I am always looking to make something different and unique and that usually drives me to try different papers, color mediums, styles, etc. Today I decided to try pencils on Curious Metallic Cryogen White. I recently read several posts from my crafty Facebook feeds that people enjoy using it with pencils because it has some tooth even though it appears to be a smooth cardstock. I have known about Cryogen White for some time and have used for it Copic coloring sometimes. It is a great blending card and it makes images subtly glow with a sparkly glimmer. I had not considered it for pencils before and that intrigued me.

To begin this card, I first stamped lightly on a square of Cryogen White with Memento Gray Flannel ink. Since it’s not a stark black ink, it facilitates a no lines coloring technique. I chose an Altenew set called Castle Garden. Altenew produces pretty flower stamps and this one doesn’t disappoint.

I knew I wanted to make these flowers purple so I chose two pencil blends. One is on the pink side and the other on the lavender. Below I had completed all the flowers and you can see two different color schemes in the flowers. I like to use at least two blends in a grouping like this. It adds depth and a more realistic depiction of the diversity in color found in plants.

Next I colored the leaves using the same green color blend.

I found that the Cryogen White did indeed accept the pencils really well. The pencils cover the sparkly coating so what you get is a flat colored image but a pretty sparkle all around it. I could have left it just like this but I also wanted to try splattering it with black ink. The only black liquid ink I have right now is the refill for Memento Tuxedo Black. I put a few drops in a small shot glass and used by Tim Holtz Distress Splatter Brush to get ink on the tips. Then I splattered the piece. I probably overdid it but this was the first time I had tried this technique. It still looks nice but I think it would be nicer with less. Next time!

With that done, I started preparing the card base and background. First I made an A2 card out of Stardream Metallic Amethyst. Then I cut a mat of Stardream Metallic Card Stock in Eris. Both of these papers have a beautiful finish. Then I cut a strip out of Bright Foil Silver Card Stock and used a 3D embossing folder to create a beautifully textured piece. I adhered the strip to the Eris and then adhered the flower piece on top with double sided foam tape. I adhered the piece on the Stardream Metallic Amethyst card base and added some purple sequins. I stamped and placed the Hello sentiment which is also in the stamp set.

This card is one of my most favorite floral cards I’ve made in recent memory. I am thrilled to have found out that Curious Metallic Cryogen White takes pencils well. Next I will try using Copic markers and using pencils to add some additional depth.

Thanks for joining me here today for my little experiment. It just shows you can’t judge a card stock by it’s cover (or finish). Since Cryogen White is a smooth card stock known to be used for Copic coloring, I would have never guessed that it actually has a tooth and will accept pencils nicely. Sometimes it pays to read what your fellow crafters are doing!

Written by

Janet Axtman - SugarShine Designs

My passion is to teach and inspire others in the same way that I've been inspired by so many others over the years. I enjoy using electronic paper cutters to create cards and 3D projects of all types. Stamping, coloring and designing is my happy place. Join me over at my Blog or at my YouTube Channel.