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...
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| Agate |
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| Carnelian |
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| Chrysoprase |
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| Goldenite |
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| Goldstone |
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| Leopard Jasper |
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| Lodolite Quartz |
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| Red Aventurine |
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| Verdite Green |
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| Picture Jasper |
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| 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!
Hi fiona, all the information you've put up about using efcolor has been really appreciated. Your base colour on the wonder tape blank looks so smooth (free from ripples), how did you manage it? I'm about to start enameling some jewellery and want to get the best result i can. Thanks, sheena
ReplyDeleteHi Sheena,
DeleteThank you for your lovely comment. The wonder tapes and embossing powders work so beautifully with Efco's efcolor enamelling powders because it's a cool melt enamel (only needing 150ºC).
The key to getting an ultra smooth finish with Efcolor is to make sure you have enough powder on your blank. The most common mistake crafters make when starting to enamel is to not put enough powder on their blank. You shouldn't be able to see any of the copper blank shining through. If you aim for approx 1mm depth of powder you'll be fine. If you use a sieve top on your powder tube you will have more control over it as you tap it over your blank. Don't worry if you find you haven't ended up with a smooth finish due to not enough powder as you can just cover it with another layer of powder and reheat it. It's a good idea to do a couple of layers when you're starting out as it's easier to get your layers smoother that way whilst making sure you have enough enamel on your blank. Basically the smoother your layer of powder the quicker and smoother your melted enamel will be. If you find when it has melted that it has lumps and bumps, just leave it on the heat a little longer (making sure to keep an eye on it) until it finds its level or evens out the worst of the bumps. Again you can always add another layer if need be to try and help achieve a smoother finish.
If you haven't already seen it you might be interested in a YouTube video I did a few years ago on the basic enamelling with Efcolor: https://youtu.be/wRhzHT-Z3s0
I hope that answers your question Sheena, but if you need any more help please don't hesitate to get in touch!
Fee x