To create pearlized or metallic inks from existing small cube style stamp pads or regular size pads as well.

You’ll need
1. Mica Powder–I use LA Colors eye shadows from Dollar Tree and for $1, the white works best for all colors.  You can use any really glittery eye shadows you have as well as you can use crafting pearlized powders like pearl ex.  To take the bottom off of the LA Colors eye shadows, take a sharp pointed object like a pokey tool or end of one half of pair of small scissors and pry under the bottom edge of the plastic bottom.  It usually comes off easily for me, but I had to use Rich for this round.  Once you carefully remove the bottom, tap it on the edge of the container you’ll be putting the mica powder into because a lot will stick to the inside of the container.  Hold the eye shadow container over your new lidded container and tap on the top and the most of the powder will come out.  Use the little brush that comes with it to go around the inside to remove any that is left behind.
2. Paper or plastic for under your ink pads and eye shadow container so mica doesn’t end up everywhere.
3.  A small spoon or spatula or popsicle stick to pick up the mica with.
4.  An old credit card or gift card to spread the mica with.
5.  Ink pads.  Use ones you aren’t crazy about or ones you forgot you have.  They can’t be very dry or this won’t work.  Mine were ones I’ve never used.  I’m storing them upside down now so the ink and mica have the chance to blend better.

Take the top off the stamp pad and put a small amount of white mica powder (or color of your choice) on top of the pad.  Using your credit card, rub it into the surface.  The more you rub it, the better it will work later.  You can always add more, but it will be impossible if you use too much because it will form more of a paste instead of an ink.  The pearlized ink will work better once your ink pad has time to sit as well.  Store it upside down so the mica and ink  mix better as well.

I found the recipe for mulberry paper from this YouTube site and she has a lot of great ideas.
Hectanooga1 – Crochet, Knitting, Jewelry, Crafts, Cooking and here’s her link.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4sY3…

To make homemade mulberry paper you’ll need:

1.  Equal parts white glue and water.  I used inexpensive school glue and it worked great.  I really stock up on this at back to school time because I can get four of them for $1 at Staples and maybe cheaper at Walmart (mine didn’t have any but Elmers and it was more expensive.)
2.  Inexpensive craft paint in the color of your choice
3.  Dried leaves and/or flowers  You can pick dead leaves up outside and wait for them to dry if you can find them or use Valentine’s Day flowers once they have dried or any store bought potpourri that will crush.  Crush the leaves and flowers so they are small pieces.
4.  Something to let it dry on.  I used a plastic place mat that worked great.  You need it to dry flat.
5.  A plastic container to mix it in, I used packaging that was something I could use for crafting then recycle.  It should hold a cup at least so it won’t splash out when you mix.
6.  a paint brush
7.  Something to stir with, plastic spoon, popsicle stick or whatever you like to use.
8.  Two paper towels

Take your glue and water and mix in your plastic container.  Add the amount of paint to the color you like.  Stir well.  As you saw in the video, it took a lot more than I expected because paper towels absorb.  Place one paper towel on the placemat or wax paper might work.  Coat it well with the paint mixture with your paint brush.  Sprinkle flowers/leaf mixture over surface. Less is more because you need your paper towels to stick together.
Lay your other paper towel on top and paint with the mixture.  Coat your edges well.  After your have made sure you have enough of the paint mixture on both paper towels, press gently with your brush to make sure there are no gaps between the towels and that they are sticking together well.  Set aside to dry.  Make sure they are on a flat surface or they will bend like mine did.  You can use a ruler and tear your mulberry paper or scissors or a paper trimmer. My paper trimmer made a score line and then I could break it in half.  Good luck and I hope you try this DIY project.  I really love the pearlized/metallic inks as well.

 

 

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