Using Beeswax for Mixed Media Art Collage

Beeswax are naturally produced wax from bee hives of honey bees. It's a great medium that can be used in arts. You can use it as a decoupage medium for sticking papers and objects to different surfaces.  Not only that, It can also be embossed to add surface to your art and polish using an oil pastel to put in color.

For beeswax collage, there are several substrate options available that you can use. You can certainly use Wood, Masonite, Paper, Canvas (small gallery wrapped or canvas panel), Encaustic board, Clay board and Metal.

When painting the wax to your chosen substrate, it is advisable to use natural bristle brush because synthetic brushes will melt. And once you use the brush in the wax, you will not be able to use it again for any other purposes since the wax will harden.

You can buy beeswax over the internet or at craft and hobby stores. When purchasing for beeswax, it can be is sold in one or two pound blocks or in bags that contain small pellets.  It can be colored yellow which is natural or it can be white in color- meaning, it's filtered. You can find beeswax online or at a number of craft and hobby stores.  Prices will vary but I usually pay around $11.00 for a 1lb block.  

Try using this medium now for your mixed media art collage!

Image Source: jack and cat curio via Compfight cc

Finding your creativity through Mixed Media Art

If you feel an inner need to create and are not sure where to begin, then mixed media art is a great place to start. Chances are, if you have already found this blog, you know something about this type of art. If you have been told that you aren't artistic or can't draw, you needn't give up your dreams of being creative. 

How do we know that we have an inner need to create? Well, we collect nice papers and object with colours that appeal, and want to bring paints and canvases and ephemera together to turn it into something else. Some people express their creativity through dance or music or writing, but wanting to make art or craft is an equally valid type to artistic expression.

Firstly, if you want to learn to draw, then all you need to do is to decide, get yourself some pencils and drawing paper, and explore the internet for classes or go to the library and find a book. Then finding time to practice is up to you. If your pulse races at a specific craft - scrapbooking, jewellery making, knitting - then you will need to follow those trails.

If you would prefer to get messy with paint, then you'll need a few more supplies and tools, but not many more, plus a space to paint. Then you can read through the articles recommended below and get started:

• Finding your creativity through Mixed Media Art
• How to make Mixed Media Art

Happy creating!

{Photo courtesy of (c) Canstock Photos}

What Drives you Creating Wonderful Artworks?

We usually find fantastic works of art almost everywhere. Some of them are with extraordinary styles with vivid colors and some are with dark tone or shade. Many of the artworks we see display beautiful places, spectacular concepts, and a beautifully created crafts. But what really drives these artists in making their masterpieces?

If you are going to look deeply in their creations, most of the artists designs portray or describes their daily experiences. Just like in painting, you will find a lot of painting showcasing scenery they have personally seen, a painting of lovely women they saw that they can’ t forget.

Another element artists use in creating fantastic creations is their inspirations. Some of them are inspired by their family; others are inspired by their friends. They create wonderful crafts because of their inspiration. If they are inspired they are more likely to create magnificent designs that turns on the attention of every individual who spots their work.

So with all the facts mentioned above, what drives an individual in creating wonderful arts and crafts are their experiences and their inspirations.

How about you, what drives you in creating your works of art?

Using Mod Podge for your Artworks

One of the many important materials you will need when creating your artwork is glue. Glues were patented during 1750, and the very first glue patent was issued in Great Britain. It was created from fish and during those times, patents were quickly issued for adhesives making use of animal bones, fish, milk protein or casein, starch and rubber.

Glues are really helpful when sticking things most especially for artworks since glue can stick different materials you have in completing your projects.

As time goes by, crafters have discovered a type of glue, not just a regular glue but an all-in-one glue. It can be used as a sealer or for finishing touches. It is called “Mod Podge”. Nowadays, most crafters use mod podge for their artworks since mod podge can be easily used and is less messy as compared to the regular glue that we use.

This type of glue is non-toxic and are water base making the mess easy to clean. This glue are famous when creating collage since it’s a good sealant and a varnish as well providing your artwork with a “shiny texture” that’s why they call it an all-in-one glue.

So if you want a clean finish for your crafts and an all-in-one glue, try using mod podge now!

Happy Crafting!

Mixed Media Art Using Rub-ons

Mixed media art is one of many art techniques which require the use of paint, surface, oil colours, board and stickers. A piece of mixed media art is always beautiful to look at as it describes a range of human activities.

A creation through imaginative and technical skills, mixed media art has a large number of followers all over the world. When the final creation is stylish, craft and trendy, the buyer will pay any price for it.

It may take the artist years to perfect his technique before he can start to make a name for himself. The profession demands dedication, devotion, love and concentration and the beginners may find it somewhat difficult.

There are several things a new artist can do to learn tricks of the trade. Visiting useful links online can equip an artist with the desired skills set. Watching mixed media arts tutorials is also another way of familiarising with the latest trends and techniques. For an artist, it is extremely important to ensure his idea is fresh as that is what the viewers will be attracted to.

Using rub-ons is also an excellent method to give a new look to a mixed media art product. Most of us have our drawers full of Rub-on as we are unsure of how and where to use them. These rub-ons can be bought online with ease and they are great for layering images.

What separates mixed media art from other techniques are the unexpected results you get from it. The best way to learn and perfect this art is by playing around with the tools and materials. To be able to succeed in this work, the artist must think as a child or a mad scientist. If he can surprise himself in a good way, his finale creation is bound to be a good one.

Mixed Media Art Techniques

Mixed media is a form of art where more than one medium is required to come up with the final product. A typical mixed media piece is a combination of paint, ink and a surface (board) and a variety of oil colours.

Producing a sellable product is not as easy as it may sound. Mixed media art requires great deal of concentration, focus and above all dedication. Mixed media artists can either sell their creation online or keep them on an art journal. However, it is always tough to come up with new ideas in this challenging profession.

Keeping yourself updated with all kinds of tools can be the key to success. Watching online tutorials can also provide your mental toolbox with enough supply to make an impression. Visiting useful online links is a way to open the doors to new ideas on mixed media arts.

The most encouraging or discouraging fact about MMA is that you are never sure what kind of results you will end up with. An artist will never try to duplicate his work with the same technique, tools and apparatus as no two mixed media art pieces can ever be the same. Even if we follow the exact same instructions and materials, the two products will have something unique about them.

This is what makes mixed media art an extra ordinary and top rated business. The best way to learn this exciting skill is to simply keep playing with the paint, oil, soap and the brush. The artist should try to bring out his inner child to be as creative as possible.

Very similar to a snowflake crystal or a soap bubble, a crafted piece of mixed media art can be joy to look at. It takes some time to perfect this art and the learners are advised to practice planning and patience to achieve best results.

Things to Know about Mixed Media Layering

Mixed Media is a work of visual art. It refers to the work in which more than one medium has employed. When creating a painting using mixed media, it is important that you choose the layers carefully. Make sure that you allow enough drying time between the layers so that the final work will be nice and vibrant. With the help of Mixed Media layers, we can make many effects.

If you are a beginner and interested in mixed media layering you just need to think of what you are going to make. Then using different colors and textures, start creating layers and there is no limit to layers so you can make few layers or a lot of layers. Meanwhile you can also use different items like tissue paper, foil, rice, paints and anything which may create an attractive texture.

If you are confused how to start then you may start with gesso and paints. These two are good materials to use. Gesso layer can also be used to add some texture, creating marks, words, scratching.

If you want to have a good start then choose any two or three colors which goes well together like using black and white. From these humble beginnings great arty things can happen. Next you may use old papers. By cutting them into different shapes and using these for layering seems quite creative. For sticking the cut-out papers you may use glue.

Once your painting and layering stage is completed then you must give a finishing touch. You may search for old items that are not in use like bottle caps, beads which could be used for finishing touch. Once you have finished your wok, leave it for drying.

Enjoy creating artworks!