Gelatos Zhoosh and a Star Garland

Star garlands and winter go together like snow and cocoa! 

Today's project starts with a spin on a technique my students dubbed the Sumi Smoosh. Let's call it Gelatos Zhoosh (Jooosh: make it lively). Check out the video at the end of this post to see more in depth tips. 

Here's what you need for this simple and addictive technique and today's project. Make plenty of Zhooshed paper to have on hand for any paper craft you have up your sleeve. I like the 90# mixed media paper for this. It's easy to fold, trim and die cut.

For the Gelatos Zhoosh

Gelatos (any kind)
A plastic report cover, sleeve or packaging
Water mister
90# Mixed Media type paper, I cut it into 6" squares so it would fit into my die cut machine. 

NOTE: Watercolor paper isn't recommended for this technique.

For the Garland 

Star dies or punches. Hand cut stars are beautiful in my opinion, especially when cut by kids.
Decorative trim
String or twine for garland
Hole punch

Start by defining the area on your plastic where you'll be Zhooshing. I used a black pen to create the area. Now just scribble on the plastic Gelatos.

Open the cover and scribble in the traced square with Gelatos. Spritz gentle with water, place the paper inside and close the cover again, Zhooshing the activated Gelatos over the paper. Open and Voila! 

For a variation, try stenciling with Glaze medium onto your paper and let it dry before Zhooshing. You could use Gesso, Texture Luxe or Texture Gems for extra shine. Glass Bead Glitter Gel would work here too. 

After the paper has dried, cut stars (by hand, punches or die cuts). 

Go wild by stamping with Pitt Pens, adding Glass Beat Glitter Gel and doodling with Pitt Pens (the Metallics are very nice). More is more with Star Garlands. 

I made Glittery Tinsel Tassels because ... well why not? LOL. Here's my Garland cheering up the dreary view from my studio window. 

I use to lay out the supplies for projects like this for my kids to come and go with. 

Make the paper in one session.
Make the stars and decorate at will.
Snowy weekend fun.

Enjoy the video. I added some color theory tips for you too.