So tonight was our Crystal Effects night, and I think everyone learned something new – myself included!  I ended up staying up late last night as I kept finding new ways to use crystal effects that I wanted to try.  If you haven’t heard of crystal effects, it is this great thick clear liquid laquer for using on craft projects.  The most straightforward use is to add a bit of gloss or shine to your projects by applying some Crystal Effects on top of a stamped image.  However, there are a ton of fun and creative other uses. 

I made a few samples of some different techniques last night.  So we talked about those different ideas and then set to work making a few items to take home.  Tonight we made Faux brads, Laquered die cuts, and a card using colored Crystal Effects on a transparency.  However, here are some of the different ideas for how you could use crystal effects:

1. Add a touch of gloss to a stamped image
2. Use crystal effects as a base for glitter.  Drop some crystal effects onto a stamped image and then cover in glitter.  Tap off excess glitter and allow to dry.
3. Create Faux Brads by punching out a circle of paper and placing it over a glue dot.  Add some crystal effects to the top and you are ready to go!
4. Create dew drops by dropping some crystal effects onto wax paper or the backing for the stickers from your stamp sets.  Add a bit of reinker color to make different colored drops.
5. Color with crystal effects by mixing some crystal effects and reinker, and then using a brush or toothpick, color in a stamped image for a colored, glossy effect.
6. Make a 3D embellishment by drawing a shape with crystal effects on wax paper (or the sticker backing) and then pouring glitter on top.   Allow to dry and then pop-off.
7. Create laquered die cuts.  Cut out a shape in chipboard (in my case, I cut out the left over piece from a chipboard die cut after I popped out the die cut).  Glue the chipboard to a piece of designer paper.  Fill in the die cut space with crystal effects and allow to dry.
8. Make glittering transparencies.  Mix some crystal effects with some reinker and dazzling diamonds.  Use a paintbrush to apply the colored crystal effects to the backside of a stamped transparency.  Allow to dry and attach to your card or project.