There is just something about glitter that makes everything more exciting. It provides a sparkly pop that no amount of paint or markers could ever achieve. Besides for the unique color effect that glitter can accomplish, it also allows you to create dimension in otherwise one-dimensional crafting projects. For such a simple art supply, glitter is truly special.
You might think that using glitter is as simple as opening the glitter container and shaking it to your heart’s content. However, if you want to avoid the dreaded glitter flaking off and falling everywhere, along with picking flecks of glitter from every surface for the next six months, here are some important tips on how to make DIY glitter cardstock.
How To Make Glitter Stick To Paper
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It may seem self-explanatory when you think about how to make glitter stick to paper, after all even preschoolers do it. Yet we have all dealt with one too many glitter projects wreaking havoc all over the house. The pieces of glitter linger for months and are so difficult to clean up. The trick is all about choosing the right adhesive. Without the right binding agent, those little pieces of glitter will end up literally everywhere.
Surprisingly, the best glue for glitter is either simple white Elmer’s glue or Mod Podge glue. Both will act as optimal adhesive agents for the glitter to adhere to. In order to distribute glitter over cardstock paper, it is important to layer an even amount of glue on the paper first. The best way to do this is by using a paintbrush to spread the glue evenly across your entire cardstock paper. If the glue is not spread evenly, you will end up with clumps of glitter in certain areas and bare patches in others. The extra few seconds that it takes to carefully create an even layer of glue will be well worth your time. |
How To Seal Glitter On Cardstock
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Once you have evenly dispensed your glue and poured the glitter in an even layer on top of it, you are at the most crucial stage in your DIY glitter cardstock project. You need to keep the glitter on the paper without it falling off like tiny sparkly snowflakes threatening to overtake your space.
Before tackling this step, it is vitally important to make sure that your initial layer of glue beneath the glitter has completely dried. This usually takes up to four hours. Once your cardstock paper is dry, gently brush off any excess glitter and make sure the glitter coating is to your liking. Now you are ready to seal all of that glittery goodness. There are two primary methods you can use to seal your glitter. The first method requires you to use a Mod Podge acrylic sealer spray. Carefully spray an even coat over your cardstock paper and allow it to dry. If you are already in the middle of your glitter project and realize you don’t have the Mod Podge glue spray at home, there is another sealing method you can use which requires a very commonly found household item. Believe it or not, hair spray acts as a good sealant and will work to seal in your glitter and prevent unwanted shedding. |
Glitter Cardstock Project Ideas
Now that you have mastered the craft of DIY glitter cardstock, the sky’s the limit in terms of what you can create. Glitter cardstock can be used for so many crafting projects. Want your holiday ornaments to have some more pizazz? Take sheets of green cardstock paper and trace Christmas trees. Cut them out and place them on the side. Then take red cardstock paper and trace circles and cut them out as well.
Once you have your cutouts prepared, it’s time to use your newfound glitter knowledge. After evenly spreading the glue with a paintbrush, you can shake green glitter over the trees and red glitter over the circle ornaments. Once dried, use Mod Podge spray or hairspray to seal in the glitter. With minimal effort, you have taken ordinary ornaments and added dimension and festivity to them.
Holiday ornaments are not the only things that you can use glitter cardstock for. Cake toppers are another great idea. Instead of wasting money on overpriced readymade ones, you can add your own personalized touch to the birthday cake of your loved one. Whether you want to use their age, their name, or a fun inside joke, you can trace and cut out whatever cake topper idea you desire. After spreading the glue evenly, you can use glitter in their favorite color to add that magical sparkle effect. The icing on the cake, quite literally, is that now that you know how to seal the glitter, you will not have to worry about unwanted glitter frosting.
Glitter cardstock is also used for invitations. Whether it’s a birthday party, a bridal shower, or a graduation party, glitter invitations will definitely make it to a prominent place on the fridge of each and every one of its recipients. As if handmade invitations do not already convey a beautiful & personalized touch, glitter enhances the look even more to create something truly unique and special.
You can also sublimate glitter cardstock. Sublimation is the transferring of any custom picture, print or design onto something else. When you walk through a mall in any random town or city, you can usually find at least one kiosk offering to put any custom design or picture onto a t-shirt, mug, or notebook.
The good news is that you can use glitter cardstock for sublimation as well. You can choose any photo or design that you love and sublimate it onto glitter cardstock. The personalization choices are entirely up to you. You can have a solid color glitter cardstock or you can mix different colors of glitter to create a stunningly unique backdrop for whatever art you choose to sublimate.
As is evident from the aforementioned examples, there are endless opportunities when it comes to crafting with DIY glitter cardstock. It can instantly transform any project by adding dimension and color that only glitter can achieve. No matter which craft you decide to make, instead of using simple cardstock paper, elevate your game and use glitter cardstock instead.
More importantly, now that you know the right technique for DIY glitter cardstock, there is no need to worry about the dreaded mess that has eternally been unfairly associated with glitter. As long as you use Mod Podge acrylic sealer spray or hairspray to seal your glitter, it will no longer be necessary to rummage for flecks of glitter on your hands and knees as you desperately attempt to clean up. So, whip out your glitter canisters and manifest those childhood glitter dreams.