Pearl-Ex Glimmer Spray

Pearl-Ex Spray (aka Glimmer Spray)

I like to add glimmer to cards occasionally but especially to Christmas cards. I make a little glimmer spray from pearl-ex. One of my stamping friends shared this technique with me several years ago although I don't remember who & I'd like to share it with you. It is easy and inexpensive. It does evaporate because the base is alcohol so I only make it in small quantities. Also, I apply it at my bathroom sink with the fan running.

Supplies: Empty spray bottle (mine is an empty perfume sprintz bottle), Rubbing alcohol (I use 91% but 70% will work too), craft stick, and pearl-ex (I used "Interference Gold" but you can use any color depending upon what you want your glimmer color to be).

My next step is to open my spray bottle, and get a small amount of Pearl-ex on my craft stick. I add the pearl-ex to my bottle.

Next, add a small amount of rubbing alcohol to your bottle (approximately 2-3 Tablespoons or 30 ml.). The concentration (or amount of alcohol compared to glitter) will be up to you and you may want to vary according to your project. Need I say, the lesser amount of alcohol will give you a more concentrated glimmer spray, more alcohol will give you a less glimmer in the spray.
That's it! You have a glimmer spray. Two other tips. First, (& again)- the spray will evaporate over time, days to weeks. If this happens try adding a little alcohol to the bottle. Often the pearl-ex has dried along the sides and the bottom of the bottle and you need only reconstitute with more alcohol. And because it evaporates, I only make a small amount at a time.

Second, when you spray the concentration of your mixed glimmer and the distance you hold your bottle from your project will vary the concentration of the glimmer on your project or card. You may want to experiment on a scrap piece of paper before applying to your project. It will look different on light paper versus dark paper.



I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and have fun making your holiday cards glimmer. Please let me know how you like this tutorial and please share your tips.