Beading

Attaching Clasps to Beaded Jewelry
Bead Board - makes beading easy!
Beading tips
Beading F.A.Q.
Beads: Knotting with Tweezers
Bead Stringing Cords
Bead Stringing Wire
Bend Memory Wire
Birthstones
Crimping & Crimp Cover Instructions
Easy Ear Wire
Knowing Your Beads



Crafts

Bow Making
Candle Burning
Folding the American Flag
Floral Tablescaping
General Tips
Melted Crayon Art
Photo Booth with Props - How to set up
Sculpey
Styrofoam
Tillandsia Care (Air Plant)
Vinyl Lettering



Framing

Conservation Framing
How to Hang and Care for your Pictures



Needle Arts

Knit with Milly Video: Blocking
Knit with Milly Video: Cast On
Knit with Milly Video: Cast Off
Knit with Milly Video: Knit Stitch
Knit with Milly Video: Purl Stitch
Knit with Milly Video: Knit a Starbella Scarf
Knifty Knitter Looms
Knitting & Crochet Abbreviations
Knitting Instructions
Yarn Weight System



Painting

Acrylic Paints: which one to use?
Basics of Brushes
Clay Pot Preparation
Coloring Items Using Alcohol Ink
Crackling
Glitter, Sparkle, Shimmer & Shine
Painting Mediums / Products Information
Painting Surfaces
Painting Tips
Sealers
Tin Preparation
Wood Preparation



Paper Crafts

Accu-Cut Die-Cut Machines
Creative Card Making
Distress Inks with Tim Holtz
Getting Started on a Scrapbook
Glossary of Stamp Terms & Techniques
Inking 101
Marbled Look Created with Alcohol Ink
Masking Techniques - Rubber Stamping
Scrapbooking on the Wall - Canvas Art
Taking Gift Tag Art One Step Further
Tear Paper, HOW TO
Twinkling H20's



Sewing

Blanket Stitching
Choosing the right THREAD
Fabric Conversions
Fabric and Sewing Project Tips
Glossary of Sewing / Quilting Terms
How to Wash your Fabric and Quilts
Stuffing (Fiberfill)

Painting Mediums / Product Information

Antiquing Medium, Blending Medium, Crackling Medium, Extenders, Gesso, Glaze, Paints, Sealer, and more.


TECHNIQUE

SURFACES

BASE

DRYING TIME

PENETRATE SURFACE

Antiquing Medium

All

water/oil

varies

no

Definition: A water based or oil based liquid, usually brown or black, applied to a fresly painted surface and then wiped off to give an aged look.

Color Blending Medium

All

water

varies

n/a

Definition: A water based clear emulsion to assist in the blending of acrylic colors.

Crackling Mediums

All

water

varies

no

Definition: The application of two varnish-like ingredients that work against each other to produce a crazed or crackled effect.

Dyes

Fabric, silk

water

1-2 hrs

yes

Definition: A pigmented liquid designed to penetrate fibers of fabrics and silk to permanently color it.

Extenders or Drying Retarders

Sealed surfaces

water

varies

no

Definition: A chemical added to acrylic paints to slow the drying time.

Faux Finishes

All

water/oil

varies

no

Definition: A decorative finish that simulates marble, wood graining, tortoiseshell, patina, etc.

Gesso

Canvas, wood, papier maché

water

20-30 min

yes, on raw surfaces

Definition: A white liquid applied to surfaces to seal and create a "ground" or primed surface on which to work. Provides a completely smooth finish.

Glaze

All

water/oil

varies

yes, on raw surfaces

Definition: A translucent (not transparent), slower drying colored liquid used to create faux and decorative finishes. Features great depth of color. Can be used either over a basecoat or as a stain.

Paint, Acrylic

All

water

30 min - 1 hr

no

Definition: Fast drying, water based paint that dries to a water resistant finish.

Paint, Fabric

Most fabrics

water

2 - 3 hrs

yes

Definition: Acrylic paint formulated to penetrate fabric fibers and become permanent when heat set.

Paint, Oil

All

oil

1 day - 4 wks

no

Definition: Paint consisting of pigment suspended in oil or resin which can be diluted or dispersed with a chemical solvent.

Paint, Watercolor

Paper

water

15 - 30 min.

yes

Definition: Paint consisting of pigment which can be diluted with water.

Resist

Silk

water

1 - 2 hrs

yes

Definition: A water based formula used in silk painting to separate areas of designs. Acts as a barrier against which silk dye will not penetrate.

Sealer

Wood, papier maché

water

1 - 2 hrs

yes

Definition: A liquid product used to seal the pores of raw wood or to provide a base upon which painting or faux finishing is accomplished.

Stain

Wood

water

1 - 2 hrs

yes

Definition: A dye or pigment in solution which soaks into and permanently colors wood.

Textile Medium

n/a

water

1 hr

yes, on fabric

Definition: A chemical mixed with acrylic paints to make them permanent on fabric.

Thickeners

n/a

water

1 - 2 hrs

n/a

Definition: An acrylic emulsion that thickens jar acrylic paints, allowing the artist to have more control.

Varnish

All

water/oil

varies

no

Definition: A transparent, water resistant, protective coating applied over completed finishes. Varnishes may be matte, semi-gloss, or gloss.

Washes

All

water

1 - 2 hrs

no

Definition: Paint thinned with water that produces a hazy, translucent appearance over a basecoat and provides a subtle hint of color.

  • Always use oil based products over oil based products and water based products over water based products - oil and water do not mix!

  • Transparent - Transmitting light so that objects on the other side may be distinctly seen; capable of being seen through.

  • Translucent - Letting light pass but diffusing it so that objects on the other side cannot be clearly distinguished; partially transparent, such as frosted glass.