Perfect Pearls Technique with Fall Color

Trying to use sketches is one of the MOST challenging things for me, for some reason, but I keep trying to push myself to do it and came across this great sketch challenge over at The Sweet Sunday Sketch: 

As you can probably tell by some of my past cards, one of my favorite products to use are Perfect Pearls. They pair so well with a vintage/distressed aesthetic because they can add a little shimmer without making things look too "perfect". The Heart 2 Heart challenge this week was to show off your favorite technique, so I grabbed my Perfect Pearls and created this amazingly gorgeous fall background:

If you really want Perfect Pearls to pop of the page (there's some alliteration for you), try them out on black cardstock. First, ink your stamps with Perfect Medium, which will allow the Pearls to adhere to the page. I used Close 2 My Heart's Summer's Wave leaves to create my background. 

Next, choose which colors you'd like to use and brush the product onto the stamped image with a small brush. I used Forever Red, Perfect Copper, and Perfect Gold to create an autumnal feel. 

After you are satisfied with your coverage, use a larger brush to get off all the excess powder. 

As you brush, your image will continue to become more defined. Lastly, be sure to spritz with water using a mini mister to set the image permanently into place.

To finish the card, I cut 1/2 inch strips of black paper, blotted perfect medium onto them, and then covered with more Perfect Pearls. It created this cool, almost metal-like effect. 

The sentiment was embossed in gold.  Both the sentiment and the vines around the edges are from Close 2 My Heart's Harvest Memories set. 

All in all, I think this technique is a great way to incorporate fall color in an unexpected way. I'm also going to enter this card into Penny Black's Autumn Colors challenge and the Pile It On Shiny challenge.