Monday, November 15, 2021

Distress Snow Techniques

 To kick off my Christmas, winter, holiday blog posts, I thought I would start off by making a general snow techniques video using Distress products. In it I discuss products and techniques for making snowy things, and options for keeping snow white, and even some of the ways I used these products in my seasonal makes.

Fair warning, it is a long video because I tried to cover as much as I could. So settle in with a cup of cocoa or spiced cider and I hope you enjoy it!

This blog post is not going to be a repeat of the video, so if you want details about the photos you will need to watch the video. This post is mostly a recap with photos of the sections from the video.

 

To begin with, I wanted to test out the Opaque and Transparent Grit Pastes and Mica Flakes on paper colored with Distress Stains and others with Distress Paint. Additionally, I had 4 areas of the swatches that were either unsealed, or sealed with Microglaze, Resist Spray, or Collage Medium to test for wicking or bleeding.

 

As noted in the video, all of the Distress Stains bled into the Grit Pastes on the unsealed and the Microglaze sections. the Resist Spray and Collage Medium seemed to do the best job keeping the snow white.  Note: The swatches were all dry for at least 24 hours and additionally I heat set the Distress Stains right away

 

On the Distress Paint swatches were also unsealed and sealed with the same three mediums. The Distress Paint did not bleed or wick and did not need to be sealed.

 

Vintage Photo and Fired Brick both bled through the Grit Pastes again in the unsealed and Microglazed sections. 

The Distress Paint didn't need to be sealed again. I determined that for me and my climate that whenever possible I need to use Distress Paint for things I want to put snow on.

Idea-ology Kraftstock colors  also do not wick or bleed into the Grit Paste.
Idea-ology Back Drop papers also did not wick or bleed into the Grit Paste.
Next I moved on to the seasonal Crackle Texture Paste and I tried to make some of my own that was a huge fail. LOL!
Here is a sample of the Icicle Crackle Paste on the right and on the left I dusted it with Rock Candy Distress Glitter and it made teeny tiny crackles instead of the big icy cracks on the right.
Here is my failed attempt to make my own Icicle Paste. LOL! I mixed Perfect Pearls in with Distress Crackle Paint. I'm going to keep trying to see if I can use less Perfect Pearls and get it to work but I just don't think it will ever look as good. I'm glad I ordered extra Seasonal Texture Pastes.

Moving on to the Snowfall Grit Paste. It is my favorite!! I love it so much!!

 

Look at that amazing icy, snowy goodness! I ordered extra Snowfall Grit Paste, but I'm still going to use it sparingly. It is so good!

 

Here it is on an Idea-ology Metal Gate and isn't it marvelous!

 

These are my two attempts to make my own Snowfall Grit Paste and again they are fails. On the right I have Translucent Grit Paste mixed with Rock Candy Distress Glitter. It was too dry so I added Collage Medium and that was too wet. One thing I know for sure, I will never be a Ranger chemist. LOL!

 

Here is my failled attempt at snowfall and you can see it just isn't as wonderful.

Moving on to snowy stencils, my favorite is Speckles THS023.

Opaque on the left and Translucent on the right dusted with a little Distress Rock Candy Glitter.

 

Grime THS130 and the mini THMS130 in Set 43 THMST043

 

 Opaque on the left and Translucent on the right, bit dusted with Distress Rock Candy Glitter.

I thought Grime might be great behind an Idea-ology Window Baseboard, so I put some translucent Grit Paste on acetate and dusted it with Distress Rock Candy Glitter.
A close up of it behind the window.

 

Snowcap Stencil THS114 and mini THMS114 in Set 38 THMST038

The top is Opague and Translucent both dusted with Distress Rock Candy Glitter.
Snowflakes Stencil THS050 and the mini is THMS050 in Set18 THMST018
I only have the large size of this but the mini would be great too!

 

Flurries is a new snowflake stencil released for this Holiday season. Flurries THS151 and mini THMS151 in Set 50 THMT050

I used Transluscent Grit Paste and dusted it with Distress Rock Candy Glitter.
Snowball Fight!!! Ok not really, but let's make some snowballs.
Begin by putting some Glossy Accents or Collage Medium on a Bubble or a Bauble.

 

You want a nice amount so the whole thing will get covered,

Roll it around in your fingers until the entire Bubble or Bauble is covered then drop in a container with Distress Rock Candy Glitter.

 

Roll it around in the glitter until all the sides are coated, then roll it out onto something to dry. Avoid picking it up with your fingers while wet or it will leave an indention where your fingers were.

 

This is a Bubble covered in Glossy Accents and Distress Glitter.

I mentioned in the video that if you are just covering the Bubbles or Baubles with Glossy Accents or Collage Medium and Distress Glitter, I recommend using the real deal. But if you are using Grit Paste with Distress Glitter, it covers up the beauty of the pearly baubles and clear bubbles, so maybe save the good stuff for coloring with Alcohol Inks and things and use a cheap clear bead or pearl bead to cover with the grit paste and glitter.

Here are my Bubble snowballs in this order: Glossy Accents and Glitter, Translucent Grit Paste and Glitter, Opaque Grit Paste and Glitter. The Bubble with Opaque actually looked kind of blue because of the clear base.

The Bubble snowballs. Translucent and Glitter on the left, Opaque and Glitter on the right.
I wanted to use the Snowbubbles in something and I had several extra Idea-ology Cauldrons, so I painted one Candied Apple on the outside, Picket Fence on the inside and Rustic Wilderness on the handles.
Put a little Opaque Grit Paste on a finger and tap it lightly around the edge of the Cauldron so it looks a bit frosty.
Let it all dry well.
Drill a hole in the bottom back of the Cauldron. I use my Dremmel.
 
 Wrap up the Tiny Lights and secure then in the bottom of the Cauldron.

 

Glue the smaller Bubbles in the Cauldron over the Tiny Lights with Glossy Accents or Collage Medium and you have a tiny Elf Spa!

  

My Elf Spa needed a house, so I made a little Elf House using the Village Collection.

 

Isn't it so cute?

 

Since this post is about snow, I thought I would put some on this Elf House, but I wanted some icicles, so here is how I did that. 

 

Once you get the manor house detail attached, wet the spikey parts.


Bend them down toward the bottom of the house so they look more like icicles.

 

Using a palette knife, spread snow all over the roof and then dust with Distress Glitter.

Here is the Elf House all snowy and wonderful.

Trees are a huge part of winter makes, so here is how to make them snowy. again, these were completely dry before I started. Left to Right, the colors are: Pine Needles, Rustic Wilderness and Twisted Citron. This side had Opaque Texture paste on the ends of the needles.
This side of the trees has Translucent Grit Paste Dusted with Glitter.
Lastly, the last side has Collage Medium or Glossy Accents pounced on the end of the needles and then rolled in Mica Flakes to make them look icy.

 

Drippy Christmas Candles? Yes!

First I painted them with Tumbled Glass Distress Paint.

 

Then I painted them with a coat of Picket Fence Distress Paint. Once dry I wanted them to look icy.

  

I mixed a tiny bit of Perfect Pearls with Distress Crackle Paint, which as I said before, it was too pearly, but I used it for this anyway. If you have Icicle, that would be a better option.

Here they are finished, They look icy cold and wintery.


Alright if you made it this far, I wanted to thank you, so I have a couple of giveaways for you! First, I am giving this Snow Making Set to one reader/watcher who lives in the US. All you have to do to be eligible to win is to comment on this blog post with something specific that you learned, were reminded of, or enjoyed about the video. I will pick a US resident on Friday November 19 at 6pm PST.
**Can you please note at the end of your comment US**

For my crafty friends who reside outside of the United States, I will mail two snowy stencils to three of you! All you have to do to be eligible to win is to comment on this blog post with something specific that you learned, were reminded of, or enjoyed about the video linked above. I will pick three outside the US names on Friday November 19 at 6pm PST.

This giveaway is not associated with anyone but myself. I just wanted to do a little something as a thank you for all the support I receive from you all! 

Winners are posted here

And speaking of thank yous, if you got this far AND watched that long video, I can't tell you how much I appreciate you.

Have a creative day!
Tami

I am an affiliate with Simon Says Stamp and Scrapbook.com so the links below send you to one of those stores depending on which logo you choose.  If you wish to purchase something from either store and use one of my links below, I get a small percentage of your order, at no additional cost to you. This helps me to defray the costs of this blog, the time, the ideas and tutorials I post here. Your help is greatly appreciated! Thank you

92 comments:

Paper Wishes said...

What a great start to the Christmas making season. So much detail and info, saving us from a lot of dodgy looking snow yellow snow is not a good look. Thanks for the video and post. <3

Twana said...

Your attempt to make snowfall grit paste with collage medium that you said was too wet looks exactly like a road after 2 or 3 inches of slushy snow has fallen with cars driven through, that has started to freeze as the nighttime temperatures drop. Whew, long sentence and kind of hard to describe what I saw as soon as I looked at the picture. I didn’t think the video was long at all. I enjoyed watching it, thank you for doing it.

Debcop said...

Tami, what a fabulous post/video!! I was waiting to find out how you did the snow on the gorgeous white tree, in the Ebenezer Scrooge make. Also, I learned how to make awesome snowballs using bubbles! They are gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing your expertise!!

Anonymous said...

I learned so much! If I have to pick just one thing, I would say how to
seal substrates to prevent bleeding.
Thank you so much!
So excited for your upcoming Christmas tutorials!!

Regards,
Pat

Melissa Crawford said...

Goodness, so much great information and tips, I need to take notes! This is my first year making. I appreciate all the time and effort you put into your video. I will most definitely be back to watch it again as I attempt to make some icy, snowy goodness.

Monika said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kailash said...

Wow, your step by step on so many of these amazing ideas is so appreciated. Your makes are absolutely inspiring and attention to detail is simply gorgeous. I absolutely LOVE the sparkly snowballs. Thank you so much!

Paula Cheney said...

this is amazing Tami - SO MUCH INFORMATION!! You know I don't need a thing...I just wanted to let you know how awesome your post is...I will be using the information for years to come! paula

Monika said...

I love the fact that you use your FINGER. I'm a messy crafter, and sometimes I almost feel....guilty...for using my fingers when I have so many awesome tools! I've been almost scared to "ruin" my makes by trying snowy techniques before, but this very clear explanation and showing of the differences between pastes and such has not only been informative, but has given me the confidence to try some wintery stuff this year! Also? Translucent grit paste on weathered wood spray stain looks like snow that has been run over with cars at least a few times and then melted somewhat. I live in Western WA and we get some snow up here. :) I still think the snow should stay up in the mountains, but that's another topic entirely! Love your makes, Tami! :) (US)

Dee said...

Wow.. how can I pick one..I love them all.. . Fabulous post and instructions. Thank you so much for sharing everything with us.

Penemuel said...

I enjoyed the entire video because I am a total noob at all of these techniques and the entire thing was completely fascinating! Especially love the hints/techniques to use on the bubbles! US

Anonymous said...

I've only ever used pastes
with stencils and only for basic card making but have been wanting to try
to create something like what I've seen the makers do in Tim Holtz's
videos. Your blog has been very helpful and I'm excited to try playing with
my pastes in a different way, especially creating snow effects on 3D
objects using my fingers
Hannah

VLeigh said...

Wow! Such helpful and wonderfully detailed guides to using these wonderful products. Can't thank you enough!

Kay said...

Tremendously helpful post. I learned so much: that it is useful to have both the
matte and translucent grit pastes and that snow is best added on Distress paint
instead of stain. US

Larisa Thomas said...

Hello. I loved learning about the different ways to keep the snow looking white. Mine normally ends up a brown mess. Lots of good tips! I am in th US

Christi McKain said...

Thanks so much for sharing all these great tips on snow! I have been wanting to make some snowballs and I actually like both the translucent and opaque looks so I’m going to try both. I also like the opaque paste on the Christmas trees for a little added snow. I am in the US. Thanks!

Dolores Owen said...

Thank you so much for sharing your creativeness regarding making snow with different mediums on baubles, bubbles, houses, trees, etc.! I learned so much about how different techniques can change the appearance for a different look. I paid special attention to how to keep colors from bleeding through on the snow. You made it look so easy and so inviting to just jump in and get my feet "snowy"! I am more confident now about starting my own scenes, so thank you so much!

Christie Brooks said...

I am originally from the Midwest where the snowfall usually turns into slushy ice. Your "failed" attempt as you said for snowfall (the middle example), reminded me exactly of this. It would be great on roadway and sidewalks. I took several notes so I have these ideas at my finger tips. Loved your Elf Spa house - too adorable!

Catherine said...

Tami thanks so much for showing your snow making techniques. I have always wanted to try these but wasn’t sure where to start. I see all of the beautiful snowy projects and think that I want to do this too. I love the little elf house so that will be my next project with all the snowy goodness. Thanks so much for your demonstration. Catherine (Australia)

ericastwilight said...

This blog post video came in at the perfect time, all my stuff arrived over the weekend and I was overwhelmed. I'm planning to play all week but I wanted to be sure I had the snow texture right. You did all the work for me! Thank you so much for that. I didn't picked up the icicle crackle and completely regret it, but hopefully I can order some. The samples and the snowball cauldron was my favorite. TFS!

Marlo Holbrook said...

So much good info. Some of it was a fun reminder of things I’d forgotten. Others were new! Seriously, I had no idea you could put the perfect pearls in the crackle paint! How fun!! Thank you for all the wonderful tutorials you do. You take so much of your time to share with us. It is very much appreciated!! US

DebS said...

Thank you so much for the information. I loved the snow on the ideaology fence and the snowballs were awesome. Thanks for the tip on using beads or other round items with the paste and saving our baubles and bubbles for use with the alcohol ink. Your makes are truly amazing. Your time is appreciated. Thank you again. US

KAT said...

The timing of your post is perfect! I am getting ready to color some bottle brush trees and I was looking at all my greens and trying to determine which colors I want to use - your trees were very helpful with that. And the snow on the trees... Happy to see which stayed white and which ones did not. You inspired me to try the opaque paste with the mica flakes on top - snowy and icy. So much wonderful information and seeing your makes in the video with the samples really help to visualize what you were sharing.

BTW... I live in Ohio and we just had our 1st snow yesterday. Snow definitely looks like opaque paste. The translucent looks more like ice here when the sun shines on it.

Looking forward to see what else you share this week!

The Papercrafting Pixie said...

Bubble snowballs! Oh my word, such a wonderful idea. I'm also so inspired to make more sample boards with my TH products. Thank you for the inspiration xx

Anonymous said...

I have started craft making after I retired and found you through the TH
videos I watch. I have never visited a blog post before but stumbled upon
your video about all these Christmas products which I bought. Your
experiment and testing of what inks bleed through and what products go not
what save me from a lot of frustration and disappointment. Thank you for
being so generous with your knowledge and info on this video and all the
other sharing you do. The extra time it takes to share so comprehensively
is really appreciated, especially by someone like me who is pretty new to
this amazing hobby. 🙏
Geri

Eileen Ickes said...

Oh my goodness! So many helpful tips & more ideas! My favorite tip is how to make the snowballs, so fun! I am currently working on your Jolly St Nick project and have Mr Snowman Deck the Halls lined up next. Then there is Eugene's Ice box and Mr Frost with the TV, the house on the mugs and now the Elf Spa! Good thing I retired this year! Thank you for sharing your creativity with us! US

Marianne said...

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful makes with us and showing us how to do "snow". Love everything you do. I'm from Florida, but I was raised in New York. I was around snow for a long, long time. (Don't miss it. LOL) Thanks again.

kelsey said...

Being from Australia and particularly Western Australia, we don't get snow here and our Christmas is a hot one. However, I do love the snow and try to use it on wintery scenes on my atc's and cards so I love that I was lucky enough to get both of the Halloween & Christmas texture sets and will get to have a play with them. Thanks for letting us all know that Distress Paint is the way to go to keep the snow white!

Jan Schauer said...

Thank you so much for this! I have been wanting to learn how to 'do snow' for so long! I can't wait to try this! I even have all the supplies! Now off to try to make snow!

Lory C. said...

Thank you for your detailed research! You answered so many questions for me. I now know to use the Snowfall Grit Paste for a realistic snowy look on my cards.

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing the snoww techniques! Loved the hint to make
icicles out of the mansford roof!!! US

Regards,
Martha

Patty said...

I love all these techniques!!! US

Anji Pearson-Clements said...

Love this whole thing! But loved the part about the bubbles or baubles and making them snowballs! I've been brainstorming how to do that. Thanks as always for the phenomenal posts and always sharing! US

Judi Markel said...

Thank you so much for all this wonderful information. I have to try some of these techniques.

Anonymous said...

This was a great video. To pick one point you made resist spray and glitter.

Regards,
Lee US

Michele said...

Great video and blogpost! I grew up in a snowy climate and have to say that even some of your “failures” actually remind me of icy slush you encounter on the roads and sidewalks. Nothing worse than stepping in a slush puddle though!! I love your swatches, including the trees - such a really smart idea. US

Pam said...

This was such an informative post. I didn’t realize I could paint the drippy candles! Thank you so much!

Pam said...

Sorry, forgot US

Nana Bluebird aka Kathy Aho said...

Thank you so much for all those samples. It must have been a heck of a lot of work (and fun). I learned so much but mainly that I should color with Distress Paint for less bleed thru on my snows.We appreciate your lovely makes. - Kathy Aho (NanaBluebird) I am in the USA. :)

Therese said...

Wow, you put a lot of work into this - thank you! Your experiments will save us so much time, effort and money.

I'm new to making and Tim Holtz, and still trying to figure out which glues/adhesives to use for what. I bought the bubbles and rock candy glitter to make snowballs, but wasn't sure how. Your post gave me the answer (and now I know not to pick up the snowballs until they're dry)!

Thanks again, Tami!
Therese (US)

LWiley said...

That was awesome. so many great tips. I am going to start on my Xmas makes soon, and I am so glad I saw this first. Thank you for testing all of that first. Definitely going to seal my makes with resist spray or collage medium before putting snow on them from now on. Also, I feel like I kind of "need" one of the little elf cauldrons with bubbles now. =)

LWiley said...

Whoops, not sure how to edit my comment but I am in the US =)

Robin Gasser said...

Wow! Amazing—loads of great information! Thank you so much for all the work it must have taken. I especially liked what you did with the candles to make them look icy—I never would have thought to give them a base coat of blue-duh!

Nancy said...

I loved this blog post! I am new at learning how to use these products and every single part of your blog was so informative; I loved your step by step method and your explanations. I will be referring to this blog post on many occasions for your techniques, etc. As a beginner, I so appreciate the time you have taken on this particular subject. Thank you so much! (SC, US)

experiments in paper said...

Amazing experiments and wonderful post, Tami. Thank you so much for your time doing these swatches, as well as making the video - it will help a lot of us for many years, I have no doubt! And not bad for a southern California gal, lol!

Kim Piwo said...

So much incredible detail my friend! I will definitely be referring to this video often ❄️��❄️

Monica said...

Oh my goodness, I don't know where to begin! You reminded me (yet again even thought Tim says it a lot too) to try new products on different surfaces and other products to see what I like and don't like. And the snowball trick... that's what I needed to know sugaring my skulls and bones. lol! Finally a use for my cheap baubles from last Christmas... snowball fight! And I have a feeling my hubby may be losing his Dremel more and more when I need it for a project. Thank you for the inspiration and all your testing. Invaluable whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned crafter. (US)

Irishtiger06 said...

Wow what a through & informative video & blog post! I can’t even fathom how much time you must have put in, thank you :-). In our climate inks always bleed through even once sealed but somehow I keep forgetting about using paint under pastes that would be the perfect solution! (US)

Anonymous said...

So much useful snowy detail. I thought your reminder about different mediums having different results on different surfaces was very important to remember. Also when in doubt, try it on a sample piece before committing to a whole project. Better to know your results before you begin. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us all! US

Charlene said...

So many ideas! Thank you for the detailed information. My favorite technique is the icy candle—gorgeous.
Thanks for the chance to win. I’m I’m the US.

A Hippie without the pie said...

Definitely the bit about the candles. I just bought some and I'm going to do the method you suggested. I also was interested in doing the snow on houses so thank you very much for that. Thank you for your blog. Laural. US

mary castles said...

Thank you showing is your tips and techniques. I am new to this and have learnt so much.the one thing I have learnt is to have pen and notebook to write down tips and techniques and most importantly for me to write down the blog name.

Anonymous said...

I really wanted to thank you for
an excellent post and video. You shared so much helpful information. I even
took notes! (Which meant it took me even longer to watch the video! Lol!)

Your attempt to make Snowfall Grit paste actually produced sidewalk slush
that we end up with here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! So it wasn’t really a
fail. Also, after a few days our snow ends up looking pretty dirty, so
bleed through would work fine, if that was what you were going for.

Again, thank you for the extensive tutorial. It was very helpful.
Mardi Joy US

annemarie said...

Wauw this is great and your video is awesome. Learned a lot for the season.
I really going to play soon with everyting I learned Just now.

Thank you so much Tammi.

Love
Annemarie

Metzie07 said...

I have been trying to figure out how to get white snow. I can't wait to try this. Now I need distress paint or collage medium, which I have not been able to find. Thanks Tammi. US

scrappergirl56/Sherry said...

WOW, I guess I had no idea that the Opaque and Translucent Grit Pastes reacted so differntly...thanks for all the very useful information in both the video and the blog post...US

Jadestewart said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jadestewart said...

I learned to be a creative chemist and try new things... experimenting is fun. I love all your ideas. I love your inspiration, I know I always feel inspired when I get your emails in my inbox. US

Janice said...

So much valuable information! I want to try making snowballs and the icicles for the roof, both are brilliant ideas! Thanks for sharing. (US)

Linda Stenzel said...

So much valuable information, all of which will be so handy to reference for winter projects! I think your post is also a great reminder to use our seasonal stash year round! Loved everything, especially the Elf Spa 😊
US!

sarascloset said...

Wow, Tami! This post and video was a home run in so many ways for me. First off, I've been in a sort of crafty slump with really no drive to create other than the basics. So your genuine enthusiasm for making and EXPERIMENTING with your products was just what I needed to get off my duff. Secondly, I love experiments, and each of yours was very thorough and so easy to follow. I didn't think your video long, but rather concise and organized, and so chock full of great snowy techniques. Lastly, I adored seeing your makes, especially the window with the tree and drippy candles. For someone who doesn't see snow, you are spot on in making it! Thanks so much for your hard work and sharing it all--I truly enjoyed every minute and of course will save your video as my go to source for snow! And thank you for the chance to win these generous giveaways. I'm from US; opposite coast!

Kate said...

Wow! The information was exactly what I was looking for. I’m new at this type of makes and have been searching for inspiration. I am in awe of all the different types of samples you made. I learned about the different colors of trees and that translucent grit paste is not the way to go. I will definitely not be using my bubbles with opaque texture paste thanks to you. Keep up the great work. Maybe Tim will make icicle and snowfall permanent if we plead. Now I need to rewatch and take notes. Love your work!

Stacy B said...

Tami, this was sensational. Thank you for taking the time to go through all the products and the successes and failures. I think it is hysterical that you are "guessing" at what snow/ice look like...but you nailed it either way. I actually think a lot of the effects that you get with the translucent pastes mimic what snow looks like as it starts to fade away...more like slush :-) So much good information in here...I'll have to go back and rewatch and create some of my own samples so I can mirror your experiments. Can't wait for it to start snowing in my craft room and outside my windows for real. Happy holidays!

LA said...

I love how you repurposed the witch’s cauldron for Christmas. Genius! I’ll have fun doing this with my granddaughter for our Christmas village. Thank you for all the tips.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great tutorial. The thing that I found most educational was what substrate to use & how to seal it to prevent bleeding (unless of course that is the look desired). Love all of your creative detailed makes.

KC in CA said...

What a great blogpost! I really appreciated being able to see how that Deco paper bled into the snow. I have a pack of it that I haven't used yet (it's so pretty) and it's good to know that I'll need to either avoid putting snow on it or protect it somehow. You really covered so many bases in this post. I also loved the bubbles/baubles snowball advice. They're one of the items I add to my cart every time I order something and since they are a bit pricey using another brand makes sense if I'm only using them for snowballs. I'm excited to be making some pretty ornaments for my little trees though (and maybe on gingerbread houses). Seriously, there's not enough time in they day for all the inspiration. Thanks for such a thorough take on how to make snow. It's something I look for every time the season comes around. (US)

Theresa said...

I so love your posts and videos. I always learn something new. If I tried everything you did, I wouldn't have any products left for makes so thank you for that. Love how you tried all the different combinations and adding the perfect pearls for that little bit of glimmer was a perfect reminder to pull them out more often. And to not be afraid to try something new to me. Anxiously awaiting all your Christmas posts. Lots of things I want to try. Also glad you started doing all the wonderful videos. So much detail. thanks as always for sharing, US.

Marian said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this blog post explaining different effects you can choose when trying to make snow and the results. I must admit I have a few jars of Ranger mediums sitting in my draw and have not used. Since watching the video I am going to start by making some decorations - balls - for my trees that I made last year. Thanks for showing how easy it is to create beautiful additions to my trees. Love the icicle effect on your stove - living here in Ontario that is what our weatherman is predicting for our area of the world tomorrow. I will think of you. lol

Amy M. said...

That was a fantastic post Tami!!! I want to dive into vignette makes so bad, but am super intimidated by the whole process. Now I feel like I can glitter up baubles/bubbles to make some pretty snowballs and that will be a start! I look forward to scouring your blog for more tips and tricks and finally making a vignette.

Jan said...

WOW! I am amazed at this posting and video! I have reread twice and made notes! OM I can't even start with what to say, THANK YOU!!!! I have made many shadow boxes and have played with all these products but this puts it over the top and explains everything! I love the snowflakes and the snowballs are a great trick with the cauldron! Thanks for the comparisons, I like how you made the swatches and wrote the products on them - I cant wait to do this too! My very favorite is the icicle, even though you said it was a fail and the snow applied to the window from!!! the best! Thanks again and hugs! Jan

Unknown said...

A fantastic post Tami B ! Thankyou !! the video is amazing. I thought I was going to able to do snow on a tree today but did not have the exact products. I used TreeLot mica spray on the tree and the Snowfall Grit paste later, and it has bled through. I dont like green snow. So wondering if you think the mica spray is a problem too as well as the snowfall grit paste? thankyou
Heather Beckett

Unknown said...

Tami, I learned how to make snowballs from you todat, just roll the collage medium in your fingers !!! who knew LOL
Heather Beckett

Art By Wanda said...

Tami, this is a fabulous post and video!!!! When I was watching the video and you got to the one that was a mix of grit paste, glitter, and collage medium I immediately saw slushy snow with tire tracks. Took me right back to Minnesota when we'd get a couple inches of wet snow.

tina said...

That is what we in NH would call an iceball and yes, Tami, they would hurt! Thank you for this very informative video and blog post. Can't wait to make some snow.

Katy said...

This is an awesome tutorial! I learned that I can paint my cauldrons and use them for Christmas-I will have to see about drilling into it. I love that the little snowballs lit up! I love the elf house too. Thank you :) USA

marianne said...

Thanks for all the snowy inspiration! I can’t wait to try that grit paste! Love the icicles on the house. (US)

Jenn Beautiful said...

Thank you so much for testing/playing with all the grit pastes on the stains and paints!! I am actually a bit shocked that the micro glaze didn't hardly work in keeping the colors from bleeding through. I really appreciate all the time and materials you used to figure all this out for us. You've saved many of us a lot of disappointment and frustration. I love your adorable elf spa! But, I am most excited about the snowballs!! I had been toying with different ideas of how to make some and you've completely taken all the guesswork out of it!!! I just can't thank you enough for this entire video and post! Thank you also for all of your inspiration and for the giveaway. That's really very generous. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season. ❤️❤️❤️

Ashton B. said...

Thank you so much for all your tips on making snowy effects. I learned so much especially when you explained to use resist spray to avoid bleeding of the underlying colors. I absolutely loved your tutorial about which medium to apply to get the best snow on trees with opaque and how to make snowballs. US

Debbie said...

Thank you so much for all your testing and showing us your results. I think your video will be my ‘go to’ reference whenever I uncap my much underused distress products. Why this morning, I actually unsealed my Icicle Paste for the first time and used it on a Christmas card. Just waiting for the effects to show! I’m one of those people who shy away from experimentation as I hate to fail. You just took all the guesswork out of the equation! Love all your inspiration! Thank you again! As Tim would say, “I need to get out of my head and play!” Happy holidays! (Canada)

Rita P. said...

You went to a lot of trouble providing us this information. It is so frustrating that I cannot get snow without bleed. I don't have Opaque Grit Paste and have been using something similar. I've made a note to get that. Also, I hadn't thought of using Distress Resist Spray as the preventative. So many ideas here. Thank you!

Susanne said...

Wow Tami, what an informative and much appreciated video. Thank you very much for showing all samples of resists so the snow won’t bleed through. And for the bubbles, with the transparent look. Awesome video!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, that caldron!! It is so cute. I have used alcohol ink on the baubles and bubbles but the snowballs are wonderful. I just wish I had the cauldrons, they always seemed to be sold out. Maybe someday I will find them and can use your technique. Your instructions make everything seems “doable”, I never feel overwhelmed after I read your blogs. Thank you for taking the time to help those of us who are not experts. I plan to try some of the other ideas you have given too. I have the materials just not the confidence, but now “I know I can. I know I can”..

Unknown said...

I love the snowfall on the metal fence! I can see using this product for a variety of makes. Thank you, Tami, for the ideas and inspiration!
Jyll U.S.

Emily F. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emily F. said...

Thank you for taking the time to create such an informative video and post! I am new to distress products and and have spent the last six months or so watching videos and learning as much as I can. My biggest take away from the video is how the different products work with stains vs. paints vs. paper and how different mediums can be used as sealers and the interactions that take place. (Ohio,US)

KATHLEEN STADLER said...

Wow! Thank you for all the great tips and techniques! (I will definitely be watching this video again.)
You are so generous with your inspiration, insights and experience! Your makes are magic. Love your tip on
“planting trees” on the floor of the vignette gray. Thanks again!��⭐️��

KATHLEEN STADLER said...

…vignette tray…��

Dawn Lifton said...

Wow, your post was so incredibly informative. I can see by watching how helpful swatches are, too much to remember so great to check back. Your makes are beautiful! Thank you for taking the time and energy to share these fabulous ideas with us to learn from.

Nelliespinoza said...

I want to thank you for a very thorough video/test! This is the sort of thing I usually end up doing, but was too late at this point of the year. Excellent information and excellent testing techniques. Thank you for publishing this!!

CarolQ said...

Thanks for the amazing post and video and all the time you spent putting it together!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing your techniques. Very informative and helpful. Loved it! Sharon Myers

igloodwellerz said...

Just came acrossed your videos. So far what you've questioned about how real snow is, the answer is ALL of it. The first looks like slush, the second time you wondered, it's what we scrape off of the window and the third looks pretty accurate to what "frost does". And I think another time it looked like hard pack or a snow drift :) snow literally comes in hundreds of different forms. Sincerely, an alsaskan :)
On another note, thank you for taking the immense amount of time to put this together and teach us. Happy holidays.