The first time I opened a jar of powdered pigment, all I could think of was eye shadow*. It looked like powdered eye shadow with brilliant color and flecks of mica. Since I’m one of those “girly girls” that tried to wear make-up to kindergarten—I was easily entranced.
After working with the powders for about seven years, I still haven’t lost my fascination with them or stopped coming up with ways to use them. The powders are very concentrated forms of color (pigment) ground with mica for shine and sparkle. Several manufacturers make these including: ArtQuest, Pearl Ex, and Ranger. Pearl Ex is the only manufacture I’ve seen to package the powders in varying sizes. Most companies sell by the one ounce jar.
Image A-shimmering blue gown
Additional supplies helpful when working with pigments: chalks, acrylic paints, binders such as Crystal Lacquer/Diamond Glaze, Gum Arabic, VersaMark(tm)™ ink, Two-In-One Ink by Dream Impressions or other pigment inks, sealing spray, VersaMark™ pen, and water barrel brushes. Applicators include cosmetic sponges,dry or wet brushes, spray bottles (when mixed with ink) and alligator applicators with pompons.
Given the right application method, the pigments can be successfully applied to a wide range of surfaces including: leather, paper (porous and coated), clay, plastic, fabric, resin, artist’s canvas, wood, metal, and porcelain.
Pigment powders can be manipulated to work similarly to several other products on the market today such as: glimmer sprays, Radiant Pearls™, Lumeneire Paints™, and Twinkling H20s. They are key ingredient in these products.
Image B: pigments behind acetate
Image C-Pigments "painted" onto white cardstock.
While you will need some type of binder for any application of the pigment powders (except Ranger's Perfect Pearls), there are several methods of usage. Dry powders can be swiped across pigment ink or glue that has been sponged or stamped onto the surface of paper. Use this in combination with dry chalks to achieve stunning results with minimal time and effort. This technique is particularly attractive when using very detailed scene or collage style images. Samples here are using Dream impressions stamps with pigment inks on dark paper(image a), on acetate (image b), and white cardstock (image c)
Pigment powders can suspended or mixed into clear drying finishes for a sparkling glass-like effect. Try sprinkling but not stirring the powders into Diamond Glaze™ or similar products and pouring over collage on metal or other surfaces.
Mixing the pigment powders thoroughly with binders will create a paint that can be used on various surfaces. Depending upon the binder and the ratio of powder to liquid you can create sheer and opaque finishes. I like mixing the powders with opaque acrylic paints too for luminous rich colors.
Here’s a great project to get you accustomed to using the pigments mixed with binders. We call this card, “Shimmering Gown.” Supplies needed are Card stock-dark blue, lighter blue, and black (Dream Impressions card stock used in sample), blue and golden yellow pigment powders (ArtQuest powders used in sample), VersaMark™ Ink pad and pen, gold embossing powder, embossing gun, cutting tool, adhesive.
Shimmering Gown Card
a.Stamp and emboss gown from “Let’s Go Shopping” set by Dream Impressions™ in gold on black paper
b.Trim to appropriate size, approximately 1.5” by 2.5”
c.Mix green and golden yellow pigments with Simple solutions binder to about the consistency of whole milk
*NOTE: You can mix your pigments ahead of time and store them in a palette for up to two weeks or more if tightly covered
d.Use water barrel brush to paint gown green and sash golden yellow
e.Edge design with Krylon gold leafing pen™ or by dipping in VersaMark ink and rubbing with dry gold powder.
f.Assemble onto dark green card stock base as shown with strip of black and mat of lighter green around black image. Edge lighter green with powder or ink as well for a finished look.
^Note: Samples show exact same card done in silver and blue as well
*Anecdote: Speaking of eye shadow…Newly married Annette Dragon tested the use of pigment powders on her eyelids at our last meeting for dramatic and dashing results! This is not a safety endorsement of this practice—just a smile and nod for my open-minded friend.
What is that powdered shiny stuff that comes in little jars?
Passion for Pigment Powders
Norma Anne is the humble princess of her own domain. Many thanks to all who help and apologies for my mistakes. Contact Norma Anne at NAChattin@NAChattin.com
Stamp and emboss gown from “Let’s Go Shopping” set by Dream Impressions™ in gold on black paper 
