From Maureen:
No, don't use epoxy over glitter - it will go yellow in time. Epoxy is only used where there are areas of stress - hinges, stands, finials etc not for decoration.
To seal glitter I use Mod Podge. To make your own "glitter glue" take a plastic film container, cut it in half then put about 1/2" GLOSS Mod Podge (not matte) in the container and add a teaspoon of glitter. Mix well then paint on with a brush or use a toothpick if you want a thick coat on lattice. Make sure you keep a brush just for glitter as the little bits will get on your paint work if you use it again for painting. Using the Mod Podge method you can add glitter without it shedding and getting on everything.
From Marg:
I use small syringes for cleanning small eggs like quail, parrot or finch. Break a small hole in the large end of the shell with a needle. You can insert small amounts of air into the egg that will push the insides out. When emptied, refil the syringe with dilute water/clorox solution. Once again, inject air into the shell to expell the water. Repeat several times and wa-lah, clean little shells.
From Tom.......
I use environtex's "Pour On" used to be able to get it almost anywhere. I mix the 1 bottle cap (full) into a small container, then mix with a straight stick, trying to NOT create many bubbles, mix at least 2 minutes. Then using a sponge brush I apply to the egg, covering the whole egg in one session. Use a stick or better those wire jobbies made to hold eggs. Using the sponge you can get a thin coat that won't drip. So I usually do 2 coats seperated by 24 hours.
Often I paint my eggs then apply glitter to the egg finishing off with the Pour On. You may have to wet sand to achieve the smoothness you want and reapply another coat. I've covered my carved, etched, filigree, faberged, enameled eggs with the pour on and am quite happy with the outcome. It does help strengthen the egg.
Occassionally I even coat the inside of the egg if I want that glassy look in there. I've covered the resin figures with it to make them look like porcelain, covered dough flowers, covered wood bases, brass bases, my nails, my clothes, the cats, and even gotten some on Billie.
A little goes a long way, so have several eggs ready to cover, and other crafts as well. After you do it once you may decide only 1/2 cap full from each bottle. I'm talking the set of two small botttles. I believe Sharon Gilliespie and several other vendors from the egger's list also carry it.
From Bonnie.......
I do miniature scenes and have found a nice technique for making waterfalls. I use a small piece of plastic saran type wrap, pull it and stretch it creating ripples . I tack it down to the top of the waterfall and drape it into the pond area. Then you take envirotex and dribble it onto the plastic wrap until it is covered. You can also fill your pond with the envirotex and add decorative things like cattails, lily leaves, old beer cans etc. (Your pond should be painted first to simulate the color of a natural pond.)
On my photopoint miniature roombox page I have a hunting scene where I used the envirotex to make an effective pond. I like this stuff a lot.
From Tina B.
The way I put something on a cloud is pretty easy. (of course there could be a million other ways to do it, this is just one suggestion) I take a regular kitchen napkin or paper towel, spread some tacky glue on it and wadd it up and place it in the bottom of the egg, then I use Christmas snow (Delta or other brand) then place the figurine where I need it and sprinkle a little diamond dust and set to dry over night. Works like a charm!
From Maureen
Many years ago I used to do the lettering on my Christmas eggs in pencil to get it right and then go over it with a black Sharpie before painting them. I found that the ink still showed through the paint sufficiently to be able to be able to re-letter neatly. After painting them I used to then coat them with acrylic car lacquer to get a high durable shine. The amazing thing was that a reaction between the ink and the car lacquer caused the black Sharpie lettering to turn GOLD!!!
Tried it on other colours but no change in them though.
From Sherri-
The silk ribbon can be curled like curling ribbon. Run a dull scissors along the length of it for beautiful ringlets, then tack them to the egg using a very small amount of glue. Makes beautiful tendrils around a silk ribbon bow. |