form the tail: starting at the mark, and using the tissue blade, slice at an angle horizontally through the body to the end.

Shape the tail gently with your fingers.

Form a ball of the gold clay a little larger than 3/8” and another a little larger than ½”. With the tissue blade, cut each ball in half. These are the heads. Press a half of the small ball to the head end of each of the small bodies, and half of the large ball to the head end of the large body.

Roll thin snakes of black clay for the beaks. Cut three sections about ½” long (longer than the beaks will be) and roll to taper one end of each. Trim the wide ends so the beaks are the right lengths and press them in place. Cut three lengths of craft wire about 1” long. Carefully press a length of the craft wire from the tip of the beak through the length of the beak and into the head, and repeat with each hummingbird. These wires will strengthen the joints between the beaks and the heads. Leave any excess wire in place – you will trim it later when the clay is cured.

To make the hummingbird’s feet, cut six short lengths of the black craft wire and use the round nose pliers to make a double loop on one end. Press the other end of the wire into the bird until the loop is snug against the body. Repeat with each piece of wire.

With an end of the sterling silver wire dipped in baby powder, poke a hole in the top of each hummingbird’s head. These holes will later accommodate the wire loop to hang the hummingbirds by.

Cure the clay according to the manufacturer’s directions. When the hummingbirds are cool, carefully use the wire clippers to clip away any excess wire from the tips of the beaks.

Coat the Hummingbirds with Glitter
Coat the hummingbirds’ beaks with a coat of Designer Dries Clear Adhesive, using the round brush. Be sure that the beaks are completely but lightly covered –be sure you don’t use so much adhesive that it drips. Carefully dip each beak in the open container of Black Wing glitter to coat the beaks. Let dry.

Lay the hummingbirds on your work surface, bellies up. Coat the entire front side of the hummingbird with Designer Dries Clear Adhesive, once again using the soft brush. Carefully apply the glitter over the adhesive. Pick up a bit of glitter by pinching it between your thumb and middle finger, then sprinkle it over the adhesive. Use the same motion you would use to sprinkle salt, but use small movements to better control where the glitter is falling. Hold your finger tips about 3 inches over your hummingbirds. Coat the head Cayman, the throat Ruby Red, the tips of the tail and wings Black Wing, the remainder of the tail and wings Terra Blue, the lower part of the Terra Blue, and the remainder of the belly Reed. Let the adhesive dry.

In a similar fashion, apply glitter to the back of the birds using Cayman on the head, Terra Blue on the tips of the wings and tail, and Bavarian Forest over the rest. Let the adhesive dry.

Reapply Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and glitter to fill in empty spots as necessary and let the adhesive dry. Be sure you have coated the top of the head (Cayman).

Apply a coat of Diamond Glaze over the entire hummingbirds – front, back, and beak – to seal the glitter in place. Let the glaze dry.

Re-open the holes in the tops of the head with the end of the sterling silver wire if necessary.

Cut the eyepins about 3/16” inch from their eyes. Glue the shortened eyepins into the holes in the tops of the hummingbirds’ heads with the 2-part epoxy glue. Be sure you have used enough glue for a good bond, but also ensure that you haven’t closed the holes in the eyepins.

Make the Earrings with the two Small Hummingbirds
Cut two pieces of sterling silver wire about 1” long. With the chain nose pliers, make a loop in one end of each of the pieces of wire. Thread an 8mm crystal on the straight end of the wire. Trim the straight end to about 3/8” then make a loop on that end also. Repeat with the other piece of wire and a second 8mm crystal.

Cut two pieces of chain each 5/8” long.

Open one of the oval jump rings, thread one end of a chain piece and the loop on the head of one of the hummingbirds onto the jump ring, and re-close the jump ring. Repeat with the other small oval jump ring, chain piece, and hummingbird.

Open the loop on one of the ear wires and slip it through the other end of one of the chain pieces. Re-close the loop. Repeat with the other ear wire.

Make the Pendant and Necklace
Cut a piece of chain 4 1/2” shorter than the finished length of your necklace.

Cut a piece of sterling wire about 1 ¼” long. With the round nose pliers make a small loop in one end. Thread the oval crystal on the other end of the wire and press it snug against the loop. Trim the straight end to about 3/8” and make a loop on that end. Before you close the loop, thread it through the loop on the large hummingbird’s head, then close it.

Locate the chain link that is in the center of your necklace chain. Open the free loop above the oval crystal, thread it through the center link of the chain, and re-close it.

Cut 6 lengths of sterling wire each 1 ¼” long. With the round nose pliers make a small loop in one end of one of the pieces of wire. Thread an 8mm crystal onto the wire, trim the straight end to 3/8”, and make another loop. Repeat with the other five lengths of wire and five 8mm crystals.

Working on one side of the necklace, count five chain links from the center link where the pendant is attached and cut the chain in the sixth link. Open a loop at one end of a crystal/wire assembly and slip it through one of the ends of the chain you just cut and re-close the loop. Open the loop at the other end of the crystal/wire assembly, slip it through the other cut end of the cut chain, and re-close the loop. You now have inserted a crystal into the necklace chain.

Continuing to work outwards, repeat the previous process twice so that there are a total of three crystals on one side of the necklace.

Repeat on the other side.

To attach the clasp, open a large oval jump ring and slip it through one end of the necklace chain and the loop on the lobster claw clasp. Open the second large oval jump ring and slip it through the other end of the necklace chain and the large round closed jump ring.

Now for the branch in the hummingbird’s feet. Cut three pieces of sterling wire 1 ½” long. Set one aside.

For each of the remaining two, use the round nose pliers to make a large loop in one end of the wire. Before you close it, thread three glass leaf-shaped beads onto the loop, then close it. Bend the straight end of the wire perpendicular to the loop. Thread a 6mm crystal on the straight end, trim it to 3/8”, and make a loop from the straight end.


Cut a piece of chain ¾” long and a second piece 3/8” long. For each piece of chain, open the small loop on a wire/glass leaf assembly, slip if through one end of the chain, and re-close the loop.

Working with the final of the three pieces of wire, make a small loop in one end. Before you close it, thread it through the other end of one of the pieces of chain, then close it.


Thread the straight end of the wire through the hummingbird’s feet. Trim the straight end to 3/8” and make a small loop. Before you close the loop, string the free end of the other wire/glass leaf assembly onto the loop then close it.

Enjoy your necklace and earrings! When you wear them, be sure to toss your head often for maximum bling effect!


Materials:
For Hummingbirds:

• Fimo Soft polymer clay in Metallic Gold, Black, Spring Green

• three pairs 3mm glass eyes (glasseyesonline.com)

• 24 gauge craft wire, any type of metal

• 24 gauge black coated craft wire

• Art Glitter’s Microfine Opaque Glitter: Ruby Red (MFO-500), Cayman (MFO-521), Terra Blue (MFO-510), Bavarian Forest (MFO-514), Black Wing (MFO-507), Reed (MFO-519)

For Jewelry:
• three thin gauge sterling silver eye pins 1” long
• about 2’ (for a necklace up to 20” – you will need more chain if you want a longer necklace) of fine gauge sterling silver chain (4mm links)
.
• about 18” 22 gauge half hard sterling silver round wire

• six small glass top-drilled leaf beads
• 
sterling silver lobster claw clasp

• two 7mm sterling silver oval open jump rings
• 
pair of sterling silver ear wires

• eight 8mm Siam round faceted Swarovski crystals
• 
two 6mm Siam round faceted Swarovski crystals
• 
one 12mm polygon Siam Swarovski bead

• four small sterling silver oval open jump rings (about 4x6mm)
• 
one 8mm closed round jump ring

Additional Supplies:
• Tissue blade for polymer clay

• Art Glitter’s Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
• Diamond Glaze

• two part epoxy glue

• needle nose pliers

• round nose pliers

• wire cutters

• soft round brush, size 8

• baby powder
• 
pointed round toothpick

My Red, White and Blue Glitter Shoes by Laura Drahozal

Every year, the women in my family go to the Salute to America Concert and Fireworks at The Henry Ford in Michigan. It is a great family event. Everyone packs a succulent picnic, which we eat on the lawn as we listen to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. As twilight slips into evening, we can hear The 1812 Overture begin. At the appropriate moment, the cannons are shot and the fireworks start. Part of the fun of this event is all of the attendees trying to out-red, white and blue each other. This year, I am convinced that I have it nailed--Art Glitter will help put me over the top with my glittering patriotic shoes. The best part? They were really fun to create. They took just a little patience, but weren't difficult. Let me explain.


First, I washed an old pair of denim colored canvas shoes. As they dried, I collected my supplies: Art Glitter Dries Clear Fabric Adhesive, the Ultrafine Metal Tip, Number 500 Ruby Red Microfine Opaque Glitter, Number 508 Silver Moon Microfine Opaque Glitter, Number 189 Pearl Ultrafine Pearlescent Glitter and Number 140 Canadian Blue (ironic, right?) Ultrafine Opaque Glitter.

When the shoes were dry, I packed them with old newspapers to keep the sides upright. I then attached the fine tip to my Art Glitter Fabric Glue and began with the red stripes. These stripes stretch across the sides of the shoes from the seam by the tongue, along the seam that attached the front to the side and then next to the rubber near the sole. They stop at the seam that connects the heel to the side. I NEVER crossed over a seam. The stripes look difficult, but were actually quite easy, since I just followed along the seams and rubber edges. With the fine tip attachment (a necessity), the fine lines were easy to do, and the glue came out somewhat sparingly--exactly the amount I needed to prevent drips. The stripes didn't need to be straight lines, since they were supposed to represent the stripes on a flag in motion. I did the bottom red stripe first, so that I could follow the pattern. As far as the distance went, I knew that I wanted those white eyelets for the laces to be entirely in the white stripe. Therefore, I put the edges of the red stripes just outside the edges of the eyelets. Of course, I poured the red glitter on these stripes as soon as they were on the shoe. I did all the red stripes first--bottom to top on one side of a shoe, bottom to top on one side of the other shoe and then CAREFULLY bottom to top on the opposite side of the first shoe, and then the second shoe. Then, I had to wait for a little while for the glue to set well.


Once the red stripes were set, I needed to add the white stripes and stars. The problem that I faced was that there was no completely opaque white glitter to use. I needed the opacity because I was using those denim colored shoes. If I had been working on anything but fabric, I could have used Designer Dries White Glue, but I needed that clear fabric glue this time. I solved this problem by using silver as a first layer for my white components. I chose the Microfine Glitter because I knew that it would cover very well and create a nice base for that white. I drew the stars freehand with glue, the same way I learned to make stars in elementary school. Once again, I wasn't worried about perfection, as this project was more fun than precise. I made the stripes by filling the space between the red ones. The first layer was all filled in with the silver. Then, I had to wait for it to dry before I put a layer of white on the top. (Honestly that silver microfine was so gorgeous that I was sorely tempted to just leave it, but it wouldn't fit my color theme.)

When the white was dry, the fine tip was invaluable, as I used it to make blue outlines around the stars. This was a great way to touch up my crazy stars just a little. When the whole thing had dried for several hours, I followed the package instructions on the Dries Clear Fabric Glue to set it. I preheated the oven to 300 and turned it off. Then, I added the shoes on a foil lined cookie sheet and baked for 30 minutes. I washed them in cold water so they would be all ready for me to dazzle my fellow fireworks fans. So, as the picnic is eaten and the music begins, I'll be thinking, "Let the patriotic clothing contest begin!" I know I am ready for the Fourth of July (thanks to Art Glitter) are you?

SUPPLIES:

Art Glitter Dries Clear Fabric Adhesive
Ultrafine Metal Tip
No. 500 Ruby Red Microfine Opaque Glitter
No. 508 Silver Moon Microfine Opaque Glitter
No. 189 Pearl Ultrafine Pearlescent Glitter
No. 140 Canadian Blue Ultrafine Opaque Glitter.

Glitzy Baby Book by Shannon Bielke

Using my current favorite line, Once Upon a Springtime by Graphic 45, I made this baby book for a dear friend of mine who just had a sweet little baby girl, Josie.


Hands down my new favorite product to use these days is Art Glitter's Fantasy Film! And, so, with lovely shades and styles of glitter, Fantasy Film and the lovely papers, I think I succeeded in creating a sweet little book I'd be happy and proud to give to a beloved child.

Supplies used:
Art Glitter Fantasy Film - Spring Morning
Ultrafine Opaque Glitter - 10 Baby Pink, 42 Aqua, 19 Grape, 25 Cornflower
Ultrafine Transparent Glitter - 144 Miss Muffet, 312 Fresh Green, 85 Crystal
Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
Tools Kit
Ultrafine Metal Tip
7 Gypsies blank book
Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime papers
Recollections rhinestones
Prima Flowers
JLC Flowers, bling
Kaisercraft pearl strips
Stazon inks
American Tag eyelets, nailheads
Miscellaneous stamps
Misc. ribbons and fibers


I'm finding the beauty of Art Glitter's products is versatility! It still amazes me what can be done with glitter that has nothing to do with over-the-top bling and sparkle!


For example, the Elements line intrigues me and speaks to my inner artist. I'm in the process of designing a project just so I can attempt to use them to their best advantage! Now, doesn't that sound like fun??

Sparkle On Toni! Recovery Fund at Art Glitter

If you’ve ever called Art Glitter, you’ve probably talked to Toni. Her sparkling personality and abundant enthusiasm for Art Glitter shines through the phone lines and glistens on everyone she helps. Now it is our turn to help Toni. Earlier this month she suffered a stroke and is undergoing therapy and treatments to bring her speech and mobility back. As her medical bills stack higher we want to help lessen her load.


It is Art Glitter’s pleasure to donate a major portion of proceeds from our Kooky Kolors Glitter selection. These limited edition colors are Art Glitter quality at a discounted price. Just make a purchase to assist Toni or to make a monetary donation through paypal to her Recovery Fund click HERE.

Thank you! When you sparkle, Toni sparkles!

IBS Las Vegas - June 18 - 20
Hope to see you at the International Beauty Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Come see us at Booth #5264 June 18th - 20th. ALL GLITTER AT SHOW IS 25% OFF! This is one Hair and Nail Conference you will not want to miss and we will be covered in Art Glitter!

Fantasy Garden Frame by Shannon Bielke

This was such a fun project! I've always been an altered/rustic kind of artist and all that involves.


You know, pieces that are aged, mismatched, darker colors, and random items . . . but then I discovered glitter! Glitter is not all girlie (and yes, it certainly can be!), it can also be subtle, beautiful, and classic.

Art Glitter's colors are fantastic and beautiful, and their tools make it easy to use the glitter subtly and delicately or boldly and brilliantly. At first I thought I might not be any good using glitter, but never fear! It was fun, easy, and amazingly creative!

This project, my Fantasy Garden Mirror, practically created itself with all the beautiful parts I used, and then inspired me to find different ways to use glitter and Fantasy Film in other projects. Yes, glitter can add to my altered art pieces, and Art Glitter's Elements Earth Textures are fantastic for rustic pieces!


Art Glitter Dries Clear Adhesive
Fantasy Film: Spring Morning, Satin
Ultrafine Opaque: 122 Sage, 40 Ocean, 42 Aqua, 10 Baby Pink
Ultrafine Transparent: 168 Black Light
Ultrafine Metal Tip
Tools Kit
Kaisercraft Wood Frame
Jacquard Lumiere: Citrine, Metallic Olive,
Pinata Color Extender
Prima Flowers Valentine Vine White
Misc. stamps

Hologram Glitter Butterfies T Shirt by Laura Drahozal

I am so thrilled to be a guest blogger for Art Glitter this summer! I have used their products for years now in all my papercrafting, art, and fabric endeavours. I love these products for their reliability and variety. I have most recently been bitten by a love for the Holographic Glitters. I wanted to start with a project that showcased the beautiful range of Art Glitter colors and allowed me to use the holographics. The butterflies on this shirt let me to do just that--and it was so easy!


First, I used my Silhouette Machine to cut the butterflies out of their black flocked heat transfer material. All of the designs were available on their site, so I didn't have to create any of the butterflies from scratch. After I removed the inside pieces and ironed them on to my shirt, I got to the really fun part.


I had a "coloring book" to fill with glitter. For each butterfly, I used the Fabric Dries Clear Adhesive fitted with the fine metal tip to fill the "wells", leaving a little white right around some of the edges to create extra interest. I used a variety of glitter styles and colors, but focused primarily on opaques, because I wanted the intensity on this project. It was like painting with glitter, each individual container a new well on my artist palette.


I let the glue dry for a few hours. Then, I used a large stencil brush to remove the excess glitter. I set the glue by leaving it for 30 minutes in a warmed oven (according to Fabric Dries Clear package instructions). Then, I washed it inside out in cold water so that I could wear my piece of glittered art.


Art Glitter I used:
Ultrafine Opaque: 32 True Blue, 62 Copper Canyon, 66 Yellow, 140 Canadian Blue, 155 Red Velvet
Ultrafine Transparent: 94 Key Lime
Ultrafine Opaque Hologram: 128 Quark, 329 Egyptian Blue, 336 Alien
Ultrafine Pearlescent: 189 Pearl
Microfine Opaque: 500 Ruby Red, 501 Monarch, 510 Terra Blue



DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION:http://cmp.ly/2

Fascinated with Fascinators by Kaaren Poole

I admit it – I was really into the Royal Wedding, and those hats! A few years back I was exchanging e-mails with a lovely woman in England and one time she sent me a photo of herself in which she was wearing a small but pretty much outrageous hat which she called a “fascinator.” “Fascinators” are apparently designed to “fascinate.” When I saw those amazing hats at the royal wedding, I was reminded of Beryl’s fascinator and I thought making one would be a fascinating and timely project for Art Glitter.


Art Glitter’s glitter and fantasy film often play a starring role my 3D polymer clay animals and fairies. I wanted to apply those techniques to a different subject. Lilies are one of my favorite flowers and since their shapes and markings are distinctive yet simple I thought one would be a fitting subject for a Fantasy Film sculpture.

Here are the materials I used:
Art Glitter Fantasy Film: Sunkissed, Satin, Watermelon, Aurora, and Spring Morning
Art Glitter Ultrafine Opaque Glitter in Red Velvet #155 and Michigan Moss #232

Art Glitter Ultrafine Transparent Glitter in Angel Dust #86, Halo #230, and Lettuce #286

Art Glitter Ultrafine Pearlescent Glitter in Duck Tail #178

Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive
Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue

Judi Kins Diamond Glaze

22 gauge color coated wire in burnt orange and green

26 gauge color coated wire in yellow green

green florists’ tape

white polymer clay

2-part epoxy glue

very thin metal headband.

You will also need: felt thin-tip pen, iron, parchment paper, wire cutters, needle-nose pliers, thin cardboard, scissors, small knitting needle, a candle, round paint brush (about a size 8), baby powder or cornstarch.


The process was pretty simple. I made each petal, leaf, stamen, and the pistil separately then wrapped them together to form the flower. I added the leaves and wrapped the stem, and finally attached the flower to the headband. Here’s how.

Begin with the petals. Make six petals from Fantasy Film and wire then embellished them with glitter. When you look closely at a lily you will see that although all six petals are about the same length, the three inner petals are wider than the three outer ones. (Using these types of small but important observations makes art work convincing.) Cut two petal patterns out of thin cardboard. The one for the inner petals is a pointed oval 4” long and 2 ¼” wide. The one for the outer petals is a pointed oval 4” long and 1 ¾” wide.

With the felt tip pen, draw around the patterns on a piece of Satin Fantasy Film, drawing three petals from each of the two patterns. Trim each of the patterns down a tiny bit on the tip and about ¼” narrower on the sides. From each trimmed pattern draw and cut three of each from the Sunkissed Fantasy Film. Place the Sunkissed pieces in the centers of the Satin petal shapes. Finally, follow the same procedure – trimming the pattern further, cutting the shapes, and placing them in the centers of the Satin petals over the pieces of Aurora – with the Watermelon Fantasy Film. Carefully place the Fantasy Film “stack” between two pieces of parchment paper and bond them together by pressing with a warm iron.

The next step is to apply the wire and glitter to the petals. Cut six pieces of the orange wire, each piece about 11” long. Fold each piece of wire crisply in half and glue them down the centers of the petals with Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue. The folded end goes at the outer tip of the petals and the two cut ends extend below the bottom point of the petals. When the glue is dry, cut out each of the petals, cutting about 1/8” outside the felt tip pen lines. To give a finished edge to the petals, carefully melt them with a candle flame. Hold the wire ends with the pair of pliers and carefully passed the edges of the petals near enough to the candle flame to melt them slightly. Keep the film a bit away from the flame so it doesn’t burn.



To add the glitter, use the brush to apply a line of Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive along both sides of the wires and large dots randomly on either side of the wire. Sprinkle Art Glitter Ultrafine Opaque Red Velvet glitter over the adhesive then tap away the excess. Once the adhesive dries, use the brush to apply a coat of Judi Kins Diamond Glaze over the entire petal then lightly sprinkle Art Glitter Ultrafine Transparent Angel Dust and Halo glitter over the entire surface. When the Diamond Glaze is dry, I apply a second coat of glaze over the entire petals to seal in the glitter. Repeat the Diamond Glaze and sprinkled glitter process on the back side of all the petals.

For the flower center, form 6 little rice-shaped pieces of polymer clay for the stamen ends. For the pistil end, form a small ball of polymer clay then press three indentations with the side of a small knitting needle, radiating the three lines from a central point. (It should look like a tiny three-lobed pumpkin.) With a needle dipped in baby powder or cornstarch, poke holes in the sides of the stamen pieces and the bottom of the pistil piece to accommodate wire. After curing and cooling the clay pieces according to the manufacturer’s directions, use 2-part epoxy to glue 4” lengths of the spring green 26 gauge wire in the holes of all 7 pieces. When the epoxy is dry, coat the clay portions of the 7 pieces with Art Glitter Designer Dries Clear Adhesive and dip the stamens in Art Glitter Ultrafine Pearlescent Duck Tail glitter and the pistil in Art Glitter Ultrafine Transparent Lettuce glitter to coat them. Seal the glitter with a coat of Diamond Glaze when the glue is dry.

Follow the same procedure as the petals to make the leaves. Lily leaves are narrow shapes like daffodil leaves and a little shorter than the petals. Make three short leaves (about 3” long and 1 1/8” wide) and one long swoopy curved one (about 8” long and 1 1/8” wide at the widest point) for drama. Using a warm iron, bond a piece of Art Glitter Aurora Fantasy Film and a piece of Art Glitter Spring Morning Fantasy Film together then cut the leaf pieces from this double-thickness sheet. Cut pieces of green wire a few inches longer than twice the length of the leaves. Fold the pieces of wire in half but keep the two halves somewhat separated along the central portions of the leaves’ lengths. Glue the wires in place with Aleene’s Fast Grab Tacky Glue, cut out the shapes, flame-finished the edges, apply a coat of Diamond Glaze then sprinkle Art Glitter Ultrafine Opaque Michigan Moss glitter and Art Glitter Ultrafine Transparent Lettuce glitter over it and finally seal the leaves with a second coat of Diamond Glaze.

Now that you have all the pieces it’s time for the really fun part - assembling the flower. Here’s where the florists tape comes in. Florists’ tape sticks to itself when you stretch it a bit, so be sure to pull a bit as you wrap it so it will stick.

Hold the 7 flower center pieces together in a bundle and wrap the ends with a 2” piece of florists’ tape to hold the bundle together. Begin where the pieces would emerge from the center of the flower and continue down towards the ends of the wire bundle.

Next, position the three wider petals around the center cluster, spacing them evenly – these are the inner petals. Hold them in place by wrapping the entire bundle – center bundle and the wires from the three petals - with a 3” piece of florists’ tape. Next add the three narrower petals in the same way, spacing them between the wider petals.

Wrap more florist’s tape around the bundle of wires. Start at the base of the petals and wrap for about 2”.

To add the leaves, attach them to the bundle one at a time, beginning with the longest leaf closest to the flower and adding the other three leaves as you progress down the stem. To add them, hold them against the wrapped flower “stem” and wrap florist’s tape around the leaf wire/stem bundle.

Finally, I attach the flower with leaves to the headband, wrapping tightly with florists’ tape. To be sure that the flower stays in place anchor the ends of the wrapped wire to the headband with a few dabs of 2-part epoxy. Also add a large dab of the 2-part epoxy to the center of the flower to firmly anchor the petals and flower center parts together.
Arrange the petals and leaves to your liking by bending the wire, then Enjoy!

Introducing Art Glitter's New Guest Designers

It's that time again. Time to say good bye to three very talented wonderful designers and hello to three new talented and wonderful designers!

I always think that our designers will be sick of glitter after three months, but our last group were glitter enthusiasts to the end. We may see more of Candy, Janelle and Clare in our glitter futures. I thank you for sharing your designs and wish you the best of luck. May all your dreams sparkle and shine.

Here's our next crew. Join me in welcoming these artists in their glitter endeavors to come, it's going to be a lot of fun!

Laura Drahozal
I am a former art teacher and current substitute teacher from Michgan, where I live with my fabulous husband Steve and spoiled Collie, Emma. I have a BFA from the University of Michigan and can find artistic inspiration in just about everything. I have participated in many forms of art, from stained glass to sculpture and metalwork to colored pencil drawing.

I discovered papercrafting in 2004, after my mother was diagnosed with Inflammatory Breast Cancer. It was then that I realized how much of life we let fly by. Scrapbooking allowed me to capture thoughts in the same way that my other love, photography, allowed me to stop moments. Papercrafting causes me to draw from all my artistic interests, and challenges me to discover new ways to incorporate them.

I started my blog in March 2010, rememberinglifesmoments.blogspot.com. I am on the design team at Scraptales in Brighton, Michigan, where I also work part time and teach classes. I just love showing people new techniques and can now be found demonstrating on the Scraptales Youtube channel.

Recently, I have been honored to be on the Dreamweaver Stencils Design Team and published four times in The Stampers' Sampler and Scrap & Stamp Arts.

I am very excited to be an Art Glitter Guest Designer. I believe that there isn't alot that can't be improved by the magic of a little Art Glitter, and can often be seen covered in it myself!

Shannon Bielke
As a child, I wanted to be like my mom, an artist herself. In reality I became an artist because I've always felt the need to create, thus, art has always been a defining factor in my life.

In college I earned a BA in fine art, and now I teach art on all levels from elementary age through college. I design projects for and teach classes at Paper and Metal Scrappers in Payson, I'm a designer for CHA, and a contributing designer or design team member for a number of different companies.

I have a wonderful supportive family, my husband Scott, and four beautiful children, Allison, Matt, Jeff, and Hannah. Newly an empty-nestor, I'm finding more time to explore my creative urges which are continually changing, evolving and dragging me along for the ride!

My website is about my art and my latest projects, check it out: Shaandco.net.

Kaaren Poole
I live in the Northern California countryside on 10 wooded acres, otherwise known as Paradise. Here with me in Paradise are dog, cat, and duck family members and my sister who is also my best friend. It seems that I’m older than the other Art Glitter Designers and I just want everyone to know that you’re never too old for glitter! In fact, glitter, gleam, and sheen may get even better with age as the bonds of conventionality fall away one by one!

My first work life was in the computer industry, but now I’m able to indulge something I always enjoyed but didn’t follow as a career – art. I work in several different media both 2D and 3D and my favorite subject is animals. My current goal is to get juried into the Society of Animal Artists, and once I achieve that, I will be working towards signature status in that organization.

I sell my art on my website (wildharestudio.org) and eBay (seller id kaapoole), and write about it on my blog, wildharestudio.blogspot.com. Whenever I am fortunate enough to sell my art, I donate 100% of the proceeds to animal charities. Along with my family, animals, and friends, art brings joy to my life every day and glitter brings joy to my art!

I hope you enjoy my projects, and happy glittering!

Thank you glitter gals! And remember, to see all our designers projects listed in a nice orderly manner visit Art Glitter's Guest Designer page ~ Enjoy!

Repurposed Frame by Janelle Burba

It seems as though the older I get, the more I enjoy looking through finds at the Thrift Store. I suppose it is the nostaglia of thinking about where the piece has been and the story behind it. In case you haven't made a trip into a second-hand store lately, I highly recommend it. Recently while at the local thrift store I purchased some frames and here you will see how a simple black frame was transformed into a lovely gift for my daughter's prom date.


My motto of, "anything worth doing is worth over doing", really came into play with this simple frame. I started with the outside and worked in. I added black ultrafine glitter and then gold to highlight in all the right areas. The flowers were easily "blinged up" with the addition of Vintage Glass Glitter. I can not tell you how much I love the vintage glass...I add it to everything: cards, layouts, and I suppose now...frames.


This beautiful paper from Graphic 45 seemed to be perfect for this project since it has many illustrations of dancers. The name of the paper is Curtain Call so it seemed to fit. The bottom line is that you can pretty much add glitter to anything and it just makes it so much better.