POSTED ONJULY 30, 2019 BY BELLA

All About Gel Mediums, Glues and Other Adhesives

Hello everyone,

This is Bela and I am super excited to be a part of Itsy Bitsy Design Team once again this year….

Today I am not here with an art project. I’m here to explain a very important topic which you all must have understood by now from the title.

I am taking this opportunity to explain to you all about what I know about glues in this post. I hope this will be helpful and solve lot of dilemmas and answer lot of queries you have in your head about adhesives.

Usually when we think about glue what comes in our mind is sticking or pasting. However, with the emergence of beautiful art works like scrapbooking, mixed media, decoupage etc. there are several products out there which can not only confuse you but also overwhelm you, when it comes to choosing the right adhesive for different purposes. I also get lot of questions about gel mediums , Deco Magic, and silicon glue when I conduct demos in stores. So without further ado, lets jump into this topic and I hope the details will give you further clarity and help you use glues with more confidence. By the end of this post you will definitely know which glue, adhesive or medium you need to use for which kind of art and craft.

Heavy Gel Medium:

I always get maximum questions related to Gel Medium and since this medium can be used in crafting as well as painting let me cover it first. Basically, heavy gel medium exactly as the name says is used for adhering heavy objects. It is extensively used for mixed media as usually lot of 3D elements are used in mixed media for textures and layering. To stick heavy metal embellishments, MDF cutouts, chipboards, resin embellishments etc. this is the best medium. It dries clear and the bond is very strong. Therefore it holds all the embellishments very well in their desired positions.

When crafting, whether you are using the matte or glossy doesn’t matter. If you use it to adhere then it will go under the element so you can use either the matte or the glossy.

However, when it comes to painting, we can mix heavy gel medium in acrylics to give volume to the paint. So if you are paintings with lot of textures or the project involves knife painting, then the glossy or the matte finish matters. You can choose which finish do you need according to your requirement.

Soft Gel Medium:

Just as the name says, the Soft Gel medium has a slightly more flowing consistency compared to the heavy gel. You can stick light weight things with this. It’s the best for scrapbooking , card making, etc.

I personally use it to give a coat to my pictures in scarpbooking layouts and mixed media. One coat of the matte or glossy, according to your preference can be applied on your photograph which will protect the photograph from the mediums that we use during process of creating the project.

Also, this gel is best for sticking small elements like craft pellets, art stones, microbeads, shimmer, glitter, sand, etc. Just apply the glue on the area and sprinkle the lighter elements on it or mix it along with craft pellets, art stones or microbeads or pearls and apply it on the desired areas with either a palette knife or a brush.

Now lets talk about its  use in paintings. Just like I have explained about the heavy gel medium you can use soft gel medium too in painting. The only difference is that you should use this when you are paintings something flat and don’t want dimension on your paintings. Just mix the glossy or the matte gel according to your preference with acrylics and paint away! It also gives more drying time to the paint and opens a window during which can play around with the colours if needed. You can achieve better shading on your canvas with acrylics which otherwise dries very fast.

 

Deco Magic:

Deco Magic is a premium decoupage glue specifically used for decoupage. It’s available in glossy and matte finishes,  so you can select the one you need. It works well for decoupage napkins as well as decoupage paper which is a little thicket. It is also widely used for reverse decoupage. Other than that, this glue can be used for sticking regular craft elements on to various surfaces.

Silicon Glue:

This is a super strong glue and I reach out for it when I want to adhere something strongly but at the same time want the glue application to be precise. Its so easy to apply it right where you need, even in tiny areas…thanks to the precision nozzle. For small or tiny metals, MDF elements, paper flowers, microbeads, chipboard etc. I often use this glue.

Texture Tack:

This  Glue is awesome and has strong adhesion if you have to stick tiny embellishments like sequins, glitter balls, microbeads, sand, sparkle or any other kind of sprinkles. Apply it generously on to the area, leave it for 15 to 20 minutes till tacky, after that sprinkle any of the tiny sprinkles as desired. Great for mixed media, paper crafting, general crafts and more.

Craft Glue:

Craft glue is used for basic crafting, for example, school projects, DIY’s, card making etc. It is ideal for sticking most craft accessories like crystals, craft sticks, buttons, sequins, ribbons, glitter, papers and general craft supplies which are usually used in school projects or by kids. It is non-toxic and water based so comes off easily if kids get it on their hands and is also safe for them .

Paper Crafting Glue:

This glue again like craft glue is for paper crafting. It is water based and non toxic so safe for children. Spreads easily, best for scrapbooking, school projects, sticking light embellishments etc.

Scrapbooking Glue:

It is acid free and non toxic. The best part about this glue is that it has archival quality and is  photo safe. It dries quickly and is super strong. I absolutely love to use this glue for my art journals. As the name says it can be used for  scrapbooking and other paper crafts like quilling and punch craft because it has a precision nozzle which helps precise application.

Extra PVA Glue:

This versatile, multi surface, extra PVA glue provides strong adhesion to most craft materials. Its concentrated is strong and can be used for any kind of crafting. Best for home and office use. It can be diluted with water for a free flowing consistency if needed.

Glue Gun:

Last but not the least, lets talk about glue gun. Very widely used by loads of people for different kinds of crafting. This is the most popular  kind of glue. There are 2 types of Gun available at the store, battery operated and electric. Both work the same way. You have to insert a glue stick in the gun and switch it on, the glue stick will heat up and the semi liquid glue then comes out of nozzle which can be applied on the desired areas.

Now lets get into the detail. This glue is awesome if you want to do 3D paper quilling, trousseau packing and I  love it absolutely for sticking voluminous flowers and leaves onto my projects as they are bulky but not heavy and glue works perfectly fine to stick them. However very heavy metals, or heavy embellishment cannot be stuck with it as it doesn’t hold them for long. To stick such elements you need something stronger.

With this blog post today, I have tried to cover as many glues as possible and written about them according to my experience. I hope you all find this post helpful and hope it solves your queries and answer lots of questions you have in mind.  Do not forget to share it with your crafty friends as it might help someone use the right product in the right way.

Thanks a million for sticking with me through a long blog post.  please feel free to ping me for any further doubt or query. I would be happy to help.

Love & Hugs

Bela

Decoupaged Guitar Key Holder - Step by step Tutorial

Hello Hello !!!!

This is Bela and welcome again to my blog....
I know I haven't posted in a while as I was tied up with loads of things....

But today i am here with a beautiful project which is decoupaged guitar key holder.

so without further ado here's a quick step by step .....

first take a wooden base of ur choice... here i have taken a wooden guitar shaped key holder...

Apply black chalk paint on it and let it dry completely.

Then apply one step crackle medium and let it dry completely.

once tacky apply white chalk paint and the cracks will start to appear as shown in the picture below.

close of the application. This is how the cracks will  look.

Then choose the tissue of ur choice and start the application by using decoupage glue. I have chosen this vintage tissue with two beautifully cute angels and tiny little flowers....

Few close ups to see the beauty of the cracks seen from under the tissue.... this is what i love about this technique....

This turned out to absolutely gorgeous project... super close to my heart... very very simple yet very elegant, beautiful and vintage.

I hope you love it as much as I do...

do drop in ur comments and let me kno what do u think about it?

Love & Hugs

Bela

Cards, Envelopes, Tags & Mandala using Mandala Pattern

Hello Hello!!!
This is Bela and today my DT post for blog is my favorite artwork .... I think by now you all who know me must have guessed what it is !!!

Yes  !!! I have beautiful cards, tags, envelopes using Mandala. I always get lot of questions as to where i use the mandalas that i draw on paper. Basically it can be framed and used it for home decor as well as meditative purpose. So this time I thought why not make some things which can be beautiful gifts  in useful way to someone who love mandalas.

So lets get started!!!! Its a long post as I have made 4 cards, 2 envelopes, 2 tags and one 12x12 mandala. so total 9 projects...

I have made 4 beautiful and delicate cards using mandalas with amazing Pearl drops.

First card is with whole Mandala . I have taken 6x12" heavy weight card stock and score it in center to make a 6x6" card. Then I used Aquarelle paper pack from the store and cut it in size 5.75 x 5.75 . Stuck it in the center which will leave a crisp white border of white card stock around the blue paper I chose. I absolutely loved this blue for my mandala as its a cool color and it gives me sense of peace when i see it.

I then measured the center point of the blue paper and witch a help of compass , pencil, scale i started building my mandala.  This is how it looks. I drew the mandala in such a style which allows me to add the additional touch of dots with black Pearl Drops leaving enough space around the mandala which will show the beauty of the paper with chevron print.



My second card measured the same . the only difference is I have drawn a half mandala at the right hand side. there is enough space at left to add any sentiment according to the theme and event... Again My design is formed in such a way that i can fill the spaces with dots.



My third card is a gate fold card. Here I took 6x12' card stock scored it at 3 and 9 inch and folded on score lines to form a card which has front opening.  The paper was cut to 5 3/4th x 2 3/4th ( 2 pieces).  So here I drew mandala on both sides which looks whole otherwise.



My fourth Card is my favorite. Measurements are same as first card. I kept it simple as i had already thought of adding a sentiment in center. i drew half mandala on top and half on bottom leave an inch of space between the both. where I added a strip of card stock with the sentiment thinking of you. I absolutely love this gorgeous and delicate design where the pearl drop dots are prominent and make this minimal design mandala complete.



Now We can go onto envelopes.
I made 2 beautifully delicate envelopes again using mandala design.... these measures 4x7" . so my pattern paper was cut at 3 3/4th x 6 3/4th. i used the plain blue sheets for these.  I simply pasted the pattern paper on the white envelope which I made again leaving a think white border for the enhanced look. i made a full mandala in the center leaving the space at both the sides which shows again my pattern paper. this is how it looks.




My second envelope measurements are same as the first. here I drew a beautiful semi circle mandala design with leaves... again keeping it simple so the dots look completes the pattern. I love these envelopes and I don't think i will ever give these to anyone ... ;) :)



Now lets go on to tags... i made couple of huge tags . They measure at 3.5 x 7" now In this I did mandala design only at the corner keeping the whole tag plain. U can fill up the space by adding a sentiment or stenciling or even stamping.... I have kept it simple as i din want the focus away from my mandala. here only outlines are done using the pen . completed the whole design filling up with dot with Pearl drops



The Design for the second tag is interesting... O just drew semi circle fan design and filled it up with scrolls. enhanced the whole look with small to large dots which makes the design look 3D. i absolutely loved this design and I will try and use them in my full page mandalas too.





Last but not the least.... How can I not try these pearl dots on my full page mandala..... My hands were itching to try the mandala with dots but at the same time with very intricate design too... Like I usually do .... The shading on the paper makes my mandala looks absolutely gorgeous.... very intricate design with the dots playing their special part in this one....



 Sharing few close ups...





First of all let me thank you yo all of you for not only stopping by but also sticking with me through out this long post. I absolutely enjoy making mandalas as they give me the peace ... i go into trance while creating these mandalas...  its like meditation to me... so i thought why not give the look a different use altogether .. plus keeping the designs simple n doable so you all can attempt it without any apprehension... usually I create my mandalas on plain black, white or grey paper but using these fabulous papers from Itsy Bitsy gave me a idea how these art works would look on pattern paper too.

Thanks a Million
Love & Hugs & kisses this time
Bela