I remember seeing a glitter painting feature in Living a while back and pretty much dismissing it. Truth be told, it reminded me too much of seventies crafting, and even as a toddler I was aesthetically offended by the seventies. Just not my decade.
But then I happened to run across this bird print from The Graphics Fairy and that feature came back to me. I love the tones in this image and I wanted to see if I could capture them with glitter, but soften the overall effect for spring. Two of the things that made a big difference - using iridescent glitter instead of opaque and leaving the background glitter free. That kept it from getting too heavy. Also, using a fine-tip applicator was essential to creating details - fine-tips are usually found in the glass painting section of the craft store or you can buy Martha Stewart Crafts glitter glue with a built-in fine-tip applicator.
In the end, I'm still not sure if I'm sold on glitter painting. But I love this bird image and thought I should at least share that with you! Click on the image for the full size version.
Happy Monday!
I used colored glitter when I could match the color well enough. When I couldn't, I used transparent (crystal). But you can use all transparent if you like - it will just soften the original colors of your print a bit.
Posted by: Suzonne | 20 July 2011 at 10:57 AM
I love the Graphic Fairy and use here images on my blog all the time. Did you use colored glitter or clear/white? What you did is soooo pretty. I'll have to look for those fine tip applicators and more glitter (who can have too much glitter I say). :)
Posted by: Katmeowrine | 20 July 2011 at 04:21 AM
You did a lovely glitter job! I have used Martha Stewart's fine tip glue applicator and it is perfect for getting the details on small graphics. It's a great tool. I use glitter sparingly on cards usually only to highlight because I also hate finding glitter all over the place, but when you get results like yours it just makes me want to do more.
Posted by: Elaine | 21 February 2011 at 07:36 PM
I'm a bird fan! I think both the original and your version are lovely. I'm with you on glitter though. I am not a fan. I hate that 2 days later I am still finding glitter in my hair or on my face. You did a fab-o job though!!!
Posted by: Betty aka ZacksNana | 21 February 2011 at 11:29 AM
That bird image is so pretty!
Posted by: heather j | 21 February 2011 at 09:26 AM