 | Great ways to use mica powder in crafts23 October 2013 | Nicola |
Mica powders add a little shine and sparkle to craft projects - the light-reflecting particles within create beautiful shiny natural sparkly colours. If you haven't come across them in crafting, you might have used them without realising; as they're derived from pure natural minerals and ore, cosmetic grade versions of this stuff can even be found in makeup and toiletries.
In crafting circles, this powder is used for enhancing metal work, fine art, pottery, scrapbook items, rubber stamped crafts and loads of other home décor projects. This powder can also be added to paint, glue and varnishes to enhance a finish.
Here are five creative ways to use mica powder in crafts.
Rubber Stamps
This powder will add a wow factor to your rubber stamp projects. You can use a rubber stamp and powder to make beautiful homemade cards. Firmly push the rubber stamp into your ink pad. Stamp the front of your card, then cover the design with this powder before the ink dries. Gently shake the excess powder off the design. Pour the leftover powder back into the jar. This shiny powder detail will take your homemade cards to the next level.
Clay
You can apply this powder to raw clay with a brush or sponge to give it a metallic look. You can also mix this powder into your clay to give it a sheen. Add this powder to varnish or liquid clay to turn cured clay into a stunning glazed piece.
Painting
Mica powder can be used for painting beautiful designs on scrapbooking cards, decorative boxes and many other craft projects. You can turn powder into paint by mixing a small wet paint brush into a little powder placed on a dish. Keep mixing the water and powder together until it becomes a thin paste. Dip the brush into the paste and begin painting your project. You can also mix a little powder into oil and acrylic paints you already have.
Decoupage
Mica powder can be mixed into any liquid adhesive product used for decoupage. Begin by pouring some glue into a bowl. Slowly mix a little powder into your adhesive until your get the amount of sparkle you're after. You can also add this powder to the clear glaze used to seal your decoupage projects.
Shimmer Spray
Add a lovely layer of sheen to paper projects, flowers, fabrics and greeting cards by spraying these items with a homemade shimmer spray. Begin making this spray by filling a spray bottle halfway with water. Add a generous amount of metallic paint to the water. Shake the bottle. Mix in 1-tablespoon of powder and glue. Shake the bottle. Your shimmer spray is ready to be used on all your fabulous craft projects.
Mica powder is easy-to-use and versatile. It's the must-have craft supply needed to add a wow factor to all your home décor and craft projects.
