Embedded Rhinestone Frame…a tutorial

A few weeks ago, I was in a brain-storming kind of mood and came up with a fun new technique using two of my favorite products…Zva Creative Crystals and Distress Crackle Paint by Ranger. I had my fingers crossed that it would work and I’m so excited with the results.

Today I’m also challenging you to create with some paint for the Ways to Use it Challenge. I hope you’ll play along with us here.

The Embedded Rhinestones technique gives your project almost a mosaic type feel. The rhinestones become embedded in the paint and instead of sitting on top of the project, become part of it. I love how this technique covers up the adhesive lines and adds an interesting textured look.

To start your project, first adhere your Zva crystals to the wood base of the frame. This technique can also be done on very heavy cardstock or chipboard or any surface that will take the Distress Crackle Paint well.

After applying the crystals, brush over the entire area with Ranger Distress Crackle Paint. For this project I’ve used the Worn Lipstick shade as it is one of my favorites. Make sure the area is covered well. You can use the brush in the lid of the crackle paint and I’ve also used a Studio line brush to work it into smaller areas.

Using tissues or paper towel, wipe off the paint from the surface of the crystals. You will need to do this a few times to clean it off well. Do not remove the paint from between the rhinestones.

Your project should look something like this. As you allow it to dry naturally, cracks will form and give you a beautiful distressed surface.

To finish up my project, I sponged the edges with Frayed Burlap Distress Ink to highlight some of the cracking. The Vintage Text Scrapblock was randomly stamped over the surface with Pumice Stone Distress Ink.

I wanted to create a fun die cut flower embellishment to accent the final design. Here I’ve used the Tim Holtz Tattered Florals die by Sizzix and die cut some sweet Jenni Bowlin Homespun papers and a vintage dictionary page. The center is a felt Zva Creative flower and a Zva Creative Crystal.

Happy creating!