Always love a bit of happy mail and the package that plopped onto my doormat this week was no exception.
A friend, knowing my bent for anything creative, decided to send me a Christmas card but, instead of sending me the finished card, sent me the card in kit form!
Having ripped open the envelope, as it didn’t look like a bill, I was surprised to see a Crystal Art Card Kit.
I’ve seen them before but never thought of picking one up for myself. I wondered if I would have the time or patience to deal with all of the little gems.
I was intrigued. Would I enjoy this?
This post is a little record of that journey.
First, the contents.
Cute package. Lots of info included.
Next, up, what was in the kit? Will I need to pop into the craft room for some tools?
A cursory glance showed the card and a whole bag o’ stuff.
Looked like tools were included so I left the door to the mess, I mean craft room, closed and opened the kit instead.
Interesting to see a sorting tray and storage bags. Not often you get this sort of thing in a kit.
This makes me curious as to whether I will have some bits left over…
Also included was the pick-up tool and a patch of ‘sticky stuff’.
I’ve seen pick up tools before but this one made me curious. Why is the sticky stuff separate?
I was sure I’d find out eventually.
Also included were bags and bags of mini gems!!
Ok, time to get cracking.
I had a quick look at the instructions.
Seems pretty straightforward. It’s painting by numbers, but with gems. Neat!
First, I had my answer to the sticky question. The reason the sticky was separate was that you can load, and reload the sticky by pushing the tool into the sticky patch.
This then gives the tool it’s pick up powers.
See!?
To put the gem in place you reveal the sticky on the card by peeling back the protective layer….
… and plopping the gem onto the corresponding lettered spot.
The adhesive on the card is stronger than that on the tool so it releases it’s quarry really easily and stays in place instantly!
A ‘why don’t we apply gems this way ALL of the time’ thought came into my mind. Why?!
No mess. No seeping glue around the edges. No wrestling with the gem to get it off the end of the tool. It’s genius!
It did also mean that I could crack on at quite a pace.
FYI, I found the answer to the question about the bags too. Yes, there were quite a few extra gems.
I labelled the bags with the letters too, just in case I receive another kit and need to dive into the stash of sparkley bits.
The little tray helps get the gems into the bag too.
In no time I had a rhythm going and was well on my way.
Pretty soon, I had finished!
What a little cutie!
Pretty chuffed with myself too.
Love that I’ve also got loads of gems AND the toolset to use on future projects!
So you see, as the title of this post suggests, it was an unexpected pleasure to receive the kit and to work my way through it.
Double whammy!
Have you had a go with this type of project? Did you enjoy it too? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Oh, if you are interested in grabbing a kit for yourself, or a crafty mate, and didn’t see the details on the packet above, the website is Crystal Card Kit
Right, that’s me done for this post.
Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it :)
Bye for now.
J :)
GENTLEMAN CRAFTER 
John, you reminded me of something from my childhood with the pick up tool. My family had a shop where they made their own fashion jewellery and the pickup tool is a brass rod that you load with beeswax. When I was a little girl they would be showing me the steps as each piece was made. No wonder I am a crafter!
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Sounds like the perfect place!
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Got some at craft show in October for my grandchildren as Christmas stocking fillers they look like a relaxing hobby x
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Be careful .. it’s addictive! 😀 X
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It looks gorgeous John and how thoughtful of your friend to send it to you,
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What a coincidence. I have been doing a kit this morning at my craft club. Mine was the King of Hearts playing card which came as a greeting card and envelope so now I have finished it, it is ready to be sent out to my son for his birthday. Brilliant.
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Oooh I love happy post too.
Recently I have not had access to my crafty stash, equipment or IT tech. Back to having to be very inventive and hands on…fabulous…forces you to do stuff that you wouldn’t when you have ready made processes to hand. Like the early days : )
Ooh yeah right now should be doing a 3D new house card. Better go.
Cheers
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Got a stash of these at the craft show. Very therapeutic and having a colour ‘blindness’ where I read too far into a colour i seperate each colour into a clearly labelled bag so I dont mix up all the crystals.
Great fun and the kids love them too.
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Hi, I have been doing these for a while now. I am currently completing a large picture of canals which is lovely. I find it helps me to focus and stops me from worrying about things.
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I have several large diamond paintings to do. I am halfway through one and I love it. It really provides me an escape from reality!
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Absolutely fantastic John and that wee woofer looks like my dogs… might just have to treat myself and get one.. xx
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My granddaughter was bought a set of 4 pictures similar to this but using sequins. She did enjoy the process :)
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Have seen these too and wondered how they worked. Plus the extras. The card kit is a good idea for a friend too. Thanks John.x
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I’ve got one, which reminds me, I must finish it. I took it on holiday last year because it didn’t take up much room. Very easy and relaxing xx
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I have one of the pictures to do but at the moment Christmas has got in the way. As soon as I have finished all my cards I am going to have a go. It is great to master new skills. Glad you enjoyed making it. x
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What a pressy!! Brill card, well done. Love someone to send me one!!!
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Great post John! Never tried this kind of craft but after you showing the kit I may get one myself. What a great gift and a nice quiet project to keep our busy minds stress fee! x
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It was very relaxing! :)
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