Playing with wax

Yesterday, my friend Kathy and I played with wax on plexiglass. The November/December issue of Cloth Paper Scissors had a tutorial on this so we thought we’d see what we could come up with.

We started by gluing our focal or main image to the back of the plexiglass so that it could be seen through the front of the material. From there we added wax layers, imbedded paper and other items into the wax and added color with alcohol inks, pan pastels and gouache on to the front of the plexiglass.

I found this a difficult technique since it was hard to undo “mistakes.” We both agreed we were not making masterpieces – just having fun. I think Kathy’s turned out beautiful and it matched her outfit! I love the colors.

Kathy and her wax project
Kathy and her wax project

Mine was another story. Kathy was so good giving me suggestions and encouragement through the whole process. Here is mine.

Me and my wax
Me and my wax

We both agreed that I needed to add my woman’s face to the top of the plexi since it I had built up so much wax on the top that it looked weird. So here is a closeup of my project.

My wax piece
My wax piece

I liked embedding stuff in the wax. I loved the smell of the beeswax. The colors on my piece are made with Pan Pastels. When I added them to the wax it brought out all of the cracks and texture of the wax.

But it was challenging and I really was feeling way outside my comfort zone. Also, since plexiglass is clear whatever color is placed behind it will change the look. I have it sitting on a piece of white paper in the above photo, but I can change the whole feel of the piece by putting a different color behind it.

It was fun, but not something I’d probably want to do again. Well, at least that’s how I feel today. Although when I look at it, it is pretty neat and I know some things I’d do differently.

Kathy brought her basket of scarves over for me to pick one for my birthday present. Oh, my! What a decision! I picked this lovely burnt velvet one. My picture does not do it justice. Kathy has a lot of these available if you need a late gift or want to spend some of that Christmas cash. Here is a link to her shop.

Kathy's scarf
My new scarf

That was a fun day spending time with my new friend – a real artist! Thank you Kathy for sharing the day with me.