Friday, January 22, 2010

beeswax part 2

This is the beeswax I use:


I have also used beeswax in pellet form.
I prefer my block of wax - probably just because it looks so cool and my Dad gave it to me.


I simply cut off (using a big chef knife) small chunks of it and melt it in this thing:


I have a small saucepan lid that fits perfectly over this - it helps speed up the melting process to have a lid on it.
DO NOT LEAVE HEATED BEESWAX UNATTENDED
it is FLAMMABLE if it gets too hot.

For larger sized projects (like this one) I simply spoon the hot wax liberally over the whole thing.
Let your spoon sit in the wax for a minute or two so it gets to be the same temperature as the wax.
Otherwise you'll just get a big cold blob of wax on a spoon.

I do spooning of the wax while the project is on a piece of foil with the edges folded up:


I prefer a thin layer of wax - so all I need to do is pop this in a 200' oven for about 5 minutes.
WATCH CAREFULLY TO AVOID OVERHEATING THE WAX.
The even temperature of the oven causes the wax to soak in nicely and spread in a thin layer.
All the excess wax just flows off the piece and onto the foil.


Here's a close up shot so you can see some of the texture of the wax:


Next week I'll show you how some more beeswax how-to's.

***

This particular art piece I've mounted in a baking pan as the frame:











This piece IS for sale.
You can find it in my etsy shop HERE.

13 comments:

Carola Zajdman said...

This is great !!! I used it with an instrument that melt the beeswax, little by little. This way is faster, isn´t it?
Promise to follow you. Like it very much !!!!

Carola Zajdman said...

Kimmie, í´m crazy about your blog, so creative, wonderful to see you recycling. So glad i´ve found you !! love the inches !!!!

layers said...

how interesting to use a pan for a frame.
also interesting how artists develop their own processes--- I melt my wax in small metal cups and tins-- in an electric frying pan-- or a pot sitting on the frying pan with a candy thermometer in the pot.
I got most of my supplies from Goodwill except the wax of course.

*jean* said...

your creativity never ceases to amaze me! i never would have thought of putting the beeswax in the oven!! brilliant! and the pan as a frame?? well, kimmie, that is just plain fantastic!! love this!

red.or.gray.art said...

thank you for making it Seem easy...i will try it...someday...i need you to live around the corner :)

nancy neva gagliano said...

i agree with elk....we need you around the corner! but, i too will try....and the OVEN. omg...the secret has been released by you. thank you. i would have driven myself crazy trying to SMOOTH the was evenly..!!

Terri Kahrs said...

Live and learn. . . I'd have never thought of using the oven as a secret art tool!!! How clever! And I also love that you've placed the piece on aluminum foil before spooning the wax. I've been using newspaper and it gets w-a-y too messy. Brilliant idea to use the tin for a unique frame. Kimmie, you've made my day! Hugs, Terri xoxo

sukipoet said...

I love chunks of beeswax like this too and often buy one lb pieces at farmers markets from beekeepers. I didnt know that about putting it in the oven.

If you freeze the chunk you can then hammer it to break into smaller pieces.

cute piece you made with the bread tin frame.

ale said...

dear kimmie!!! this is AMAZING!!so interesting!!!!!l think is the first time l read this how to...!!in spanish we say...ME ENCANTÓ!!!!!that is like l LOVE it but with more intensity!!l love the frame!!you are very very creative!! this post is a MUST for the inspiration!!besos enormes y very happy weekend kimmie!!

ooglebloops said...

Love your finished product in the vintage loaf pan!!!!
Thanks for the tutorial - I have some beeswax, and now you have distracted me again from my original path today!!!!! LOL
Since we all can't live next door to you and your creativity(what a lovely crowded neighborhood that would be!!) - the internet allows us all to feel like we do!!! Thanks Kimmie!!!!

Rosie said...

Thanks so much for sharing this - I was always a bit scared of using beeswax before, but you've made it sound like something I could manage!

Poetic Artist said...

I just found your blog. I am glad I did I love beeswax. Yet I have to use it..Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful post.
Katelen

Renee Howell said...

Kimmie - thank you ever so much for sharing your sweet soul with us! And your "how to do this" posts. The visits with you are so nice! Have a great week!