Hi all here I am again with another idea for using Powertex Fabric Hardener and the fabulous new flower and leaf moulds, exclusive to Powertex . I have also used Stone Art to create an attractive border.
This time I am sharing something quite different, very simple but effective. I really love the idea of transforming something I already have but do not use, into something very special.
For a few years there lay in my stash of 'stuff' a pack of large mirror tiles. This is what I did with one of them.
I have a constant companion whilst creating in the form of a very nosey black cat called Salt.
You will need:
Powertex Ivory & Transparent
A mirror tile
Powertex Stone Art
Powertex Daisy & Leaf Moulds
Green, Yellow, Lilac Colour Pigments
Brown Bister
Powertex Varnish
A Scrap of Lace and some Jute
Large and small Paintbrushes
Masking Tape & Scissors
A length of wire that is strong but bendable.
(You don’t need a nosy cat though.)
Paint the back of the mirror with a layer of Ivory Powertex. Place the jute over the Powertex and use the brush again to add a little more until the whole surface is well covered. The jute should be about 2 inches bigger all round than the mirror.
Use pliers to cut a length of wire and curl it at the ends to form a loop. Next use a paintbrush and saturate 2 lengths of cotton material thoroughly with Ivory Powertex.
Loop the material through the wire and press down to ensure the Powertex has soaked right through. Dry the back of the mirror using a hair dryer. When touch dry turn the mirror over and add masking tape to the centre to keep the mirror surface clean. Remember to use a plastic sheet to work on. I found this table cloth in that certain shop that has everything for a pound!
Use a paintbrush to coat one side of the jute with the Ivory Powertex then turn it over and press it down firmly. Dry with a hair dryer. Ensure it has adhered all round. Before removing the tape.
Once the Powertex is dry, remove the masking tape. It was late at night when I reached this stage so I decided to prop the mirror up against the wall on another of my plastic table cloths to dry for the night. Nosey cat had to have a sniff. He sometimes gets a little too close to where I am working and ends up with Powertex on his fur. It wears off eventually.
I had already created the flowers from Stone Art clay which was made using the Ivory Powertex and the Stone Art powder mixing equal amounts together until I had a clay that had a pastry like consistency. I kept mixing it until my gloves did not stick to the clay. You can use your fingers too as the clay is water based and can be easily washed off. I had stored my ready mixed Powertex Clay in a plastic bag so was ready for the next stage. That was to create a border within the surrounding jute. The whole thing had dried out nicely overnight. The next stage was to create 4 long sausages the width and length of the inside of the overlapping jute.
These need to be adhered so I poured a little transparent onto a paper plate. This is where the whole design idea begins to take shape.
I coated the Transparent Powertex along the whole length where the border was to be placed. This acts as a glue. Once it had all been flattened then pressed on I used a nice piece of lace with a deep texture to press firmly over the surface. I do apologise for the photography but it is not easy working with sticky stuff and taking pics in between.
Once everything was in place I used Brown Bister mixed with water to add depth all over and a lovely warm shade of brown. I used a paintbrush to apply it.
The Bister really brings out the texture but it does require varnishing when completely dry. Use Powertex Easy Varnish for this.
Black, nosy cats also require having their tummies rubbed after the tiring work of watching me create. I love that cat!
I hope you have been inspired.
I am from East Sussex and a qualified Powertex Tutor Levels 1 and 2 and I hold workshops from my home in Wadhurst. One of my specialities is to create figurines and I love sharing my techniques with others. Due to illness I have not been able to attend and demonstrate at all the big shows for a while so I am happy with one to ones or workshops with up to 4 students.
Email birdsdragons@gmail.com
Please check out my workshop page for details or join me on Facebook where I share many of my Powertex Creations.
LOVE THE STUFF
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