It's time for a new CAS Stencil Challenge ......

Happy Tuesday .......

I've got another Blog Challenge for you today.
For all you stencil fans ...... it's time to launch June's CAS Stencil Challenge

It's my turn to host the challenge this month too, and we've got a fabulous product theme for you ...... use Perfect Pearls/Pearl-Ex Powders

If you're like me,  they're one of those products that have been in your stash forever but ..... they very rarely get used.  Time to change that though!
And if you're not familiar with them then check out the links on the CAS Stencil Blog to a couple of great videos.

There are a few ways to use these powders ........ mix them with a little water to create a paint, or add more water and use them as a pearlescent spray.  I'm not sure about the Pearl-Ex but the Perfect Pearls have a binder in the powder so when it's mixed with water it does become permanent.
They're great to use straight from the pot too ...... simply use a tacky ink, something like Versamark, and then dust the powders over the top.
Create fun, shimmery backgrounds for your cards, or pretty focal points.  They look amazing on black or dark cardstock .......

I taped my stencil over a piece of black cardstock and then applied Versamark Ink through the design.
You can use the ink pad to do this, just press the foam gently over the stencil or, I sometimes like to use a sponge, especially if the stencil is quite detailed. I feel you have more control over the ink this way

I then brushed over the top of the ink using Perfect Pearl Powders in green and gold.  You don't need a lot of the Perfect Pearls, use a soft brush to dust over the inky design and carefully brush away any excess.  Because the Perfect Pearls has a binding agent mixed in, spritz your design with a little water and this will set the powders so that they don't rub off.

I added a few dots of the new Dream Drops from Nuvo ..... this one is called Fairy Wings, a lovely soft iridescent pink ....

and I finished off with a simple sentiment .....

You don't have to use dark cardstock, here's the same stencil used in the same way, only this time it was grey cardstock, and just the one colour of powder ........ Perfect Pearl

A simple sentiment as before ...... and some pretty sequins to finish.

They're great on white card too ......

Pop over to the CAS Stencil Blog where you can find more fabulous inspiration from the rest of the Design Team along with our fabulous Guest Designer this month ...... the very talented Chrissie from Simly One of a Kind is joining in the stencil fun.

Thanks for stopping by ..... enjoy the rest of your day.

I hope the weather's a bit nicer where you are .... we've still got the rain and the mist over here which isn't good.  This year's TT is the complete opposite of last years.

Racing did get underway yesterday ....... it was nice to finally hear the roar of the bikes, even if it was just on the radio.  Unfortunately though the first race was red flagged after the second lap.  It wasn't good news, sadly one of the riders lost his life.  This sport can be so cruel sometimes.

We've had no racing today ...... just more bad weather!
The Red Arrows Display Team are scheduled to be flying over Douglas Bay this evening so fingers crossed it's clear enough for them to go ahead, we're heading off down there.

Cheerio until next time .......

Products used:
Stamps: Birthday Messages (Mama Elephant)
Inks: Versamak ink; Versafine Clair - Nocturne (for the sentiments)
Others: Leafy Tree Stencil (Funky Fossil); Leaf Burst Stencil (Altenew); Perfect Pearls - Heirloom Gold, Perfect Pearl, Forever Green, Forever Blue (Ranger); Dream Drops - Fairy Wings. Dragon Scales, Indigo Eclipse (Nuvo); Sequins