Craft Articles

A major growth area in both art and crafts is Encaustic Art.  This is, quite
simply, painting with wax.  It’s actually a very old technique but it has been
brought back to popularity by the introduction of modern tools. 

Basically, pigmented beeswax is melted and applied to a surface - almost any
surface!  Today, the most common method is to use a small dry iron with a very
good thermostat.  The wax is applied to the sole of the iron, often in several
bands of different colours.  The iron is then moved lightly over a glossy card,
depositing the wax.  Different movements and pressures, different parts of the
sole, all create different effects.  Lifting the iron off the wax at varying
angles and speeds also produces differing effects and textures.

In addition to the iron, you can use scrapers, a special stylus (with various
tips), palette knives, and numerous other tools.  Hotplates are often used for
larger works.  Gloss card is commonly used as it is easy to work on, but just
about any other surface can be used, provided it is reasonably heat resistant.

The beauty of encaustic is that you don’t have to be an “artist” or even be able
to draw!  Wax paintings are almost self-creative.  You can also employ rubber
stamps, computer clip-art, collage, peel-offs, transfers…. in fact, just about
any crafting accessory.  You can also create pieces from cut up encaustic cards
in a mosaic.  Abstract patterns are very popular, but there is no limit as to
what you create!

The painting can be framed, form part of a display (such as on terracotta or
glass), or used in making cards or other craft items.