Add Texture, In Color!

Helmar's Textured Effects is a fantastic way to add dimension to a project.  It landed on my "favorite products" list the minute I opened the jar and started experimenting.  In this project, I wanted to use an acrylic background, but I also wanted color to accent the beautiful paper from one of our preferred partners, Cosmo Cricket.  I thought about coloring the acrylic itself, but didn't want the inconsistent look of alcohol inks.  Finally, it occurred to me to color the Textured Effects itself.  It worked perfectly!  I used only a few coordinated products to let the texture (and color) shine.

Supplies:

Helmar Textured Effects
Helmar Premium Craft Glue
Cosmo Cricket paper andchipboard shapes
Colorbox Chalk ink re-inker bottle (Grey Whale)
6x9" acrylic sheet
1" sponge brush
1/2" wisp brush

Instructions:

1. Following product instructions, apply a thin coat of Textured Effects to acrylic sheet using sponge brush.  Allow to dry completely.
2. In a seperate container, thoroughly mix Chalk ink with Textured Effects.   
3. Using sponge brush, spread tinted Textured Effects in a medium-thick layer over half of acrylic. 
4. Pull wisp brush through tinted Textured Effects to create striped texture on acrylic surface.  
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for other half of acrylic background.  Allow to dry completely.
6. Cut patterned paper and adhere paper, photos and chipboard shapes using Premium Craft Glue.

The next time you'd like to add transparent color to a project, try this technique!

Carla Schauer, Helmar USA Design Team
 

Comments

[Tish Treadaway]

Great project, I love the look of texture on the acrylic!

[niki]

what a nice faux finish!

[Lynda aka alrlsmom]

Great project and tips!