Looking for something new to try in your next studio session? Have you looked into encaustic art yet? I have been wanting to use encaustic medium in my art for some time now. After watching Amy Stoner’s new Cloth Paper Scissors Workshop DVD, Encaustic Collage: Layers with Beeswax, I felt comfortable enough to try it. It didn’t take much to set up the tools and supplies I needed to try my first collage with beeswax—and the yummy smell of the melted wax in my studio was like a bonus aromatherapy session!
Take a look at this simple project I put together for you to try at home.
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| 1. Gather your supplies. | 2. Use matte medium to adhere your collage to your surface. |
I used a Melting Pot to melt my wax but you could easily use a clean tuna can on an electric griddle. Other supplies include: a surface to work on (I used a cardboard tag.), encaustic medium, matte medium, foam brush, collage papers, scissors, natural bristle brush, heat gun, ribbon, and a fabric scrap.
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| 3. After the matte medium has dried, cut off any overhanging paper with the scissors. | 4. Dip your brush into the melted wax and quickly cover your surface with the brush. |
When adding the wax, work quickly and try not to overlap your brushstrokes.
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| 5. Fuse your wax to the collage base by heating it with the heat gun just until it becomes melted. | 6. Press the ribbon in the warm wax, which will hold it in place like glue. |
Fusing is an important step in Encaustic collage. It helps all the thin layers of wax to become one.
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| 7. Add a fabric scrap to the bottom of the tag and cut off any overhanging material or ribbon. | 8. Paint a layer of melted wax over the fabric and ribbon. |
When adding this second layer of wax, try to keep the wax on the fabric and ribbon only so that you don’t build up too much wax over the remaining collage.
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| 9. Fuse the wax layer over the fabric and ribbon to the rest of the collage. | 10. Let your tag cool and then add a ribbon. |
Those are just the absolute basics. Amy shows so many more useful tips and creative techniques—like using old cookie cutters to make recesses in your wax. I can’t wait to try them all. If you’re really interested in getting started in encaustic collage, don’t forget that you can download Amy’s DVD right now!
Also, if you leave a comment on this blog, you’ll be entered to win. I’ll pick one lucky winner at random to receive a little kit with just about everything you need to make your own super tag. (Kit includes: encaustic medium, fabric, ledger paper, ribbon, natural bristle brush, and a large cardboard tag with grommet.) Just tell me if you’re new to encaustic, or, if you’re not new to encaustic, let us in on your favorite melted wax technique. I can’t wait to see your comments. I’m sure they’ll not only inspire my next work, but also the work of many other community members as well. (All comments must be received by Nov. 1—The winner’s name will posted as an update to this blog.)
Cheers and happy melting!
UPDATE: The winner of the Encaustic Kit is community member mcknightpam. Send me your mailing address (jmason@interweave.com) and we'll send out your prize!