How Altenew’s Shimmer Relief Pastes Came to Life

Last Updated: February 10, 2025

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of product development at Altenew? 

A gender-neutral thank you card with a stenciled shimmery background created using Altenew stencils and shimmer relief pastes, and a die-cut thank you sentiment

Altenew has always been at the forefront of innovative crafting supplies, and our latest product, Shimmer Relief Pastes, is no exception. Designed to add stunning dimension and shimmer to your projects, these pastes are the perfect blend of texture, shine, and versatility. Let’s take a deep dive into the story of how these innovative pastes came to life, with exclusive insights from Altenew’s Creative Ambassador, Lydia Evans.

A video tutorial on how to level up handmade cards using shimmer relief pastes

 A Sparkling New Innovation in Crafting

The Inspiration: Why Shimmer Relief Pastes?

Innovation in crafting is all about pushing boundaries, and Altenew wanted to create a product that allowed crafters to elevate their designs effortlessly.

"We wanted to add more texture to our projects and mix these with all of the stencils we have in our store," says Lydia Evans.

Texture pastes are already a popular medium in the crafting world, but Altenew saw an opportunity to bring something more dazzling to the table. Shimmer Relief Pastes were developed to provide a smooth, high-shimmer finish with incredible dimension—a perfect match for our extensive stencil collection.

A staged photo featuring Altenew's new shimmer relief pastes, a handmade card created with Altenew stencils and shimmer pastes, and the Altenew palette knife set

From Idea to Reality: The Creative Process

Bringing a product to life is no small feat, and the development of the Shimmer Relief Pastes came with its own set of challenges.

“We had a delay in testing; we were supposed to release this sooner,” Lydia recalls.

Every Altenew product goes through rigorous testing and refinement before it reaches the hands of crafters. The team meticulously experimented with formulas, adjusting the mica content to ensure the perfect amount of shimmer. Each batch was tested with Altenew’s wide range of stencils to guarantee a smooth application and easy cleanup.

Altenew's Rose Gold Shimmer Relief Paste

Pearl Shimmer Relief Paste, Rose Gold Shimmer Relief Paste

Color selection was another crucial step. The team wanted to curate a palette that was both versatile and inspiring. After extensive testing, they finalized colors that could complement various themes and crafting styles, from elegant floral cards and geometric backgrounds to bold mixed media art projects.

What Makes Altenew’s Shimmer Relief Pastes Special?

Altenew’s commitment to quality and innovation is evident in every jar of Shimmer Relief Paste. Here’s why they stand out in the world of crafting.

"This shimmer relief paste is truly one of a kind,” Altenew Educator and Craft Your Life with Altenew podcast host Bridget Casey mentions. “Despite its high shimmer concentration, it allows for effortless and thorough stencil cleanup.”

Pastes on white cardstock
  • Exceptional Shimmer & Mica Content

Unlike standard texture pastes, Altenew’s formula contains a high concentration of mica, delivering unparalleled shimmer. Whether used with a stencil or applied freely with a palette knife, the paste catches the light beautifully.

Altenew's Smoky Quartz Shimmer Relief Paste

Smoky Quartz Shimmer Relief Paste

  • Compatible with Altenew Stencils & Mixed Media

These pastes are specially formulated to work seamlessly with Altenew’s stencils, allowing you to add dimension and sparkle effortlessly. They can also be used with dye inks, re-inkers, and alcohol inks, and to complement watercolor techniques for added versatility.

A crafter applying one of Altenew's Shimmer Relief Pastes through a stencil using a wallpaper smoother
  • Effortless Application & Cleanup

One of the most exciting discoveries during testing was how smoothly the paste spread through stencils and how easy it was to clean up afterward. Many texture pastes can be messy, but Altenew’s formula is designed to be crafter-friendly.

“Unlike thicker pastes that contain rough, glitter-like particles, this formula offers a refined, luminous sheen without any extra bulk—ensuring a flawlessly smooth and elegant finish," Bridget added.

  • Durability & Long-Lasting Effect

Once dried, the Shimmer Relief Paste maintains its dimensional effect without cracking or flaking. This makes it an excellent choice for handmade cards, scrapbook pages, and even DIY home décor projects.

The Future of Altenew’s Crafting Innovations

With the Shimmer Relief Pastes, we continue our mission to provide high-quality, innovative crafting supplies that inspire creativity.

A masculine handmade card idea with a blue background featuring 3D embossed leaves, a white flying dove die-cut, and the sentiment "sending warm thoughts"

 “The shimmer, the amount of mica in the product—it’s awesome!” – Lydia Evans

Our team is always listening to crafters and striving to create products that enhance creativity while remaining easy to use. These new shimmer pastes will add elegance and texture to your projects with effortless application, regardless of your skill level.

Get Your Hands on Altenew’s Shimmer Relief Pastes!

Are you ready to bring dazzling textures and shimmery elegance to your projects? Our Shimmer Relief Pastes are now available, and they’re set to become an essential staple in your crafting stash. Sign up for this special Crafting 101: Shimmer Relief Paste Online Class today and experience the magic of shimmer and texture like never before! Happy crafting!

FAQs about Shimmer Relief Pastes

The shimmer factor! Most standard texture pastes offer only dimension, but Altenew’s pastes combine texture with stunning shine. The high mica content ensures a luxurious sparkle in every application.
Absolutely! These pastes can be used with or alongside Altenew’s dye inks, re-inkers, alcohol inks, watercolors, and even alcohol markers to create multi-dimensional effects. They also work wonderfully with Altenew’s stencils, making layering a breeze.
There are countless ways to use Shimmer Relief Pastes! You can apply the paste through Altenew’s stencils for a raised, glittery pattern. Use a palette knife to add abstract texture to backgrounds. Combine with dye inks and alcohol inks for a multi-layered effect. You can also spread the paste onto cardstock, let it dry, and die-cut shapes for shimmering die-cut embellishments.

2 comments


  • Altenew

    Hello, Pam! Thank you so much, we’re so happy you’re loving the Shimmer Relief Pastes!


  • Pam Boedeker

    All of this is no exaggeration. I am so inspired by the Shimmer Release Pastes. They are giving a whole new perspective on my stencils, embossing folders, die cuts and stamps.


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