Looking for a unique way to add texture to your artwork? Try double-sided adhesive. In our “A Look At” column in our May/June 2017 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors, artist Darlene Olivia McElroy demonstrates the effects you can get using Grafix® Double Tack® Mounting Film with foiling, microbeads and more. Check out Darlene’s techniques below and get inspired.
A Look At. . . Grafix Double Tack Mounting Film
By Darlene Olivia McElroy
Whenever I play with a new product, I push it as far as I can. I decided to explore a variety of different techniques and looks using Grafix® Double Tack® Mounting Film. Double Tack is typically used to attach ephemera to collage art, but we’ll take it a step further.
NOTE: Double Tack Mounting Film has a paper backing on two sides, sandwiching a double-face adhesive.
1. Die cut a shape, or cut one by hand. I die cut several butterflies.
2. Remove the backing from one side of the shape and press the sticky side to the substrate. Burnish the mounting film with a bone folder or a spoon, so it is adhered well. Peel the release paper off to reveal the adhesive shape.
Here are some suggestions for adding media to the adhesive shapes:
Transfer foil comes in a large variety of colors; one of my favorites is variegated foil. Apply a foil sheet to the adhesive shape, shiny-side up, burnish as before, and remove the sheet. (FIGURE 1)
NOTE: Foil is actually attached to a very thin plastic sheet, so when the foil is removed from the adhesive sheet there will be a clear shaped area on the foil sheet, and that sheet can also be used in art making. (FIGURE 2)
My fondness for bling is definitely in my DNA. Sprinkle glitter and/or mica powder on an adhesive shape, and push it around with your finger so it covers the entire shape. (FIGURE 3) Remove the excess glitter/mica powder with a dry paintbrush.
I love the extra texture that micro beads give my art. In addition, the beads allow me to create gradients. I sprinkle the beads over the adhesive shape, pat them down, and then apply a coat of polymer gloss medium for extra hold and protection. (FIGURE 4)
To make image transfers, place a sheet of newspaper or a magazine page, image-side down, on the adhesive surface and burnish. Delicately remove the excess paper around the shape, wet your finger with water, and rub the rest of the paper off to reveal the image. Remember that the images will be reversed. (FIGURE 5)
If you clean your brushes, stencils, etc., on the plastic covering on your work surface like I do, you have a great color source. Remove the backing on the Double Tack shape, lay it sticky-side down on an area with acrylic paint, and burnish. The paint will stick to the shape. Remove the remaining backing paper, and apply the shape to your art. (FIGURE 6)
I can’t wait to play with this further. I hope you enjoyed these cool tricks as much as I have.
Check out a few more of Darlene’s ideas in this online extra.
Darlene Olivia McElroy is a narrative mixed-media artist, author, and educator. She loves new products and collecting dimensional objects and vintage ephemera for her art. Darlene is co-author of Mixed Media in Clay: Techniques for Paper Clay, Plaster, Resin and More (with Pat Chapman), and Image Transfer Workshop, Alternative Art Surfaces, Mixed Media Revolution, and Surface Treatment Workshop (with Sandra Duran Wilson), published by North Light Books.
Visit Darlene’s website at darleneoliviamcelroy.com.