Bella’s Corner: Steifkantille

Filed under Bella's Corner

Oooooh lovies. Let me tell you about one of my favorite items to use – Steifkantille! Steifkantille (German Bouillon), still made in Germany in the traditional fashion. Steifkantille is created from fancily-spun metal bouillon which is twisted around a central core of wire (they’re kind of like tiny, long slinkies). This helps it to hold its shape so that it can be formed into all manner of decorative embellishments. Springy, boingy, bouncy, beautiful German Bouillon!

Now there is also Crinkle Wire! Similar to the Steifkntille but not as expensive it has also become a favorite since it comes in all sorts of fabulous colors! Fuschia, teal, peridot, navy blue, red, bronze, dusty pink, copper! The possibilities are endless with such a color palette! You can use German Bouillon and Crinkle Wire for decorating ornaments, paper theaters, chipboard shapes, ATCs, art squared, paper crowns (use with Tinsel and Dresden for even more dramatic effect) and whatever else you think needs it! How about using Crushed Glass Glitter and the German Bouillon mixed with the Crinkle Wire? Swoon! I recently used it the Crinkle Wire to bind a “wing” onto a chipboard bird for the upcoming Chipboard Bird Swap. It turned out cute, dont’ you think?

To use the German Bouillon cut about an inch off of the strand. Gently stretch the cutting and then apply it to your project. You may need more, but start small instead of cutting off too much. The more you stretch it the straighter the cutting will become so take care not to stretch it too much. You’ll find that it has a better effect if it is not pulled completely straight and the zig-zags are still visible. Diamond Glaze, Red-Liner tape and Glue Dots are good adhesives to use with the bouillon as well as Ranger’s Glossy Accents.

Play around and have fun with it as you’re only limited by your own imagination!