Nuvo Shimmer Powders are a fun product that result in beautiful watercolor-like effects that include a light bit of shimmer. Today’s tutorial utilizes a heat embossed background, the Nuvo Shimmer Powders, die cutting, texture embossing and Copic coloring. A fair amount of simple techniques that when layered produce great results. These Nuvo Shimmer Powder card tutorial is easy and fun to create, and your recipient will love you for it!
Supplies
Neenah Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock: 110lb for card base, 80lb for die cutting and textureembossing
Canson XL Watercolor Paper
Altenew Pattern Play Diamonds stamp set & Pen Sketched Flowers stamp set and dies
VersaMark Watermark Ink
Gina K Amalgam Ink
Ranger Embossing Powders in Black and White
Wagner Precision Heat Tool
Nuvo Shimmer Powders in Atlantis Burst, Blue Blitz, Catherine Wheel, Lilac Waterfall
Copic Markers for coloring
Spellbinders Embossing Folders Quilt It SES-012 & SES-013
Sizzix Framletes Dies in Dotted Ovals and Circles
Honey Bee Sentiment Banners
Double-sided adhesive
Mono Tombow Liquid Glue
Stamping and Coloring
Begin by treating watercolor panels with an anti-static powder, then stamping background using VersaMark Watermark ink. This is a sticky ink that has an open drying time which is perfect for holding embossing powder. In other words, the ink stays wet allowing a longer bit of time when working with powders. I prefer to stamp a couple panels before moving onto applying embossing powder.
Once embossing powder has been applied and panel tapped to remove excess, set powder by using a heat tool. Allow panel to cool thoroughly.
Using Gina K Amalgam ink, stamp floral images onto Neenah 80lb cardstock. Amalgam ink is great to use when Copic coloring because the ink is formulated to work with alcohol-ink markers (in addition to colored pencils and watercolors) without smudging. After floral panels have dried thoroughly, color in images using Copic Markers (or other coloring medium).
Stamp sentiments onto a card panel and set aside.
Nuvo Shimmer Powder
Lightly tap Nuvo Shimmer Powder releasing a small bit of powder onto watercolor panels. Lightly spritz with water and watch the magic happen. The powder is instantly transformed into concentrated bits of color, moving within the water similar to watercolors. Add additional water as needed.
Additional powder can be added to a wet panel, or you can dry the panel, add powder, then spritz with water to activate once again. I do not recommend blotting as this removes the shimmer, which seems to float at the top of the water.
When panels are to your liking, set aside and allow to dry thoroughly.
Die Cutting and Texture Embossing
Die cut flowers if your floral images have a corresponding set available. If not, simply fussy cut them utilizing a sharp pair of scissors. I recommend Tim Holtz Tonic Mini Snips. These 5” scissors are perfect for getting into tight spots and are comfortable on fingers.
Using an embossing folder and die cutting machine, texture emboss a background panel for each card.
Sentiment Banners dies from Honey Bee are a great way to dress up a sentiment strip. Yes, it’s easy enough to cut a sentiment banner on your own, but these dies make the job even easier. The set includes 7 dies, each varying in length, so selecting one that matches your sentiment is easy. Using these dies, die cut your sentiments.
Cut a shape from center of Nuvo Shimmer Powder panels. Today’s cards include a circle and oval, but polygons could also be utilized. This hole will allow the embossed panel to pop through, and allow a bit of white space to ground the card. Trim card to fit an A2 card base.
Layering
Take die cut flowers and position them inside hold of card panel. For a more natural look, tuck stems behind panel, allowing the flowers to sit atop panel. Tack into place using liquid glue.
Once flowers are positioned and tacked down, apply liquid glue to backside of panel and flowers, then adhere atop embossed panel.
Using double-sided tape, adhere embossed panel to an A2 card base.
Lastly, adhere sentiment strip(s) to card front, again utilizing liquid glue. Foam tape can be utilized here for added dimension, but I elected for a flat card design on this project.
These colorful Nuvo Shimmer Powder cards are beautiful. The layering of techniques provides dimension while the watercolor-like background provides interest. A fabulous result gained easily by using the Nuvo Shimmer Powders.
If these Nuvo Shimmer Powder cards aren’t enough for you, get more inspiration using the Nuvo Shimmer Powders by Clicking Here to see my post on a Handmade Card with Easy, Beautiful Background.
