Bird Stamps, Bicycle Chains and Watercolor Paintings... Taking a New SPIN on Mixed Media with Sandra Strait

Good Morning... it's Sandra! What do postage stamps with birds, bicycle chains and watercolor paintings have in common? Nothing – unless you have some Amazing Mold Putty and Amazing Clear Cast Resin!

While shopping at a local thrift store I found a small 2x2 inch frame made from bicycle chain. I snapped it up. Wasn't sure what I'd do with it, but I knew I'd do something! 

On a seemingly unrelated note, I had a watercolor painting of roses that I had done a while back. I wasn't really happy with it, but I knew I'd do something with it some day. 

On another seemingly unrelated subject, I received a package from Hong Kong with cool postage stamps. Yup. Knew I'd find some way to use them.

When Amazing Crafting Products came out with their new fluorescent dyes, I decided that I wanted a fluorescent green bicycle chain frame, and everything fell into place.

Supplies:

• Amazing Mold Putty
• Amazing Clear Cast Resin
• Alumilite Dye - Fluorescent (Flo) Green 
• Watercolor Painting on Arches watercolor board 
• Re-Inkers-Palette Metallic Violet Varnish; Distress Dried Marigold & Picked Raspberry 
• E6000 glue 
• 12x12 7Dots Scrapbook paper 
• 12x12 Shadowbox 
• Paint sample chip 

I mixed the two parts of the Amazing Mold Putty until it was a solid yellow. I flattened it out to roughly the dimensions of the frame, and pushed the frame into the putty. Within a few moments, the putty had set and I was able to remove the frame.

The second step was to mix up the the Amazing Clear Cast Resin. 

Of the two parts, the "A" side is thicker and a bit harder to control when pouring. The Alumilite Fluorescent (Flo) Green Dye is added to this measuring cup. You want equal amounts of liquid for both "A" and "B", so, if you add enough dye to change the volume, it's easier to adjust the "B" side. 

I wanted a lighter color, so I only used a couple of drops. This photo of the dye on a toothpick is larger than life, lol! You don't need very much of this stuff!

After mixing the two sides, and letting the Amazing Clear Cast Resin cure overnight, I ended up with a beautiful bright frame. When I started, I still hadn't decided what I was going to do with it. After I had poured the resin though, I was cutting out those cool postage stamps to set aside as ephemera.

The next day I was looking for something (as I often do), and I came across my watercolor painting. What immediately struck me was how the colors resembled the green of my frame and the light purples and violets of my stamps. Ah hah! I knew what I could do to cover up that big ole rotten punched hole (and I apologize. I meant to photograph the painting at this point, and just plain forgot to do it).

I decided that I would embed the stamps inside the frame, and glue the whole thing to the painting, covering the tear.

I cut a paint sample chip I had to size and glued it to the back of the frame for a base. Then I loosely glued down one of the postage stamps. I mixed up a small amount of Amazing Clear Cast Resin, poured it inside the frame and let it set overnight.

I repeated this another two times embedding one of the other stamps each time so that there was some distrance between them.

My painting wasn't large enough to fill the shadowbox I had, so I took a piece of 12 x 12 scrapbook paper from 7Dots that I felt complimented my painting. I crumpled up the paper, and drizzled re-inkers (ink used to refill inkpads--they come with eyedroppers) down the crevices. Then I flattened the paper back out, glued down my painting, and glued down my bird stamp piece.

I put the whole thing into a shadow box. The Amazing Clear Cast Resin resembles encaustic, and even though you can't make out the birds from distance, the piece beckons you to come over and look closer. Who'd have thought bicycle chains and bird stamps would bring new life to a damaged painting?

For more complete instructions and videos on how to use Amazing Crafting Products, please visit their Information page.

For more of my work in Amazing Mold Putty, Zentangle®-Inspired art,

and daily links to tangles, tutorials, and giveaways please visit my

"Life Imitates Doodles" blog.  ~ Sandra Strait

Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous weekend!

...........................................

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog via Networked Blogs,
bloglovin' or via email on the right side bar:

Twitter at @AmazingCrafting | Facebook at AmazingMoldPutty | YouTube at AmazingMoldPutty

Making AMAZING Faux Amber... Ready-to-Wear Inspiration from Tracy Alden

Hello! Tracy here again with another inspiration post! I have always loved the look of ancient forms of enameling, lacquer and resin in art, but nothing beats the beauty of nature's fossilized tree resin, Amber. Used since ancient times in art and jewelry, with warm hues and easy to carve nature makes it a favorite of many artists. Sometimes when these ancient trees secreted their resin, small plant matter, dirt, insects and organisms (many now-extinct species) would get encased. However because of the rarity of encased objects, the importance of these fossils to paleontology (the study of ancient life) and certain series of modern dinosaur movies, pieces of amber with insects can be costly.

While I own some pieces of real amber and enjoy working with it, as you can see in the photo above, I often want to make more elaborate and interesting jewelry pieces. This is where Amazing Crafting Products came to the rescue!

I knew I could get the clarity in the Amazing Clear Cast Resin, and the wide selection of Alumilite Dyes colors would allow me to get the right colors to duplicate the warm hues of amber. However, to get the dazzling look of real amber I needed to collect small stones, plant fibers, dead insects and tea leaves! Using oval cabochon molds I was able to create pieces of faux amber using Amazing Crafting Products!

This piece has a wind scorpion (otherwise known as a sun spider)

skin shedding or molting encased with leaves and small stones in Amazing Clear Cast Resin.

Here I placed a small moth with Chamomile leaves and stones in the resin.
I left the air bubbles that formed in the resin to make it look more like real amber.

With the addition of frames, crystals, chain and beads I was able to create
a lovely collection of faux amber perfect for the coming Fall months!

What AMAZING arts and crafts can you create???

Please share them on the NEW user GALLERY on the Amazing Mold Putty Website!

Visit my blog Art Resurrected for more craft tutorials!

Until next time, safe travels! ~ Tracy

paleontology

paleontology

paleontology

Mixed Media Creative Challenge with Amazing Crafting Products by Maria Soto

Hi there, this is Maria with another project to share with you. I have seen so many photos of tags done by so many people in so many different ways, especially those that have that "rusted" look and the "steam-punk" style. I have not tried either one, and I needed a challenge. 

Now as I was getting ready to start working on my tag, I looked at the piece of cardboard as I removed some of the layers to exposed the ridged area and decided that I would try and make my own resin tag that would resemble the cardboard one as you see in the photos below. Now this not only was a challenge but an experiment for me, which just got me more excited about this project.

Here is what I used to make this resin tag:

• Amazing Casting Resin
• Amazing Clear Cast Resin
• Amazing Mold Putty
• Recycled piece of cardboard
• Mixing cups
• Sticks/paper clips 
• AdTech hot glue & glue gun
• Plaid's Dimensional Magic
• Alumilite Dyes (brown, white, blue, flo green, flo red)
• Alumilite Metallic Powders (gun metal, gold, silver, copper)
• Recycled necklace and resin cabochon 
• Black ribbons
• Viva Decor Terra (Morrocan Red) 
• Tiny fabric yellow flowers

First things first, I cut out a piece of cardboard and peeled the top layer off to expose the ridges that I would use to make my mold. Keep in mind I'm making this project as I go along. 

After mixing equal parts "A" & "B" of the Amazing Mold Putty, I placed it over the area of the cardboard tag that I wanted to mold, waited about 10 minutes for the putty to cure. CLICK HERE for complete instructions. I removed the cardboard tag from the mold and I took some of the Alumilite Gun Metal Metallic Powder and brushed it on some of the areas of the mold now to get the resin ready.

I took Alumilite Fluorescent (Flo) Red, Brown and White dyes and added them to part "A" of the Amazing Clear Cast Resin and mixed thoroughly. Then I combined part "A" and part "B" of the clear cast resin (make sure to follow directions on the box of the clear cast resin for proper mixing or CLICK HERE for instructions). Well I couldn't wait to pour the colored resin on my mold! As I poured I realized that I should have added a border to the mold, because without it the resin was spreading out of the mold onto the paper I had under the mold (I forgot to use wax paper).

I took some more mold putty and added a border to the mold, but I didn't want it to be permanent so I took a bit longer to make sure it would not stick permanently to the mold (I have other plans for this mold). I had to mix some more Amazing Clear Cast Resin and dyes to add to the mold once again, but this time I decide to add a little of the Alumilite Gold Metallic Powder to the poured resin and just swirled it around, not sure if it would settle to the bottom or stay on top. Left it over night to set completely. As you can see below, the gold power did not settle to the bottom of the mold, it stayed on the top. Now that my tag is ready, I just had to do a little bit of trimming on the edges. I seriously did not like the dull color of what would be the front of the tag, but then I figured it would work best this way.

Next is the fun part, adding lots of colors and texture to give it a rusted look. I figure to add texture to the resin tag, I would use the Amazing Casting Resin, so I took the Alumilite Fluorescent (Flo) Green Dye and the Blue dye to see if I could come up with a color similar to a green patina and mixed it with part "A" of the resin. Once all was mixed, I combined part "A" and part "B" of the Amazing Casting Resin and began to pour it over some of the areas of the resin tag, below are two photos, one right after pouring the colored resin and then you can see how the color began to show, for a while I was afraid it was not going to come out the color I wanted, until it began to set. I decided to add some hot glue over the resin I had just poured to give it even more dimension.

I used Plaid's Dimensional Magic mixed with some Alumilite Silver Metallic Powder and brushed it over some areas of the resin tag. I was going to do the same with the gold and copper metallic powders but instead I just took a paper clip and used the tip to get the powder from the bottles and just tapped it off over the tag in different areas, then brushed the dimensional magic over the powders and mixed and spread them around. Look at the photos below to see how the color of the resin tag continued to changed every time I added a different color, I continued to do this until I was happy with the colors, all the hot glue I poured was colored with the different color metallic powders.

I had this necklace I purchased at a garage sale that I figure I could use in my crafts one day, it had some pretty charms on it, I took it apart and used part of the chain and some of the charms as embellishments.

I had poured a domed cabochon a while back and decided to use it on this project after using the same metallic powders to give it an old metallic effect by dry brushing only. I wanted to leave as much of the resin tag exposed, so I decided to make the bottom of the tag the center point, to start I added a couple small pieces of black organza ribbon that had silver glitter on already, used hot glue to adhere to the tag, then placed the cabochon, and the rest of the metal elements where glued in place. I added a few tiny flowers to which I added paint to age them too. Final touch I took some Viva Decor Terra in Morrocan Red and added it on all the metal embellishments, added some black ribbons to the top of the tag and it's done.

This project took several days to complete, having an idea of what you want to make, is exciting but it can also be scary for you don't know the outcome, not knowing if it's going to turn out can be intimidating. I love to challenge myself when it comes to crafting, this project shows my version of a mixed media "grungy, steam-punk" tag without all the gears. I needed to make it my way and I have to say I love the final project. These products are amazing, they have allowed me make my vision a reality, this resin tag turned out just as I imagined it.

What type of project do you see yourself

making with Amazing Crafting Products?

Please leave a comment below and share photos of any
projects you make in our New User Gallery.

To see more of my creations, please visit my blog "What is Creativity?". ~ Maria

Thanks for stopping by and have a fantastic day!

...........................................

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog on the right side bar:

Twitter at @AmazingCrafting | Facebook at AmazingMoldPutty | YouTube at AmazingMoldPutty

AMAZING Surface Treatments for Cast Resin Pieces by Carole Lassak

Hi!! Carole here to share three ways that I color my cast pieces. There are several ways to add surface treatments to cast resin pieces. Untreated pieces made with Amazing Clear Cast Resin dry clear and pieces made with Amazing Casting Resin dry white. In an earlier post, I shared how I use acrylic paints for surface treatment. Today, let's explore dyes, metallic powders, and gilding.

None of these methods are difficult, but dyes have to be the easiest. And, Amazing Crafting Products offer a rich array of colors. Here I've used two of the newest additions to their rainbow – Fluorescent Green and Fluorescent Orange. Of course, you can mix the dyes to create your own custom shades, too.

Just add up to 20 drops/fluid ounce of Part "A" the resin – Amazing Clear Cast or Amazing Casting Resin – and stir until the dye is incorporated into the Part "A" resin. From there you mix Parts "A" and "B" of the resin, following these standard procedures. For these frames I was a bit timid with the dye and only used one drop of the dye. 

I'm totally pleased with the soft colors. More drops would yield a more vibrant color.

The next method is using Alumilite Metallic Powder. The metallic powders result in a cast piece that truly looks like metal. For this frame I used one of my favorites – metallic gun metal.

Using a soft, dry brush gently dust the mold before pouring the resin. A little bit goes a long way, and I find I have better results if the mold is lightly, but thoroughly, coated with no extra powder granules. The casting comes out of the mold completely colored and finished.

The last surface treatment that I'll share today is gilding. I started with a clear frame.

I coated it with Duo Adhesive. This adhesive goes on liquid and milky. When dry and ready to use, it is clear and tacky – perfect for adhering gilding.

I pressed the gilding to the frame, then gently burnished the excess with a texture sponge and finished with a soft cotton puff.

The line of resins from Amazing Crafting Products accept many surface treatments allowing you to transform the ordinary white and clear pieces.

What surface treatment are you going

to use on your next casting project?

You can see more projects using Amazing Crafting Products on my Create & Craft blog. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

~ Carole

Create & Craft

.................................

Don't miss a single post!

Please subscribe to our blog via email or bloglovin' on the right side bar:

Twitter at @AmazingCrafting | Facebook at AmazingMoldPutty | YouTube at AmazingMoldPutty

Make the Walls Your SCRAPBOOK... AMAZING Family Wall Plaque by Michelle Frae Cummings

Have you had the chance to try the "NEW" Amazing Mold Rubber?

It allows you to create the perfect mold the first time with out having to make it in sections which can leave to imperfections. It is especially clever when you have something with fine detail or a large shape, such as this porcelain plaque. 

To make the above Family Wall Plaque, I used the following:

• Amazing Mold Rubber
• A small clean glazed plaque
• A clean plastic container (non-porous)
• Amazing Casting Resin
• Provided measuring cups
• Stir stick
• Brown Alumilite Dye (2 drops) 
• Gold and Copper Alumilite Metallic Powders
• Dyed binding, writing markers, Winter Retreat Dew Drops, Family Photo.

Secure your plaque in the clean container face up. I used very strong double stick tape.

Next mix the Amazing Mold Rubber according to the package and mix very thoroughly, scraping the sides as you mix. Make sure you are in a well ventilated area as it can be quite aromatic before it sets. 

Pour around the outside of the plaque inside the container and then fill the inside. Don't worry about any bubbles. 

   

The Amazing Mold Rubber will start to turn solid with in 15 minutes, so make sure you have it on a flat surface. To fully cure, it may take anywhere from 4-10 hours to set. I left mine alone over night.

When it was not sticky to touch, I trimmed down my container so I could start to separate the mold from the plastic. 

I carefully pulled the plaque from the rubber, making sure not to disturb the columns for the holes; then trimmed around where any silicone leaked under the tape. 

I poured equal amounts of the Amazing Casting Resin in the cups provided and added 2 drops of the Brown Alumilite Dye to the part "A" of the resin. I mixed thoroughly before adding a bit of both Gold and Copper Alumilite Metallic powders. I mixed again, added the resin part "B" and quickly mixed, scraping the sides and bottom of the cup before pouring into the rubber mold.

It took approximately 15-20 minutes for the Amazing Casting Resin to harden. While it was still a little warm and slightly soft, I pulled it from the mold and trimmed off any jagged edges.

What you will LOVE about this type of mold, is that all parts of the resin, what was in the mold or not, will remain shiny and smooth as if you had finished it with coat of Amazing Clear Cast Resin! 

I simply added my photo, dew drops and ribbon

to make a nice happy Family Wall Plaque. 

What would you mold to create your own

family plaque using Amazing Crafting Products?

Thanks for coming by! Please visit my blog, Faerie Dust Dreams 

for more creative inspiration. ~ Michelle Frae Cummings

.................................

Don't miss a single post!

Please subscribe to our blog via email or bloglovin' on the right side bar:

Twitter at @AmazingCrafting | Facebook at AmazingMoldPutty | YouTube at AmazingMoldPutty

You Can't WIN if You Didn't Enter... Debbie B. Sure DID and CONGRATULATIONS on WINNING!

Congratulations on our winner who submitted a project to the

new User Gallery at www.moldputty.com/Gallery.cfm. 

Debbie B.

Thank you so much for sharing your creation with us!

WOOT!!! You are the winner of the BRAND NEW Amazing Mold Rubber Kit and a box of Amazing Clear Cast Resin prize package. Please contact us via Facebook message or via email at amazingcrafting at yahoo dot com with your contact and shipping information.

Did You Miss OUT Last Time???

Here's ONE Last Chance to Win

an Amazing Mold Rubber kit???

Follow these instructions:

(1) GO to the NEW User Gallery here

http://www.moldputty.com/Gallery.cfm

(2) Create a User Name for yourself... AND (3) Post a project you've created using Amazing Crafting Products {could be one or all - Amazing Mold Putty, Amazing Clear Cast Resin, Amazing Casting Resin, or Amazing Mold Rubber} to our NEW USER GALLERY by Sunday Sept. 29th at midnight... and you'll be entered to win an Amazing Mold Rubber kit and a box of Amazing Clear Cast Resin {since we want you to be able to make something straightaway}. Have several projects... that's fantastic because you get ONE ENTRY PER PROJECT POSTED. Yep... you read it right... the more you share - the more chances you have to win!!!

You have until Sunday Sept. 29th at midnight to upload to the gallery. Winner to be announced on Monday, Sept. 30th prior to our MOLD RUBBER MONDAY project posts.

Thanks for stopping by and join us shortly

for another tutorial from our AMAZING creatives.

...........................................

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog via email, Networked Blogs

or bloglovin' on the right side bar:

Twitter at @AmazingCrafting | Pinterest at AmazingCrafting | YouTube at AmazingMoldPutty