Book Review: Surface Treatment Workshop

Welcome Back

In today’s post I will be reviewing;

Surface Treatment Workshop

• Title: Surface treatment Workshop
• Author: Darlene Olivia McElroy and Sandra Duran Wilson
• Publisher: North Light Books
• ISBN: 13: 978-1-4403-0824-6
• ISBN: 10: 1-4403-0824-6

My Reason for Buying

I’m a fan of mixed media art and since I have collected more colours and mediums, I was looking for some inspiration as to how to get some of the cool effects I’ve seen people create. When I saw this book on Amazon and the sort of thing it contained, it looked ideal. I tell you this as often a review is based on how well the book lived up to the expectations of its reader, for their purpose

Contents

After an overview of the materials you will need to ‘play along’ the book breaks down into the following sections.

Techniques covers: Additive, Resist, Subtractive or combination.

• Additive; meaning you are adding something to the surface

• Subtractive; meaning you are removing parts or areas of earlier layers
• Combination; meaning a combination of both the above.

Inspirational Projects: Step by step projects, featuring techniques learnt earlier in the book

Resources

Pros/Cons

Pros

• At the start of the book there is useful information about archival quality of the techniques. Not everything shown in the book is intended to or will last for a substantial length of time. Each technique warns you of the archival quality so you know if you use it, whether it is a ‘keeper’ or not. VERY helpful, especially if you were creating art that you intent to gift/sell or put in a memory box.
• You are also advised as to what kind of surface any technique will be suitable for.
• Each technique is given a double page spread. The first page is a photographed step by step, with details for what tools and materials you will need, what surface it will work best on and its archival quality (How well it will last). As well as tips to make the technique your own. On the opposite page there are a number of finished examples, showing the technique used in a variety of ways, there is a brief description of what was used in each one.
• Some of the techniques involve household items, so things you will have to hand
• A variety of techniques to suit all skill levels and ideal for the adventurous, or those who want to be more adventurous but aren’t sure how.

Cons

• There are a few things in there that I haven’t seen in the UK, (no idea what Rinse Aid is?) That said, there is a list of suppliers at the back of the book.

Value for Money

Excellent, like a recipe book for mixed media. If you aren’t keen on attending a workshop at an art store or can’t find a workshop that covers the techniques you are interested in, then this book will save you a fortune! Learn at your own pace and with the colours/materials that you like and enjoy.

Would I buy it Again?

Yes, great for dipping into, or finding out how to use that pot of medium you either bought and just look at bewildered or have heard about but don’t know what to do with.

Summing up

This is a great book for those wanting to get more from their supplies and find new ways to use them. If you are a fan of mixed media then there are loads of techniques in here that will really inspire you. If you already use acrylic paints, then you are likely to have most of the core kit and can just add in a few mediums that tempt you, when you see what can be done with them.

The fact that the book explains the longevity of the technique, is really helpful. If you were creating a special project that you wanted to hand down through the family, this will help you choose which technique will stand the test of time. Not everything you want to make needs to last decades but if its nice to know if it would damage something precious if left next to it

The techniques shown in the book, are suitable for paper-crafters, as well as for wall art and dimensional projects too. A great selection that will help you out of your comfort zone and into the FUN exciting world of mixing your media together.

If you like mad science experiments with your materials, just to see what will happen, you will love this book. If you like projects with layers of hidden colours, textures, and with dimension and want to add more of these to your own style, then this is the book for you.

Links

• Surface Treatment Workshop on Amazon

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Mixed Media Rose Sketch

Welcome Back

Today I’d like to share a sketch of a rose that I created using a selection of Derwent pencils.

Mixed media Rose sketch

The main image was created using Artist Pencils and finer details were added with Studio pencils. Have had these pencil sets for YEARS and at last I’m beginning to get the hang of them.

Hope you like it, I’m pleased with how it turned out. I’ve a lot to learn but this was the best coloured pencil blending I’ve managed so far.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Derwent: 24 Inktense Pencils

Welcome Back

In today’s post I will be reviewing; Derwent Inktense pencils.

Derwent: Inktense Pencils. Tin of 24

Product Details

• Manufacturer/Brand; Derwent/ Inktense
• Item number: 0700929 (set of 24)
• RRP at time of writing: £35.75

Purpose

Quote from Packaging: Derwent Inktense combines the brilliant intensity of pen and ink with the versatility of line and wash. Apply pure, vibrant dry colour then wash the pigment out completely to leave a translucent ink like effect. Once dry the colour is permanent and can be worked over with other media. The possibilities are endless.

Reason For Buying

I went for these set of 24, for the wider range of colours. These pencils appealed to me for the fact they say once dry the colour doesn’t re-activate. I love water-soluble pencils but have struggled when using them, as when I try to overlay colours the earlier layers wash off. I hope to use these for mixed media work as well as quick sketches.

Pros/Cons

Pros

• Love the colour range
• Super smooth application of colour
• Colour mix beautifully if applied in the same layer.
• For a glaze of another colour let first layer dry and new layer will keep its own colour and not blend with earlier ones.
• Able to layer with more colour without disturbing earlier layers
• The 24 are a great mix of colours which you can blend for even more colour options. A great size for location/classes
• The round pencil casing is comfortable in the hand for sketching for longer periods.
• Useful that the lid comes off completely and will sit neatly under the box, while in use. Handy if you don’t have a lot of room.

Cons

The only issue I have with Derwent is the tendency for their lids to come off when you don’t want them too. I took a tin like this out in a sketching bag and when I opened the bag the tin had opened and the pencils were loose in the bottom of the bag.

This was on a different tin but of the same design, by the same company. Now I always err on the side of caution and always use an elastic band around the tin to keep it secure. The lid is easy to remove but it would be nice if it was more secure for travel, as this 24 pencil set is a great size for on the move.

Build Quality

Superb, the colour core is fantastic quality and the wooden casing is top quality and from sustainable forest.

Value for Money

Excellent. Like with anything of top quality not cheap, but the quality is well worth the price tag.

Would I buy it Again?

Yes! I bought the 24 set thinking that would be plenty, but the pencils were so good, like the colour magpie I NEED them all. MIL gave me a donation for my birthday so I’m saving the difference and going for the LOVELY wooden box set of the full range of 72.

Summing up

Derwent: Inktense Pencils. Tin of 24

These pencils are wonderful, the niggles I had about water-soluble pencils are solved by these Inktense ones. I love the versatility that you can use them like regular pencils dry, add water for a vibrant ink/wash effect and work over the colour without disturbing earlier layers. The quality is fantastic, if you are unsure if they are for you, the pencils are available individually so you can get just one to see if you like them.

I highly recommend the set of 24 as the colour range is more versatile than that of the 12s, the pencils are available in the following sizes

Individual pencils, blister packs of 6, tins of 12, 24, 36 and 72. For a special present there is also a wooden box of 72. I have had other wooden boxes and HIGHLY recommend them, not for travel but they are the most beautiful storage and take care of the pencils. Full sets are an investment, its worth a little extra for the wooden box for the security of the case which doesn’t drop open and looks and feels delightful to use.

Can’t wait to see all the things these pencils can do, really enjoying experimenting with them to find out. There are colour charts available on the manufacturer’s website. If you haven’t used water-soluble pencils before there is also a DVD of hints and tips available separately. It’s a great introduction to the media and you will truly get more from the pencils if you watch it.

Try these pencils, even if you can only get just one. They are a joy to use and will take your art in a new direction, maybe even tempt you to sketch outside (if the weather allows). A great partner product to these pencils is a set of waterbrushes. I use the Pental ones. Ideal for use on location and less fuss than carrying lots of kit.

Links

• Derwent Pencils Manufacturers website, colour charts, product lists, tutorials and so much more. Check it out!
• Derwent on You Tube Tutorials on a selection of their products and previews of the DVDs
• Inktense pencils Manfacturers page about the Inktense pencil range, and link to PDF colour chart.

Suppliers

Great places to buy your Inktense pencils

• Jackson’s Art Supply
• Society of All Artists also known as the SAA. They sell art materials, books and DVDs

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Burried Treasure 2012: Video Tutorial: Distressed Background Papers

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Today I’d like to share a past post with you as part of an online art collaboration with Seth Apter’s blog The Altered Page.

As Colour Wash inks are back in fashion here is a video tutorial featuring; Tiger Paper. Tiger paper is my name for the background papers I produce using particular distressed inking techniques.

You Will Need

• Ranger Color Wash inks, in three colours. I use Stream, Denim and Eggplant in the video
• A larger spray bottle of water
• Gloves, this is a messy technique
• A plastic box to spray into
• Blank newsprint or copier paper
• Cardstock
• Mini Mister bottles (optional)
• Sponge
• Plastic mat or similar to protect surrounding areas

***It is important that you protect the area, around your spray box. These inks do tend to spread and any unprotected surface may be inked if you do not protect it ***

Method

Use a variety of different card stocks, each kind will give a different effect. Suggestions for cardstock to try:

• Water Color Paper with a texture
• Mat Board
• Coated card (laser printer paper could work)
• Glossy Card. Works very well.

Project Links

To find stockists of the products used in the film, here are links to their manufacturers.

• Ranger
• Tim Holtz product range, including Color Wash, with colour charts
• Cre8tive Online, UK stockist of Color Wash Inks

Tiger Paper is great fun to make. I hope you give it a try, do show me the results if you do. If it isn’t working for you, try different cardstock. This is one of those techniques where results vary, depending on the card you use.

Do Check out Seth Apter’s amazing blog; The Altered Page for lots of mixed media inspiration.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Tutorial: Brushed Metal Distress; Paint effect

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This is a technique that I discovered by accident when playing experimenting with my new Interference acrylic colours. This paint works best over dark colours so I created a dark background and was layering the interference colour and really liked the effect. With a little practice you can make it look like brushed metal.

Brushed Metal Paint effect, perfect for art journaling and surface decoration

You Will Need

• Winsor & Newton Galeria Acrylic Paint: Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna
• Daler Rowney Interference acrylic colour; Shimmering Gold
• White Mount board
• Plate to mix colours on
• Two scraps of rag
• Palette knife
• Jar of water

Method

• Use the palette knife to apply a layer of Burnt Umber over the whole mount board panel, allow this layer to dry.
• With a rag apply interference gold in ‘grain direction’ as seen in the video and previously in the weathered wood tutorial. Allow this layer to dry.
• With a rag, apply some Burnt Sienna in ‘grain direction’ like you did with the gold. Burnt sienna is semi transparent and will let earlier layers show through but this will warm the colours up and tone down any areas that are looking too bright. Allow this layer to dry.
• Continue to build your layer till you have an effect that you like, if you like a darker tone go back in with some Burnt Umber with the rag to deepen some areas or perhaps create a frame to the piece.

Like with the other techniques, to get the best results it’s all about the blending. Build up the layers gradually for the best results and allow each layer to dry before you apply the next.

Options/Added Extras

Winsor & Newton Galeria is a flow formula acrylic paint, so the finished result will be flat. This makes it ideal for art journals, ATC and pieces you wish to write or stamp over. If you want a more dimensional effect use a heavy bodied acrylic paint such as Daler Rowney Cryla which will add more dimension to the piece.

Experiment with different base colours and mixes for other effects.

Links

• Daler Rowney
• Daler Rowney Shimmering Colours
• Shimmering colours at Jackson’s Art Supplies
• Winsor & Newton

Hope you have enjoyed the video and will give the technique a try, do let me know how you get on. I’d love to see what you create using this technique.

Best wishes and thanks for reading see you soon

Billie

Adventures in Acrylics: Online workshop

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Delightful handmade books with shimmering colours

Welcome Back

Earlier this month I introduced you to Daler Rowney’s Interference colour acrylic paint. I’m still in love with this and wanted to share a few more pictures of projects I’ve created using the paint.

A selection of handmade books with Shimmering colours on the covers

The interference colours are most impressive when used over dark colours, so these books feature black card that I embossed and then used a selection of the shimmering colours over the top. They are tricky to photograph and really pop when you see them in real life, the colours reflect the light so are even more dramatic than metallic colours. Do try some if you can, they are amazing.

Here is a close up on the textile book;

Embossed book with multi colours of interference acrylic paint

So glad I learnt some bookbinding skills, I couldn’t bear to cover up these backgrounds so used them for covers for my hand-made note books. Will be making some more of these as little Christmas gifts for friends later in the year.

Hope you like them and get to try some interference colours soon.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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Embossed book

Welcome Back

Today I’d like to share a picture of some books I created using an embossed panel that I decorated with Daler Rowney Interference colours. This first one features, Shimmering Blue and shimmering gold interference colours.

Blue & Gold embossed book

This one features Shimmering copper and Shimmering Gold; interference colours and the Swirls; Cuttlebug embossing folder.

Embossed book with interference colours

Aren’t the colours just lush! I ‘m looking forward to experimenting more with these paints, I love how they work so well with each other and over a variety of surfaces. Hope you get to try some of this paint soon, its amazing. More pics next week.

Best wishes and thanks for reading, see you soon

Billie

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