Wednesday 12 August 2015

2015 #15 Paua Shell Effect {a video by Lin Brown}

Topic 15: Gels and Mediums

Hello Bloggers, Leandra here


Tonight I have a video for you from Lin Brown explaining a technique she discovered earlier this year when demoing at the Version Scrap Show in Paris. It totally reminds me of New Zealand Paua shells which are deep turquoise blue (similar thing is Abalone or Mother of Pearl - but those versions tend to be creamy pale). Here are some NZ Paua shells below. I have one sitting on my desk at work!



Paua is commonly made into jewellery in New Zealand, but now you also see it incorporated into tile designs and all sorts of other interior design accents, it is so pretty and eye catching.



Clever Lin has found a way to re-create this effect with gel and mica sprays. With this technique, you create that paua effect in whatever colours you like depending on the colour of the mica dye spray you choose to use! Fabulous! So bring on pink, orange and beyond!


In the last 2 years, as mixed media as a trend has taken hold of crafters,  we have seen a lot of Heavy Gloss Gels being widely used as a highly textured resist. Sprays sit on top beautifully due to the high gloss finish adding depth to the shiny mica effect.

However, taking it to another level....there are quite surprising results when you follow this process on top of PaperArtsy's Crunchy Paper! Crunchy is a beautifully smooth waxed kraft paper, so it naturally resists water/ sprays. In a pack you get 20 x A5 sheets for £2.95 (incl VAT), so it's pretty cheap. Crunchy is a great product to crumple and paint with Fresco Acrylics, plus, and if you ever have a problem getting paper out of your intricate dies, run through a sheet of this between the die and the paper, and your paper will release beautifully! 


Right, so now you know all about crunchy, check out Lin's video to see the results of her experiments with Gloss Gel and more!



Product Links:
Lindy's Stamp Gang Sprays

Wishing you all good experimenty fun with your gels this week! Don't hold back!
Leandra

We would love you to join in with challenge #15: Gels If you are inspired by any of our guests who blog with us over the fortnight, then please join in and link up your creativity HERE. 

All links go in the draw to win a voucher to spend on products of your choice from the PaperArtsy online store. The Gels link will close 17:00 (London Time) Sunday, Aug 23rd winner will be announced 2 hours later at 19:00.

15 comments:

Julie Lee said...

Brilliant video!Thank you Leandra and Lin. Would you believe I actually have all those products - except the Lindy Stamp Gang sprays? As soon as I can lay my hands on the sprays I want to give this a go!I'm determined to find some time to experiment it looks so much fun! xx

Helen said...

wow! I might have to go shopping... love the Lindy sprays, and I think I need some gloss gel!

Retta said...

This was just wonderful. I will try to improvise on some products as I don't have them all. I was unable to get the link to join in on the fun to work? Thank you for sharing this wonderful technique.

Hazel Agnew said...

Yes, it has inspired me Lin! Loved the video and will be rummaging soon! Xx

Craftyfield said...

Me too I want to try this ASAP!

Lauren Hatwell said...

Wow! What an amazing technique. I just happen to HAVE some of that gorgeous crunchy paper in my stash too. Can't wait to have a go myself. Thanks Lin. Lx

Unknown said...

Wow - just a PERFECT tutorial in every way - concise, informative, multiple examples.... and what great outcomes. Love them all - can't wait to play with the crunchy paper, paste/gel and Lindy's... so inspiring. j.

rachel said...

absolutely brilliant - love this x

Kirsten said...

Ok, that was VERY cool!! I love the end results.

Lucy Edmondson said...

What a fabulous technique and video, Lin! You are a star! I've loved paua shell ever since my mum brought me some back from aus. I'm dying to try this out,

Lucy x

Unknown said...

Wonderful stuff! Gorgeous effect and you make it look very simple Lin so going to give this a go!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

silvergran said...

Thank you Ladies, Great tips n techniques! Stunning results.

Cocofolies said...

A great video, thank you Lin the effect is really fab!!! Coco xx

Etsuko said...

This is absolutely beautiful Lin!! Wonderful the video tutorial and great result. I love it and have a go!! xx

Art By Wanda said...

Way Cool!!!!!!!!!! I stopped the video, gelled a couple pieces and then came back so they'll be ready to spray in awhile.