PC: Background Techniques #2: Aurora EDITED

In celebration of the recent display of auroras I decided to experiment with a technique that uses perfect pearl powders.

The original technique called for Perfect Ink Refresher. But I didn't have any. While it was on order, I played with two "substitution" methods using supplies I had on hand. And both worked pretty well. So I will describe all three methods and you can chose the one(s) you like best.

All three methods use black cardstock, perfect pearl powders, and water in a misting bottle. I have detailed steps with each of my tutorial pictures (in Flickr) so please be sure to read the directions both here and there.

The idea is to coat your black cardstock with something that will slow absorption into the paper. You want the perfect pearl paint to float on the surface so that you can swirl and manipulate it.

Attempt #1 uses glycerine to prep the black paper Cut your black paper to size. Mix your perfect pearl paints. I mix the paints in small cups. They can dry out and be refreshed by adding water. Add your water slowly and stir to result in a medium thick creamy paint. I add the water from my mist bottle a few drops at a time. If you make it too thick you need to add more powder to thicken it and the powders aren't cheap. So proceed slowly. Coat your black cardstock with a thin layer of glycerine (I bought mine at a the drugstore and it is cheap). Just rub it in with your fingers. Let it dry

Apply your paints in stripes I did mine assembly line fashion, but it is better to do the cards one at a time and NOT let the perfect pearls paints dry all the way.

Spritz card with water If your paints are too dry to activate immediately GENTLY rub with your fingertip.

Swirl that paint around! This is the fun part. Mix as much or as little as you want. You can add a touch more paint or more water as necessary.

Finished card using glycerine I used original (subtle) perfect pearl colors: Forever blue, Forever green, Forever red, Perfect gold, and Perfect pearl.

Attempt #2 uses Krylon clear coat to prep the black paper This time I applied bright colors in wider diagonal stripes. Colors used were Grape Fizz, Pink Gumball, Sour Apple, Blue Raspberry.

Once again spritz and swirl I really like how the paints reacted on the clear coat black prep. They flowed well but did not seem to overmix.

Attempt #3 uses Ink Refresher to prep the black paper It is nice to have the ink refresher on hand, but I like both other black paper preps so I don't think you have to have this supply for this technique.

Waste Not Want Not I need to be on the lookout for black glossy (coated) paper. This technique would probably work great on that!

Whew - I need to pick easier techniques to try to describe to you! :) I am trying to pick cool techniques that use common supplies (or as in this case ones with easy supply substitutions)

Requirements for swap

Use any or all of the above black paper preps + perfect pearl powders to create aurora backgrounds for your partners.

These backgrounds should be at least ATC sized [2.5" x 3.5"]

Send your ONE partner AT LEAST THREE beautiful backgrounds.

You may write your contact info on the back of the card or on a separate piece of paper.

Minimum ratings of 4.9 to join swap. No unexplained 1 or 3s and none allowed in the last six months.

PLEASE email me with an questions, concerns, or suggestions on how to improve my tutorials!