Gelatos - Step By Step!

Creativity is something that is a constant thought for me - whether it is paper crafting, tumblers, glitter, or a new avenue that appears in my browser that I venture down thru curiosity.

Another constant for me is COLOR. Everything I do, I do in color - post its, paint on the walls, accents throughout the house - EVERYTHING.

I feel way more comfortable when I am surrounded by color.  It allows me to see things that others don't - sometimes, if you simply change the hue of the filter a new world is opened to you!

Gelatos is a new avenue for me.  They have allowed me to express color, in small amounts, in very vibrant ways!

I purchased a Fabre-Castell Gelatos kit at Michael's on clearance - from $29.97 marked down to $9.97.  I was tickled to find this as I rarely find a great deal in their clearance section that is actually worth picking up - but I keep trying.

This kit came with 10 Gelatos, several different remnants with different textures to try, a brush, a small container of Gesso, and a technique book to guide you in the different ways that Gelatos work.

The booklet suggested several different ways you can use Gelatos, including wet, dry, stamping techniques, textural variations, and making mists.

I read thru the booklet and it was very informative, and easy to follow.  The only thing it did not explain was the fun and delight that using them for the first time would be.

I used the white, smooth paper remnant that came with the kit for my first try.  I first Gessoed it with the Gesso that is included in the package and allowed it to dry.

I then added various colors of Gelatos, in small increments, blending it with baby wipes.  I noticed that the wipes really diluted the color.  When I wanted more color in areas I rubbed it in with my fingers, whetted slightly from the baby wipe.

 I also added a bit of tissue wrap from Tim Holtz's idea-ology Melange collection.  I used glitter Modge Podge to secure it to the remnant of paper.

I stamped the "Giggle" in watering can Archival Ink.  Then stamped it again, slightly offset, in Memento, tuxedo black ink to give it a ghosted look.   The stars were stamped in Watering Can Adirondack ink and then stamped again in another spot (two-step stamping), to lighten the color.

Dylusions spray ink was sprayed over a circle stencil for the polka dot look, and, additionally, around the edges of the remnant.

After the Dylusions spray, alcohol was spritzed over the area for additional texture.

An extra fine Sharpee marker was added to concrete the edges of certain objects/designs to bring attention to them.

I added the remnant to a previously designed art journal page.  It is really striking how wonderfully the 2 come together - and a testament to how similar my style is :).  It is amazing to see how they all work together.

If you are hesitant on trying something new, don't be.  Express yourselves in every and any area that you enjoy!!  Don't be afraid to try something completely new.  The journey and lessons learned are WELL worth exploring!

Thanks again for stopping by to see what I am up to and doing.

Your support is so very much appreciated!

See what others don't and express yourself as much as possible!!

Tumbler LOVE

There are so man avenues that we can use to express ourselves in Art.

Most of the work I do, and most that I don't share for no reason other than I am busy and become forgetful, involves glitter.

One of my favorite works is a nice, burgundy tumbler with a bit of gold.

I have been dabbling in tumblers and cannot wait to share all of the colorful projects that I am working on - glitter or not :)

This tumbler is a 20 oz skinny tumbler that I intend to add a monogram for my daughter.

There has been a lot of talk of custom tumblers erywere you look - but making them is really a work of art.

For this tumbler I applied a VERY thin layer of epoxy (not recommended without proper personal protective equipment [PPE]), and then added the glitter until the "wet" appearance is no longer visible.

The epoxy method is the best way to apply glitter as the least amount of glitter is needed.

The glitters used for this project are Boudreaux and (the BEAUTIFUL) Pandora, from PDB Blanks.

I will show the finished cup/tumbler on my Instagram when it is completed!!  Please subscribe @everysparemoment if interested to see it!!