Dragon from Ink Blocks stamps

Pearl-Ex and Glue

This is a variation of a technique that I saw at a convention using Perfect Paper Adhesive

You will need Pearl-Ex powders and white glue.  I use Elmer's because it's usually cheapest.  You'll also need something like a butter bowl to store the leftover glue, a small paintbrush to get the powder into the glue, a sponge to apply the glue and toothpicks to mix the glue.  The dragon is done on heavy black textured cardstock.  Any heavy paper that glue dries on will do.  It needs to be heavy enough not to wrinkle from the glue.  Most cardstock is heavy enough to dry flat. Glossy works but personally I don't really like the look as much.

Squirt about 1/4 cup of glue into a butter bowl.  Dip a small dry paintbrush into the powder and hold it above the glue and tap the powder into the bowl of glue.  Mix it together with a toothpick.  That will probably be enough because it takes very little powder but if you think you want more powder tap some more in and mix it up and then put the lid on it so it doesn't dry out.  The color doesn't change much as it dries.   It takes very little powder so add the powder just a few sprinkles at a time.   More won't hurt it's just a waste of powder.

Do the same thing for every color you want to use on your background.

You'll get the hang of it by the time you mix 3 or 4 batches.

I use a cosmetic sponge and different sea sponges to apply the glue to the paper.  Keep in mind that you may ruin your sea sponge if the glue sets in it.  There is really no wrong way to apply it, just put color where you think it looks good.  Try using different textured things to apply the glue.  If you use a brush, be sure to wash the glue out as soon as you're finished.  If you think your glue is going on too thick try dampening your sponge a little, just be careful not to buckle your paper. 

Apply the colored glue to any surface or paper that glue will dry on.  You may have to wait overnight to let the glue dry completely,  I use Black Crafters ink to stamp on it.  You could use any ink that will dry on most surfaces like Staz-On or any permanent ink.  I usually use Crafters Black and then emboss the picture with clear powder.  Embossing gives the image a shiny look that goes well with the shine from the glue.

The dragon was painted with Pearl-Ex tablets and a small brush.

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container and it will last a long time.   You can also spread it out in a  thin layer on a Teflon sheet and when the glue dries, peel it off the sheet and cut shapes from it with punches.