Ask Crafty Chica

Hi Crafty Chica! I am a folk artist from Georgia, an Anglo but with super strong influences from Hispanic art like yours (my first influence being the rays coming off the Virgin of Guadalupe…) I love your site. I am lucky to have found it. My question is about glitter. I use acrylic paint on plywood, then put a polycrylic varnish on. If I were to play with glitter, would I just apply it after the coat of varnish? Do any of your books address the use of glitter? Thanks! – Bill

Hi Bill!

First you would add your paint to the wood (may I suggest my Crafty Chica™ Little Chica Paint Packs™ ?), let it dry. Working one color at a time using a brush, coat the area with adhesive like Crafty Chica™ Glossy Gloss Varnish™, let it dry and then add a coat of spray varnish like Aleene’s® Spray Acrylic Sealer. I always add glitter before the varnish, that way it stays secure!

Happy glittering!

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Hi Crafty Chica! Major problem with my altar candles. I use traditional Mexican candles in glass. Print my own labels using high gloss adhesive labels. BUT??? The adhesive does not stick permanently and often after applying glitter they ripple, and the corners and all along edges become loose. What can I use to seal that is safe non flammable and helps to prevent fading and helps the label to remain permanent without any issues??? Desperate, Katalina

Hi Katalina!

They sound beautiful! I never use adhesive backed paper or high gloss paper, it fades and just doesn’t stick well to glass. I use laser color copies and then apply the images with Aleene’s® Original Tacky Glue® . If I’m wrapping the entire candle with a picture, I make sure make the ends overlap so I can glue to paper. Hope that helps!!