Tuesday Tips - Crystal Effects

During my July Stamp Camp, we used a product called Crystal Effects.  There was quite a bit of interest in this product, so I thought I would devote my Tuesday Tips post to this product.  There are two cards in today's post that have Crystal Effects used on them.  The look of Crystal Effects is quite beautiful, however, it is very difficult to see in the photos, so you may need to do some imagining.

Stampin’ Up’s Crystal Effects is a dimensional glaze product used for adding gloss or shine and is also used as a strong adhesive.  A dab of Crystal Effects adds a high-gloss finish, but Crystal Effects can also create a 3-D effect.  The applicator tip provides great control.  The product is water based for quick and easy cleanup.  Drying time varies, though the product directions say that it dries completely within an hour – I have found that drying time varies, depending on how thickly it is applied.  I often let my Crystal Effects projects dry overnight to avoid fingerprinting or smudging partially dried projects.  For best results, use Crystal Effects within one year of purchase.

Did you know these fun facts about Crystal Effects?

• Never shake a bottle of Crystal Effects before you use it – it will create unwanted bubbles.  
• Crystal Effects also works great as an adhesive to attach buttons and other heavier embellishments.
•  When “Crystal Effects-ing” (note:  new word invented) a very small piece, the shiny backing behind stickers works well as a scrap mat.  The backing behind the image stickers in Stampin’ Up stamp sets are perfect for this.  Teflon sheets or non-stick shiny baking mats may also work.  You need a work surface that won’t want to hold your project hostage once it is dry. 
• Add a three-dimensional effect to your projects with Crystal Effects. Simply apply a thick line of Crystal Effects to the outline of your stamped image. After the line has dried, add a thinner coat of Crystal Effects to the inside area of what was outlined.
•  A straight pin can be a Crystal Effects “buddy” during your work session.  Every time you set the bottle back down onto your work surface in between applications, stick the pin buddy into the opening of the bottle to prevent a clog.  Just be sure to remove the pin before storing your Crystal Effects bottle when the project session is over – the pin can cause rust that will taint the product.  Wipe off the pin & stretch a ponytail rubber band around the bottle, then tuck the pin between there so it’s always handy!  Recap after use to prevent the tip from drying and clogging.
•  Crystal Effects can be used with any stamped image that has been colored with any medium: Watercolor Wonder Crayons, Stampin’ Write Markers, Stampin’ Pastels, Stampin’ Pads.
•  As Crystal Effects dries, the surface tends to flatten out a bit. 
• If a rubber stamp gets damaged, Crystal Effects can be used to adhere the foam to the rubber when it has separated, or the mounted rubber back onto a wood block. 
• When you cut the tip off the bottle, make sure you don’t cut off too much.  A tiny spout allows for more precise application control.

Try these ideas with Crystal Effects:

water below the snail has Crystal Effects

Raindrops, dew on a flower or grass - see centers of flowers on above card (hard to see)

Faux Buttons

Sprinkle with glitter

Page pebbles

Add 1 or 2 drops classic reinker for a colored glossy glaze

Adds a glisten to eyes on a stamped image of an animal or person

Creates the look of glass (a vase, window)

Repairs household items

Water, lake, puddle - see snail card shown here- I applied CE to  the water below the snail - can you see it?

Adheres beads, microbeads, embellishments

Apply with a paintbrush as a sealant

Mix with reinker drops & colorize window sheets


Ready to give Crystal Effects a try?   


Have a nice day!

Linda