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

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

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

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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!!

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

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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