Experimenting with Mixed Media

Hello, Blog...long time, no write:(   Although I haven't posted in a while, I have been BUSY playing and creating!   I am LOVIN' the Viva Inka Golds (VIG), the Silks Acrylic Glazes by Luminarte (SAG) and the Viva Modeling Cream (VMC) and just can't get enough of them!   I've been experimenting with each of the products by using them alone and mixing them with other products and am thrilled with the results!   What  have found so far:  

1. VIG mixed with VMC:
• The vibrant color in the VIG comes through in this combination.
• Since the consistency of the products individually is similar, they mix well together.
• Using a stencil and a spackle knife allows for rich texture and application control.
2. SAG with VMC:
• The vibrant color in the SAG is subdued a bit when mixing it with the modeling cream.
• Since the silks are more fluid than the modeling cream, the mixture is a bit lumpy.
• The lumpiness is fine because when you apply it to your project, application is great.
3. Using VIG on it's own with a stencil;
• It works well as long as you give it good coverage
• If using you finger to apply, it takes a bit longer to fill the holes in the stencil.
• If using a spackle knife to apply, just be careful of the consistency of the VIG.  If the jar has been open for a while and the consistency is dryer, apply some VIG to your craft sheet and mix just a little of water and knead it with your palette knife for a smoother consistency.
4. Painting with SAG
• I LOVE painting with SAG because you can transform them into a water color effect by adding a little bit of water to your brush or putting some of the glaze on your craft sheet or paint palette and adding water.  The more water you add, the more it reduces the opacity of the color...VERY COOL for shading.
5. Painting with VIG
• I also LOVE painting with VIG because you can reduce the consistency from a paste or waxy texture to water color consistency by adding water.  I recommend applying a scoop to your  craft mat or paint palette, then dipping your paint brush in water and mixing it with the VIG.  Start with just a bit of water and keep adding until you like the effect.
6. Using VIG on stamps
• I have applied VIG to stamps (using my finger) and have stamped with them and love the effect.
• Because the VIG is a thick consistency, the stamped images are very distressed and exactly the effect I was looking for!
7. Stamping with SAG
• I brushed the SAG on my stamps and really like this effect, too.
• Because the SAG has a more fluid consistency, the stamped images are more pronounced than wit VIG...a very nice combination!
8. Using VIG on other surfaces:
• Corregated Cardboard, corregated side:
• Works great when applied to the raised surface.
• Keep applying layers until the vibrance you want is achieved.
• Can use multiple colors on surface once they are dry (drying time is very short)
• Corregated Cardboard, smooth side:
• Works great, I love the shine and the fact that the corregated texture is also visible.
• Can add more than one color for varied effect.
• May need more than one layer to obtain optimum shine
• Buttons
• Works best on smooth buttons
• Can paint textured buttons with SAG, and once dry, highlight with light color of VIG for highlighted effect.
• Flowers (paper)
• Works well with multiple coats, easy way to change the color of flowers to match your project.
• Fabric
• Lace
• Adds to the texture, use multiple layers for best shine effect.
• Cotton/Linen strips
• Works great, application is very smooth, use multiple layers for best shine effect.

Drying times vary with each application, but you can always use a heat gun to decrease drying time.

 

Here is the project I recently completed: