I have just realize the difference in the shimmer dust vs petal dust and all the other dust out there. The problem is I have to have my flowers done by Thursday night so I can decorate my frist wedding cake. I have themdried already I just need to liven em up a bit. Seeming how there are no places for me to get petal dust in MO. Unless anyone knows where I can get some in St. Louis. I am wondering will the non toxic chalk work? What do I have to do with the chalk? Grate it and then use lemon juice or alcohol?

Please give me instructions! I would greatly appreciate it!

Mandy

I use artist pastels (NOT the Oil Pastels !). You can get them at Wal-mart etc. I grate them on a plate and use as is for bright colors or mix in a bit of cornstarch for a lighter color. You can even mix these with Pearl Luster Dust to make a custom Luster Dust. They sell small paint pots at Michaels that look identical to the ones the Dust come in and you can save any extras of the colors you create. I just brush them on dry for soft color coverage. Or I mix the Luster Dust with lemon extract for a more solid coverage. You can also hold flowers over steam (I use a tea kettle ) to set the colors and it also makes the colors more vibrant and "pop".

I don't think I can buy luster dust anywhere either unless I order online. It is too late to order online. Are there stores that sell luster dust that I am not aware of? I will go see if I can find the pastels here soon. I am so stressed at this point. My flowers are pretty but they need some major life to em. I tinted gumpaste orange andshaped them into hydrangea blossoms now that they are dry I would like to add a little more life to em....

I tried using non-toxic chalk once, it didn't work. the colors were too lite, could barely see them and the chalk didn't break up well. And I can't tell you the goosebumps you get trying to break or grate chalk, it's like that whole fingernails on a chalk board thing. AHHHH

The easiest way to grate chalk is to use a small strainer as a grater . This gives you a fine powder and no scraping sounds.

I use a exacto knife (Box knife) and scrape it lightly down the chalk to get a fine powder.

Have you tried using bakers sugar? Wet you flower petals slightly and sprinkle them with bakers sugar for a little crystal action.