Beeswax Collage Basics - Pt V

We're in the final steps of our beeswax collage!!

Here is what it currently looks like...

Highlighting Stamped Beeswax Images

Today I wanted to start off by sharing a couple ways to highlight the images we stamped into the beeswax.

For images that have a large stamped surface such as this one...

You can easily paint the image in using acrylic paints...

For more intricate designs such as this image...

You can rub the paint over the image working the paint into all of the cracks and crevices.

I love this particular look...it gives the image/collage a vintage feel.

Cleaning Beeswax from Rubber Stamps

As I mentioned yesterday I wanted to show you how easy it is to remove excess beeswax from your stamps. This stamp has quite a bit of wax remaining on the image... It would be impossible to get a nice clean stamped image if this wax was left on the stamp.

To remove, simply melt the wax with a heat tool and wipe away the molten wax with a soft cloth. Continue until you no longer see any wax on the stamp (it will look shiny when it's hot).

Proof is in the pudding....all the wax is gone and you're left with a perfectly stamped image!

Dimensional Beeswax Embellishments

One last thing I wanted to show you for this collage ~ how to create dimensional embellishments from beeswax.

I am using a Mold n Pour mold ~

Simply pour in the melted beeswax and let it cool.

Once it is cooled gently pull the sides of the mold down to release the beeswax piece.

You'll notice that there is a bit of flashing (excess beeswax around the edges). This is easily removed with a sharp tool or even your fingernail if it's long enough.

Add color to your creation by adding Perfect Pearls...

To add to your collage, add a dot of hot wax

And immediately press the embellishment into the wax.

Removing the Sticky Feel from your Beeswax Collage

If after you have finished your collage and you notice there is a lingering sticky feel on some areas of the collage you can take care of this by dusting with Perfect Pearls or Talc. I prefer to use Perfect Pearls which adds color and shimmer at the same time!

Here is a photo of the finished collage....I couldn't get a photo w/o the flash so it's a bit difficult to see. Tomorrow when it's sunny I'll take another picture in the natural light.

So there you go...

I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial.

I know it took a while and I know some people are over beeswax but there are just so many things to share I would hate to leave something out and have someone get frustrated because I failed to mention one thing or another.

I will put down the brush and walk away from the beeswax for a bit ;) LOL!!

Tomorrow if I get them all typed up I'm planning on sharing a few Irish Toasts since we're only a few weeks away from St. Patty's Day.

Sunday of course I'll have more vintage postcards to share :)

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!