Busy Bees

Jen Matott here with a unique artwork to share!  I am currently obsessed with Encaustic painting and have been experimenting with sculptural forms.  Encaustics is painting with melted wax and it's addictive! 

I was trying to create a "beehive" form with chicken wire and had the idea to dip it in wax but the wax wouldn't stick to the metal because it gets HOT so the wax melted off!  I wanted to cover parts of the wire with tissue paper, which might make the wax adhere better, but the metal kept heating up too much for it to stick.  I was getting a bit discouraged.  I decided to try to use the Helmar Decoupage & Craft Paste to adhere the paper to the wire.  Would it work? YOU BET! 

I used a foam brush to apply the paste to the paper in sections.  I added it to the wire and brushed a bit more on to smooth down.  Once it dried, it shrunk a bit and stayed put!  It had a matte finish and took the wax beautifully!  I was able to brush wax on and it stayed on the paper perfectly. 

Here is a look at the sculpture from the inside.  You can see the chicken wire better and if you are interested in learning more about Encaustic, I will be teaching a class in August online.  More information will be on my blog soon. 

There is a Helmar product for all your adhesion needs!  I was thrilled that the Decoupage & Craft Paste worked so well for this project!!

Supplies:

 Helmar Decoupage & Craft Paste

Chicken wire

Dress patterns

Foam brush

Beeswax

Comments

[TracyM #6773]

What an exciting project Jen!!!

Decoupage & Craft Paste is waiting on my "to-buy-and-try" list, along with Crackle Medium and V2 Vellum Adhesive. My uncle is a beekeeper and I think this would be a fun gift idea, so I will definitely be looking out for your Encaustic class :)