Saturday, November 12, 2016

Another look at beeswax


I decided to try finishing the wood piece I started on Thursday.  My back had started to hurt after standing for a little over four hours while I shot the tutorial, so I was glad to get back to the piece and finally "finish" it. 

I left the beeswax collage in this condition when I quit, and now I'm ready to add a few embellishments.  I brought a pan pastel and a "dabber" to spread the chalk-like substance.  Yes, I normally use these feminine products I raid from my bath to spread the pan pastels on my substrates.

But this time, I used my finger to spread the pan pastel around.  I also used my finger to add the mica powders I applied to the collage.  All I had to do was place the powders on the collage, then heat the beeswax.  All the powders soak in nicely.

I also finished both sides of the wood block, but don't really care for the final dictionary page I used.  I wish I'd left if off, but after I added the mica powders, I thought it would be too difficult to remove and rework.

You can see from the arrows where I placed each of the powders.   Once I was "nominally" pleased with the finished project,

I used a soft rag and buffed it till it had a nice shine.  I'm now calling this piece finished and ready to give as a Christmas gift.


Thanks for joining me today as I call this beeswax collage finished.  This is Day 12 of AEDM.

13 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

The finished piece looks fabulous, you did a great job here, and I can understand your back was hurting after working for 4 hours. Great make! Have a fun day, hugs, Valerie

Helen said...

I've never used the beeswax pellets I bought years ago, as I don't have a lot of space (ahem) for my meltpot when I'm crafting (and I don't want to spread to the kitchen) I love your final project, it makes for a beautiful gift.

chrissie said...

It looks terrific Elizabeth and will be a beautiful present

Love Chrissie xx

Meggymay said...

The finished project looks fabulous, I'm sure whoever receives it as a gift will be thrilled.
Yvonne xx

Cindy McMath said...

I think this is wonderful. I enjoyed reading your initial tutorial too. I love that you don't gloss over the things you don't like and change. That is so important for people learning something new - that they can keep going and work through those things rather than just chucking the whole thing. Love the finished piece.

My name is Erika. said...

Wow! This is gorgeous! I see you covered over the doily, but I love the old pages.Wax works great with those old pages, making them a bit translucent which makes a wonderful collage. I bet those mica powders give it a wonderful sheen. Its a cold morning here, but yesterday we had 40 mile an hour winds so I am glad its calmed down a bit. Have a great weekend! Hugs-Erika

Jeanie said...

It's a fabulous piece, elizabeth. I love how it ended up and the wax is just the perfect finish. Aging them, giving them so much soul. Someone on your list will be lucky indeed.

froebelsternchen said...

It turned out beautiful - a fabulous gift now!
Thank you for the inspiration to use the pastels and the mica powders.. I have some mica powders since decades and don't use them.I always hate that they fly around everywhere even though I have this special soft ranger paintbrush as well to bring them on.
But when I will do something with wax next time I will try this out - thank you dear Elizabeth for the insoiration!
Happy Sunday!
oxo Susi

Sandra Cox said...

The finished product is great! I really like it.
Also like your fingernails.Grin. I have short stubbies:)

pearshapedcrafting said...

This is really gorgeous and I love colour you added! You certainly got a good shine on the whole piece! ….Something else…...I thought I had longish nails but now I have nail envy! I'm looking forward to playing with some beeswax once I've got a couple of things out of the way! Hugs, Chrisxx

Anonymous said...

Collage looks fantastic and the mica powder justs adds that hint of sparkle. I love waxing the collage, something utilitarian and pleasing about polishing the wax. Love that smell too. xox

Rita said...

I've always been fascinated with using beeswax with art journaling. Your posts are inspiring! :)

NatureFootstep said...

amazing what you can do :) Looks so nice :)