Helmar Creative Team

Altered Tin Project by Amanda M

Helllooooo Everyone.

Today I have for you an Altered Tin that I have made

into a Brush Holder for my studio.

Products Used

First off I have removed the label from the can.

Then arranged a few things for this project.

Next I have cut up some Plaster Cloth Wrap and a container with some warm water in it.

Build up some layers until fully covered.

A quick tip when using napkins for collage is to use washi tape to seperate the sheets.

I used some Helmar PVA Glue mixed with a bit of water to decoupage the napkin onto the tin,

then some Gemstone glue to attach the Mushroom stickers and words.

To finish I have used the Crystal Kote Gloss spray.

I hope you have enjoyed this project.

Keep Creating

Hugz

Amanda

 

DIY Art Palette... and much more!!!

Hello Helmar Fans

It's Sharon joining you again today.

In my creative world, I'm always on the lookout for projects or things that will improve or enhance my creative processes.

Today's share is a very easy project... but, trust me when I tell you, that it has had a huge impact on my art practises and organisation!!! In my opinion, a very worthwhile and diverse project!!!

Writing for the Helmar Creative Team Blog, I'm coming to realise that I'm not what you would consider an 'organised creator'!!! In other words, I don't think about all the resources I require before starting a project... rather, I dive right in and, as I'm creating, I hope that I will have all the supplies I need on hand to complete that task. Hehehe... I say this as I've just started a slow stitch project and realised the thread colour I have chosen is one I don't have enough of to complete my project.  Looks like I'm off to the shop to buy more lol.

Why is she telling us this, you may ask..

Well... I've also come to realise that I'm also not the person who can easily list the items you need for a project. Hahaha!!! At least, not until I've finished that project. Sooo... here goes (but just know I'll probably come back and adjust this list as I'm working.  It's just the way I roll!!!)

What you will need:

• Helmar Fabric Glue - I have made several of these palettes now and the Helmar Fabric Glue has been used for each of them. I am still using them to this day... but I'm always looking for a spare one lol.
• Paper towel - in case of excess glue/seepage and cleaning the top of your Helmar Fabric Glue Bottle.
• A household tile - size of your choosing.  The one I used for demonstration is 7 7/8" or 20cms square. I specifically chose a gloss white tile as white will give you a correct colour representation when looking at, or mixing paints, on your palette.  Be careful when choosing your white tiles as there are many shades of white and, speaking from experience, it wasn't until I arrived home with some of my tile selections that I realised some I had chosen were actually more an off-white/light cream. You may notice that tile in the photos below. 
  
• HELPFUL TIP: I have a business in my area that sells surplus building supplies.  I purchased my tiles from there and was able to buy them as individual tiles rather than purchasing a set/pack.
• A foam tile - I purchased mine some time ago from my local Kmart, but they are available from many different retailers.  As long as your foam tile is slightly larger than your household tile. Please Note: The foam tile I'm using for this demonstration has already been used for previous projects so you don't see a full size tile in my photos.
• A stanley knife - for cutting your foam tile... now you should be all set!!!

The tile I'm using for today's project, is one that I've been using as a palette for a while now but, having others that have undertaken this process, I can assure you, they are much better/easier to use once this process is complete.  The main reason is:

1. The tile feels less 'delicate' to use once the foam tile has been adhered.  You can move it around and store it with less worry about it breaking.
2. Having a foam base means it will adjust easily to many desk surfaces... even a slightly uneven surface with less concerns of breaking.
3. I've noticed that, over time, the weakest part of the tile seems to be the corners.  Somehow, they tend to chip away slowly, but, this will help protect them and, although it won't prevent it from happening completely... this process definitely makes them more durable. I can't say I've noticed any chipping since completing this process. (You will see evidence of chipping on the underneath of the tile used in this demonstration, in the photos below.)

It's a very simple process...

Simply turn your tile over and, taking your Helmar Fabric Glue, apply a generous amount of glue to the entire underneath surface of the tile.  When doing this, I tend to run the glue around the edges first, trying to get as close to the edge as possible. 

Then I run the glue up and down the tile in one direction.

Then, turning the tile 45 degrees, I then run the glue up and down the tile again. You will end up with a criss-cross pattern of glue across the entire underneath surface of the tile.

Turning your foam tile over to expose the flat/smooth surface, position your household tile in place on top of your foam tile carefully.  I use my fingers to guide the tile to the edge of the foam tile if it has an edge (as pictured below).  Running my fingers along the entire edge to check that it's in position correctly.  

Once in place, be sure to remove any excess glue with paper towel, being careful not to move the tile and checking placement again once excess glue is removed.

A gentle reminder to also remove any excess glue from the tip of your glue bottle with your paper towel…

… and replace the lid. (This is as much for me as it is you as it’s so easy to forget this step when you’re focused on what you’re making. Yesss… I’m speaking from experience!!!)

I tend to leave overnight to ensure the glue is dry and the tile is well adhered.

After a very patient night (I was really tempted to do this next step sooner - but I waited lol)...

take your Stanley knife (I tend to allow myself quite a long blade to easily navigate the depth of both the household tile and the foam tile), 

and cut the foam tile along your first edge, using your household tile as your cutting guide. 

Be sure to try and keep your blade as vertical as possible so that your finished edge is an even, straight surface.

Then, turning your tile, cut along the next edge to release the excess foam tile from your project.

(Continue this process all the way around your tile as necessary until all excess foam tile has been removed.)

I do find I end up with 'stringy' pieces of foam tile along the edges where I've cut.

You may notice them in the photo below if you look at the edge of the foam tile close to the Helmar Glue Bottle.

I usually just kind of pinch and pull those to remove them where I can to give a somewhat 'finished' surface.

That's it!!! Process complete... and your new DIY Art/Paint Palette is ready to use!!!

I particularly like these palettes for my water colour paints.  I don't tend to use the half pans, but prefer to use them from a tube... personal preference (and I don't have any half pans lol).  Using my DIY Art Palette, I can squeeze a little paint to work with, as needed and, if I don't use it all, I let it dry (as is the case with my demonstration tile) and I easily reactivate the paint by spraying them with a little water or dipping my brush into a cup of water if I choose to only reactivate some of my colours.

Here, I'm using my watercolour paints to create sample paint swatches on different kinds of book paper.  I use these in my journals when decorating ephemera.  Not only do they look beautiful and make quite an impact... but painting the paint sample swatches is incredibly relaxing and a fun way to explore colour and paint mixing!!! A perfect process for someone who is just discovering their artistic voice!!!

If I'm finished with a particular colour that has been reactivated, I can easily wipe it off my palette with a little paper towel!!!

(If your paint is dry, you can scrape it off quite easily with a paint scraper also.)

BONUS USE:  When I first made these tiles, I had planned to make a couple of small tiles and a larger tile.  I wanted the smaller tiles for my watercolours and thought a larger tile would be perfect to use, not only as a paint palette, but perhaps as a DIY 'glass' craft mat.

Well, I can honestly tell you... that would have been a wonderful use!!! But, it didn't last for long!!!

One day, I had been gelli printing using my gelli plate (I have two - one is a DIY gelli plate, the other I purchased from Amazon) and I had been storing them with an overhead transparency sheet on the top and bottom of my plate, removing the top sheet only to use them.  This was working fabulously but it was quite flimsy, a little slippery and my DIY gelli plate was starting to split as the overhead transparency sheets were flexible. I also noticed the heat was affecting my DIY plate (my purchased Gelli plate was quite new at the time) and I had ‘bubbles’ (indentations) forming on my DIY Gelli plate caused by the air that was a trapped underneath the overhead transparency sheet and the extreme summer heat.

I decided to place my large (store bought) gelli plate onto my large tile and... it worked perfectly!!! 

It was stable and sturdy (no more slipping on my table)...

and it was easily cleaned if paint spilt or the surface simply became 'messy' over time!!!

It wasn't long before I had seconded both my large DIY Art Palettes to use for my Gelli Plates!!!

Last year I did a 'makeover' of both my studios and, in my Mixed Media Studio, I now have two Ikea Alex Drawer Units.  One of those units is now where I store my Gelli plates if I'm not using them or I simply need my desk space for other purposes.  Mind you... it isn't often they are both put away at the same time lol.

I no longer cover the top of them with anything and my plates store beautifully between uses. My DIY plate, I believe, is now about 4 years old. I have remelted and reshaped… but it is the same plate. You can see in the photo above, it is now half a Gelli plate, quite discoloured and it is a little tackier than the purchased Gelli plate. But it love it and still use it often!!! 

I have no idea if there are other uses for these DIY Art Palettes... but I wouldn't be at all surprised if I, or you, were to discover more in the future!!!

I hope you find this project useful and you have a little fun getting 'messy' with some paints!!!

Thank goodness for my Helmar Fabric Glue!!! 🥰

Happy crafting!!!

I look forward to sharing with you again soon!!!

Sharon

Layout Good Times, Good Friends

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all ready to get creative!

Debra here to share with you my latest layout for the Helmar Design Team entitled Good Times Good Friends featuring

both my grandsons, considering the 4 1/2 year age gap, they really are great mates.

I had so much fun creating this layout, using the different glues to attach the papers, chipboard and metal cogs

I chose an assortment of chipboard and cogs that I thought would look great together.

I heat embossed my chipboard using different colour embossing powders.

I then chose a range of coordinating papers that I layered to create my background.

I had 2 photos that I trimmed to size, matted with white cardstock the glued a piece of cardboard to the backs of the photo to give dimension , before adhering in place.

Next was to glue the chipboard pieces into position and then the metal cogs to finish my layout

Close Up 1

Close Up 2

Close Up 3

The completed layout.

These are the glues I used. I hope I have inspired you to get creative.

Until next time best wishes 

Debra

I h

Coptic Stitched Journal

February Helmar Creative Team Project

by Nicole

Hi everyone and welcome to my April 2023 project. I am sharing with you a cute coptic stitched journal this month as these are one of my favourite kinds of journals to create and write in. One of the great things about Coptic stitched spines is that they are super flexible and always lay flat which is fantastic whether you like to write, draw or even use for watercolours/painting, and they come together relatively quickly.

You don’t need too many supplies to create a journal like this, I used some 1400gsm boxboard for the covers, some fabric that I decorated and made into book cloth, of course some wonderful Helmar products, and also a quality thread such as waxed Irish linen as it is super strong and will withstand a lot of opening and closing throughout the years!

So let’s get to it, firstly, the Helmar adhesives that I used -

Secondly, this is how I put it together….. I cut the boxboard to size, placed it onto the fabric and marked the perimeter with masking tape so it would be easier to add my design.

Next I chose my design and cut it out, I then used the fabulous Spray Adhesive to tack them to the fabric to make it easier to sew them on without the hassle of pins.

I backed the fabric with paper using Heat ‘n’ Bond, which is something I do for all of my fabric covered creations, it just takes the risk out of the adhesive bleeding through. To attach the fabric to the boxboard I ended up going with Tiger Grip as I wanted to ensure that the adhesion was super strong as the book cloth ended up quite thick!

Next I needed to line the inside cover and for that I went with a contrasting colour. To attach the cardstock I used my all time favourite, Professional Acid Free Glue, seriously, you wont find a better glue on the market for all of your papercrafts!!

Now that everything is glued it is ready to be assembled. For this I made and pierced the signatures, punched holes to add eyelets to the front and back covers, then……. yep, time to stitch.

I hope that you have enjoyed this project and that I have inspired you to get your craft on. I look forward to sharing with you all again next month, until then….. take care my beautiful crafty friends xxx

Photo Gallery 

Vintage Girls

I’ve created a sweet altered frame plaque

I’ve used a chipboard frame and old lace doily both purchased from an op shop 

First step was to gesso the chipboard frame and resin corners.

I cut apart the doily into flower segments and lace strips ready to glue to the frame. 

I’ve then painted the frame with watered down Nuvo paste and added a bit of darker stencilling.

Using Tiger grip glue I have attached the doily flower segments and the resin corners. 

It's time to embellish the project using flowers, gemstones, coloured marble balls and some kindy glitz!

For the inside of the frame, I have used old tissue pattern paper, calico, onion bag mesh and some tissue paper.

I attached the calico to the inside piece of the frame

then added the other materials finishing off with a pair of vintage ladies coloured in with distress crayons.

Finally some wax highlights and a vintage girls label. 

1960 by Kim Kendell

Hello Hello Fans I am back again today with another layout to share with you all. todays layout will be using a mixture of my all time favourite glue Helmar 450 and  Helmar Fabric Glue. 

Many of you may wonder how would I use fabric glue on a scrapbooking layout well today I will share that with you.  

when you look at the above image you will see I have used both lace string and ribbon. Have you ever wondered how to get your bows and placement of lace to stay perfect we I use Helmar Fabric Glue to coat my ribbons so the trick is to paint your bow with the fabric glue before you tie it the use a pencil to keep the bows open at the loop when dry remove the pencil and you have a love stiff bow for your layout. Fabric glue is also awesome for holding lace in place.

On all my other embellishments I have used Helmar 450 Glue  to hold them in place, it was particular successful on the paper rolls I made as I squeezed a line down the centre of my papers before I rolled them up and it held them in place extremely well.  I also used it to hold the rolls together as well.   

 I the next image I used a metal embellishment as well as chipboard ones and you can see how well the Helmar 450 has held them all together, this image also shows how well my bow has sat up with the curve in the tails I wanted thanks to the Helmar Fabric Glue. 

I hope you have all enjoyed my share and I will be back shortly with more to share with you all in the mean time happy crafting.

Kim Kendell 

   

Storage Solution

Storage Solution

by Nicole Elmes - Helmar Creative Team Member

Well here we are, it’s a new year, and for me it is time to get into reorganising and streamlining my craft studio. So step one was to make a storage solution for my very special Helmar collection, and it’s a mission complete!

I must say that I am super pleased that after all of the designing, planning, mishaps, hair pulling, and just maybe a swear word or 10 that this project is now sitting proudly on my desk!

Lets get started with what you would need to complete a project like this……

First, and most importantly you will need a few different super awesome Helmar adhesives, these are the ones I used -

You will also need a a whole lot of  1400gsm boxboard/chipboard (whatever you like to call it), cardstock to make reinforcements and also for lining the box, fabric of your choice to wrap the box, and your choice of drawer pulls. The finished size of this project is approximately 12” wide x 7.5” deep x 8.25” high.

I used calico to make the wrap and a design that I printed onto white cotton fabric, I then cut apart the patterned fabric and collaged onto the calico. For this step I used a light spray of the Helmar spray adhesive to secure the pieces before using my sewing machine to free stitch everything together. (I must give thanks to JJ Design House for collaborating with me on the design). I did back the fabric with Heat ‘n’ Bond and tissue paper, this made the calico less translucent and also ensured that there would be no seepage when wrapping the box. I used Tiger Grip Glue to attach the fabric wrap to the outer part of the box, I then use Fabric Glue to secure the edges.

Next is cutting and assembling the many pieces of boxboard, it was 33 pieces in total!! I chose to use the 450 Glue for this process as I needed a strong and quick bond to keep it all stable, it did a fabulous job.

The next step was to add the front piece (sorry, forgot to take a photo of that!) and then you wrap the outer box with your fabric piece. You do it this way so when you add the drawer section all of the fabric is neatly tucked in.

After adding and securing the drawer section with more reinforcement pieces you will need to line the box. I used cardstock and lined the two bottom sections of the box first, I then cut two pieces for the inside walls so there would be minimal seams (I’m pretty fussy, and don’t like seams everywhere!), it was a little tricky but it worked out great. To attach the linings I used the Acid Free glue as it doesn’t curl the cardstock therefore making it a lot easier and less messier to apply in tighter spaces. 

Almost there…… I just needed to add some little drawer pulls. I do have some little metal ones but they didn’t give the aesthetic I was after so I made my own. Super simple, I used a punch to cut out three 1” circles using Kraft Tex, cut out some small sections on each side to secure a little brass D ring, glued them on using Tiger Glue, and there you go, simple drawer pulls that look fabulous (well I think they do!)

So that’s it for this month my super fabulous crafty friends, til next time, have fun and CREATE!!

PHOTO GALLERY

February's Be My Valentine Layout

Hi Everyone,

Debra here sharing with you my latest inspiration using Helmar glues.

As February is Valentines month, I have featured lots of hearts and flowers on my layout entitled,

"Be My Valentine"

To begin, I trimmed by papers down, firstly backing my main background with white cardstock then the floral paper.

 I used Helmar's Acid free glue to adhere the layers.

I then double matted my photo, and added a thin piece of cardboard to the back of the photo, to give dimension to my layout 

I then lay all my pieces on the background, to give myself an idea of what the finished product will look like.

Using the Helmar Acid Free glue, I adhere pieces of patterned paper to the heart cutfile.

I repeat the above process to the title cutfile, Once the glue is dry I trim the excess paper using fine scissors

Next , once happy with the positioning of my elements, I glue everything into position.

Finally time to add all the finishing touches, Flowers, leaves, Pearls etc, using Helmar's  450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

 

These are the glues I have Used

 

I hope you like what I have Created

Have an awesome Valentines Day

Debra

Unclog a clogged glue tip TIP

Ever had a clogged glue tip?

Your nozzle doesn’t work?

Well with all glues or adhesives the longer they sit the drier they get, it’s all got to do with how much glue is in the bottle and how much air is in the bottle.

The more air or the emptier the bottle the sooner it will dry out.

To unclog a glue bottle it’s easy!

First, remove the lid and wipe out all the glue that’s sitting in the cap.

Then using something long and pointy like a wooden skewer remove any glue clumps in the lid

Next open the glue nozzle and repeat this step again this way the clog is removed and not forced out the tip of the glue cap

Wipe the top of the glue bottle and also the lid of the glue bottle with a clean wet wipe to remove all glue residue and then put the lid back on your bottle. 

Now your glue should flow like a new bottle! 

Happy glueing everyone! 

Three Tools I Use When Using My Helmar Fabric Glue

Hello Helmar Fans

 

It’s Sharon joining you today.

 

I have a passion for making handmade vintage styled journals and I have been a huge fan of Helmar for some time now. 

 

One of my very favourite, ‘Go To’ Helmar products, is their Fabric Glue and it’s a staple in my resource supplies… always!!! I’d seriously be lost without it!!!

 

I’m really looking forward to sharing more of what I do with you all here. But, before I dive into the creating, I feel it’s important to share three very 'important tools’ I use when using my Helmar Fabric Glue. Please Note: These items are not my original idea, but they are used in my everyday practises and will likely appear often in my posts… so it feels like the right place to start. 

 

The first is my American Crafts Sweet Sugarbelle Bottle which I purchased from Amazon. An item, I believe, is generally used for icing. 

 

I transfer my Helmar Fabric Glue to this bottle and use it for applying my Helmar Fabric Glue to my projects. It has a soft, easy to squeeze bottle, which is gentle on my hands, and a fine metal tip which makes it ideal for applying to fine, detailed projects, as well as larger projects. 

Speaking from experience… the nib and bottle are relatively easy to clean and, trust me when I say… do not get glue on the bottle top and screw it on without cleaning thoroughly!!! The gripping power of the Helmar Fabric Glue is no joke and means serious business!!!  

 

I did this once. I’ll never do it again!!! Thankfully, it was hubby to the rescue!!! Although I do think I did most of the groundwork lol.

 

TIP: Filling your Sweet Sugarbelle Bottle is best done at the beginning of a new day when the unused Helmar Fabric Glue has settled to the bottom of the bottle. I always take this opportunity to clean the metal nib of the bottle to remove any dry or semi dry glue which increases flow capabilities. These are some of the tools I use to help clean my bottle.  Tooth picks and paper towel are a must... but the most useful tool for cleaning out the bottle that I have found are long bamboo skewers purchased from my local supermarket. I also often find myself reaching for my metal awl which has been helpful when cleaning the nib and it cleans and washes easily.

 

You may have noticed the green topper on my Sugarbelle Bottle.  This is a Clover Rubber Point Protector (Small) for knitting needles that I purchased from Spotlight Australia. It stops the air from getting into the bottle and drying up the glue.  Please Note: I use my glue often, almost daily, so I can't tell you if the glue would be okay to leave for prolonged periods of time on a regular basis.  I did have an instance where my glue dried up. I wasn't using it regularly as I was reorganising my studio and I can't tell you if the lid was secured properly but, I'm more than happy to say, that I was able to remove the glue with the assistance of the above tools, leaving the bottle clean and I was able to wash it out, fill it and continue using.  Although, it was touch and go there for a while lol.

 

My journals are a combination of paper, fabric, lace, yarn and any other mediums I find to include.  I am always seeking new and interesting items to include that will add interest, texture, colour and detail and the Helmar Fabric Glue has been invaluable in bringing my journals together. Here I am using it to attach a fabric Belly Band to a journal page.  Once I have glued items in place, I often add sewn details to my work.  This is a design choice, but definitely not a necessity as the Helmar Fabric Glue is more than enough to ensure that any paper, fabric, lace or yarn becomes a permanent component of my journals and is well adhered.

 

The second useful tool I use when using my Helmar Fabric Glue to create journals is a Silicone Face Mask Brush/Applicator.  I purchased mine from Amazon Australia and it came in a pack of 5. 

 

HELPFUL TIP: When purchasing your applicator, be aware of the head on the brush/applicator.  Rounded tips or flat applicators are fabulous, but I did have one that curved in the middle of the applicator/brush (likely to contour the face).  Although I could still use it for my glue, it isn't as successful as a flat or rounded applicator.

One of my favourite finishing touches on my journals is to attach lace, fabric ruffles, fabric tabs, etc to the page edges.  I usually choose my laces, etc in the first stages of my process and I attach them with paperclips as you can see in the photo below. The pages I’m working on for this post are from a digital kit called ‘Home For The Holidays’ from @JunkWithSteph on Etsy (I am a member of her Design Team and love her digital kits)!!!

I often don’t attach them until the final stages of my journal making process which ensures I’m happy with their placement once the journal has been filled with all sorts of fabulous ephemera!!! This ensures the laces are seen peeking out from the edge of the cover instead of tucked away inside the cover, only visible once the cover has been opened. The pages have a tendency to bow as the journal fills up, which is why I hold off on locking them in. Attaching them towards the end is kind of like putting the icing on the cake for me and, as a result, always makes me happy!!!

 

My process for attaching the laces, etc, is to start with the journal page on the outside of my signature first, and work my way into the centre. I don’t put lace on every page… but that’s possibly a process for another post. Really… it’s whatever makes you happy!!!

 

I pop my whole signature into the cover and gauge the first piece of lace against the cover to decide placement. That then becomes the guide for my future laces.

Once the placement for the first piece is decided, I remove the top paperclip, holding the lace in place about half way down. I use that as a guide for where to place my glue and start applying.

Once the glue has been applied, I use my Silicone Face Mask Brush/Applicator to spread the glue gently… working from the inside of the page and dragging gently toward the outside of the page using gentle pressure. It is important not to press too hard as you don't want to remove the glue. You are really just thinning the glue slightly and ensuring the paper is completely covered. I find this process incredibly helpful when adhering very thin, fine laces or fabrics as there seems to be less seepage when the fabric glue has been spread this way. 

Then, folding the lace, fabric, etc, back in place paying attention to ensure placement is correct along the entire edge (as they can have a tendency to bow or warp their shape).  

The third and final tool I use when using my Helmar Fabric Glue is paper towel.

 

Yes… you heard right!!! Kitchen paper towel!!!

 

Once your lace is in place (I use this process mostly for lace… but it is also useful for some fabrics also)…

 

Cover the area with a clean paper towel and press gently into place… rubbing a few times with even, gentle pressure. This not only locks in the contact between the lace and paper… but also picks up some of the excess glue from the holes in the lace.

Then gently hold the paper towel from the edge furthest away from you and pull back on itself towards you to remove. 

When you have applied glue to one end of the lace, turn your page around and attach the lower half of the lace using the same process. 

Repeat this process for each page. 

Once the lace is attached, I like to check to see if the edges of my lace are adhered well, adding additional glue where needed and pressing gently into place with my Silicone Face Mask Brush/Applicator… being careful not to press too hard. 

 

HELPFUL TIP: If you forget to clean your Silicone Face Mask Brush/Applicator… Don’t worry!!!

The Helmar Fabric Glue will peel straight off easily once it has dried and your brush/applicator is left clean and ready to use without any messy clean up!!! 
No cleaning is definitely a huge bonus in the creative world of an artist!!!

HELPFUL TIP: It is important to replace the lid of the glue bottle when it isn’t being used to prevent your Helmar Fabric Glue from thickening. I always use my paper towel to wipe any excess from the bottle applicator before replacing/closing the lid. In case you’re wondering why…

Well, I already mentioned the incredible gripping power of the Helmar Fabric Glue!!! Hehehe… I take no risks… and it’s a simple habit to get into when you already have the paper towel at the ready!!!


When I have completed the first page, I replace it on the outside of my signature and, working toward the centre of the signature, I use that as a reference for my lace placement on the additional pages in the signature. I find this is best done before the signatures are sewn into your journal but I know some artists who do theirs after. Whatever works for you. 


You can see, in the two photos above, how the laces are roughly level on the outside edges. This is where I try to make them as even as possible to give a lovely finished effect to the outside of the journal. 

Part of the reason I adhere my lace, etc, before sewing into the journal, is because I like to stitch over the top of the laces, etc on the page edges for added detail and texture. This is purely a personal preference and is absolutely not needed to ensure adhesion. The Helmar’s Fabric Glue does an excellent job and I’d be lost without it in my creating!!!

 

This is my first ever blog post, not only as a Design Team Member for Helmar… but anywhere!!! I’m so humbled to be given this opportunity to share a little of what I do with you all using the fabulous products from Helmar!!! They have been a ‘Go To’ for me in my creating for some time now!!!

 

Happy crafting!!!

 

I look forward to sharing with you all again soon!!!

Sharon 

 

December Christmas Table Centre By Debra Beer

Hi Everyone,

Debra here to share with you , my project for December.

This month I decided to make a Centrepiece for the table for Christmas.

Please note this is for decoration only, the candles will not be lit.

I started with a visit to our local Reject shop for some supplies of candles,

flowers etc and of course a board to attach it all to. 

I then dug through my stash for burlap, ribbon , beads, bells,  Gesso etc.

I took all the flower sprays and cut them into individual pieces.

Next I covered each candle with a piece of burlap and glued in place using Tiger Glue.

Once all the candles were covered with burlap, I tied gold ribbon around each and

then left the glue to dry, while I worked on the next stages.

Next I took the white flowers , spread a little or the Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

on each petal , then sprinkled the gold micro beads over the petals

The next step was to repeat the above process using the gold flowers

and the Distress Dry Glitter, allow to dry

Next was the pine cones, using Gesso on my finger, I randomly dabbed a little a

round the pine cone, then rolled it in the Distress dry Glitter. Allow to dry.

Now it is time to start arranging everything, I used the Helmar Gorilla Glue to stick

the candles to the cork place mat, took a while to dry but stuck well

I glued gold beads to the top of the 5 fatter candles using the Helmar 450

 Quick Dry Adhesive. Time to arrange flowers leaves pine cones etc again using

Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive.

Close ups 1

Close up 2

 

Close up 3

The finished project.

I hope you have enjoyed my project for December.

I wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Best wishes

Debra