Pigment powders are highly versatile and can be used to add color to a variety of different crafting mediums. Among other projects, Pearl Ex can be used to create colored embossing powder, colored polymer clay, watercolor paints, and tinted adhesive.

Water Color Palette

Mix Pearl Ex with gum arabic, either powdered or liquid. If mixed with the powder, add a small amount of water.  You can use your "water colors" on polymer clay. In fact, I made two plastic paint palettes with different colors by mixing PearlEx with gum arabic and a small amount of water. I mixed it directly in the wells of the palette and let it dry. Now, to use it, I just dampen a paint brush and paint it on the surface. For the best results, apply a sealer over it if you are applying it to cured clay. For paper and other absorbent surfaces, no sealer is necessary.

You can use it on raw clay. In fact, with the gum arabic mixed in Pearl Ex, you can use a small paint brush to apply it in dots, lines, within a stencil, etc. to create a specific design or just apply it to a raised edge much easier than trying to apply it dry to a specific area. Allow it to air dry and then bake as usual. If it is applied to raised areas and can be exposed to heavy wear, then I suggest an application of your favorite sealer to help keep it from wearing off but that is also true when it is applied dry.

Shimmery Mist

Add 4 parts powder, 1 part gum arabic, water to almost fill a mini mister.  Leave a little room for shaking and mixing.

Tinted Embossing Powder (no gum arabic needed)

Combine one part with two parts clear embossing powder, mixing them together in a small bowl with a plastic spoon until evenly blended.

• The exact amount of embossing powder you need will vary depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be and how thin the paper is. More absorbent paper requires a greater amount of embossing powder.  You can use embossing powder on polymer clay too!
• For use with an average sized stamp and heavy card stock, 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) Pearl Ex pigment and 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) clear embossing powder should be sufficient.