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I love microbeads
for a lot of different type of embellishments. I used them in
my sample to fill in the area around the "tiles" in
the Serendipity card. However, you can also use them in shaker
or pocket cards as a filler. You can use them to edge a card
to provide a unique "frame" or use them as an embellishment
to add texture to UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel) or polymer
clay. I've also used them to make beaded pens (see
technique at AMRSC) and to fill
the barrels of clear pens. In addition, you can stamp an image, color it
in and then cover the image with a clear adhesive and pour the
clear microbeads over the image itself. This gives a very interesting
effect…almost like looking through a glass beaded window
or something. Microbeads come in a large number of colors or
in clear depending on what you want to use them for.
As far as adhesives
go, I have had success using the permanent high-tack adhesive
on my Xyron to adhere the beads. If I want a single line of beads,
I use red liner tape or something with a similar degree of tackiness.
I've also seen them adhered with Crystal Laquer, Dimensional
Magic or similar products. Finally, some companies make sheets
of the red liner tape that you can cut to size depending on your
needs. I have not had much success with the white glues or double-sided
Scotch tapes in adhering the microbeads because their adhesive
is not strong enough. Also, once I pour the beads on, I pat them
down to make sure they are adhered solidly or I turn the card
over and brayer across the back to make sure they are stuck well.
A word of caution…
because of their size they do tend to get all over things. When
pouring them onto anything, I would suggest pouring them over
some type of container or into an embossing tray in order to
"catch" all of them. This makes pouring them back into
their bag or container much easier and you don't have the waste
of them spilling. If they do spill they tend to go everywhere
but you can "sweep" them into a container with a stiff
piece of cardboard or wrap a piece of scotch tape around your
hand to pick them up (if you can find them all).
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