purple cows encaustic quick start guide
DESCRIPTION
Painting and creating with hot wax is easy and fun using Purple Cows Craft Iron, tools and Encaustic Paints. This quick start guide will show you how to get started with this amazing medium.TRANSCRIPT
create with
Wax
Simple Tag ProjectTools & SuppliesMelt Craft IronWax Pen TipWire Brush TipEncaustic Paints: Candy Apple, Salsa Blush, Blizzard Sky, Lemon Fizz, Black VelvetDavid Tutra Tags Paper TowelsGlass Mat
1. Trace or draw a heart on your tag.
2. Using the wire brush tip, paint the heart with Candy Apple paint.
3. Using the wax stylus tip, outline the heart shape with Salsa Blush paint . OPTIONAL: use the brush tip to gently blend the pink and red by brushing over the edge where the two colors meet.
4. Using the brush tip, add a band of Bliz-zard Sky paint around the heart.
Napkin Tag
Printed napkins and tissue paper are a great combination with encaustics for collage. On this tag, the background was created with yellow, then red and orange were added around the edge before the pieces of napkin were covered with wax medium to hold them in place.
more quick and easy ways tocreate with Wax
http://purplecows.net
Quick Start GuideBe sure to read through the instructions inside this guide to learn how to use the encaustic tips with the wax paints. And remember, practice makes perfect. Try this technique on some scratch paper or card stock so you can get the hang of working with encaustics.
*DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE TIPS IN BETWEEN COLORS AND AFTER EACH STROKE WHEN WORKING WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS.**
5. Using the wax stylus tip and Lemon Fizz paint, make short strokes that radiate from the heart and overlap the blue.
6. With the wax stylus tip and Black Velvet paint, outline the heart and add a few strokes around the heart.
When the tag has cooled, gently polish the wax with a soft cloth to bring up the shine.
1 2
3 4
5 6
PC-101
Monogram Card
This super easy card was made using core’dinations shaped tags.
The background on the tag was a combination of light and dark blue encaustic paint, spread so the light was on one side and the dark on the other, then drips of gold wax were added and spread to give it an ethereal sheen. The same technique was used on the chipboard letter and the pieces were layered and glued onto a plain card with a die cut piece in between.
For more detailed instructions go to our website: purplecows.net
Copyright ©5/2013 by Purple Cows, Inc., 3210 North Canyon Road, Suite 307, Provo, UT 84604. All rights reserved. Please follow all manufacturers’ instructions and safety guidelines for the tools and supplies used in this guide. Every effort has been made to ensure these instructions are accurate. We cannot be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.
Encaustic QuickStart Guide_1.indd 1 5/24/13 9:51 AM
Beeswax + Damar Resin + Pigment = Encaustic Paint
getting started with
Encaustics
Step 1: Workspace and Project Set Up
Melt Craft Iron and Tips for working with EncausticsMini Iron Tip: This is the “go to” tip for applying, dripping and spreading wax to the project surface. Great for creating backgrounds and preparing pieces for collage work.
Step 2: Loading the Craft Iron
Mini Iron TipPlace the flat side of the mini iron onto the wax block long enough to generously coat the surface with paint.
Wire Brush TipHold the heated brush tip flat (parallel to) against the surface of the wax block. As the wax heats, it will be drawn up in and around the wire brush bristles. The brush is loaded when you can see the color all through the brush.
Wax Stylus TipLay the warm stylus on the wax block (parallel to). As the wax heats it will be drawn up into the well in the center of the tip.
Step 3: Apply Encaustic to Surface
With the mini iron the wax can be dripped onto the project surface, then spread to mix and blend. It’s a great way to add wax medium when creating collage, just drip the wax over the piec-es to be added, then spread the wax with the flat surface of the tip.
To apply the paint with the wax pen/stylus tip: gently touch the stylus tip to the paper and draw, much like using a dip pen. It’s tricky at first if you have never done this, so prac-tice on some scratch paper to get the hang of it. You can vary the thickness of the lines and dots by varying the speed of your movements.
Use the wire brush tip like a paintbrush. The key is to be gentle to maintain the brush shape as you work.
This tip makes a nice thick stroke and as the wax cools, it shows the brush strokes.
Encaustic or “hot wax” painting is an ancient art medium involving heat and layered pig-mented beeswax. This versatile medium can be used in a variety of projects from fine art and assemblage to mixed media, art journaling and scrapbooking. The finished surface is luminous and can be gently polished to achieve a satin luster.
Melt Craft Iron has two temperature settings: Low = 220° F. High = 300° F.
Wire Brush Tip: Used like a brush, this tip is great for blending, texturiz-ing and shaping the encaustic layers for greater surface interest.
Wax Pen/Stylus Tip: Works like a dip pen and can be used for writing, mark making and fine details.
(The actual temperature of the craft iron tip can vary based on which tip you are using.)
Encaustic paints have a flash point (will start smoking) at 235°, so be sure to use the lowest setting!
Tonic Studios Glass Cutting Mat
Purple CowsMelt Craft Iron & Tips
Purple CowsEncaustic Paints
Paper Towels
I like to keep my encaustic paint cubes Great to keep the tips clean in between colors
Screw in the tip you want to use, then plug it in and set it to the lowest tem-perature. Don’t forget the tool is hot--use pliers to change the tips.It works great to tape the craft iron stand to your work surface so it doesn’t slide around--Safety first!
Your work surface needs to be heat resistant and not only is this tem-pered glass, but I love the grid lines for design work.
at the top of my work surface where they are easy to see.
With the Wire Brush Tip
Be sure to clean the brush with a paper towel or rag in between colors. This works well for blending colors, but be careful to wipe the brush clean before each stroke so the blended color does not get transferred to other parts of your work.
With the Mini Iron Tip
With the Wire Brush Tip
Another great way to use this tip is to spread and mix colors. As you “iron” between different colors, be sure to clean the tip in be-tween strokes so the mixed colors don’t get too muddy.
for more tips, techniques, tutorials, projects and videos go to:
purplecows.netEncaustic QuickStart Guide_1.indd 2 5/24/13 9:51 AM
Beeswax + Damar Resin + Pigment = Encaustic Paint
getting started with
Encaustics
Step 1: Workspace and Project Set Up
Melt Craft Iron and Tips for working with EncausticsMini Iron Tip: This is the “go to” tip for applying, dripping and spreading wax to the project surface. Great for creating backgrounds and preparing pieces for collage work.
Step 2: Loading the Craft Iron
Mini Iron TipPlace the flat side of the mini iron onto the wax block long enough to generously coat the surface with paint.
Wire Brush TipHold the heated brush tip flat (parallel to) against the surface of the wax block. As the wax heats, it will be drawn up in and around the wire brush bristles. The brush is loaded when you can see the color all through the brush.
Wax Stylus TipLay the warm stylus on the wax block (parallel to). As the wax heats it will be drawn up into the well in the center of the tip.
Step 3: Apply Encaustic to Surface
With the mini iron the wax can be dripped onto the project surface, then spread to mix and blend. It’s a great way to add wax medium when creating collage, just drip the wax over the piec-es to be added, then spread the wax with the flat surface of the tip.
To apply the paint with the wax pen/stylus tip: gently touch the stylus tip to the paper and draw, much like using a dip pen. It’s tricky at first if you have never done this, so prac-tice on some scratch paper to get the hang of it. You can vary the thickness of the lines and dots by varying the speed of your movements.
Use the wire brush tip like a paintbrush. The key is to be gentle to maintain the brush shape as you work.
This tip makes a nice thick stroke and as the wax cools, it shows the brush strokes.
Encaustic or “hot wax” painting is an ancient art medium involving heat and layered pig-mented beeswax. This versatile medium can be used in a variety of projects from fine art and assemblage to mixed media, art journaling and scrapbooking. The finished surface is luminous and can be gently polished to achieve a satin luster.
Melt Craft Iron has two temperature settings: Low = 220° F. High = 300° F.
Wire Brush Tip: Used like a brush, this tip is great for blending, texturiz-ing and shaping the encaustic layers for greater surface interest.
Wax Pen/Stylus Tip: Works like a dip pen and can be used for writing, mark making and fine details.
(The actual temperature of the craft iron tip can vary based on which tip you are using.)
Encaustic paints have a flash point (will start smoking) at 235°, so be sure to use the lowest setting!
Tonic Studios Glass Cutting Mat
Purple CowsMelt Craft Iron & Tips
Purple CowsEncaustic Paints
Paper Towels
I like to keep my encaustic paint cubes Great to keep the tips clean in between colors
Screw in the tip you want to use, then plug it in and set it to the lowest tem-perature. Don’t forget the tool is hot--use pliers to change the tips.It works great to tape the craft iron stand to your work surface so it doesn’t slide around--Safety first!
Your work surface needs to be heat resistant and not only is this tem-pered glass, but I love the grid lines for design work.
at the top of my work surface where they are easy to see.
With the Wire Brush Tip
Be sure to clean the brush with a paper towel or rag in between colors. This works well for blending colors, but be careful to wipe the brush clean before each stroke so the blended color does not get transferred to other parts of your work.
With the Mini Iron Tip
With the Wire Brush Tip
Another great way to use this tip is to spread and mix colors. As you “iron” between different colors, be sure to clean the tip in be-tween strokes so the mixed colors don’t get too muddy.
for more tips, techniques, tutorials, projects and videos go to:
purplecows.netEncaustic QuickStart Guide_1.indd 2 5/24/13 9:51 AM
Beeswax + Damar Resin + Pigment = Encaustic Paint
getting started with
Encaustics
Step 1: Workspace and Project Set Up
Melt Craft Iron and Tips for working with EncausticsMini Iron Tip: This is the “go to” tip for applying, dripping and spreading wax to the project surface. Great for creating backgrounds and preparing pieces for collage work.
Step 2: Loading the Craft Iron
Mini Iron TipPlace the flat side of the mini iron onto the wax block long enough to generously coat the surface with paint.
Wire Brush TipHold the heated brush tip flat (parallel to) against the surface of the wax block. As the wax heats, it will be drawn up in and around the wire brush bristles. The brush is loaded when you can see the color all through the brush.
Wax Stylus TipLay the warm stylus on the wax block (parallel to). As the wax heats it will be drawn up into the well in the center of the tip.
Step 3: Apply Encaustic to Surface
With the mini iron the wax can be dripped onto the project surface, then spread to mix and blend. It’s a great way to add wax medium when creating collage, just drip the wax over the piec-es to be added, then spread the wax with the flat surface of the tip.
To apply the paint with the wax pen/stylus tip: gently touch the stylus tip to the paper and draw, much like using a dip pen. It’s tricky at first if you have never done this, so prac-tice on some scratch paper to get the hang of it. You can vary the thickness of the lines and dots by varying the speed of your movements.
Use the wire brush tip like a paintbrush. The key is to be gentle to maintain the brush shape as you work.
This tip makes a nice thick stroke and as the wax cools, it shows the brush strokes.
Encaustic or “hot wax” painting is an ancient art medium involving heat and layered pig-mented beeswax. This versatile medium can be used in a variety of projects from fine art and assemblage to mixed media, art journaling and scrapbooking. The finished surface is luminous and can be gently polished to achieve a satin luster.
Melt Craft Iron has two temperature settings: Low = 220° F. High = 300° F.
Wire Brush Tip: Used like a brush, this tip is great for blending, texturiz-ing and shaping the encaustic layers for greater surface interest.
Wax Pen/Stylus Tip: Works like a dip pen and can be used for writing, mark making and fine details.
(The actual temperature of the craft iron tip can vary based on which tip you are using.)
Encaustic paints have a flash point (will start smoking) at 235°, so be sure to use the lowest setting!
Tonic Studios Glass Cutting Mat
Purple CowsMelt Craft Iron & Tips
Purple CowsEncaustic Paints
Paper Towels
I like to keep my encaustic paint cubes Great to keep the tips clean in between colors
Screw in the tip you want to use, then plug it in and set it to the lowest tem-perature. Don’t forget the tool is hot--use pliers to change the tips.It works great to tape the craft iron stand to your work surface so it doesn’t slide around--Safety first!
Your work surface needs to be heat resistant and not only is this tem-pered glass, but I love the grid lines for design work.
at the top of my work surface where they are easy to see.
With the Wire Brush Tip
Be sure to clean the brush with a paper towel or rag in between colors. This works well for blending colors, but be careful to wipe the brush clean before each stroke so the blended color does not get transferred to other parts of your work.
With the Mini Iron Tip
With the Wire Brush Tip
Another great way to use this tip is to spread and mix colors. As you “iron” between different colors, be sure to clean the tip in be-tween strokes so the mixed colors don’t get too muddy.
for more tips, techniques, tutorials, projects and videos go to:
purplecows.netEncaustic QuickStart Guide_1.indd 2 5/24/13 9:51 AM
create with
Wax
Simple Tag ProjectTools & SuppliesMelt Craft IronWax Pen TipWire Brush TipEncaustic Paints: Candy Apple, Salsa Blush, Blizzard Sky, Lemon Fizz, Black VelvetDavid Tutra Tags Paper TowelsGlass Mat
1. Trace or draw a heart on your tag.
2. Using the wire brush tip, paint the heart with Candy Apple paint.
3. Using the wax stylus tip, outline the heart shape with Salsa Blush paint . OPTIONAL: use the brush tip to gently blend the pink and red by brushing over the edge where the two colors meet.
4. Using the brush tip, add a band of Bliz-zard Sky paint around the heart.
Napkin Tag
Printed napkins and tissue paper are a great combination with encaustics for collage. On this tag, the background was created with yellow, then red and orange were added around the edge before the pieces of napkin were covered with wax medium to hold them in place.
more quick and easy ways tocreate with Wax
http://purplecows.net
Quick Start GuideBe sure to read through the instructions inside this guide to learn how to use the encaustic tips with the wax paints. And remember, practice makes perfect. Try this technique on some scratch paper or card stock so you can get the hang of working with encaustics.
*DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE TIPS IN BETWEEN COLORS AND AFTER EACH STROKE WHEN WORKING WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS.**
5. Using the wax stylus tip and Lemon Fizz paint, make short strokes that radiate from the heart and overlap the blue.
6. With the wax stylus tip and Black Velvet paint, outline the heart and add a few strokes around the heart.
When the tag has cooled, gently polish the wax with a soft cloth to bring up the shine.
1 2
3 4
5 6
PC-101
Monogram Card
This super easy card was made using core’dinations shaped tags.
The background on the tag was a combination of light and dark blue encaustic paint, spread so the light was on one side and the dark on the other, then drips of gold wax were added and spread to give it an ethereal sheen. The same technique was used on the chipboard letter and the pieces were layered and glued onto a plain card with a die cut piece in between.
For more detailed instructions go to our website: purplecows.net
Copyright ©5/2013 by Purple Cows, Inc., 3210 North Canyon Road, Suite 307, Provo, UT 84604. All rights reserved. Please follow all manufacturers’ instructions and safety guidelines for the tools and supplies used in this guide. Every effort has been made to ensure these instructions are accurate. We cannot be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.
Encaustic QuickStart Guide_1.indd 1 5/24/13 9:51 AM
create with
Wax
Simple Tag ProjectTools & SuppliesMelt Craft IronWax Pen TipWire Brush TipEncaustic Paints: Candy Apple, Salsa Blush, Blizzard Sky, Lemon Fizz, Black VelvetDavid Tutra Tags Paper TowelsGlass Mat
1. Trace or draw a heart on your tag.
2. Using the wire brush tip, paint the heart with Candy Apple paint.
3. Using the wax stylus tip, outline the heart shape with Salsa Blush paint . OPTIONAL: use the brush tip to gently blend the pink and red by brushing over the edge where the two colors meet.
4. Using the brush tip, add a band of Bliz-zard Sky paint around the heart.
Napkin Tag
Printed napkins and tissue paper are a great combination with encaustics for collage. On this tag, the background was created with yellow, then red and orange were added around the edge before the pieces of napkin were covered with wax medium to hold them in place.
more quick and easy ways tocreate with Wax
http://purplecows.net
Quick Start GuideBe sure to read through the instructions inside this guide to learn how to use the encaustic tips with the wax paints. And remember, practice makes perfect. Try this technique on some scratch paper or card stock so you can get the hang of working with encaustics.
*DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE TIPS IN BETWEEN COLORS AND AFTER EACH STROKE WHEN WORKING WITH MULTIPLE LAYERS.**
5. Using the wax stylus tip and Lemon Fizz paint, make short strokes that radiate from the heart and overlap the blue.
6. With the wax stylus tip and Black Velvet paint, outline the heart and add a few strokes around the heart.
When the tag has cooled, gently polish the wax with a soft cloth to bring up the shine.
1 2
3 4
5 6
PC-101
Monogram Card
This super easy card was made using core’dinations shaped tags.
The background on the tag was a combination of light and dark blue encaustic paint, spread so the light was on one side and the dark on the other, then drips of gold wax were added and spread to give it an ethereal sheen. The same technique was used on the chipboard letter and the pieces were layered and glued onto a plain card with a die cut piece in between.
For more detailed instructions go to our website: purplecows.net
Copyright ©5/2013 by Purple Cows, Inc., 3210 North Canyon Road, Suite 307, Provo, UT 84604. All rights reserved. Please follow all manufacturers’ instructions and safety guidelines for the tools and supplies used in this guide. Every effort has been made to ensure these instructions are accurate. We cannot be responsible for human error, typographical mistakes, or variations in individual work.
Encaustic QuickStart Guide_1.indd 1 5/24/13 9:51 AM