How to build an alternative statue ........

Hello everyone, Annette here......

I hoped you've all had a stunning Summer and are ready for an awesome Autumn.

My challenge this month was to create a statue representing the star sign Virgo......mmm that certainly made the old brain cells fizz.  SO......Virgo is represented by the virgin carrying wheat and she is an Earth sign.  With this knowledge I set off on my creative adventure.

Using the wood and metal base, I pushed this through a polystyrene egg (my egg came in 2 parts so I secured it was making tape around the centre and top to bottom) and then packed the bottom of the spike with foil to stop the egg from slipping down.  I used the egg so that I could get a nice full skirt that was supported underneath.

I then built up the top of the egg so that when the plaster head was seated on top the proportions were more balanced.


To attach the head, I used Grace from the European range,  take a piece of foil and wrap it around the figure just below the shoulders and attach to the plaster with masking tape (only a small amount needs to be on the plaster as this will determine your neckline).


Now open up the pocket you have made, with the foil, and sit it on top of the extended egg.  You may need to tear up the sides slightly to get it to sit properly.  Secure with masking tape making sure it is well attached.

As my statue is going to be carrying something, I needed to add hands and arms.  Take a piece of foil and fold it to create a narrow strip.  Place the hands at either end ensuring that the thumbs are pointing upwards at both ends.  Now wrap the foil around the wrists and secure with masking tape.

Take this strip and lay along the back of the plaster head placing the hands to the front.  Check the positioning of the hands and if necessary fold the strip back onto itself behind the shoulders if the arms are too long.  Secure to the back with more masking tape.




Using small pieces of foil fill out the arms and round them out.  Also check that you are happy with the shaping at the waist and the back of the statue, use pieces of foil to build out any areas which need more shaping.

Once you are happy with the overall shape and positioning cover everything with masking tape and then coat the whole statue, including the plaster head, body and base with a layer of Ivory Powertex. Lay a small piece of clingfilm between the hands and body to stop them sticking together.

Now let this dry


For the clothing I used Ivory Powertex and worked it through strips of Natural Paper Decoration for the bodice/sleeves and muslin for the skirt, I used four separate pieces of muslin so that I could shape each piece over the fullness of the egg.  It is also easier to work with smaller pieces that one larger piece.

Let this dry.

I liked her at this stage and would be happy leaving her here however she needed something to represent the Earth sign so.....

I took a piece of Powertex Rice Paper (the one I choose had images of the earth/sun and moon on which fitted perfectly with the Earth sign) and using a wet paintbrush I drew around the shapes I wanted before pulling them from the piece.  This causes a feathered edge which blends into your background better than a cut straight edge.

Using Powertex Easy Coat Matt varnish, I attached the pieces to the dry clothing.  I coated both the clothing and the back of the rice paper then pressed the piece into place.  Using a soft brush starting at the centre of the rice paper smooth it out towards the edges,  this stops it tearing and ensures it is all stuck down.  Now take some more varnish and coat the front of the rice paper ensuring you go over the edges.

Leave this to dry

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She now needed colour adding in to pull everything together.


On a spare piece of fabric I tried using tea stain to see if this would work but decided it was too flat.






I played around and found that the Powercolor Yellow worked perfectly so I mixed this with Easy Varnish and heavily dry brushed the clothing.

For the hair I mixed the yellow with mocha Powercolor to give it more interest.  The eyeliner and eyebrows are a thin line of Bronze Gold  Colortrix and varnish  and the lipstick is coral Powercolor.

To finish her, I found some seed heads in a nearby field and made a small bunch for her to hold.

You could make a statue to represent any of the Zodiac star signs and use different rice papers to tie into the specific attributes of the sign.

I hope you've enjoyed this project and look forward to seeing what you make.  Don't forget to post your pictures on our facebook Powertex Addicts United or Powertex Studio

Until next time, happy Creative Adventures

Axx

Mad Mad Hatter by Fi Potter

Just a quick blog today to share my Mad Mad Hatter project with you.  This is the second of the pieces I created for Tracey's Hochanda show on 30th March.

We had a very colourful kit to choose from which is just perfect for these Alice Theme project kits.

As always, I played with some layout ideas before I for the Powertex out. First I used some Easy Coat Matte to attach the Queen of hearts rice paper on the hat base and on one of the mdf card blanks. 

I then coated everything in black Powertex.  I then made up some stone art clay for the band and added some lace at the top and bottom of the band. I also added stone art clay to the top hat for depth and texture. 

Next I coated and placed the embellishments.

  

Once everything was totally dry I got the Secret Art Loft acrylics out and added several layers of colour.  Next I used a variety of The Secret Art Loft and Powercolor pigments mixed with easy varnish to really make the embellishments pop.  Below are some close ups of some of them.

Here's the finished piece. 

Hope Tracey and the Design Team have inspired you to have fun with your project kits.

Look forward to seeing your pieces in the Powertex Studio Group.

By for now

Fi

Fairy house delights by Anna

One of the projects I completed when demonstrating at the Powertex UK stand at the NEC hobbyshow in November was the new Fairy house which has now been put into a project pack for February. Just for you!

  

I had a lot of fun creating this piece I used the black Powertex on the base, one of my go to favourite colours in the Powertex range. On the lower part of the piece I used a mix of sand, balls and Powertex. Then added on the door, toadstools and windows. Added some extra detail with the mdf dropouts and cobwebs. 

On the roof I used the natural paper decoration, by cutting it into little pieces and layering it to give it a tiled 3d effect. I used some of the Powertex UK embellishments in between the natural paper decoration. I also added one of the new Raven mdf shapes. 

I then dry brushed with powercolours burgundy, turquoise and yellow ochre. And used the new interference colours to give a little shimmer effect to the roof. If you're looking for a magical project this month you need to get your hands on this one while stocks last. Toodles Anna xXx

It's Owl a bit punky

Hi there Fi here having some fun with the January Owl project pack from Powertex UK.  

This kit is a bit of Owl-right! Lots of luscious embellishments and a super MDF base kit that will be a great outdoor decoration once the spring comes and the owl has had time to fully cure (about 4 weeks).

So let's get started!

First I tipped out the embellishment kit onto a plate, then did the same with the added mdf dropouts - I just have to say how much I love the dropouts! Lots of circles that will be ideal for steam punk and grungy styles and loads more that will help to give depth on other creations.

Next I laid out a basic idea for where I was heading.  I was given the challenge to go for a more steam punk look so I wanted to suggest a re-cycled re-used look and also went with the Owl being King of the Night!

Even if this hadn't been for a blog, I would have taken a photo of my layout for reference - even though I might change a few bits as go ahead.

Once the photo is taken move your pieces off the owl.

Tip: When I removing my lay out, I laid them out in little groups so I didn't waste time or get frustrated looking for each piece.

Next I painted both sides and all the edges of the main owl piece with Powertex Bronze.  I dried off with the hairdryer.  

Next I ripped up a sheet of kitchen paper and separated the layers. 

I poured some Powertex onto the body and worked in to pieces of the kitchen paper, moving the kitchen paper into position with my brush.
 

I then moved on to the wings.  I painted with Powertex, cut the narrow lace in half and worked Powertex into it. I then shaped the lace around the outside of the right wing and the inside of the left wing - I like mixing things up and felt it added to the theme.

Next I worked on the eyes and the crown of my majestic owl.

I raised the left eye proud of the base by placing 4 of the dropout circles behind the main eye circle using Powertex. 

I added a metal embellishment inside the eye and then one of the glass pebbles, I moved on to complete the right eye and and the crown.

Remember Powertex is paint, glue, fabric hardener, pigment all in one so no need for additional mediums

Once this was done I completed the wings by adding layers of embellishments and referred to my photo when needed.

I used some more kitchen paper, that had Powertex worked in, under some embellishments to give it extra purchase.

Once the wings were complete, I worked on the main body, tail and branch areas.

I did change things around a little here from how I had originally laid it out. 

Don't worry about getting Powertex on the glass and resin embellishments as these can be wiped off gently with a baby wipe



Once I was happy with the placement of embellishments, I loaded my brush with Powertex and stippled over some areas where the embellishments were heavy for extra sticking power.  I then left it overnight to fully dry.

Once the night was over it was time to bring King Owl to life adding colour to enhance his gorgeousness!

First using Easy Varnish and Dark Green PowerColor I added colour to the lower sections of the wings, branch and body.


I then added a little white to lighten to a sage green and added this to some areas.

Next with a clean brush I added Yellow ochre and then Yellow Ochre and White.

I added highlights of Copper Colortrix to finish.

Because my owl is King and is altered with a nod to Steam Punk, I added an odd bit of chain and some Copper coloured glass glitter from my personal stash.

Here is my completed King Owl - I hope you agree he is a bit of an Owl right punky King of the Night!

Grab yourself and Owl project pack while they are still available and have some fun.  If you want to hang him outside, make sure all the edges of every piece of MDF have been well coated in Powertex and left inside for 3-4 weeks.

Below are some of close ups of my finished owl, left over embellishments and dropouts and a photo of my mixed up palette.

Until next time...

Fi xxx

 

 

 

Jack and Sarah - The end of a wonderful year

Hi Everyone

Hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas and have a very Peaceful New Year.

So we are at the end of what has been an amazing year for Jack and Sarah, but what did happen on New Years Eve??? (if you're not up to date with the story check back on our previous blogs)


                             ***********************************************
JACK

19:30 - gets into his pre booked car and heads to the Empire State Building, checking his pocket three times to ensure the ring is safely inside.

19:45 - Arrives at the main entrance and heads for the lifts to the Observation deck to meet the minister and make those last minute checks ensuring everything is as he wants it to be for his girl.


20:05 - He waits patiently for Sarah to arrive after all it is customary for the bride to be late.


                             ***********************************************

SARAH

19:00 - slips into her designer dress and sits in front of the mirror to apply her makeup and put the finishing touches to her hair.

19:30 - Gets into her pre booked car heading for the event that could change her life

20:00 - Arrives and steps out of the car and heads for the entrance stopping only at the cloakroom on her way in to check for any last minute fixes.

20:15 - As she sweeps into the Ballroom of the Australian Embassy for the masquerade ball, she catches a glimpse of herself in the mirrored walls. She really was turning into an Ice Maiden with a heart of stone. Still this was her fourth year of doing this, and although this last year with Jack had been fun, she quite fancied being wined and dined down under next year, she just had to choose the next victim wisely!

(BET YOU DIDN'T EXPECT THAT!!)

                             ***********************************************

This was created on a polystyrene swan neck covered in Powertex lead and Stone Art.  The Snowflake detail was made using Easy structure and dusted with black, silver and Powerpearl pigments.  The headband is a piece of corrugated cardboard painted with lead Powertex and then easy structure detail was added.

The hair was built up using gauze and black Powertex.

The makeup was designed and applied by the very talented Amber Young using black, white and powerpearl pigments with easy varnish and gloss varnish on the lips.

The plastic icicles, false eyelashes and stone bling were all added using easy varnish.

Thats all for this year folks hope you've enjoyed this creative adventure and i look forward to bringing your more projects next year.


Axx