Mixed Media - combining various art forms

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Why limit yourself to only ONE media?

If you are dabbling in the arts and can't decide, or if you've ever felt constrained by using only ONE art form ... this is the place for YOU!

Here's a run-down of the topics included in this lens; this info will cover the basics and define a few things for starters.

Silk Painting

Silk painting can be found in a wide range of textiles such dresses, scarves, blouses, neckties, even wall art! The silk is typically bought in rolls from the manufacturers and must be stretched prior to paiting/dyeing (similar to canvas). Silk painting offers a texture akin to watercolor since the paints will run unless they are "bound" by resist lines (similar to liquid wax). After painting/dyeing the silk must be 'set' through steaming or heat prior to use. Once the colors are 'set', the silk is washable, wearable, etc.

Calligraphy

"The Pen is mighter than the Sword..."

Calligraphy captures the sheer *essence* of the beauty of the written word much like a great orator/actor can capture the peotry of the spoken word. It can be found in many cultures of the world, so there are essentially two types of Calligraphy: Anglo-saxon and Asian. Both have unique methods and forms to create a variety of styles, images all using similar materials.

Jewelry

Specifically, jewelry using the 'wire wrap' technique. This method used various widths and hardness or wire to achieve swirls ... spirals ... the possibilities are limitless!

Sculpture

This is specifically for users of "Sculpey" and similar clay-molds since I've found that sculpting the 'normal' way (e.g. block of stone and chisel) is rewarding, but awfully messy, time-consoming, and expensive. . .

Starter Items 

Note: such medias like silk painting and polymer clay cannot (currently) be found on Amazon.com. The silk painting tools can be found at the Dharma Trading Company site Materials

The polymer clay can be found at any arts & crafts store (e.g. Hobby Lobby or Michaels).

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DELUXE Bead Board - BEAD Kit- Jewelry Making Kit with Tools & BEADS

DELUXE Bead Board - BEAD Kit- Jewelry Making Kit with Tools & BEADS

This is the Laughing Spirit Designs & Beadtrib more...1 point

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DELUXE Basic Jewelry Making KIT

DELUXE Basic Jewelry Making KIT

The Deluxe Jewelry Making Kit comes in a 9 inch x more...0 points

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A Complete Calligraphy Kit for Beginners

A Complete Calligraphy Kit for Beginners

A Complete Calligraphy Kit for Beginners...This st more...0 points

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Sumi Brush Set #SWS181

Sumi Brush Set #SWS181

Nice boxed Sumi brush and ink set with all the bas more...0 points

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Ostrich Plume Quill Calligraphy Pen Set

Ostrich Plume Quill Calligraphy Pen Set

This Calligraphy set appears to be right out of th more...0 points

Marbleing Fabric (or paper) information 

Marbleing creates wonderful swirls and other patterns on fabric (see image) or paper products. Here is a brief listing of how this is done:
1. If fabric, it needs to be treated properly.
2. The paints/dyes are floated in the suspension liquid.
3. The swirls or other patterns are created in the paints/dyes.
4. The fabric/paper is laid (dipped) flat onto the paints/dyes to pick up the pattern.
5. The after paint/dying treatments/washing is done.

Mixed Media Books 

Silk painting - Tips 

Silk is a wearable (sometimes washable) textile that is equally at home on someone or in someone's home. Silk offers a very unique canvas whose final artwork is akin to watercolor painting in that, without boundaries (called 'resist' lines), the paint/dye literally RUNS all over the piece. This, obviously, can be good or bad. Because of this, I think that silk painters need a bit of flexibility with the art that other painters (oil/acrylic) may or may not experience.

The 'resist' lines are made using a wax-like substance that is applied in lines (typically outlining certain pieces). The resist must be applied very, very carefully; if the lines are broken, the paint/dye will "bleed" (escape) into the non-lined portion.

Once the silk is painted on, the paint or dye is 'set' using a variety of methods that include air drying, heat setting, steam setting or any numerous combinations thereof (usually dependant on the complexity of the piece, size, and whether paints or dyes are used). Needless to say, it's not for the impatient ^_^.

Media - Specific books 

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by smcwho

I'm Techie/Artist who dabbles in anything and everything including:

* calligraphy
* silk painting
* jewelry (wire wrap)
* sculpture
* photography



.... and...

(more)

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