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Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Stepping up with a "Faux Enamel" Step Out!

Hello, Everyone! I've been busy working on samples, reading and some organizing. Little by little! I cannot believe that it is August. Where does the time go? There have been some people that have asked me about working with the Streuter Gluefoil(tm). I figured it was time to do a step out...a how to! These are so darn addictive to create.

The Basic Supplies
Gluefoil™, Copper,
Streuter Technologies
Grungeboard™ Plain and Mixed Minis, Tim Holtz™ Ideaology
Craft Iron (B68SP), Clover
Precision File Set (MET-643), Basic Grey™
Cuttlebug™ and Dies, 2 x 2 Hearts (37-1213), Provo Craft
Dual Tip Stylus Detail Tip (56067097), Fiskars
Adirondack® Acrylic Paint Dabber, Ranger
Glue Stick
High Gloss Acrylic Varnish,
Liquitex
Niji Waterbrush, Yasutomo


First start out by creating a template for the Amate Studios Pendant Tray. I've been making them with Grungeboard(tm)-they are easier to save, sand and create the most accurate template for additional designs. Mark the top of the template. For the design, I used the smallest of the hearts dies and ran it through the Cuttlebug(tm). It's important to note that Grungeboard is not the "ideal" material to run through the Cuttlebug. It can be done, with smaller pieces, but if trying to run Grungeboard through an Embossing Folder that is the size of the Embossing Folder, you are taking a chance. Just warning you! I also love to use the Grungeboard Mixed Minis that are already the perfect size for these pendants. You'll see that I used the smallest crown and after snipping off an area of the heart, so that the crown will sit flush against the heart. Glue the pieces onto the base with a glue stick.

Cut a piece of Gluefoil just a smidge bigger than the base, the dull side (which is the glue side) facing against the design. The next step is also important-when working with Gluefoil, it's important to use a craft iron-whether it's the Clover Craft Iron or Mini Iron, not a Heat Tool. The iron plate will heat the glue and also help to adhere the foil down evenly. Initially press the iron down (don't move it back and forth) and allow it to heat. Remove the iron and press down onto the heated area with a towel (don't use your hand on the heated metal!). When cool enough to touch, move your finger around to press down the foil so you see the basic outline. Use the large side of a Detail Stylus to outline the design, followed by the smaller end of the stylus. It's better to do this as noted to avoid poking a hole (believe me, if you think you can start with the smaller end of the detail stylus, I warned you!).Go back to using the iron to adhere the "background" portion of the foil down; with the design having been outlined with the stylus, it's easier to get into the nooks and crannies of the design with the pointed end of iron. Follow by adding design to the background of the design as well as with the design itself. This is the fun of using the Grungeboard and foil together, because they both have "give" so that the designs can be further embellished. Dots, squiggles, cross-hatchings...use your imagination! You may think that these are a lot of instructions, but if you know me, I like to give you as much info as I can so that you really understand all the "fine tuning" that will result in your having success in your creations. Also remember that you are working with small pieces, so it goes quite fast! Now the persnickety part. Use a medium and fine grit file (I've been having fun with the Basic Grey file set) on the edges of the design, ironing around the edges again as needed. The key is to make sure the edges are completely adhered down. Filing helps that happen.

Now's the fun part. If you want to just create an "antiqued" look, coat the entire surface with Pitch Black Paint Dabber. Allow to dry for a few minutes, then wipe off with a damp towel, just leaving enough paint in the grooves, etc. that you've created. If using the copper Gluefoil, cover with Pool Paint Dabber; when rubbed off it will create a patina-like effect. What I did for this sample was paint in using a Waterbrush. Just paint it in and allow to dry.

I then very lightly sanded with a fine grit sandpaper, then painted the heart back in so that did not have the entire design looking "distressed."I found that the Liquitex Acrylic varnish works easily and well. I've only used the High Gloss at the moment, but will get around to trying the matte. I like to paint on two layers, making sure it is dry between layers. Glue it in with either a heavy duty glue or Gluefilm(tm), which works extremely well into the metal pendant tray.

When finished, have fun by placing it on a beaded necklace or a simple chain. I call these "faux enamel", and it's fun to make admirers of your jewelry wonder "how did you do that!?"

This technique is similar to what is done with the bangles and some Bind-it-all Covers that I created with Teresa Collins Designs. The key is patience and enjoy where the creativity takes you!

Robin

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Robin, I love it! I just received some of the glue foil and I couldn't remember all the cool stuff you did at CHA. Thanks for giving me all the details. This will replace that nasty metal tape that we used to have to buy at the harware store!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing project! I have never heard of that product before but now I will be on the lookout!

Valonda L. said...

great project, thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Hey you!! Love this idea - thanks for the inspiration!! Hope you're going well. xx

D's Paper Studio said...

I'm in love with your projects. I'm so doing this one.

wendy vecchi said...

YUM YUM!!
This is VERY cool looking!
wendy

Unknown said...

This is so cool - no wonder I have your site bookmarked ;)

I saw a magazine article a few years ago where Tim H did something similar using metal duct tape. This metal looks nice and heavy though. I'm glad you have the links and such a great tutorial - thank you!

Here's some foil work I've done with recycled pie tins:
My Blog (metal work labels)

milkcan said...

Genius! Love the tutorial! I can't wait to get some glue foil!

Sudie said...

What a great tutorial, Robin! I have been loving experimenting with the GlueFoil. I just love this stuff. Thanks for sharing this project.

Nathalie Kalbach said...

This is amazing!!! thanks for sharing! I will definetly try this :-)

Tracy Bollinger said...

You need to tell the gluefoil people you need a commission on sales from your blog :-) I just had to go buy some and didn't even know I needed it.

kelli said...

Beautiful thanks for the directions, going to try it...

Shelly Hickox said...

Wow, the first time I saw this I thought it WAS enameling and didn't read the whole post 'cause I thought it was out of my league! I wonder what the difference is between using aluminum duct tape vs GlueFoil? Is this more durable? I can see I have some experimenting to do!!

Michelle McGee said...

This glue foil is the newest big thing, huh? Where can you get it?

Cindy Gimbrone said...

OOOooo! I'm late to the party but had to write a comment and tell you how much I LOVE the project!

Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hey Robin....
I sent you an email a while ago... hope you received it? Just checking that you're alive and well! Hope to hear from you soon! Take care xx

Anonymous said...

can it be soldered? I love what you are doing with such a simple medium. You are the best, Josie

Paper Patti said...

I just passed the I-love-your-blog-award on to you! Congratulations!

Patti

barbe said...

gorgeous!
I want to come play with you-you have the COOLEST supplies!

Anonymous said...

Hi Robin! Been reading about all your changes, sorry I missed your yard sale (maybe next one), but I have a suggestion that might work for the embossing folder... I read where someone had used a pasta machine and it worked well... I would guess that it should handle grungeboard pretty well since it has different thicknesses and all. Hope to see ya soon around MOCHA. susi

I AM A Scrapaholic said...

Robin this is so cool!
I think I have found my next must try project! Thank you for the awesome instructions!

~Lynn

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing! :)

Anonymous said...

This is such a cool project. I found one of your pendants on the Amate website and followed the link here. These "faux enamel" pieces look so real. Awesome!

http://krakenmosaics.wordpress.com

inge said...

hello Robin,

through someone at All Things Tim I arrived here.... Your project looks stunning ! Thanks for the tutorial on it, cause I couldn't figure out how you did it :)

We don't have the glue foil over here , but maybe I can use some other metal and glue it myself.

greetings from belgium
Inge

web.me.com/pinkepinke