Thursday, March 1, 2012

beeswax collage

I just love working with beeswax
it gives an age and patina that is so natural and real


I made this collage using an old book cover and one of my own photographs
the book text is from an old french textbook


I used a bronze chain with jump rings as a hanger

*


and then for this one, which is quite a bit smaller
I made inchie collages and attached them to 2 inch portions of an old book cover




I used glue to adhere everything first
then I mod podged tea bag paper over it all
and then dipped them in beeswax


the beeswax was in pellet form
I simply put some pellets in a foil tray
and heated it in a 200 degree oven
(be careful to heat the wax JUST to melting - the burn point for beeswax is 181 degrees)
then immersed the pieces into the melted wax


you can rub the beeswax with a soft rag to get a bit of a polish
or leave it rough if you'd like
either way is beautiful in my opinion

*

I have many more posts about using beeswax
just click the "beeswax" and "beeswax how-to" labels below to get to them

17 comments:

Carola Zajdman said...

Love beeswax, your work is great !!

Ms. said...

another great way to preserve photographs!

PAK ART said...

You are so creative - I hardly ever get outside my comfort zone. I'm still working on it! I love the blue flowers, they look like forget-me-nots.

Elizabeth said...

I love these --

Lynn Cohen said...

Both interesting and beautiful. Love the hangers too.

What pray tell is that art piece with what looks like grapefruit or orange slices all around it that we can see a part of?

Sue said...

You are right the finish looks so authentic....beautiful pieces.

Yvonne said...

I've never used beeswax but this looks wonderful! I will read your tutorials. Been looking for a new project and a beeswax project just might be what I'm looking for. Thanks Kimmie. Love the little inchie project btw.

She Who Doodles said...

love the look you came up with by using the beeswax. i tried it once but it was a finish on a more smooth finer detailed piece and i really struggled with it. i might just have to try again after seeing you pieces.

Jill said...

I really like the wax on the book covers. Sets the age in and really elevates it!

Laura Tringali Holmes said...

I love beeswax, too. Oh, the smell!

Robin said...

These are gorgeous Kimmie! Have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Robin

Unknown said...

WOW!! I just love the way these look.. I would love to try this sometime...

~Linda

Anonymous said...

These have such an antique appeal to them and I love you are recycling old book covers! that is a super idea. Collage never gets old, does it?
Peace~
Dawn

Gwen said...

I noticed this post the other day, can't believe I did not leave a comment.
The texture of wax is so appealing to me. I have done some projects, but with very littl expertise. These creations of yours are really lovely...delicate, yet making a statement. Just going to visit your other beeswax projects...
xx

ooglebloops said...

I've missed dropping in and seeing your inspiring creativity!!! Great idea for those used teabags (of which I have many!!) I love this!

Erin of Salvaged Whimsy said...

I came across your shop on Etsy and was so happy to see that you have a blog so I could stop by to tell you how much I love and admire your beautiful work. Every piece is so unique and lovely.

Unknown said...

I love what you've done with old book covers! I really should stop by more often! (been a bit occupies...)
:)