Helmar Creative Team

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Christmas 2023 Part 1 🎄

by Nicole 

Well here we are, December, and Christmas Day is fast approaching! So of course this month my project is all about that 1 day that we get to share with our families and friends, a time to give, and to receive, and create special memories.

Okay, this project was a doozy, it was a whole lot of fun, it was extremely time consuming, and stressful at times (if I had a swear jar I reckon it would have overflowed, lol), but nonetheless I got there in the end, and I couldn’t be prouder.

This is just Part 1 of 4, really hoping I get them all done before the big man comes bearing gifts, I’ll definitely be giving it my best shot 😉

For this little, but massive project, I used all of the following glues to make this project stick -

To get started you will need to make both your inner and outer boxes, I chose to do it this was so I can easily remove the diorama for repairs if needed, or to change it out completely.

The above pictures are the outer boxes, and as you will see, I have inset magnets into one side and also into the narrow back panel that is installed after adding the front sheet of Perspex. This will all make sense when I get the entire project finished. The inner boxes are similar, however they do not have a front on them, and they have a full back, oh, and they are smaller.

Next we need the cover the outer boxes, I chose to use cotton canvas that I have backed with heat ‘n’ bond and tissue paper. To adhere the fabric to the boxes I have used Helmar Professional Acid Free glue, as the fabric has a paper backing this is the best glue for the job.

You will notice in the last picture that the front sheet of Perspex has been installed, to do this I used Helmar 450, the best glue to get a good grip between the Perspex and the fabric, the thin back piece was then installed, the the Perspex side window.

Next was to make some ‘stuff’, not really sure where my ideas came from, but it all started with a chair, strange, I know!

This was fun, and a little on the challenging side for me, but I had to do it and I did 👏👏, after all, I’m a paper crafter, not a mini maker, but now, perhaps I will dabble in it a little more. Of course being a predominately fabric project I used the wonderful Helmar Fabric Glue. I did also use the Helmar Tiger glue to make sure that the main body of the chair, and especially the legs, had a great bond.

Next I needed a tree, so I made a few as I am going to need more for another part of the project. These are super quick and easy to make, and I think they look great, no glue required, but shhhh, don’t tell Helmar!

So what do I need next?, ah yes, I need a floor. Not just any floor, but a super fancy floor! I was going to use a printable, however, that would be too easy, and I can’t make things easier for myself, lol. I went with a herringbone pattern using icypole sticks, lots of icypole sticks, and boy was it worth it, it looks fabulous. Whenever using any kind of wood in your projects and can’t recommend highly enough the Helmar Professional PVA Woodworking Glue, absolutely brilliant stuff.To finish the floor off I stained it then gave it a couple of coats of Helmar Crystal Kote Gloss Varnish.

How amazing does that look? I just want to dance on, but 1 of my feet is bigger than the entire floor 🤣

The the next next is…… a rug to protect that floor from the legs of the chair, haha. This was made by plaiting long lengths of embroidery thread, then gluing it onto a plastic page protector using Helmar Craft and Hobby PVA Glue, leave it overnight to dry, then simply gently peel it off the next morning and viola, a cute little rug that is securely held together with a dried glue backing. I saw it on a YouTube video, thought wow, that looks easy, and guess what, it actually was, and looks great 👍 

But wait, there’s still more……. We can’t leave the walls plain, so as I was after a more vintage style what’s better than some timber wall paneling, and some gorgeous wallpaper. For the wall paneling I have used some super thin balsa wood, 1.5mm thick, stained it, then added some frames that I made from the same wood to give it the look of panels, I also added a narrow shelf around the entire perimeter of the room, made for a great spot to display the Christmas cards, again, Helmar Professional PVA Woodworking Glue. The wall paper is printed onto Oxford Paper, and looks just divine, this was adhered with with the Professional Acid Free Glue.

Now it’s just a matter of adding everything into the wee little room, then we’re almost there, So below is everything I’ve made now glued and in place before I add the finishing touches to the outer box.

Back to the outer box, it’s time to add the spacers and the side window, spacers, easy peasy, side window, can’t talk too much about it, it did my head in 🤪 the frame was so fine that I broke the first one just before I finished it, but with some forethought, the second time around was a bit easier. The spacers were adhered using Helmar Tiger Grip, and the window was adhered using Helmar 450, as this was going onto the Perspex.

Oh, last, but not least, I added the cutest little light, just to make your night a little brighter, because after going through this massive blog it’s probable past your bedtime 🥱😴 

Yay, we’ve made it to the end, hallelujah 🙌 If you’ve made it to the end, thank you so much for your time. If you have any questions whatsoever, please leave them in the comments section and I will answer them ASAP. Take care, and happy crafting XX

Photo Gallery

 

Vintage-Style Wall Hanging

Hi all, Nat here with my second project for Helmar.
I am making a vintage-style wall hanging that uses mostly recycled pieces, including old CDs, book pages and laces.  Even the glossy photo paper used was sourced from the local secondhand shop.

My first task was to use my circle punch to create some vellum shapes to cover the hole in the middle of the three CDs I am using.  This will reinforce the area so I don't put a hole in the paper when I cover them.

Next I use the 450 Quick Dry Adhesive to adhere tea-dyed copy paper to what will be the rear of the CDs.  I then cover the front of the CDs - one with tea-dyed paper that has a lovely pattern from a plastic tablecloth on it, one with antique German text and the last with vintage music paper.

I used my leather hole punch to create two holes at the top of one of my CDs to enable me to add some material to hang my creation with, then I punched one hole at the base of what will be the bottom CD of my wall hanging for a dangle to be added later.  I then used my distress ink to ink the edges of my disks.

Texture paste is applied next using a pallet knife and spreading it out over a rose-patterned stencil.  I left this to dry overnight before moving on.

I then placed the stencil back over the pattern to apply distress ink on the texture paste to colour it.  I love the pretty effect that this has.

At this point, the spray application of the Crystal Kote Fixative on the front and back of my CDs  helps protect and seal my papers while enabling me to still continue adding more mediums (paints, inks etc) if I so desire.

Pieces were cut from a lace tablecloth and some tea-dyed broderie anglaise to create pockets on two of my CDs.  I use the Tacky Craft Glue to lightly hold the bottoms of my pockets to the fronts of the CDs while I turn them over and affix the backs.

Next I snip slits into the overhanging fabrics to make it easy to fold over in increments and stick down with the Fabric Glue.

Now we are up to the fun part - which is embellishing.  I use the Fabric Glue again to add some lace pieces to my pocket and the other CDs.  I put some grease-proof paper into the pocket first so that I did not stick it shut!

I have some letters that I have undercoated with a light cover of white gesso, then painted with distress ink.  I am adhering these to my top CD with the 450 glue.

Once I have finished embellishing my CDs I glue them to a strip of tea-dyed fabric to create my wall hanging.

The next task is to thread some seam binding through the holes in the top CD to be able to hang my creation.  I then add a cute, little butterfly dangle made with broken jewellery from the bottom CD hole.

With the addition of a few sentimental family photos in the pockets, I now have a beautiful piece to hang on my wall.

You can check out my full process video here:

https://youtu.be/s4j6dywt4d0

I really enjoyed making this project, being able to re-use these CDs and to create something beautiful to display in my home.  The photos included are of my gorgeous Grandmothers, and it is such a nice way to remember them.

Thanks for joining me today.  I hope you will try this project sometime and enjoy creating a CD wall hanging.
Take care - Nat xx

PRODUCTS USED:

Helmar

Tacky Craft Glue

450 Quick Dry Adhesive

Crystal Kote Fixative - Workable Matte

Fabric Glue

Other

Cds

Laces

Book Pages

Tea-dyed Paper

Distress Ink - 'Ground Expresso'

Gesso

Texture Paste

Photos

My 2024 Diary

Wraparound Diary Cover

by Nicole Elmes 

Well jeepers creepers, how fast did last month come and go!! Anyway, here I am with another project to share with you all 🤗 I decided on making myself this cute cover for my 2024 diary, and honestly, I love the finished product 👏👏👏 This is definitely a project that anyone can do, you just need a little patience to do the hand stitching, apart from that it is pretty straight forward.

To get started you will need some wonderful Fabric Glue, from the wonderful Helmar range, of course. The other supplies I used are Kraft Tex, lightly waxed linen thread, fabric for the cover and inside pockets, an eyelet, and some elastic cord for the closure.

‘Firstly I started by cutting 2 pieces of Kraft Tex to make the cover, I covered one piece with the design I printed, I then attached it using heat ‘n’ bond (as the Kraft Tex is pre-washed it is quite textured and I personally have found using glue a little tricky), once attached and wrapped over the edges, you will see that I have stitched (hand stitched) across the top of the fabric before I started gluing the second piece to the back. It is very important when gluing Kraft Tex to use a high quality fabric glue as it is quite fibrous and to get an even and strong adhesion Helmar Fabric Glue is perfect 🤩 Make sure you glue the covers together in sections as it is quite a big piece and it will most likely start drying out on the end you started gluing by the time you work your way across.

Next was to cover and stitch along to top of the design on the inside slip pockets and glue them into place. I then left it overnight in my book press (you can use any weighted item to do this) to ensure all pieces are nicely bonded and ready for the stitching holes to be punched.

So now it’s just a matter of punching the stitching holes, so many holes 😂, and getting this baby stitched up! I do make a paper template just to ensure my stitches are nicely aligned and evenly spaced, see below pic👇, I did also add a pen loop!  

So there you have it my crafty friends, my 2024 diary 📔 Now I’m off to whip up another 4 that I am gifting this Christmas to some family members and friends. I hope that I have inspired you to get out all of your wonderful adhesives from Helmar and get your craft on XX

Project Gallery

 

Beautiful Scrapbooking Layout by Debra

Hello Everyone,

Debra From the Design Team, here to share with you my latest layout using Helmar Glues

I chose beautiful papers from Stamperia, with lots of images that I could fussy cut.

I used the Helmar glues pictured to attach various bits and pieces to my layout.

Using 2 layers of thin cardboard glued together, I adhered these to the back of by photo.

  Creating my layers with my fussy cut pieces.

Using the thin cardboard glued to the back of the fussy cut pieces

More layering

Close up, showing a layer of gauze added between layers

I added stencilled texture paste near my photo.

Lastly I added some Art Stones to Complete my layout.

 

My completed layout.

Hope you like what I have created, 

Debra

Happy Halloween!

Hello everyone,

It's Nat here, I am so excited to share my first project as part of the Helmar Creative Team. 

It is a little nerve-wracking to do my first post, therefore I decided to just have some fun with it.  As it is that time of the year, I thought that something a little spooky would be appropriate, so I hit the shops and grabbed a pile of Halloween goodies to play with.

To begin this project, I covered the chalkboard centre of my frame with paper and masking tape to protect it while I prepared my wooden pieces with a coat of gesso and painted them with acrylic paints.  I did try some crackle medium but unfortunately it did not work as I had hoped (back to the drawing board with that!), however it did add to the nice glossy finish which I liked.

I chose the Professional Acid Free Glue to adhere my photo and paper to my frame, so I removed the paper and tape protecting the chalkboard and then set about this task.  I utilised a glue scraper sent to me by Helmar to spread the glue to the edges of the paper and to help me rub the paper down into the edges of my frame.

I wanted to seal my paper and wood pieces to protect them from dust and wear before I went further so I made sure the area was well ventilated, set up a cardboard box to spray my pieces in then applied the spray back and forth to coat..............

.............then turned the pieces ninety degrees and gave them a second spray.

Now the real fun begins!  Time to stick all of my spooky goodies onto my frame!  For this job I chose to use the 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

I have been using this glue for a good few years now and trust it to hold down the different materials I want to stick to my frame.  I have a rubber bat, snake and spider, a black fabric flower, lace, netting from packaging, wood pieces, paper cauldron, cotton wool and a plastic skeleton piece to adhere. 

The cauldron required a slit to be cut in it so that I could slip the cotton wool in to make it appear to be coming from inside the vessel. Folded cardstock was used to raise the cauldron and tombstone a little to add some dimension and enable me to put more cotton wool and the skeleton arm underneath them.

Initially there was a piece of rope stapled to the frame and middle leg to steady it when standing, which I had removed prior to painting.  To finish my project I found this piece of chunky, black chain in my stash, and used some cup hooks to secure it.

Well that is my first project for the Creative Team finished, I am looking forward to seeing what everyone creates in future!

Have a Spooktacular Halloween!
Nat xx

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj8sjiQD9n8&t=14s

Halloween-themed Altered Frame - Helmar Creative Team Project Hi all, I am excited to share with you my first project as a Creative Team Member for @helmarworldwide. I have decided to have a bit of fun and make a proj... www.youtube.com

 

PRODUCTS USED:

Helmar

Tacky Craft Glue

450 Quick Dry Adhesive

Crystal Kote Gloss Varnish

Professional Acid Free Glue

Other

Paper used: 'Creep On Playing Cards' Digital - Tracie Fox Creative

Acrylic Paint

Gesso

Crackle Medium

Lace

Halloween Decorations

Fabric Flower

Standing Frame with Chalkboard

Boho Fridge Magnets

Helllooooooo Everyone.....

Today I have a set of cute Boho Fridge Magnets that would be great for gifts.

Products Used

Step 1

First off I have painted front and back of the resin pieces with black gesso,

then I have coloured them with wax.

Step 2

I have arranged them on some paper towel and then sprayed with the

Crystal Kote Gloss Varnish, front and back

It seals them and gives a lovely shine.

Step 3

I have cut out some oblong shapes from a magnetic sheet that came

with some cutting dies, I love to upcycle.

Then use some Tiger Grip  to adhere the magnet to the back each piece.

and there you have it...3 lovely Boho fridge magnets.

I hope you have enjoyed my post

Happy Creating

Hugz

Amanda

Stacking Jewellery Box

Stacking Jewellery Box 

Helmar Creative Team Project

by Nicole Elmes

Welcome everyone to my latest project for the Helmar Creative Team 🤗 This month I am sharing with you this darling little Stackable Jewellery Box that I have created using 3 leftover drawer boxes that I had previously made (these were made using 1800gsm boxboard, then assembled using the 450 adhesive). Other supplies that I used are, of course, a wonderful selection of Helmar adhesives (pictured below 👇), boxboard, quilting fabric, card stock, felt, heat ‘n’ bond, tissue paper, and lastly a cute little drawer knob.

To get started I needed to back the fabric with the tissue paper, to do this I used heat ‘n’ bond. I chose this method as the fabric is quite thin and it stops the potential bleed through of the adhesive, however, I only did a strip of the backing to match the height of the box which made it easier and gives the turns a more streamlined finish. To wrap the boxes with the backed fabric, I applied to the sides using the Acid Free Glue, my absolute favourite for gluing paper to paper (or boxboard). Then to turn the fabric over the top, and also under the base I used the Fabric Glue, and happy to say there was no bleed through!

The next step was to line the boxes. To do this I attached card stock around the sides using the Acid Free Glue, I then cut some felt to size, put a few dabs here and there on the inside base using Fabric Glue and popped that in. My apologies, I forgot the photos for this step 🤦‍♀️ Below is a photo of these steps completed.

The next step is to attach the fabric covered boxboard to the bottom of the lid and the 1st and 2nd boxes so that when stacked they don’t just slip off. You want to cut the boxboard just a little smaller than the box opening so once wrapped and attached to the above box it is not so tight that it won’t fit into the box below. To do this I prepared the fabric as I did for covering the boxes. To make sure I got the alignment right I filled the box it was going to sit in below it so it wouldn’t fall to the bottom, I also placed a strip of paper across the box so it would make it easier to lift of. I put some double sided tape (temporarily) around the edges and placed it in the box, remove the tape backing, then place the box it is to be attached to on top of it and double checked that it was correctly aligned. After I finished this step, leaving it temporarily attached, I ran masking tape around it to ensure that after I removed the piece to be glued that it would be in the correct position. Remove the temporary double sided tape, then apply Tiger Grip glue and attach to the base of the box.

The box that I used for the base has a slightly larger fabric covered board attached for nothing more than aesthetics, and you will se that I have attached a small cork sheet so it won’t slip around if placed on a slippery surface.

The lid is basically 3 of the wrapped pieces of boxboard. I wrapped the top to match the sides, I attached the handle using the screw provided before attaching the 2nd, slightly larger wrapped board to match the base, then the 3rd to fit inside of the top box, again I used Tiger Grip glue to sandwich these three pieces together.

So, that my friends is a wrap for this project, I hope you’ve enjoyed it and decide to give it a go for yourselves. Be sure to check out the pictures below 📸Until next time, happy crafting everyone XXX

PHOTO GALLERY

Halloween Scrapbook Layout

Hello Everyone

Debra here from the Helmar Design Team,

here to share with you my latest inspiration layout, using a Halloween theme.

 

I fussy cut the wreath from a piece of paper with a Halloween theme.

 

 

Using the Helmar Spray adhesive, I attached a piece of cardboard to the back of the wreath piece

 

 

and attached to my background using the spray adhesive.

 

 

Using the above technique, attach apiece of cardboard to the back of the photo and position on the layout.

 Attach to layout using Helmar Crafter's Corner Premium Craft Glue.

 

 

Using the craft glue adhere cardboard pieces to the back of the black bat .

 

 

Using the craft glue adhere foam tape to the back of the fussy cut elements.

Position all the fussy cut elements and the black bat. when happy with the placement, use the craft glue to hold in place.

 

 

 To Complete my layout, I used  some silver glitter glue to highlight some areas of my fussy cut pieces.

 

 

Close Up 2

 

 

 Hope You Like What I created

Debra

 

How to Decoupage onto Resin using Helmar!

Hello Creative Lovelies

Today I have a cool Project where I am going to show how to decorate

a few Resin Shell Dishes that I have made.

First off I have made 3 Resin Shells and picked out some napkins to decorate them with.

I have diluted some Helmar PVA Glue with water and applied it to the resin piece,

then using a brush I have pushed the napkin into the grooves and smoothed any wrinkles

Then I have painted the undersides with 2 coats of metallique paint with a sponge to match the napkin,

when dry give both sides 2 coats of Crystal Kote Gloss Spray to give a High Gloss and durable finish.

These make great home decor items that are very useful for all those little nick nacks around the house..

Happy Creating

Hugz

Amanda

Crazy Tea Party Layout

Hello Everyone ,

Debra from the Design Team here to share with you my Crazy Tea Party  Layout.

I had lots of fun putting this one together.

To start I fussy cut my photo, leaving the children as two separate pieces.

I then layered pieces of printed papers to create my background.

I then fussy cut some teacups from a sheet paper.

I then embossed by chipboard and glued in position.

I then started to create layers using the Alice in Wonderland chipboard and diecut pieces.

I next added in the Fussy cut teacups, which I mounted on thin cardboard to give extra dimension.

Once I was happy with all my layering, I added my fussy cut photos, which I placed so the kids

appeared to actually be in the teacups.

Finally I added my Crazy Tea Party title to complete my layout.

I used the glues in the photo below to secure all pieces of my layout.

 

Hope you like what I have created.

Until next time,

Debra

h

The Helmar Creative Team Call Out 2023 - 2024!

Helmar Creative Team Call 2022 - 2023

Helmar is an Australian owned business who distribute their products to different parts of the world. Helmar is a recognized market leader of adhesives, aerosol and chemical products. We are looking for new creative team members to promote our amazing Craft & Hobby products. If you’d like to be a part of one of the most creative and easy going design teams out there, while showcasing Helmar products and your talent, this call is for you!!!

We are looking for dedicated creative design team members who work well with deadlines and guidelines.            
Positions on the Helmar Creative Team are for a 6 month term beginning November 1st, 2022.

As a member of the Helmar Creative Team you will…

Receive a generous amount of Helmar products!

The possibility of a selection of products from our generous Preferred Partners throughout your term.

Now what does it take to be a part of the Helmar Team? Here are your responsibilities:

1-2 projects per month consisting of posts on the Helmar blog, your personal blog, sharing on Facebook and other social media platforms.

Keeping your personal blog and Facebook page up to date and linking and promoting Helmar products at every opportunity!

If you are interested in being part of the Helmar Creative team, please email the following information to [email protected]

• Name, address, daytime/evening phone number and email address.
• Short biography.
• Links to your online galleries, blogs, Facebook and other social media platforms.
• List other teams you are now on or have previously been on.
• A brief paragraph explaining what special attributes you will be bringing to the Helmar Creative Team.
• Two examples that will best showcase your work. Please ensure file sizes are not overly large or small, nothing over 1mb. Examples could be your Papercrafts, altered art, mixed media, craft projects, kid’s projects, home décor, etc. Make sure to list any special techniques you’ve used using adhesives.

Please submit your application to [email protected] by Saturday 23rd September 2023.

No late submissions will be accepted.

 The new Helmar Design Team will be announced in October 2023.

At this time we are only accepting applications from Australia.

We look forward to seeing your applications!!