If you have ever wondered what shimmer relief paste looks like on clear acetate, I have one word for you: magical. In today’s video, I am walking you through one of my absolute favorite mixed media techniques, and I think it is going to change the way you think about stenciling forever.
The Floating Flower Technique
The concept is simple but the results are jaw-dropping. Using the Altenew Petal Pop Stencil and Brown Moonstone Shimmer Relief Paste, you apply the paste directly through the stencil onto a sheet of clear acetate. When it dries, the design appears to float on the surface with a stunning dimensional, metallic shimmer effect. There is no paper, no background, nothing behind it. Just pure rose-gold shimmer that looks like it is suspended in mid-air.
The acetate stays completely transparent, so the design reads almost like a sculptural element rather than a flat craft project. It is the kind of result that makes people ask, “Wait, how did you DO that?”
What You Need
The supply list for this technique is short, which is part of what makes it so approachable. You only need a handful of things to get started.
The star of the show is the Altenew Petal Pop Stencil, which features a gorgeous layered daisy design with beautifully spaced petals that hold the paste perfectly. Paired with the Brown Moonstone Shimmer Relief Paste, you get that rich, warm rose-gold metallic finish that photographs beautifully and looks even more stunning in person.
To hold everything in place while you work, I use Altenew Satin Masking Tape to secure the stencil and acetate to my work surface. It is low-tack enough not to damage anything but holds firmly so the paste does not bleed underneath the edges.
For the acetate, I am using heat resistant clear acetate sheets in 8.5×11 from Amazon. Heat resistant is the way to go for any technique that involves tools like heat guns, and this particular pack is one I keep stocked in my craft room at all times.
Tips for Getting a Clean Result
A few things make a big difference with this technique. First, secure your stencil really well before you start. Acetate is slick, and even a tiny shift can blur your design. The Satin Masking Tape is perfect for this because it holds without leaving residue on the acetate surface.
Second, apply the shimmer paste in a single smooth pass rather than working it back and forth too much. Over-working the paste can push it under the stencil edges and muddy the crisp lines you are going for. A palette knife or a dedicated paste spreader works beautifully here.
Finally, let it dry completely before lifting the stencil. I know it is tempting to peek, but patience pays off here. The paste firms up as it dries and releases cleanly from the acetate, leaving you with perfectly defined petals and a surface that catches light from every angle.
Ways to Use This Technique
This floating shimmer effect has so many applications beyond the demo in the video. You can use it as an acetate overlay on top of a card front for a dimensional, layered look. It works beautifully as a shaker card window element where the shimmer design is visible through the front panel. You could also frame it as a mini art piece on its own, because the result genuinely looks like fine decorative art.
As an Altenew Ambassador, I get to play with some truly incredible products, and this combination is one I keep coming back to. The shimmer pastes in particular have become a staple in my mixed media toolkit, and I have a feeling they are about to become one of yours too.
Free Gift Alert from Altenew!
Through April 2nd, you can grab a free Instant Dimension Foam Tape (a $10.99 value) when you spend $69 or more at Altenew! Just add the foam tape to your cart and use code CHRISTAPE at checkout. Even better, if you shop through this link, the code is already built right in. This is a one-time use offer and cannot be combined with other order codes, so grab it while it lasts!
Supplies Used
Altenew Petal Pop Stencil
Altenew Brown Moonstone Shimmer Relief Paste
Altenew Satin Masking Tape
Shop Altenew + Get Free Foam Tape (code CHRISTAPE, through April 2nd)
Heat Resistant Clear Acetate Sheets 8.5×11 (Amazon)
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