Personally, I am a perfectionist and I want everything in my layouts to match, perfectly. If I have a brad that I would like to use and it is the wrong color I just make it work for me! There are a couple methods to use.
First is the embossing method. You want to make sure that you have a heating tool, your desired color of embossing powder and something to grasp the brad that does not conduct heat. Please DO NOT use tweezers; we do not want any burnt fingers. I like to use an alligator clip on the end of a paint brush stick. Grasp the brad in the clip and heat it for a few seconds. Then dip the head of the brad directly in your embossing powder. If the powder does not stick just try re-heating the brad and dip it again. After the brad is covered in embossing powder, heat it again until the embossing powder melts. You can repeat this process, if you so desire. The other way to do this is to use pigment ink and clear embossing powder. Ink your brad; dip it in the embossing powder and then heat. Either way works great. If you want to get real fancy, before the embossing powder dries, dip part or all of the brad in some glitter. This looks really great if you put half of a heart or star in glitter.
Another way to change the look of your brad is to use glue. If you would like to add glitter or small beads to your brad, just top it with a dab of glue or a glue dot and apply your beads or glitter. This creates some really flashy brads!
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And for those of you who aren't ready to try embossing and just don't want a flashy glitter look, you can try nail polish or even paint (Please be sure to check the acidity of these products before using them in your scrapbook.)
So, here is my challenge to you - break out that glitter, the embossing powder or even some nail polish and get creative - with BRADs! Just look at all of the spectacular things you can do!
