Materials
~1 bottle Translucent Liquid Sculpey (*Polyform Products) SEE our CRAFT PRODUCTS page to order
~Decorating Chalks (similar to pastel chalks-found at scrapbook, rubber stamp and craft stores)
~Cosmetic applicators or cotton swabs
~Smooth ceramic tile (white is best-found at hardware stores or from neighbors project)
~Extras of empty, fine tip squeeze bottles (**by Jacquard)
~Future floor wax (grocery store)
~Empty fine mist spray bottle (rubber stamp or craft stores, or used spray-on hair gel bottle)
~Paper, Rock Scissors brand of photo safe Glue Stick
~Small sharp, pointed scissors (for baked TLS)
~Lots of paper towels!
~Wooden skewers (usually for BBQ use)
~Large plastic sheet for glazing (trash bag, plastic wrap, paint drop cover, etc)
See featured books from today's show listed on our home page links.
*For additional projects and ideas, dealer locator and more information on these polymer clay related products, visit Polyform online at www.sculpey.com or call them at 847-427-0020.
**Jacquard products (including empty applicator bottles) can be seen at www.jacquardproducts.com
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Gel Art Instructions
Note that TLS starts out looking like a white glue in appearance, but becomes translucent (almost clear) after baking. Thick layers will have a frosted or cloudy look.
1. Squeeze TLS designs onto tile, remembering to make lines thinner and dots smaller than the final desired result. Start with curved squiggles, cabochons (domed circles or "dots") and then try spirals. Practice first, then wipe tile clean and dry before making final gel art. I fill the entire tile before baking sheet. Work from the top left corner down to the bottom right to avoid touching previous designs.
2. Bake in a pre-heated 275-300o oven on the tile for about 15 minutes. Turn oven off, and allow the tile to COOL IN THE OVEN, then remove it.
This prevents a sudden temperature change to
the tile, that may cause it to crack.
Note: Baked gel art is easily trimmed with scissors.
3. Apply chalk colors with applicator to the surface of the line work (see photo at right below). Color will appear more translucent when applied later to glass or another surface.
4. Or, try color tinting white TLS. First, form an opaque (more solid looking) white by adding just a dot of white oil paint and stirring until blended. A little goes a LONG way! Adding a small amount of colored chalk 'dust' to the white TLS will change the color. Simply scratch the chalk surface, and scoop dust with a tiny spoon. Drop into a TLS filled (fine point) squeeze bottle. Slowly stir-NEVER SHAKE TLS-until mixed. Squeeze designs as usual.
5. After baking and cooling colored TLS, you may choose to add the future finish (see instructions below), although this step is not necessary.
TLS TIPS:
~Store squeeze bottles upside down to avoid air bubbles and wait time when ready to use.
~Be aware that color tinted TLS will change color slightly while baking. Making a test color swatch sampler is recommended.
LAYERING TLS
You can make flat shapes (such as pink circle with spiral below), color them with chalk, then add solid white TLS outlines or details. Bake the pieces again for 15 minutes, and when cool glaze as usual.
SECURING EMBELLISHMENTS
Apply a thin application of glue stick to the back of gel art, and press onto project. Wipe away any excess glue that is showing before it dries. This glue remains somewhat repositionable on paper items.
Gel art is completely removable on glass. Simply peel embellishment and wash glass in hot soapy water. Gel art should NOT come in direct contact with food.
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Gel Art Instructions
To glaze your gel art:
1. Fill a mist bottle with Future floor wax. Test spray force on scrap plastic.
2. Place several items on a large work surface that is covered well with plastic.
3. Spray pieces one at a time, holding the bottle close (3" or so) to item. One good thick coat is great for a lasting glass like shine.
4. Allow pieces to dry, and then remove by peeling them carefully from the plastic, watching that thin areas do not stretch or break. Flip gel art over and place on a clean, dry area of plastic so that the back may dry (as liquid may run under the pieces).
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