In the spirit of Halloween, I want to share a fun "trick" I discovered with Helmar Textured Effects while making this Halloween Door Sign for my home.
You may remember a post I did a few months ago, where I made a canvas and used the Textured Effects with a paintbrush over a photograph to make it look like a painting. This time, I'm doing something totally different which I think you're going to like.
Textured Effects looks just like really thick glue, and it dries perfectly clear. Due to its viscosity, Textured Effects will hold whatever shape you apply it in, which is what gave me my idea.
To complete this project you'll need a jar of Textured Effects and a popsicle stick, and whatever product you want to use from your own scrappy stash. I used the new "Twilight" collection of papers from Helmar Preferred Partner,Pink Paislee. I also used some Stickles and chipboard Thickers.
Dip your popsicle stick into your Textured Effects and scoop out a pea sized "glob" - I do believe that's the "technical term". LOL.
Grab a chipboard shape or letter. Using the popsicle stick, smear the Textured Effects (again, stop me if I'm getting too technical for you) over the piece. Tamp the stick up and down so that you get alot of bumps and texture - you do NOT want your application to be smooth.
When you're finished, your piece should be completely covered with Textured Effects and look something like this...
When it dries, it will be completely clear. Your piece will have a really cool look, almost like tooled leather. You can highlight the texture by applying a light coat of perfect pearls or some other pigment powder to bring out the cracks and bumps, or you can leave it as it is. I left mine and was very happy with the result. It adds a really shabby, almost distressed look to my chipboard, which is EXACTLY what I wanted for this project.
So that's my trick! If you want a real treat, go get yourself some Textured Effects and try it for yourself.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time,
Marci :)


Nice project, Marci, and I loved the technique!
Posted by: SherryG | October 20, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Great technique Marci!!!
Posted by: Lynda aka alrlsmom | October 09, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Marci, this technique is CRAZY COOL! I am going to start experimenting with this stuff! Super cute sign, too!
Posted by: Reel Girl | October 06, 2009 at 04:21 PM