Helmar Creative Team

New Studio Decorating with Helmar

Hi, Veronica here today and I am excited to show you some photos of my NEW STUDIO!  It's taken me a while to finish organizing and decorating, and today I am adding some finishing touches using Helmar adhesives!

 

I decided to decorate my room with some "V" initials and picked out a wood piece and also a paper mache piece to decorate today.  I have two spots in my room that need a little "something" and these "V's" will fit in nicely.   So I start off with two of my Helmar products.

Helmar Decoupage

Helmar Crystal Kote (matte varnish)

I start off by designing the base of both my wood and my paper mache "V" projects.  Below is my process using photos and some commentary.

 As you can see above my first "V" is the paper mache.  Using the Helmar Decoupage and craft paste I slather on the surface then I laid a piece of burlap that I purchased at Jo Ann's fabrics.  I have been trying for an Industrial chic look in my new studio so I am decorating as such with burlap.

 

Now that the base is finished on my paper mache "V" I am moving on to the green wood "V" I found on sale.  I will finish the base on that one also before I start embellishing both. 

On my wood piece I wanted to use some yellow because my studio has splashes of yellow as my highlight color.  I also wanted to have some burlap on my "V"  for that Industrial look and also to match my paper mache piece.

The Helmar Decoupage and Craft Paste works well on wood, just make sure you spread the glue evenly and then rub out any air bubbles after your paper is adhered to your project.

 

 

To fill in my edges I painted some gold gel medium on my project then I sprayed it with Helmar Crystal Kote Matte.  I did this to assure that the gel paint and also the delicate paper doily would not chip or fray.  The Helmar Crystal Kote Matte is a fabulous sealant, its clear and does not leave a sticky residue.

 

Next comes the layering and placement of my embellishments.  In order to do that I like to use Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.  

 

 

Next I need to gather my products to start layering and designing.  For a list of these products please visit my blog at Kitsnbitscraps

I can give you my tip for embellishing - bring out what you think you might like and be sure to have a color scheme in mind before doing so.  Then just arrange and re-arrange your embellishments until you like it.  It is ok to walk away from your work if you get frazzled about your placement.  Sometimes you need some time and space to come back with a clear head and a better idea of what you are looking for.

 

If you are looking for a room décor using initials and embellishing them with Helmar is the way to go.  I love how my "V's" turned out.  Below are some photos of my new studio.  If you would like to see more studio photos please visit my blog.

 That is a photo of my little girl (well not so little anymore) Vanessa. 

 These are photos of my mom and my daughter.  Below are some photos of my studio.

 

Thank you for stopping by ... happy crafting

Organization Envelopes

Hi, I am Sharon Estes, a Design Team member .  I was at a loss this month I had two post for Helmar and Ideas had taken a break..   I looked around my smaller craft room and all my stuff was just laying around and I had so much pretty scrapbook paper and I receive so so much happy mail and I make a lot of happy mail to send .

Wow this pop in my head this place need some Organization...I thought why not make pretty envelopes to store my ATCS and TAGS and NOTES and I could go on for ever.  I just had time to make three envelopes for my most important projects.  I am going to show you how to makes these using our great Helmar Tacky Glue.   I used some great scrapbook paper from a purchase from a stash sale, and I had the Wahsi Tape, and the ATC card was received from a swap, as was the Tag .

Step 1. 

 I made a pattern of the size of the envelope I wanted to use and cut out my double sided scrapbook paper so this is the inside of the envelope .

Step 2.  I glued the envelopes closed with the great Helmar Tacky Glue and after you run the small bead of glue smooth before folding to leave a smooth finish. Then I add the Washi tape around the edges. I used the Helmar Tacky Glue to hold the tape in place.

Step3. I embellished with some of the great elements I found with the scrapbook packets. 

Here are the Pictures of my procedure.

Hope you enjoy making your Organization Envelopes for your studio or home desk.

 

Using Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots to Position Flowers

Hi Helmar fans, it's Tracey here to share a mixed media layout with you today. Our youngest daughter, Maria, has spent time in beautiful Montana country. She loves the wide open spaces. I've created a layout with this photo of her and her Australian shepherd, Tori, on the snowy prairie. I just adore the contrast of the golden prairie grass against the winter sky. 

 

Flowers of all shapes and sizes are often found on my pages as you see on this layout. Arranging and positioning them can be a challenge. One of my favorite Helmar products, Liquid Scrap Dots, makes this much easier. This thick, slow drying adhesive allows me to position flowers that look better turned at an angle and also allows me to pop up other flowers to better fit into the cluster. So let's take a look at my layout and how I've used the Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots.

"Wonderful World"

 

Tips and Techniques

 

It's so easy to use Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots. Simply squeeze a nice size dollop onto the back of your flower, then place it into your cluster. Because it is so thick, you can position your flower just how you want it. In case you're wondering, it adheres well to mixed media backgrounds.

 

It does dry slowly, so when using Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots, I typically arrange my clusters in the evening and let them sit overnight. By the next morning the adhesive is set, and the flowers won't move around if you bump them while applying the finishing touches to your project. If I'm eager to finish my project, I work around the flowers then when done, go back and re-position any flowers that may have been nudged out of place.

 

I've tilted and arranged flowers with Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots.

 

I like to think outside the box. The "fence" chipboard pieces on either side of the photo are bird houses. The grid design looks like an old wooden fence. I just tucked the curved top part under some flowers.

 

Helmar Super-Tac EVA Glue is a strong, thin glue that dries perfectly clear, so it's perfect to brush around my clusters. While wet, I sprinkle lightly with chunky glitter and microbeads, to add a touch of sparkle.

 

I've also used the Helmar Super-Tac EVA Glue here two ways. I brushed the wildflower chipboard liberally with Helmar Super-Tac EVA Glue a little at a time and used tweezers to apply seed beads to give dimension to the flowers. 

 

I like to experiment and had a bit of an accident with clear crackle paint. I applied it over tissue tape and discovered that once dry, it doesn't adhere well to the tape and was chipping off. I lightly (and carefully) brushed Helmar Super-Tac EVA Glue over the loose crackle. Problem solved ~ the crackle isn't going anywhere now.

 

Larger items that lie flat like my chipboard "fence" and butterfly are adhered with Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

 

A drop of Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive for each of these little blossoms and leaf holds them in place.

 

Although the resin flower was self-adhesive, it didn't stick well to the painted surface, so a drop of Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive keeps it secure.

 

I hope you've been inspired to try out

Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots on your next project.

 

Thanks for stopping by today!

 

~ Blessings ~

 

 

Helmar Product List

Liquid Scrap Dots

Super-Tac EVA Glue

 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

 

Please stop by my blog for a complete product list HERE.

 

Owl Canvas

It was my daughters birthday recently and I was going to do her a painted owl card. Then I remembered that I had all these cute little chunky canvas's (6x6 inches or 15 x 15 cm and 1 1/2 inch or 3 1/2 cm sides) and thought I would make her card, a little canvas instead. 

 So first I painted over the canvas with Gesso, then I used my Kaisercraft doily stencil and used more Gesso through the stencil. It gave my background some great detailed texture on the top right corner.  

I cut some book paper in a hill shape so my owl had somewhere to stand. I used the Helmar Decoupage and Craft Paste and glued that to the bottom left corner. I then painted my background with DecoArt Americana paints in Lemon Yellow, Sea Breeze and Orange Flame. I added some more stenciling with a TCW Mini Mums stencil. That orange flower on there is great it really pops. It was time for some more little dots of white with some Gesso and a Finnabair stencil. Then the last bit for my background was a few Kaisercraft stitching rubons in black and white. I made sure to go over my rubons with the Helmar Decoupage Craft Paste to seal them in and make sure they will not come off. 

Next step was my main image. I drew my owl on  book paper, then I painted him with Gesso and gave him green highlights with DecoArt Advocado dip. Its a lovely shade of green. I toned it down with more Gesso so it was just the edges that were highlighted.  I then drew all the details in with a Stabilo pencil and went over them with a waterbrush. Added some little doodles with pens in black and white.

 I positioned him on the canvas so I could see where to draw his feet and legs. 

 Then with all of my collage images I always do these 3 steps. I use Helmar Decoupage Craft Paste and the great little red glue/paint spreader. I put glue where I am going to put my image on my canvas and then on the back of my image. Then I place the image on the canvas and smooth with the Glue/paint spreader. This gives you a well adhered image with no bubbles. 

To finish my canvas I used 2 coats of the Helmar Crystal Kote Matte varnish . This gives your canvas a fabulous seal and protects it from dirt, dust and fading.  I wrote on the back of the canvas like it was a card. My daughter loved her little chunky owl canvas, birthday card. 

Brave Wings with Tamiko

Hey folks, Tamiko here!  The more I get into mixed media,  I see even more things to buy to create with.  I need to keep my supplies to a minimum because things get pricey. Today was the first time I created a mixed media canvas concentrating on the use of my Helmar products.  I was pleased with how it turned out, check it out.

 

I started out by using the Helmar Decoupage and Craft Paste, a collection of torn pages and a canvas board.  I covered the board with paste, then placed the papers and covered them with another layer of decoupage paste.  Before it was dry, I added texture to the drying paste by using my palette knife to scribble markings.  I apologize, for the life of me I was unable to get a clear picture, I think it was too much white.  Camera's don't like white.  ::shrugs::  I also added a little gesso to tone down the busy papers I had chosen, that places them moreso in a faint-like background.

 

   

 

I used a number of gelatos to color the background.  Then I began building my girl on the canvas. I took some Prima paper strips and I wet them.  I wet them because they are not thin papers and I needed them to be a little bit more flexible (not super wet, just damp). I wanted to create few ruffles for a dress.  The ruffles and dress pieces were then adhered to the canvas with Helmar Premium Craft Glue.  It tacks quickly, but it allows some adjustment time; and dries clear, awesome combo.  Also used this to adhere the quote: SHE FLIES WITH BRAVE WINGS.

 

 

Then I decided to place some wings on my girl.  I wanted to layer them and prop them up.  I used Helmar Liquid Scrap Dots because they add that dimension I was looking for.

 

Here are a few more shots of my finished project.  See how the scribbling I did in the paste within the few layers pops and ad texture?  I really like that!

 

See how the finished wing lifts from the canvas and just enough dimenision that it casts a slight shadow between the wing's layers?

 

I have been doing research and learning a few recipies.  I have come to the conclusion that no matter what type of art you create when you have good adhesive products you can produce quality projects beyond your wildest dreams.  Glue with a few other choice ingredients can help you create gesso, modeling paste and a host of other products.  If you are going to spend money on things that you need to be able to use for all your crafting needs, make that a product from Helmar!

Paintbrush Repair

Hello Helmar friends! Martice here, sharing a quick DIY  for repairing detached paintbrushes.

Do you have paintbrushes that look like mine? Ok, I'll confess: these are the really inexpensive kind. You know, the ones in the kids' craft section in art supply store? Yes, I have a few of 'em too!

I like to use these as texture and mark-making brushes but NOT for detailed work. Why? Because the bristles are too limp and they have a tendency to fall out. Not cool, is it?

The photos below are easy to understand but I want to share a few pointers and introduce you to Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant if you haven't heard of it before.

Some reasons why the ferrule detaches from the wooden handle:

• if you let your paintbrushes soak in water jar too long, the wood expands (acts like a sponge) and loosens the glue inside the ferrule.
• naturally happens in humid climates
• tapping the brush too hard during cleaning
• A sign that your paintbrushes may be too cheap. This has been the case for all of my craft brushes that have done this. (I've heard expensive brushes have this problem, as well.)  

Silicone Adhesive Sealant is great because you don't have to worry about it loosening up like regular glue. There's a super tight, waterproof bond and it's permanent! According to the packaging, it is a multi-purpose, industrial grade sealant that dries clear and flexible.

Can be used on: paper tole, aluminum, powder coated metals, stainless steel, glass, most woods and plastics, canvas, porcelain, rubber, concrete, cement products, metals like zinc and copper.

Here's my simple method on how to repair paintbrushes…and no, you don't need to throw them away.

Let's recap:
1. Always ensure surfaces are clean, dry and free from dirt and grease. Do not apply sealant to wet surfaces.

2. When applying sealant, ensure that sealant bond has good surface contact. (Secure cap immediately otherwise a cured plug will form in the top of the tube making it difficult to use the product again.)

3. Reattach the ferrule with its handle.

Sealant will ooze out of the ferrule. Wipe away the excess. Helmar Silicone Adhesive Sealant sets within 10 minutes and cure in 7 days.

Remember, when purchasing art supplies, you get what you pay for. You can't always expect cheap products to yield superior performance. Invest in a couple of high-quality brushes, when you can. You deserve the best!

Tweet nesting

Hi everyone, Sandee here with a cute and whimsical little project for you today. I admit I love birds and bird nests and one thing led to another and there I was up-cycling this cute little bird and her fanciful nest.

I began my prepping the nest by painting it blue and adding a little shimmer to it it. After the paint dried I stitched some beads directly into the nest twinning them throughout.

 

Next I wanted to add some small colorful feathers and learned quickly to add the glue to the object and then lay the feather on top of the adhesive. You can mess up a feather in a heartbeat by putting the glue onto the delicate feathers. However, Helmar Craft Gluewas superb for not showing through the feathers or gumming them up in any way!

And these tiny feathers were very delicate!

I also used Helmar Craft Glue to adhere the feathers on the body of the bird using the same technique of putting the glue on the body of the bird and then laying the feather over the top. I also used a little bit to secure the birds legs into the nesting material to make sure she doesn't topple over. I used Helmar Gemstone Glue to give the bird some sparkly eyes for a finishing touch by adding some small rhinestones.

Thanks for stopping!

Carte Postale-New layout using Helmar glues!

Summer is in full swing and the earth is in its full glory.  Kathleen here with another layout I created using my favorite Helmar products!

 

 

I love the bright red on this train.  It reminds me of all the bold summer colors of blooming flowers and since this picture was taken in France I decided to use Graphic 45 French Country paper collection.  I started by using a mask(made with  Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue , baby powder and white acrylic paint)  which I would later paint.

  Next I used my favorite Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue  to apply cardboard to the back of the post card size pieces that would frame around my picture.  This builds up layers on your layout where you can tuck bits and pieces underneath.

My chipboard triangles were given gesso on one half then painted giving them a weathered look.  The clock hand chipboard pieces were embossed then touched with paint.  All of the chipboard received  a thin band of  Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue and then tucked and stacked around the picture. Bits of lace, drywall tape and cheese cloth were added for texture and interest. 

 

 

A close up of the chipboard.  I also scattered a few gem stones and sequins and adhered them with Helmar Gemstone Glue.  I know they are going to stay!  Love these glues!

The chipboard, flowers and clock resin were all glued down with Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue.  

Thank you for stopping by and I hope I have inspired you today.  As always, when starting a new project make sure to reach for your Helmar products! 

Papers

Graphic 45-French Country-Grandeur, Sunflower,Bon Appetit and 6x6 pad

 

Embellishments

Graphic 45-French Country- Chipboard

Creative Embellishments-triangle and clock hand chipboard

Robin's Nest-Robin's Egg glass glitter

Stash items-twine, lace, flowers,gem stones, cheese cloth, dry wall tape

 

Paints

 Shimmerz-Peppermint Twist Inklingz, Sunset Strip Vibez

dylusions-white linen ink spray

Lindy's Stamp Gang-Ocean Breeze Blue, Morning Glory Azure embossing powder

Heidi swapp-Mustard color shine

 

Adhesives

Helmar Gemstone Glue

 

Helmar Craft & Hobby PVA Glue

Upcycling Home Decor

Hi all!  Nicole here for another home decor idea.  I recently have been adding to my gallery wall above my craft/office alcove that is just off the living room.  It's a big traffic area of our house and I hope that people when passing through look at my wall and not the mess that may be on the desk . . . I can hope right? ;)

Today I wanted to show you how I put together this fun wall decor piece that I'm still trying to decide where I want to hang on the above wall.  

I recently picked up a set of frames at our local discount store.  It kind of reminds me of a dollar store, but better and often has some great home decor items.  The set included three white frames and two 6x6 square decorative items that were made to overlap the frames to hang in a little boys room.  At first I thought I would toss them and then the crafter in me thought otherwise.  So glad I kept them. 

I started with a piece of chipboard (cut to fit the top of the "canvas") and ribbon.

I cut eight lengths of ribbon that were about 1.5 - 2 inches longer than the width of the chipboard.

I took each ribbon and laid it onto the chipboard and bent the ends over to the back and glued them down using Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

The width allowed me to lay four lengths of ribbon side by side along the chipboard piece.  Here it is with those four lengths of ribbon and the ends firmly glued to the back of the chipboard.  

Now the other four pieces of ribbon you'll weave in and glue those ends onto the back.  Alternating each ribbon to create a checker board effect in the ribbon. 

The finished front and back.

I now glued the chipboard piece to the canvas piece using more Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.  

Press the chipboard into the glue and set aside to dry.  

As the finishing touch I cut with my silhouette word art from black glitter card stock.  

Because the woven top of the ribbon has a little dimension to it I attached the die cut words with Helmar Scrap Dots.  It raised the die cut just enough to stand out from the ribbon to make it pop.

Here is the finished canvas.  

This little canvas took about 30 minutes from start to finish.  What a change from that little dump truck right?!  I hope I inspired you to up cycle some of your own decor.  Thanks for stopping by the Helmar blog today.   

The Bank of Hot and Cold Running Ideas

Greetings, creative wonders! Jenn, here, with a decorated graph-paper composition book, just ready to fill with all sorts of ideas.

School has already started back in my county, which means that back to school supplies were showing up in stores shortly after school let out. Now, I don't mind this at all because if there's something I love to browse more than office supplies, it's school supplies--even though I haven't been tied to the academic calendar for years!

I have plenty of notebooks around, but I wanted some graph paper to better plan out some upcoming projects, and found one among the composition books, with the standard black  and white cover. Now, that just won't work for me!

So I pulled out variety of papers in shades of brown, a couple of Tim Holtz Alterations Sizzix dies, stickers, ephemera, and a bottle of Helmar Tacky Craft Glue.

I started by covering the spine with a patterned paper, then the front and back of the book with other papers cut-to-fit.

I've found that when an item is going to be handled a lot--like a notebook--it's vital to get a thin, even coat of glue over the whole surface, and to do that I grabbed an old (expired) credit card to spread the glue around.

More judicious dots of Helmar Tacky Craft Glue held the layers of die cuts into place and the ephemera as well. Now just to fill the inside with inspiration!

Wishing you creative days,