Monday 27 July 2009

Using Peel-Off Stickers

Peel-Off Stickers (also known as 'Outline Stickers') are incredibly versatile and are ideal for a wide range of crafts, including egg craft. Place them directly onto the egg to easily create intricate patterns that can then be cut around or filled with glitter, accent beads, etc. Our new range of holographic peel-offs are also ideal for adding an extra touch of sparkle to your egg designs and other craft projects.

To help inspire you, we have compiled our top tips and instructions for how to use Peel-Off Stickers in your craft projects:


01 Keep it Simple!
The easiest way to use Peel-Off Stickers is to use them just as they are. Simply remove from the sheet and apply to the surface of your project. This looks particularly effective with coloured or hologram Peel-Offs. Alternatively, use on a decorative background, such as on patterned papers or marbled painted egg shell. Remember to apply the Peel-off to the surface gently to begin with. Once the peel-off is in the correct position press down more firmly for a permanent fix.

TIP: You may find it easier to use tweezers to gently lift the Peel-Off from the backing sheet and apply to the surface.


02 Applying Pretty Coloured Backgrounds
For a bright, vibrant effect, colour inside the peel-offs with paint (this is the best option when working on egg shell), coloured pens, pencils etc.


03 Apply Stunning Sparkling Textures
For a textured effect, try applying accent beads to the design. First apply the Peel-Off as described above. Next apply a fairly thick covering of white glue to a section inside of the Peel-Off. Use a syringe or a cocktail stick to apply the glue accurately.

Sprinkle the accent beads over the wet glue, ensuring an even covering. Remember, you must only apply one colour at a time. Repeat for the remaining sections of your first colour. When the sections of your first colour are completely dry, you may progress to your second colour using the same method.

TIP: The same technique can be used with glitter, sniglets, etc to create different textures and effects.

Accent on Beads
Accent on Beads
Goose Egg Trinket box with Peel-Off & Accent Bead Design
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04 Intricate Openings and Windows
Peel-Offs can also be applied to egg-shell and used as a guide for cutting (as on Ribbons & Bows). Simply paint the egg in your chosen base colour and apply the Peel-Off. Then carefully cut around the design as required. This technique can also be used in paper & card craft projects, by applying to card and carefully cutting around selected areas of the peel-off with a craft knife or small scissors.

TIP: Make sure you have a spare of each design you use as it can be very difficult to cut around the Peel-Off without damaging it. Once you have cut around the peel-off, carefully remove the old sticker and replace with a new one for a perfect finish.

Ribbons & Bows
Ribbons & Bows
Decorated Faberge-Style Goose Egg using Peel-Offs.
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05 Trellis and Leaded Window Effects
Similarly, peel-off lines can be used to give a perfect finish to trellis work on egg shell (as in 'The Proposal' egg). Cut the trellis design and finish with the gold Peel-Off lines, to add definition and neaten up the edges of your drill work. Alternatively, apply the peel-off lines to and acetate sheet, and place over an opening to give a traditional window effect. This technique could also be used in paper and card crafts.

TIP: For a Christmasy effect, apply a little No-Fire Snow, Snowflakes or white glitter to give the effect of snow.

The Proposal
The Proposal
Decorated Goose Egg using Peel-Off Trellis work.
Find out more...



06 Making Enamelled Glitter Filigree Effects
Creating enamelled/glitter filigree effects couldn't be easier! Simply place the peel-off onto an acetate sheet and paint and/or glitter the reverse. When dry, cut out the peel-off designs and seal if required. When dry they can be used as stunning filigree decorations on your egg designs, or as fantastic embellishments for your card, scrapbook or other craft projects.

TIP: Try using different shades of glitters and/or paints to build up more colourful designs

The Proposal

Tuesday 21 July 2009

Duncan Crystal Sparklers

We are please to announce we are now stocking the new Duncan Crystal Sparklers. Duncan Sparklers are a fantastic new brush on glitter with a special self-sealing formula, making the task of adding sparkle to your egg decoration projects so much easier!

This product has now replaced the Gare Diamond Shimmer, however with its beautiful finish and ease of use we have already had customers telling us how much they prefer the Duncan Sparklers.

These premixed glitter sealers consist of fine polyflakes glitter suspended in high quality white paint. Duncan Sparklers are permanent so they won't flake or rub off and work on almost any craft surface (except washable fabric). Duncan Sparklers can be applied directly to surfaces or over other acrylic colours, however for best results when using for egg craft we recommend painting the egg with Duncan White Acrylic Paint and when dry giving one coat of Crystal Sparklers. One applied, you do not need to seal the finish due it its special self-sealing formula, which is touch dry in 2 hours.

Crystal Sparklers work particularly well painted on the inside of cut out egg designs, as the sparkle effect reflects the light, bringing depth to the design, highlighting the detail and giving the egg a professional finish.

For use in egg craft you only need apply one coat, but if you are using this on other craft projects use several coats for solid shimmery coverage or just one for highlights to your piece. Let your creativity shine with the brilliance of Sparklers™ Brush-On Glitter!

Tuesday 14 July 2009

Using Waterslide Transfers

We now have in stock a new range of waterslide transfers with lots of new and interesting designs to choose from, including animals, birds, flowers and sailing ships, to inspire you.

Commonly used on ceramics, waterslide transfers are ideal for use in egg craft as either a central focus for your egg craft designs or to create intricate details and patterns.

Waterslide transfers are very easy to use. Simply cut away the excess white areas then soak in a small amount of warm water for approximately 30 seconds, or until they begin to move. You can then slide off the backing paper and place directly onto the egg. Carefully pat dry the egg and transfer with a soft, clean cloth. You can then dry thoroughly with a hairdryer.