Easy, Beautiful Background with Luminarte Mica Powder

Happy Friday my friends!  Another week has whizzed by behind my back...  Last weekend hubby and I visited his sister and family in Georgetown.  We had a wonderful time and even got to experience a little snow.  I have to admit, it's fun to VISIT snow, but I don't think I would do well living in it...  My hat's off to those of you who brave the beautiful, but c-c-c-olddddd snow lol!

The day before we left, hubby informed me that Robin's birthday was the next day.  What is a cardmaker to do, but make a card???  Here's what I whipped up...

The image I used is Courageous Eyes which is from the Eyes of Adventure Collection by Susana Loves Stamps.  I've had her colored for awhile, waiting for the perfect occasion.  Since she's wearing beads, I thought Robin might appreciate her since she loves jewelry and beading.  :D

I began by stamping the image with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink.  Did you know that Susana carries Refills? Of course I used my fave Copic Markers (ShinHans HERE) to color this sweet image and accented her eyes with Transparent Gloss Gel - I especially LOVE the "Eyes" collection and the gloss gel really brings out the beauty of the eyes!  Another one of my craft staples is Stardust Stickles which I accented the bird and a bit of her top.



The black pearls were a snap to make using another favorite... Paper Pen in Graphite.  Although black isn't my absolute favorite, the paper pens are!  If you can't find a suitable color in the paper pens, take a peek at the Pearl Pens.

My trustworthy Spellbinders came in handy cutting out the image and layering it over the Decorative Oval.  Spellbinders on Sale HERE.  Before I get to the background, I want to mention the beautiful Dies by SCACD - Garden Corners and Ornate Hinge (more of my faves lol!).  After giving them a coat of 3D Stamp Paint in Silver, I adhered them with Best Glue Ever.  I think I've used just about EVERY favorite product on this card!!!

On to the background... finally huh???

I began by cutting a piece of black cardstock 5"x 5" and cutting it in half.  I then layered one on top of the other and trimmed another .5" so I would have enough room between the panels and all around the edges.  I also did this so that the paper would fit in the 5" x 7" Craft Concept Tuscan Tiles Embossing Folder.  I love the larger embossing folders Susana carries, but in this case, I needed it even bigger!

So after running both panels through my Vagabond with the embossing folder, I adhered them to another black layer.  I then gave the entire piece a good coat of Luminarte Silks Acrylic Glaze in Ice.  This is basically a clear sparkly coat which then... adheres the gorgeous Primary Elements Mica Powder!  I used:  Stargazer Primary Elements Mica Powder and Wild Blueberry Primary Elements Mica Powder.

I decided that I wanted to see how well the Mica Powder would stick after rubbing with a Shop Towel (a thick paper towel).  A little bit rubbed off, but what you see here is after quite a bit of scrubbing!  Susana has tons... and I do mean TONS of colors in this awesome Mica Powder!  You know me... I've got to collect them all - I do have a ways to go, but I keep chugging along cuz these are the best :D  You really only need a small amount which I tap on with a soft brush and then brush it around randomly.  Easy!

The last thing I added is the tag with the birthday sentiment which I tied on to the die cut using Scrapper's Floss in Midnight.

Voila'!!!  Happy Birthday Robin ♥

Have a wonderful weekend and happy crafting!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~