If unicorns could fly

So I was super excited when Tracey told me about the new animal shapes available from Powertex Uk. Especially when she said I could create a unicorn! I was so green with envy when I saw the beautiful unicorns created by everyone at the Powertex Garden Party (limited spaces are available to book for next year!Don't miss out it was an amazing weekend of relaxing, crafty fun!). I created mine with a little difference. Yes she can fly! The unicorn project pack has been put together by Tracey giving you all you need to create this. If you wish to add wings you will need wire in addition. 

Now I'd love to say I also did this bit but I was lucky enough to get a pre-made base from Tracey. As you can see from the photo you need to cover both sides of the mdf base with Powertex. Allow to dry, then use masking tape to adhere to the base.

 Then start wrapping foil around the base from the bottom up around the whole shape and use masking tape to keep in place.

 Paint Powertex over the masking tape to seal it and keep everything in place. We used Bronze.

You can choose to place the wings higher up if you wish. I used a really sharp pointed carving tool to make a hole through the tape, foil and mdf. You could use a bradle if you had one. Just make sure you watch your fingers! 

I then thredded some wire through the hole and crossed ti over the back of the body and taped in place. The wire was measured at just over 50cm, you could make them smaller or larger if you wish. Wrap the wire with masking tape and paint with Powertex. 

 From approx 1kg of Powertex and 250g Stone art tub I made up some clay. Then gradually added piece by piece. And stamped into the clay as I went. It's important to stamp the clay as you go because as it drys in the air it becomes harder to make an impression in.

I was lucky enough to have to hand an aray of these fabulous wooden block stamps. I love being at hq, I might move into our Traceys studio soon!

 I covered the whole body on both sides and stamped in different patterns.

I then tool my clay and pushed it into the daisy, pansy and rose moulds. It seems I didn't take a picture of the placement of these, but they ended up on the horses bottom. You can chose to place them anywhere.

I then coated a handful of Powercotton to create the texture on the mane and tail.

And dipped some paper dec in Powertex and covered the wire wings.

 I allowed everything to thoroughly dry and then dry brushed with some White Powertex. Just to allow the colours to come through brighter when I dry brushed them. But allowing the bronze Powertex to create the shadow for depth.

I used Burgundy powercolor into coral powercolor  on the mane.

 Rich gold colourtricx on the horn and the wings and flowers.

 I sprayed the body with brown bister to take the edge off the white. And added a mix of coral and white and layered up the colour on the body through dry brushing.

Turns out unicorns can fly! Hope you enjoyed this project. Of course if you feel as though you could use some guidance with this type of project just contact your local tutor through the directory to book on and have a go! It really makes a difference having an expert to hand. Toodles Anna xXx Follow me on my Instagram or Facebook if you like what I do. 

Don't forget to share your projects on Powertex Addicts United or The Powertex Studio on Facebook. Keep up to date with the latest at Powertex UK. 

Do You Look Like A Powertexer?

So what exactly does a Powertexer look like? How can I best describe a group of Powertexers?

Can you spot a fellow Powertexer out in the wild? I’m not showing off when I say “I can!”, though I’m not sure this could be listed as a separate skill on my CV……

Does it say more about me or the guests when I tell you that I was able to guess who was a Powertex Garden Party Guest, just by looking at them! Most of the guests attending the Garden Party stayed overnight at a nearby hotel. I went to the hotel to meet everyone there and ensure they made it on to the coach on time. Even though I had never met or seen any of the guests before, I was confident I could spot a ‘Powertexer’ a mile off. And I was correct! I had wanted a to wear a crown or a tiara or at least a golden sash with POWERTEX GARDEN PARTY embossed on it so people would know who I was when approaching them in the hotel grounds but alas, I only had these thoughts on the way to the hotel so it was too late and I would have to rely on intuition.

Well, I say intuition but in reality it is a trained eye. I can spot a Powertexer at 50 paces. Maybe it is a certain glint in their eye, a splodge of Powertex on their shoes, nails that can’t quite be polished to perfection because they’ve been dipped in Powertex for too long. I’m not sure exactly, it could be a combination of all those things. Powertexers come in all shapes and sizes and ages. They blow the traditional crafter stereotype out the window because we sure as hell can’t be squashed into many conformity boxes, I think we are somewhat notorious in the arts and crafts world for being non-conformists! Powertexers are fun, they’re friendly, they give off a certain vibe, they do not ‘fit the mould’ in any conventional sense.

Maybe it’s because with Powertex, there are no limits and this reaches into other areas of your life too. I like to think there’s lots of us out there, giving a nod to fellow Powertexers, enjoying this amazing art and craft skill set whilst sharing and spreading the joy because quite simply, it is so much fun!

Powertex Garden Party - Day 2

I hope your ready for part two of Sams fabulous blog. If you've loved seeing all we got up to at the Powertex garden party you can now book your place for next year. Tickets are selling out fast though. Book now here. If you fancy taking a look at more fabulous photos we have a video created of the weekend. See the video here. Toodles Anna xXx

So before we start todays adventure, I thought I'd start by showing you what we got in our purple bags and also what we got to drink our bubbly out of at the end of yesterday.

Close up of the glass that Tracey made for each of us. Every one was different.

This is what my canvas looked like this morning after being left to dry and crack over night.

Close up of the mucky mess corner including the balls.

Close up of the cracks using the 3d flex.

And the frame and skull.

Whilst I was outside, I took the opportunity to take a close up photo of the communal totem pole.

So then, to today's activities. First up we needed to retrieve out brushes which had been kindly washed for us. The fairies must have done it!

Aprons on.........

Teas and coffees on the go.

For about the first hour or so we got the chance to titivate and add stuffs to our horses / unicorns, which most people took advantage of.

The unicorns were put outside to dry off.

My horse found himself in a field.

At this point I went for a little wander around the grounds and as promised a photo of the wigwam tent with the message tree inside.

Then we made a start on our canvas's.

After a quick demo from Tracey, everyone started to add some colour.

I managed to get a smile from all of our table!!

This one is Tracey's and something like what we were going for, but in fairness, she had used hers to show people what different colours looked like.

This is how mine went, and yes, before you all start, there is pink in there!

And this was what I ended up with once I'd decided I was finished.

Everyone just adding their finishing touches before we broke off for lunch.

Lunch today was a jacket potato with a choice of various lush fillings, I just had cheese.

Another wander around the garden and some close ups of the fab sculptures made by David and Patricia Williams who are Powertex tutors. Patricia has given me permission to show you these close ups so please enjoy the next few photos.

Then back inside and into the shop area where there are lots more beautiful pieces. I've just selected a few of my favourites.

I put my finished canvas outside just to see if the pigments shimmered in the lovely sun.

And Tracey just happened to be walking past when Kerry was taking a photo of me and my canvas.

So after lunch we went back to our horses / unicorns as they needed some colour. 

People down at the front choosing their colours.

This is Shelagh. We had a great laugh and loads of good old fashioned banter was had on our table.

Kerry went for a rich red, Shelagh a denim blue and Yvonne a lovely green.

Michelle and Gary having a leisurely walk through the tent to see what everyone had been up to.

I went for a purpley colour with silver and gold hi-lights.

And then on the other side, I went for an orangey colour with copper and gold hi-lights.

And this is what he looks like from the front! Split personality!

Throughout the day I was in and out of the dressing up booth, so when I come across the photos, I will add them to the bottom of this post.

***Here's the first one - in disguise!

Me, Janice (from Hochanda), Amanda (chocolate maker) and Anna (powertex tutor).