Thursday 30 June 2016

Further experiments with Efcolor & Wonder Embossing Crystals

Hi Everyone

Hope you're not letting the grotty weather or current political uncertainty get you down and are still finding time to do a spot of crafting. I've been having more fun with the Be Creative! Wonder Embossing Crystals and Efcolor Enamelling Powders...


And I'm loving the effects I can get by mixing the two!


Step 1. First cover the blank with a layer of Golden Yellow Efcolor. Heat on the tealight stove until melted.


Step 2. Cover with another layer of Golden Yellow Efcolor and then sprinkle a little Goldenite Wonder Embossing Crystals over the top.


Step 3. Place it back on the tealight stove to melt the second layer of powder. You'll find that the Efcolor powder melts first.


Then you'll find the smaller crystals will melt, followed by the larger ones. 


(It's rather fascinating watching them melt, lol!)


Step 4. Use a needle tool or fine embossing tool to swirl the crystals whilst the blank is still on the tealight stove.


Step 5. Leave the blank on the tealight stove a little longer to allow the enamel to level out again. Then remove it from the heat and leave to cool.

And here are some more examples of Efcolor and Wonder Embossing Crystals combined on Efco Copper Blanks...


Mauve Efcolor & Picture Jasper Wonder Crystals


Red Efcolor & Goldstone Wonder Crystals


Dark Green Efcolor & Chrysoprase Wonder Crystals


Black Efcolor & Tiger Eye Wonder Crystals


Transparent Blue Efcolor & Carnelian Wonder Crystals

I think anyone who loves enamelling with Efcolor powders will agree with me that these Wonder Embossing Crystals open up new possibilities for creating some spectacular effects. :)

Happy Crafting!





Thursday 23 June 2016

Wonderful Wonder Embossing Crystals

Hi Everyone

Well last week's Efcolor One Day Special on Hochanda TV was an amazing success! I had a fab time...again! They are such a great team at the studios and the viewers are just the best!

On Saturday Justin and Gordon from Be Creative! were there with their Wonder Embossing Crystals and I just couldn't wait to get my hands on them. They work brilliantly on Efcolor blanks with the Efcolor Tealight Stove...



They also work with Efcolor powders too ;) ...


This sample I made by enamelling the blank with a thick layer of Efcolor powder first and then added a few Goldenite Wonder Crystals before replacing it on the stove to melt.

You can also use the Be Creative! Wonder Tape on the blanks when melting the Wonder Crystals on the Efcolor Tealight Stove...


What you will find is that the Be Creative! Wonder Embossing Crystals, when melted, are more liquid and less viscous than Efcolor powders. As such it makes swirling them very, very easy as you can see. :)

If you cover your blank with a thin layer of Efcolor powder and melt it before adding Wonder Embossing Crystals you will find that the Wonder Crystals will sit on the top...


If you want to combine Efcolor powders and the Wonder Crystals it's best to apply a layer of Efcolor and add the Wonder Crystals before you start heating your blank. That way you can swirl the combined powders if desired...


(btw: I'm really pleased this how this blank turned out! I think it looks really cool and artsy!)

For anyone thinking of investing in some Be Creative! Wonder Embossing Crystals here's the range as it stands at the moment...

Agate
Carnelian
Chrysoprase
Goldenite
Goldstone
Leopard Jasper
Lodolite Quartz
Red Aventurine
Verdite Green
Picture Jasper
Tiger Eye

Oh and by the way you can use Wonder Tape with Efcolor powders too if you want...


It acts a like the Efcolor Adhesive allowing you to cover set areas with a thin layer of Efcolor. ;)

So I think I'm going to have a lot more fun experimenting with Wonder Embossing Crystals and Efcolor :)

Happy Crafting Everyone!






Thursday 16 June 2016

What a corker!

Hi Everyone

Sorry for the lack of posts these last few weeks...it's been a somewhat hectic time with various family traumas of one sort or another which has led to little time for me in the studio.

However, I've finally managed to get back there and not a moment too soon in view of the Hochanda Efcolor One Day Special which launches this Friday at 8pm. Here's a sneak peek of some of the new blanks with the new embellishments that will be available on the shows...











I hope you can join me for the shows: 
8pm Friday, 9am, 12 noon, 4pm & 7pm Saturday.

Don't forget you can email the studio if you have any questions for me - I'm always happy to answer them! 
Look forward to seeing you there.

Happy Crafting everyone!








Thursday 2 June 2016

MIA this week, sorry!

Hi Everyone

Sorry I missed last week's posting deadline...a slight family emergency took precedence. Sadly it is still ongoing so I'm unable to post this week too. However, it will be business as usual next week. :)




Happy Crafting everyone!