Mixed Media Christmas Tree Canvas and Pennant Swap

 

 

I had fun bringing together all my junk jewellery and lovely

metal flowers for this tree. I used a canvas as I did

not have a board before preparing for the November workshop.

Oh and although there are only two pearly dangles in this

photograph there are now 4 which looks better.

 

 

The preparation was exactly the same as for the wreath in my

next post but I used lace instead of a doily to

form the tree shape to show texture through the design.

 

 

 

I have used a photograph of this board for my Christmas cards this year.  Very handy!

 

 

 

NOVEMBER PENNANT SWAP

 

 

Now for the pennant swap pics, only two this time as others forgot to bring

theirs but will swap with each other by post.

 

Both of our envelopes were hand made. I used paper from

my gelli plate play days.

 

My pennant

 

Annie's pennant

 

 

I cannot wait to attach my pennants and hang them in my craft room

for inspiration, thank you ladies for all the swaps this year.

 

Back later with my Christmas Wreath Board.

Encaustic Wax Tutorial

 

Here as promised, an encaustic wax tutorial with the cat pennant .  I thoroughly enjoyed using the waxes, I shall have to get them out to play more often.

Supplies used are at the end of the tutorial.

 

 

I stamped onto glossy card (cut to shape) with Memento Ink and dry.

 

 

 

The eyes are coloured with pale blue and the nose

with pale pink Marvey watercolour pens, dry.

 

 

Using a small iron on medium heat, held plate uppermost,

melting two brown waxes onto the plate. A little clear wax also added.

 

 

The iron should be hot enough to melt the wax but
not run off the iron.  Too cool and it will
not melt and blend on the card.

Hold the card with one hand and tap the centre of the iron onto the card , when lifted
this leaves a suction effect on the card, continue until the card is covered. 

(I hold the card because if you place it on a flat surface and lay the iron and wax down
onto the card, it will leave marks from the edge of the iron.
The suction effect on the card looks a little like fur)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wax will cool quickly.  Scrape the wax gently from the eyes and nose.

I use a wooden spatula, but any tool similar will do.

 

 

 

Use a bradawl or pointed tool to scrape along the whiskers

 

 

 

Use a soft cloth to remove the scraped pieces of wax.

 

 

 

I decided to create a border,  I placed the pennant down onto

scrap paper, (clean the iron)  use only the heat of the iron to move the

wax already on the card.  I lay the side of the iron along the edge

and wiped it along, repeating all round.

 

 

 

 

To add further interest, using the point of the iron I placed it down

and quickly lifted to once again create a design all round the pennant.

 

 

 

 

Here you can see the repeated edge design and the shine of the

wax after lightly polishing with a soft cloth.

 

 

 

 

 

The pennant is then mounted onto black card a shade larger.

 

 

 

 

I then decided to decorate the black card using an encaustic stylus and silver wax, with a

 nib that melts and collects the molten wax, I can then draw or

make marks with the tip.

 

 

 

 

 

This is the finished pennant.

 

 

 

Supplies.
Travel Iron
Stylus
Pigment Waxes
Glossy Card
Stamp
Ink Pad
Scraper/Bradawl
Watercolour pens 

 

If you have any questions, leave a comment please.

 

My love of encaustic painting started around 20 years ago, when I attended an Art show at Islington with a friend.  I watched fascinated as Michael Bossom demonstrated with wax and iron.  Of course I was sold, bought the kit and consigned most of my attempts in the bin. 

 

Moving on another year and I became hooked on all the various finishes that could be achieved.  I started selling cards and paintings at local craft fairs, shops and a market stall (via a friend).  When attending the craft shows I demonstrated with my iron and the waxes while my lovely  grand daughters Kayleigh and Antonia managed the sales.  Happy memories 

 

In fact the very first rubber stamps I purchased were only for waxing over.

 

Until next time......

 

 

 

 

Pennant Swap

 

February has swept in along with the start of our monthly Craft Club meetings.  It was great to see everyone again and catch up on all our craft buys.  

 

This year we decided to hold a swap again, we had two templates and could make either to swap. 

 

The fabulous pennants below from left to right are by:-  Annie, Tanya, Liz and Pamela

February pennant swap (template 1)

Next is a gorgeous pennant by Linda on the left and mine on the right:-

February swap pennant (template 2)

As you can see they are all very different using several techniques.

 

It will be up to each member at the end of the year to join their swaps together to create a banner for their craft room or keep them in a book using book rings.

 

I shall be posting photos of the 4" swaps I received in 2013 over the next few days.  Until then....