Tuesday 5 January 2010

Metal + UTEE = Fab embellishment!

1. Stamp on Copper art metal (this means is copper coloured aluminium, not real copper....it's cheaper!) using Stazon and heat set it with your heat gun.

2. Position the cookie cutter over the image and using the pointy tool, draw around the inside of the cookie cutter.

3. Leaning on a foam mat, use the pointy tool to trace over the outside lines of the image.

4. Flip the metal over, you now have the aluminium side facing up. Still leaning on the foam mat, use the paper stump to puff out the image.

5. Flip back again to the copper side and this time, lean on an acrylic mat. Use the paper stump to smooth out and flatten the copper surrounding the image, this will make the embossed image pop even more.

6. Carefully cut out the square on the inside of the line and check that it fits nicely inside the cookie cutter, then use the pointy tool to create a nice background. I've done my scribbly, scribbly technique which is basically a continuous scribble or you could do the dotty, dotty thing which is really a hammered effect using the point of the pointy tool.

7. To neaten and flatten the edges, I have used an embossing wheel to create a decorative border. There are no mats underneath my metal for this, just some scrap paper as I want to flatten the edge not emboss it.

8. Place your metal piece on a non stick craft sheet and generously pour clear UTEE over the top. Allow the UTEE to run and find it's own level before placing the cookie cutter over the top.
9. Push firmly down so that the metal cutter is all the way through the UTEE.


10. Allow the UTEE to cool a bit. It still needs to be warm to be able to remove the cookie cutter without breaking the UTEE. DO NOT BE TEMPTED TO USE YOUR FINGER TO TEST THE TEMPERATURE....YOU COULD BE VERY SORRY!! The best thing to do is use some tweezers and tap the surface of the UTEE, you will know when it is set enough as you will not leave marks on the UTEE when set and you will hear the tap, tapping of the tweezers.
11. Hey presto......a beautiful piece that you can use as an embellishment for all sorts of things, even jewellery.


This whole technique came about because I hate filling the back of my embossed pieces of metal. Normally, if something is deeply embossed, you would need to fill the back with a filler to prevent the whole thing from being squished. By covering it with UTEE, the image is supported and therefore, protected by the UTEE.
This leads me nicely to the background, which is another technique to avoid filling!!! I call this the controlled squish!!

1. Take a chipboard shape and cut a piece of metal slightly larger. Place the chipboard on the metal and use the pointy tool to draw around the shape.

2. Place the metal on the mould, use some masking tape to stop it from dancing around and rub firmly over the mould with the paper stump.

3. You will now be able to see the harlequin design easily. The next step is to take the pointy tool and use it just like a pencil and draw around the outside lines of the design.
4. Remove the masking tape and place the embossed metal on the acrylic mat. Now this is the clever bit, we are going to squish the embossed areas (to avoid nasty filling) but will still be able to see the design. So, take the paper stumps and starting in the centre of one of the diamonds, gently rub and squash the metal, working it out towards the edges of the diamond. Repeat for all the embossed diamonds.

5. These new edges that you have just created need refining to give a sharp, crisp line, so pick up the pointy tool again and trace around all those edges to give you a fabulous sharp image.

6. You now need to stick this to your chipboard shape and the best way I have found to do this is to use Humungo killer adhesive.
7. Cut a piece the same size as you metal and stick it to the back of your work. Use some non stick scissors to cut out the tag shape (so you are cutting through both the metal and the sticky tape at the same time). It is best to cut on the inside of the lines.

8. I found that if I cut this in half, I have enough for two tags. Remove the backing sheet and stick firmly to the tag. Use the paper stump to rub each of the diamond shapes, this will makes sure that good contact has been made.

9. Use the pointy tool to do the scribbly, scribbly thing in every other diamond to create a more interesting effect.

10. Paint the edges of the chipboard with a black paint dabber and also apply some to the embossed metal. Use a paper towel to remove the excess paint from the metal but be careful not to rub too hard as this will also remove the copper paint finish!


11. Next for the paint effects. I am using Terra, Ferro and Precious metal paints (gold, turquoise and copper) all by Viva.

12. Apply a small amount of the Terra, which is a type of texture paste, to one side of the tag. The aim is to hide the join where the metal meets the tag.


13. I find that my finger works best for getting texture in the paste. Simply dab your finger up and down and feel the schloop, now known as the schloopy, schloopy technique! Dry with the heat gun. You can add extra texture to this product as it bubble with the heat from the heat gun. Beware of thick areas of paste, you can get some mighty big bubbles!!!!


14. Paint the Terra with the black paint dabber.
15. Apply Ferro to the remaining blank area of chipboard. I used Precious Steel Gold for this as I like the contrast of this colour against the copper metal. I like to spread this out with my finger, dragging it across the metal and also over the edge of the black Terra.

16. I have stamped into the Ferro with a wet rubber stamp. Leandra from PaperArtsy discovered that if you wet the stamp first, it doesn't stick in the Ferro. (You can also do this in the Terra if you want).



17. Now I am applying layers of Precious Metal paint. Shake the bottles really well, there is one of those little clacky ball things in it to mix the paint, the colours of these paints are truly stunning......you'll love them. Use a piece of cut'n'dry foam to apply the paint. If you keep the foam flat, you will just hit the high points....a great effect. I started with the copper, then using a clean piece of foam for each colour applied, I added small amounts of the turquoise and gold.


18. Your background is now ready for your embellishment. Because the surface is so textured, it can be a tricky task sticking it all together. Lately, I have been using E600 which sadly we do not stock...yet....but it is readily available from most good jewellery making suppliers.

Oops....nearly forgot.....I aged my piece of UTEE with a little black paint dabber as it was a bit too orange....I love orange but not that much!!!
Anyway, I told you I had some time on my hands, this was a mammoth post, bet you are ready for another cuppa...I am!!!
Stay warm, Lin x

54 comments:

Gillian McMurray said...

Thank you for a great step-by-step on such a snowy day. I'm in the Scottish Borders and have 17.5 inches of snow. This will be a great project to try today :o)

Neet said...

OMG this is fantastic! Just got to give this a try. Thank you so much for your excellent tutorial - so good of you to share.

Helen said...

What a great tutorial. Shame I'm at work (watching it snow!) and can't play. Maybe by tomorrow I won't be able to get out... hoping!!

Kaz said...

Fantastic tutorial, I will definately be trying this out.
the snow has been here for three weeks now, I am so over it....pah!! shopping centres are closed and that's no good!! LOL
hope it clears up soon, or you enjoy your time off anyway!!

kjjc said...

Brilliant explanation and one day I really will have a go with metal.

sam21ski said...

WOW Brilliant. At least if I get snowed in I know where to come for something to do!!!!

We don't have anywhere near as much as the rest of the country, so I made it to work and back today!!! :o(

P'tite Plume said...

Happy New Year and best wishes!!!
It is fabulous! It has been a long time since I wanted to know how to realize these techniques. Thank you for this sharing!

Andrea - Wales, UK said...

Wow........fab project brilliant instructions. It will have to wait for the weekend though as I made it into work today.Thanks for sharing. A.x

Unknown said...

I can't believe I missed this post earlier ... all that snow and all that work ... am off to play! Thank you X

craftimamma said...

What a great tutorial. I am always fascinated by your beautifully textured artwork. Can't wait for time to play and to dust off my Melt Pot.

Lesley

Karin said...

This is a great technique Lin. I love the UTEE embellishment it was one of my favourite projects at the Artsy craft weekend. If I get snowed off again tomorrow it's going to be on top of my to do list. :)

Isabelle Norris said...

Wow !!! this is stunning !! Thank you for sharing and a very happy new year to you and your family.
hugs from snowy and cold Canada
isa xx

Daniele said...

what a great tutorial Lin it looks gorgeous will try this out another day as I have to still go into work, thanks for sharing that with us and hope to see you soon at the next class can't wait ~I'm becoming addicted to all things inky and messy lol

Sandra Hall said...

Great tutorial Linda, its reminded me of all the techniques you taught at the Artsycraft weekend last November.... now I think I ought to go and consolidate it by playing with some of those lovely products!

DF - Heidi said...

awesome project you being snowed in is a bonus for us we get this post....bet you had to make yourself do some paper work as well!!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous post. I tried the techniques on the tag after your demo at Joan`s shop. So now i will try the metal embellishment. Thank you for the tutorial.
Margriet

becky said...

Love this! Thanks for showing this and the great instructions. I have all or most of the supplies, at least the metal and tools and UTEE but different paints-can work with that. I needed an idea to get me into doing something and this is it. YIPPEE!
becky in Louisiana

judith@poppy cottage said...

Wow, I love this!!! You have explained it so well too, I feel able to just get on with it, and I have no further questions to ask. Thank you so much. I'm adding this post to my favourites as soon as I've added this comment, Judith x

Artmadnana said...

fabulous tutorial Lin - can't wait to play although I've got 150 interim reports to write this weekend! Shame you can't open the shop but you really are due a well-earned rest! keep warm!

Linda M. Cain said...

simply stunning!!!!!tfs.

Linda

Hels Sheridan said...

Cor, Lin, this is AMAZING...again, you have inspired me...guess I will get getting the old melt pot out in the morning for a play...thank you x Hoping your snow isn't too bad now...we have had a fair bit too...I have this daft urge to make a snowman tho LOL .. have a good day x

Nicks said...

I love your controlled squish!
I am with you on the dilike of filling the back of metal, i've used UTEE in the back before now, because I am too impatient to wait for other stuff to dry

Liverpool Lou (Anne) said...

Wow, very detailed and clear instructions but so worth it for us; thank you. Fabulous tag ;) I love your 'arty' descriptions - 'swirly swirly' and 'dotty dotty' LOL Followed your link from Hel's blog :)
Anne xx

Michelle said...

A fabulous tutorial, thanks for taking the time. Your artwork is amazing!
x Michelle

Hels Sheridan said...

Am back again hun...I got messy today and having lost my Mojo, it came home when I created something very similar to your tag...so THANK YOU heaps for being such an inspiration and getting me creating again...loved your tag so much! Hels xx

Lynn Stevens said...

Fantastic project you've inspired me o give this a try!

kanishk said...

This will be a great project to try

Work from home India

Sarah Louise said...

This is a wonderful Project, well done.

I found myself wanting to have a play with metal work but was thwarted by a serious lack of tools and equipment, so i improvised, lol

You can see my first ever metal creation here

http://smellyblog-slcarrington.blogspot.com/2010/02/vanilla-sugar.html

Role on Warrington in 5 weeks time, here i come, lol

Shelly Hickox said...

I'm so glad I discovered your blog. I fell in love with this technique when I saw your Taco Tuesday video. Stunning!

Sue said...

Saw you on Ten Seconds Studio's Taco Tuesday Video from CHA. Loved the technique and love your blog. Can't wait to see more! Sue from CT USA

MarleneMAZ said...

Great step by step tutorials. I love all your descriptions of things, makes me a little homesick as I am from England but now live in the USA. Also saw you demo this on the Ten Seconds blog.
Glad I found your site !

Art By Wanda said...

Loved the video on TTS!!! And I love all the extra details you've included on your blog!!!! The tag is GORGEOUS!!! and I can't wait to do something inspired by you!!!

Unknown said...

Very cool tag! Thanks so much for the excellent directions! Looks like a lot of work, but the end result is well worth it!

KAT said...

This is stunningly beautiful - I love the technique with the texture paste and the paint.... Amazing and thanks for sharing!

Cher said...

well this is totally gorgy..luv your tutorial and video..now to find those paints! I love the look! but...then I have to buy molds...and metal...and...see what trouble you are getting me into! lol...ty for sharing

Kathy2eggs said...

Fabulous look, I can't wait to try it. Four gold stars for a clear and detailed tutorial. Excellent use of the paint!

inge said...

hello Shelly,

thanks for this tutorial : I haven't used utee much, but this looks great on the metal.

The combination of the both techniques give a very special tag as a result. Well done !
greetings from Belgium
Inge

inge said...

hello Shelly,

thanks for this tutorial : I haven't used utee much, but this looks great on the metal.

The combination of the both techniques give a very special tag as a result. Well done !
greetings from Belgium
Inge

Kella said...

This is very cool, thanks for sharing all the steps.

Anonymous said...

This is a fantastic tutorial,would really love to have a shot at this,but like some prvious posts I need to do some shopping first!!!!

Kay said...

AWESOME!! Thank you soooooooooo very much for taking the time to do this tutorial!!! Step-by-step I was hoping it didn't stop and we learned the whole process!! Thanks for sharing and I can hardly wait to try!! Smiles & ♥♥, Kay

Carmen said...

Awesome tutorial! I just bought some copper sheeting and am looking for projects to try.

Looks like I need a few tools first! LOL. It always ends with another trip to the store...;)

Couleur Papier said...

Thank you for the great tutorial

Celeste said...

This is a fantastic tutorial. I saw this on Youtube somewhere too, but cant find it now. Can you help?
Thanks Celeste

Puan Sri Toh Ee Siew said...

Fabulous tutorial. Can't wait to try. Thanks Lin.

Yogi said...

fabulous tag and tutorial. Looking forward to trying it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing a step by step way on making a good art out of metal. I wonder if I can make use of my nickel alloys or my perforated aluminium. I have some left from my dad. I hope I can make them an art! Thanks for sharing.

NaturalScrap said...

Thank you very much for the tutorial. You've always been an inspiration for us. Kisses and see you soon. See you in February. From Naturalscrap Scrapbooking en Barcelona

andrea said...

very cool thanks, what brand is the harlequin mould please?

Kate Palmer said...

OK - I LOVE THIS. WOW the tag turned out stunning - I thought I owned almost one of everything but the products here are all new to me, I will need to do some online shopping I think and then try this for myself. THanks so much for your wonderful tutorials, you're one of the blogs I follow for my art fix!

Kerrie G said...

I've just got my hands on a same pot of utee and was looking for some inspiration on how to use it. I love the tag, it seems that it may have taken a while to make but the end results are worth it.

Thanks for the inspiration

Tammy Tutterow said...

Oh my, that tag makes me simply speechless!

Shirley said...

This is absolutely GORGEOUS! I love it so much. I will be giving this a go very soon.

Paula J Atkinson said...

Saw this on Pinterest & it really caught my eye. gorgeous piece of art.