Cool2Cast Dipped Bird by EcoHeidi Borchers

Cool2Cast Dipped Bird EcoHeidi Borchers 300x150

5 20 13 Heidi Cool2Cast Dipped Bird C2C Hero Cool2Cast Dipped Bird by EcoHeidi Borchers

EcoHeidi Borchers shows how to dip a decorative bird into Cool2Cast to create a hard surface great for painting, decoupage, alcohol ink or your favorite colorant.

Watch EcoHeidi’s Cool2Cast Dipped Birds YouTube video tutorial!

Materials

Cool2Cast (available at www.shopcool2craft.com or at Michaels (in the polymer clay department)
Water & measuring cup
Zip top plastic bag
Decorative bird (with wire or clip)
Styrofoam (to insert bird into while Cool2Cast is drying)

1. Mix a small batch of Cool2Cast in zip bag according to package instructions.

2. Open bag and holding bird by wire, dip into wet Cool2Cast. (Note: if you wait about 5 minutes after mixing Cool2Cast, it will begin to thicken slightly which will give you a thicker coating when dipping.)

3. Carefully pull bird out of bag and place wire into Styrofoam until dry (should be dry to touch within 1 hour). (If you have additional Cool2Cast left in the bag, immediately pour it into molds so that you can use every drop before it dries.)

4. When bird is completely dry, you can decorate with decoupage, paint, alcohol inks or colorants of your choice.

Want to purchase a pre-dipped bird – click here!

Watch EcoHeidi’s video tutorial to learn more about how to create with your birds!

 

P Heidi Cool2Cast Mixed Med Cool2Cast Dipped Bird by EcoHeidi Borchers


 

Mixed Media Cool2Cast Bird by EcoHeidi Borchers

Cool2Cast Mixed Media Bird Heidi Borchers 300x150

5 20 13 Heidi Mixed Media Cool2Cast Bird C2C Hero Mixed Media Cool2Cast Bird by EcoHeidi Borchers

EcoHeidi Borchers decorates a Cool2Cast bird with decorated tissue paper. WOW! Embossing Powders add a new dimension of design and sparkle on hand-painted tissue and card stock.

Watch EcoHeidi’s Mixed Media Cool2Cast YouTube video tutorial!

Materials

Cool2Cast dipped bird (pre-dipped bird available for purchase at www.shopcool2craft.com – or watch video tutorial to make your own)
Handpainted tissue paper
Handpainted card stock
Rubber stamp (design of your choice)
WOW! Embossing Powders and glitters
Heat gun
Embossing ink
Aleene’s Decoupage – Matte
Paint brush
Aleene’s Tacky Glue
Flat back beads (black – for eyes)

1. Stamp design onto painted tissue paper and sprinkle with white embossing powder. Shake off excess powder. Use heat gun to melt powder. Let cool.

2. Sprinkle embossing powder and glitter onto painted cardstock in shape of wing. Using heat gun, heat powder from underneath card. (Applying the heat from underneath will keep it from being blown off the card.) Let cool. Repeat to create second wing.

3. Rip card into wing shape.

4. Tear handpainted tissue and embossed tissue into small pieces.

5. Using decoupage medium, cover entire bird with tissue. (If desired, glue piece of embossed tissue onto wings.) Let dry.

6. Glue wings in place with Aleene’s Tacky Glue. Let dry.

7. Glue beads in place for eyes. Let dry.

Watch EcoHeidi’s video tutorial to learn more about how to display your birds!

P Heidi Cool2Cast Mixed Med Mixed Media Cool2Cast Bird by EcoHeidi Borchers


 

Mixed Media Shoes with Birds in Nests by EcoHeidi Borchers

Mixed Media Birds in Shoe EcoHeidi Borchers 300x150

5 20 13 Heidi Mixed Media Birds in Shoe C2C Hero Mixed Media Shoes with Birds in Nests by EcoHeidi Borchers

EcoHeidi Borchers transforms a thrift store high heel into a super cool mixed media shoe. Covered with hand-colored and embossed tissue papers, this shoe makes an artsy door stop.

Watch EcoHeidi’s Mixed Media Shoes YouTube video tutorial!

Materials

Aleene’s Decoupage – Gloss
Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue
High heel shoe
Papers – book pages, handpainted tissue, gold metallic tissue, corrugated cardboard, embossed tissue, paper shreds
Decorated novelty birds (dipped in Cool2Cast – see instructions and video here)
Acrylic paint mixed with water (for paper shreds nest) (or thinned alcohol inks)
Spray bottle(s) for acrylic paint – or- use pre-mixed spray fabric paints
Wax paper
Beads – micro, small and medium (to glue onto shoe)
Brick

1. Tear book pages into strips approximately 1″ x 3″.

2. Brush Decoupage onto back of strip and onto shoe. Place strip onto shoe and brush coat of Decoupage over page. Continue until the entire shoe is covered with book strips. Let dry.

3. Tear hand-painted tissue into pieces and use Decoupage glue to glue them in place over shoe. If desired, leave some of the book page words showing through. Let dry.

4. Watch Heidi’s video to learn how to decorate the bird(s).

5. Place wax paper on work surface. Sprinkle shreds on wax paper. Spray paper shreds desired colors. Let dry.

6. Shape paper shreds into nest. Glue in place in shoe.

7. Glue bird(s) into nest(s).

8. Decorate brick with decoupage papers. Let dry.

9. Glue shoe onto brick. Let dry.

P Heidi Mixed Media Birds Mixed Media Shoes with Birds in Nests by EcoHeidi Borchers


 

Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Cover by EcoHeidi Borchers

Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Heidi Borchers 300x150

5 6 13 Heidi Green Man Journal C2C Hero Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Cover by EcoHeidi Borchers

EcoHeidi Borchers transforms a cardboard tree shape into a Cool2Cast green man. With this Cool2Cast pouring technique, you can create the look of textured bark.

Watch EcoHeidi’s Cool2Cast Green Man Journal YouTube video tutorial!

 

Materials

Cool2Cast (available at ShopCool2Craft.com or available at all Michaels stores (in polymer clay department) Jar Hero1 Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Cover by EcoHeidi Borchersafter 6/1/13)
Cereal box cardboard
Tree Pattern – Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Heidi Borchers
Pencil
Scissors
Non-stick foil (large enough to catch over-spill when pouring Cool2Cast over cardboard tree)
Plastic zip bag
Water
Measuring cup
Face mold (old man or Santa face molds work well)
Spatula
Wax paper
Craft knife
Alcohol inks (browns, greens, rust)
Rubbing alcohol
Brush
Journal covers (I cut my journal from mat board)
Paper (for inside journal)
Custom painted tissue papers (to collage onto journal cover)
Heavy duty hole punch (to punch binding holes in journal covers)
Ribbon (to bind journal covers and papers together)
Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue
Aleene’s Decoupage – matte or gloss finish
Brush (for decoupage)
Embellishments – handmade paper,small and medium beads, micro beads, sheet moss, birds, wire spirals

1. Place foil onto level work surface.

2. Cut tree pattern from cereal box and place on foil.

3. Mix approximately 1 cup batch of Cool2cast in zip bag according to package directions. Snip bottom corner of bag to create pour spout.

4. Pour Cool2Cast over cardboard tree. You will notice that the cardboard absorbs the water very quickly so the Cool2Cast will start to solidify quickly.

5. Pour excess Cool2Cast into face mold (and other small molds if you have additional remaining). Tap the molds to release any trapped bubbles and set the face molds aside to dry for approximately 1 hour.

6. Use spatula to start smoothing and spreading Cool2Cast to cover all areas of cardboard tree. Your Cool2Cast should be solidifying at this point.

7. Use spatula to lift tree from foil and move onto clean piece of wax paper.

8. Use tip of spatula to draw bark lines into Cool2Cast. Set aside to dry for several hours.

9. When your Cool2Cast face is set, unmold and place on foil.

10. Mix a small batch of Cool2Cast and pour a small circle onto foil. Carefully place the face into the wet puddle of Cool2Cast. Let dry undisturbed. (Note: if you are using the Santa Clause face mold, you will also want to pour Cool2Cast over his hat area so that he transforms into a green man.)

11. When your tree is dry, remove from wax paper. Clean up any rough branch edges with craft knife. Place tree back onto clean wax paper.

12. Apply alcohol inks either directly from bottle or dilute with alcohol and brush on. Layer colors or spray with alcohol for interesting effects. Repeat technique to color green man face. Let dry.Green Man Journal full crop2 Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Cover by EcoHeidi Borchers

13. Use Aleene’s Decoupage to collage handmade papers onto journal cover. Let dry.

14. Use Aleene’s Tacky Glue to glue tree in place on journal cover. Glue face in place on tree.

15. Use glue to apply beads, wire, moss around tree branches and around green man face. Let dry.

16. Bind covers and papers together with ribbon. Tie ribbon in bow and add beads to ribbon streams.

P Heidi Green Man Journal Cool2Cast Green Man Journal Cover by EcoHeidi Borchers


 

Cool2Cast Cereal Box Wall Art by EcoHeidi Borchers

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4 8 13 Heidi Cereal Box Wall Art C2C Hero Cool2Cast Cereal Box Wall Art by EcoHeidi Borchers

EcoHeidi Borchers is working her magic on cereal boxes to create wall art! Cool2Cast pieces create some fun layers of texture. Cool2Cast is also poured onto the cereal boxes for extra texturing. A cool way to upcycle your  trash into treasures!

Watch EcoHeidi’s Cool2Cast Cereal Box YouTube video tutorial!

Materials

Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue.
Cereal boxes (or other cardboard food boxes – shape and size similar to art canvas)
Rubber bands (to fit around box)
Sharp pointed tool (to punch hole into back of box for hanging)
Matboard (cut to fit front of cereal box)
Scissors
Cardboard squeegee (cut along one edge with pinking shears)
Cool2Cast
Plastic zip top bags, measuring cup and water
Plastic cups (different sizes depending on pattern designs desired)
Texture plates – hard plastic, clear plastic or rubber
White flat finish spray paint (Heidi uses Rustoleum)
Black acrylic paint and cosmetic sponge
Embellishments: plastic flexible mesh, flat back marbles, mirror tile pieces

1. Glue cereal box lid closed. Use rubber bands to hold closed while the glue dries.

2. Determine placement for hanging and punch hole in back of box. (This is how you will hang your art piece on the wall.)

3. Mix batch of Cool2Cast according to package directions. (It is best to mix several small batches for this project.)

4. Clip bottom corner of bag and drizzle Cool2Cast onto pre-cut matboard.

5. Use serrated edge squeegee to pull Cool2Cast across surface of matboard to create interesting patterning. If desired, press mesh pieces directly into Cool2Cast. NOTE: You will need to work quickly on this step as the Cool2Cast begins to dry quickly on a porous surface.

6. While the mixture is still wet, press rim of cups into Cool2Cast and lift directly up. This will give you a pattern to follow for the next step.

7. To create texture, pour remaining Cool2Cast in circles using pattern lines as guides and then press cups back into Cool2Cast. Set matboard aside to dry for at least one hour.

8. To create texture pieces, mix new batch of Cool2Cast (or if you still have mixture left over in bag that is still very wet) and pour in circles and squares on texture plates. Tap texture plate to slightly flatten Cool2Cast. Set aside to dry for one hour and then pop off from texture plates.

9. To “glue” the pieces onto the matboard, mix a small batch of Cool2Cast. Decide where you want to place your texture pieces, pour a small puddle of Cool2Cast onto matboard and press the texture pieces into the wet Cool2Cast. Continue to layer the pieces to achieve the look that you want. Let dry completely.

10. If you want to add texture to the sides of your cereal box, pour Cool2Cast one side at a time and squeegee with serrated edge. Let all pieces dry completely overnight.

11. Adhere decorated matboard to front of cereal box with Aleene’s Tacky Glue. Let glue dry.

12. Spray all surfaces of box and decorated matboard with white flat spray paint. Let dry.

13. You can color or paint your wall art any color or use black acrylic paint (apply with cosmetic sponge) to highlight the raised surfaces of the texture as Heidi did in her finished project.

14. Glue embellishments in place. Let dry.

15. Hang on wall!

P Heidi Cereal Box Wall Art Cool2Cast Cereal Box Wall Art by EcoHeidi Borchers


 

 

Cool2Cast Faux Chocolate Jar Topper by Candace Jedrowicz

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3 25 13 Candace Chocolate Jar C2C Hero Cool2Cast Faux Chocolate Jar Topper by Candace Jedrowicz

Candace Jedrowicz is pouring Tiffany Windsor’s amazing Cool2Cast into a chocolate box insert to make lovely fake chocolates to decorate the lid of a gift jar.  Is it easy?  You bet!  And it looks so yummy!  Featured on Cool2Craft.

Wwatch Candace’s Cool2Cast Faux Chocolate Jar Topper YouTube video tutorial!

Materials:

Cool2Cast
Aleene’s Collage Pauge Matte
Aleene’s Super Thick Tacky Glue
An insert from a chocolate box – I used one from a Mrs Fields candy box
Water
Scoop
Quart plastic bag
Brown acrylic paint
Candy paper cup
Decorative paper
Drill with 1/16″ bit
Focal bead
Headpin

1. To mix the Cool2Cast, scoop 2 parts Cool2Cast to 1 part water into the quart bag.  Seal the bag and shake and smoosh the bag until all the lumps are gone and the mixture is smooth.Cool2Cast Chocolate Topped Jar by Candace 4 191x300 Cool2Cast Faux Chocolate Jar Topper by Candace Jedrowicz

2. Cut a small bottom corner of the bag and fill the mold(s).  Allow the Cool2Cast to set for an hour, carefully unmold and allow to dry overnight.

3.  Sand off any unwanted lumps and paint with chocolate brown paint.  Allow to dry and repeat if necessary.

4. Glue the chocolate in the paper candy cup.

5. Holding the chocolate by the bottom, paint the chocolate with the Collage Pauge and allow to dry.

6. Cut a circle of the decorative paper and glue to the top of the lid.  Allow to dry.

7.  Drill a hole in the center top of the chocolate.

8. Slide the focal bead on the headpin, dip the end in glue and insert into the hole.  Allow to dry.

9. Glue the chocolate to the lid.

P Cool2Cast Chocolate Top Cool2Cast Faux Chocolate Jar Topper by Candace Jedrowicz


 

 

Cool2Cast Gift Cans by EcoHeidi Borchers

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1 28 13 Heidi Cool2Cast Gift Cans Cool2Cast Gift Cans by EcoHeidi Borchers

Save your cans to create these super cute gift cans by EcoHeidi Borchers. By using a “no-sharp edges” can opener you can transform trash into treasures! Tuck in a small gift and you have a unique gift container! Featured on Cool2Craft TV.

Watch EcoHeidi’s super cool Cool2Cast Gift Can YouTube video tutorial!

Materials

Cool2Cast  (¼ cup of C2C plaster to 1/8 cup of water will fill 2 medium lids)
Water & measuring cups
Zip top plastic bag
Tin cans (use a can opener that removes the lids safely with no sharp edges)
Stamp pad – any color
Small rubber stamps – various shapes and an alphabet
Alcohol inks
Brush
Aleene’s Tacky Tape Runner
Papers, paint, trims, glue, embellishments and fabric to decorate tin cans

NOTE: Remove lid from can using the type of can opener that leaves no sharp edges on the lid.

1. Pour ¼ cup Cool2Cast plaster into zip top bag.

2. Add 1/8 cup room temp water to bag. Re-zip bag to seal and shake bag for about one minute.

3. Cut off one corner on the bottom of the bag.

4. Hold over lid and let the plaster flow from the cut corner into the lid.

5. Fill to the top edge of can lid. Carefully tap the edge of the lid, to help the liquid plaster settle. Let plaster dry completely. It will be solid to the touch in about 1 hour but leave overnight to dry completely.

6.  Decorate the top by brushing on alcohol inks on the plaster. Let dry.  Next, stamp words or sayings with rubber stamps.

When you use the no-sharp edges type of can opener, you should find that the lid will snap back on when you are finished. If your lid does not, just tie ribbon from top to bottom to hold the lid in place in transit.

1 28 13 Heidi Cool2Cast P Cool2Cast Gift Cans by EcoHeidi Borchers


Wisdom Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads

Cool2Cast Cousin Corp Wisdom Pendant

Cool2Cast Wisdom Pendant Wisdom Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads

Cousin Corporation has just recently introduced a fantastic new line of products they call Second Skin. Second Skin is focused on the look and feel of exotic skins, particularly snake skin.

Wisdom Necklace cu 2 Wisdom Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin BeadsFor the beads, I selected the Glass Strand Teal/Brown (I used only the brown beads) and for the pendant, I used several components from the Stacked Up™ Antique Gold Starter Pack (in a non-traditional way!) and teamed them up with my Wisdom charm. The base for my pendant is created with Cool2Cast. The inked design on the pendant teams up beautifully with the textured beads and even though  the heart and toggle were designed to be used as a closure, I decided to feature them on the front with my charm.

The complete line of products in the Second Skin Collection is focused on the look and feel of exotic skins, particularly snake skin, which is the dominant and favored skin for the upcoming seasons. The program will include pendants, connectors and beads fabricated with a faux snake skin inset and a snake skin texture imprinted into the metal. This exotic skin is highlighted with luxurious jewel tones of dark reds, plums, teals and metal accents, like studs in antique gold and matte black. This program also features many seed beads and metal chains, which emanate the undulation of snakes and their coils.

Second Skin is NOW available at Primabead.com and select Jo-Ann stores.

 

small horizontal Wisdom Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads


Embedded Crystal Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads

Cool2Cast Cousin Corp Blue Pendant

Cool2Cast Crystal Embedded  Embedded Crystal Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads

Cousin Corporation has just recently introduced a fantastic new line of products they call Second Skin. Second Skin is focused on the look and feel of exotic skins, particularly snake skin.

I have teamed up their Glass Metal Blue/Silver Faceted/Snake Beads from this COOL collection with a new Cool2Cast pendant that I created. I LOVE how these beautiful richly colored faceted blue beads and textured silver snake beads complement the organic style of my crystal embedded piece. I am SO in love with this collection so I’ll be sharing more design inspiration in the weeks ahead!

The complete line of products in the Second Skin Collection is focused on the look and feel of exotic skins, particularly snake skin, which is the dominant and favored skin for the upcoming seasons. The program will include pendants, connectors and beads fabricated with a faux snake skin inset and a snake skin texture imprinted into the metal. This exotic skin is highlighted with luxurious jewel tones of dark reds, plums, teals and metal accents, like studs in antique gold and matte black. This program also features many seed beads and metal chains, which emanate the undulation of snakes and their coils.

Second Skin is NOW available at Primabead.com and select Jo-Ann stores.

Cool2Cast Crystal CU Embedded Crystal Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads

small horizontal Embedded Crystal Cool2Cast Pendant featuring Cousin Corp. Second Skin Beads


Cool2Cast Pumpkins and Leaves by Tiffany Windsor

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11 5 12 Tiffany Cool2Cast Pumpkin and Leaves Cool2Cast Pumpkins and Leaves by Tiffany Windsor

Brighten up your fall decor with Cool2Cast! Tiffany Windsor shows you how to use silicone molds to create pretty tabletop decor with Cool2Cast. Perfect for placecard holders. Featured on Cool2Craft TV.

Watch Tiffany’s fun and fabulous Cool2Cast Pumpkins and Leaves YouTube video tutorial!

Materials

Cool2Cast – Casting Medium
Measuring cups
Water
Zip top plastic bag(s) – to mix Cool2Cast
Wilton mold – pumpkins and leaves
Sandpaper – fine
Jacquard Pinata Alcohol inks – yellow, orange, red
Rubbing alcohol
Small cups for mixing inks
Brush – for applying inks
3-D Lacquer
Optional: Drill and small drill bit, wire, silk or paper leaf for placecard holder

1. Mix batch of Cool2Cast according to package directions.

2. Pour into mold(s). Remember that you can pour more or less depending on how thick you want your designs. (I poured about 1/2″ full for placecard holders, 1/4″ full for leaves.)

3. Let molds set undisturbed for at least one hour until Cool2Cast is solid to the touch. Gently remove from mold and let set overnight or until dry. If needed, lightly sand any rough edges.

4. If making placecard holders, drill hole in top of pumpkin stem to hold wire.

5. Mix alcohol inks with rubbing alcohol to desired color. (If you want really strong coloring, you can also apply directly from bottle.) Apply color to front and back of each piece. Let dry completely.

6. Apply 3-D Lacquer to front of pieces for a glossy finish. Let dry completely.

Cool2Cast Tiffany Windsor C Cool2Cast Pumpkins and Leaves by Tiffany Windsor