3D CRYSTAL ART
Margaret Ford shows how 3D Crystal Art can be an easy and exciting way to enhance and beautify any printed image - a card, a picture, a photograph etc. and it gives new possibilities in decoupage and rubber stamping, as well as other crafts, including egg decoration!
   
The special water-based lacquer is applied to a particular area, using the bottle and nib (pink applicator tip shown right), and allowed to dry for about 20 minutes. A crystal-like raised coating results and it is then possible to add additional layers as required, until a truly three dimensional finish is achieved.

Using Crystal Art :

(1) Select a suitable coloured image/picture. A mounted picture or greetings card are ideal. For a paper print, you should mount onto card before using Crystal Art.

(2) When using Crystal Art, place a piece of dampened tissue in the bottom of a cup or beaker and rest the bottle nozzle/nib down on the tissue. This prevents drying/blocking of the nozzle and by not tipping the bottle up and down in use, the liklihood of air bubbles geting trapped in the lacquer is reduced.

(3) It is best to check the picture and decide which areas would be nearest in 3D reality - often the lighter parts or petal edges of flowers would appear to be nearer. Choose a particular area in the picture (eg. part of a flower petal or a leaf) and outline the area with a fine line of lacquer. This area can then be "flooded" with lacquer and left for 15-20 minutes to dry. If you get an air bubble, prick it with a pin or smooth it away with a dampened fine artist's brush. The lacquer will dry with a raised clear crystal finish.

(4) Continue covering new areas and raising previous areas with another layer of the lacquer to achieve a 3D effect. Allow 15-20 minutes drying time between the different layers.

(5) When all the areas are raised, you may want to give the image a fine coating of lacquer (with a fine paint brush). This will link all the different areas and make the picture look complete.

(NB. Full instructions on use and care of Crystal Art, nibs etc. are included with every 2oz Starter Set. For example, when not in use, always store the bottle in the upright position and the nib under water.) )