By Christina VanGinkel
Xyron has created a line of sticker machines that works with various sized media, including 1 1/2 inches, 2 1/2 inches, and five inches. Xyron also makes larger format machines, but those create other consumables in addition to making stickers, such as magnets, and they laminate. The Xyron Create a Sticker machines are for straightforward sticker making and are both easy and economical to use.
The first time I was introduced to a Xyron Create a Sticker machine, it was the Xyron 150, often just referred to as the X. It comes with one roll of adhesive installed, either repositionable or permanent, each twenty feet long, and it does accept refills, which also come in the two choices of either repositionable or permanent. Taking out an empty cartridge and inserting a refill is quite easy to do, and most will not find it takes no longer, than a few seconds do, to complete the exchange.
The uses for the Xyron Create a Sticker machines are more prolific than I ever imagined. If you do any sort of paper crafting, such as card making or scrapbooking, imagine never having to try to get just the right amount of adhesive on a small or delicately cut title or die cut. As long as the height of the object is no more than the size limit of the particular Xyron Create a Sticker you are using, the length can be just about anything you want it to be, again only limited to the length of the roll of the adhesive (20 feet when full).
To use the Xyron Create a Sticker, you start with cutting out or otherwise creating whatever it is you want to turn into a sticker. This could be a picture you print from the computer, a photograph, a stamped image, a die cut, lettering, a pre-made item, a punch out, just about anything as long as it will fit into the Xyron Create a Sticker machine. You never have to deal with drops or splats of adhesive in the wrong spots or using too much. With the Xyron Create a Sticker machines, you always have just the right amount of adhesive. I have even used it on objects that are somewhat 3D in nature. While the machines will not accept thick objects, they will accept layered items. I even have run through the individual layers of a stacked die cut, and assembled as I went, running the whole thing through when done, turning the final product into a dimensional sticker.
For basic use, the Xyron Create a Sticker could not be easier. Measure whatever it is you want to transform into a sticker width wise, making sure it will fit the machine you have, then simply slide one end into the machine and if you are using the Xyron 150 (X), just pull the strip through from the opposite end you inserted the image. When you have pulled the image all the way though, tear it off using the serrated edge. Place on a flat surface with the clear side up and rub to ensure the transformation has occurred. To use the finished sticker, simply peel off both the clear top and bottom, and adhere to whatever and wherever you would any sticker. If you are using the Xyron 250 or 500, after you feed the object you want to transform, into the machine, simply turn the handle to progress the material through, and trim when complete.
If you use various sizes of media, it is best to match the width to the proper machine, to make the most out of the adhesive film. For this reason, it is no surprise that once you try one, you will find that you will want the other sizes too. Finished stickers can be stored as is, as they come out of the machines, making it simple to create ahead of time, whenever the creative mood might strike, or if you are going to a crop and want to bring your unique creations along.
All of the Xyron Create a Sticker machines are portable though, so you might find it just as simple to take them with you when you scrap or craft away from home. They do not require any electricity, or batteries, and because they produce no heat, they are suitable for all ages to use.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Stains, Paints, Wood Finishes and Gilding for Frames (By 4Ernesto)
If you are interested about making frames here you will find some useful information concerning stains, paints and wood finishes.
There are many different ways to finish your frame. If you have the opportunity, experiment with a range of finishes to decide which effects you like best.
Stains
- These are either water or spirit-based. Unlike paint, which can completely cover the surface, stains allow the texture and grain of the wood to show through. Most people are familiar with wood stains which are readily available from DIY outlets. These enable you to transform pale softwood into a rich mahogany, dark oak or other wood of your choice.
- Also available are coloured stains. Although the water-based stains may have a tendency to fade, they are more pleasant to use as they have little odour. They are available ready-mixed or in powder form from most timber suppliers or specialists. Spirit-based colours come in a wide range of long-lasting shades.
Paints
- Emulsion paints are really useful, especially if you experiment with small testers which cost so little. To create a wash rather than a solid, covering colour, simply water down the paint.
- Acrylic paint is available in pots or tubes from art shops. Although it is fairly expensive to buy, it comes in a wide range of colours and it can also be used to tint emulsion paint. It can give a solid finish or a wash.
- The other paint used for framing is gold gilding paint which is a spirit-based lacquer. This is easy to apply especially over a red or black painted base which shows as an antique warmth through the gold.
Bushes
- It is worth investing in good quality brushes. Cheap brushes will simply shed hairs and give an uneven finish. A long-handled brush with a flat head will make painting easier. Use an artist's fine brush for detail.
Gesso
- This is a chalky powder which when mixed with size is used to create a smooth and absorbent surface to a frame in preparation for gold leaf or other paint techniques. It also comes in a ready-made paste which is quicker to use.
Varnish
- Acrylic varnish is sufficient for most frames, although you can use polyurethane if you have some to hand. Available in matt, satin or high gloss, varnish will protect the paint or wood finish. Varnish is also available in a spray can which is useful on awkward shapes. Acrylic varnish is sold by hardware stores or DIY outlets.
Wax
- For a natural finish on unpainted wood, apply a layer of furniture wax with a soft cloth. This can then be buffed up to a wonderful lustre which will enhance the wood.
White spirit or methylated spirits
- White spirit is used to clean oil-based paints; methylated spirits will clean spirit-based stains.
Gilding
A traditional technique used to decorate plaster or wooden frames to give an ornate gold finish. This quite skilful technique is still in use today and although gold leaf is quite expensive, imitation gold leaf gives almost as good a result. All these products are available from specialist outlets or mail order.
Fine whiting powder
- This is basically a white chalky powder used for making gesso. The white paste is applied in layers to the frame and sanded down to create a smooth, absorbent surface.
Size granules
- An ancient gilding material, these granules are sometimes referred to as rabbit glue because they are made from the skin and other by-products of these animals. It is mixed with whiting to make gesso.
Gold leaf
- Pure gold leaf is a beautiful colour and will not need varnishing. It is, however, quite expensive. Imitation gold leaf, on the other hand, is less expensive but as it is quite a crude colour and it tarnishes, it will need to be varnished with white polish or shellac. Silver and bronze leaves are also available. Imitation gold leaf comes in a loose leaf form, which is good for multifaceted surfaces. It also comes with a tissue paper backing which is easier to use on flat surfaces.
Gold size
- This is clear honey-coloured glue designed for sticking gold leaf on to a surface prepared with gesso.
Gold leaf brush
- As you should not touch gold leaf - it is very fragile and will puncture - this very delicate brush makes handling the leaf much easier.
Shellac or white polish
- These are solvent-based substances which are used for protecting the surface of frames gilded with imitation gold leaf. Shellac is a honey-coloured varnish which will slightly dull the colour of the gold; white polish is clear and will not change the colour of the item but simply act as a protective sealant.
After a long search I discovered a few good contemporary designers who specialize in frames. The various works represent a wide range of media, including wood, metal, glass and fabric, and each one demonstrates a variety of techniques and skills to achieve the finished piece.
Some of them are:
- Mirrored Mosaic by Rebecca Newnham
- Alphabet Frame by Anne Taylor
- Metal Fish Mirror by Paul Northerner
- Paper Mache and Embroidery Frame by Claire sowden
- Equestrian Mirror by Barbara Dizcar
- Celtic Shield Mirror by Wilde At Art
- Egyptian Mirror by Wilde At Art
- Jester Mirror by Suzanne Malyon
- Bashed Metal Mirror by Sasha Bowles
- Musical Collage by Barbara Dizdar
- Heraldic Frame by Anne Taylor, and
- Embroidered Frames by Claire Sowden
All very beautiful and unique!
There are many different ways to finish your frame. If you have the opportunity, experiment with a range of finishes to decide which effects you like best.
Stains
- These are either water or spirit-based. Unlike paint, which can completely cover the surface, stains allow the texture and grain of the wood to show through. Most people are familiar with wood stains which are readily available from DIY outlets. These enable you to transform pale softwood into a rich mahogany, dark oak or other wood of your choice.
- Also available are coloured stains. Although the water-based stains may have a tendency to fade, they are more pleasant to use as they have little odour. They are available ready-mixed or in powder form from most timber suppliers or specialists. Spirit-based colours come in a wide range of long-lasting shades.
Paints
- Emulsion paints are really useful, especially if you experiment with small testers which cost so little. To create a wash rather than a solid, covering colour, simply water down the paint.
- Acrylic paint is available in pots or tubes from art shops. Although it is fairly expensive to buy, it comes in a wide range of colours and it can also be used to tint emulsion paint. It can give a solid finish or a wash.
- The other paint used for framing is gold gilding paint which is a spirit-based lacquer. This is easy to apply especially over a red or black painted base which shows as an antique warmth through the gold.
Bushes
- It is worth investing in good quality brushes. Cheap brushes will simply shed hairs and give an uneven finish. A long-handled brush with a flat head will make painting easier. Use an artist's fine brush for detail.
Gesso
- This is a chalky powder which when mixed with size is used to create a smooth and absorbent surface to a frame in preparation for gold leaf or other paint techniques. It also comes in a ready-made paste which is quicker to use.
Varnish
- Acrylic varnish is sufficient for most frames, although you can use polyurethane if you have some to hand. Available in matt, satin or high gloss, varnish will protect the paint or wood finish. Varnish is also available in a spray can which is useful on awkward shapes. Acrylic varnish is sold by hardware stores or DIY outlets.
Wax
- For a natural finish on unpainted wood, apply a layer of furniture wax with a soft cloth. This can then be buffed up to a wonderful lustre which will enhance the wood.
White spirit or methylated spirits
- White spirit is used to clean oil-based paints; methylated spirits will clean spirit-based stains.
Gilding
A traditional technique used to decorate plaster or wooden frames to give an ornate gold finish. This quite skilful technique is still in use today and although gold leaf is quite expensive, imitation gold leaf gives almost as good a result. All these products are available from specialist outlets or mail order.
Fine whiting powder
- This is basically a white chalky powder used for making gesso. The white paste is applied in layers to the frame and sanded down to create a smooth, absorbent surface.
Size granules
- An ancient gilding material, these granules are sometimes referred to as rabbit glue because they are made from the skin and other by-products of these animals. It is mixed with whiting to make gesso.
Gold leaf
- Pure gold leaf is a beautiful colour and will not need varnishing. It is, however, quite expensive. Imitation gold leaf, on the other hand, is less expensive but as it is quite a crude colour and it tarnishes, it will need to be varnished with white polish or shellac. Silver and bronze leaves are also available. Imitation gold leaf comes in a loose leaf form, which is good for multifaceted surfaces. It also comes with a tissue paper backing which is easier to use on flat surfaces.
Gold size
- This is clear honey-coloured glue designed for sticking gold leaf on to a surface prepared with gesso.
Gold leaf brush
- As you should not touch gold leaf - it is very fragile and will puncture - this very delicate brush makes handling the leaf much easier.
Shellac or white polish
- These are solvent-based substances which are used for protecting the surface of frames gilded with imitation gold leaf. Shellac is a honey-coloured varnish which will slightly dull the colour of the gold; white polish is clear and will not change the colour of the item but simply act as a protective sealant.
After a long search I discovered a few good contemporary designers who specialize in frames. The various works represent a wide range of media, including wood, metal, glass and fabric, and each one demonstrates a variety of techniques and skills to achieve the finished piece.
Some of them are:
- Mirrored Mosaic by Rebecca Newnham
- Alphabet Frame by Anne Taylor
- Metal Fish Mirror by Paul Northerner
- Paper Mache and Embroidery Frame by Claire sowden
- Equestrian Mirror by Barbara Dizcar
- Celtic Shield Mirror by Wilde At Art
- Egyptian Mirror by Wilde At Art
- Jester Mirror by Suzanne Malyon
- Bashed Metal Mirror by Sasha Bowles
- Musical Collage by Barbara Dizdar
- Heraldic Frame by Anne Taylor, and
- Embroidered Frames by Claire Sowden
All very beautiful and unique!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Photographing Disney World: Some Beginners' Tips
Disney is the kind of place you should never go without your trusty camera by your side. There are some spots that should be captured on film for all time, and here is a guide to tell where you will find the best photo opportunities. EPCOT, Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Animal Kingdom are all quirky and scenic in their own way, but Disney, with its many different personalities, is a must-see.
There are lots of places throughout the park to get some unforgettable shots. The most obvious is the beautiful Cinderella Castle; don't leave Disney without tons of pictures of this famous landmark. Modeled after the European castles of fairy-tale proportions, Cinderella Castle is beautiful inside *and* out. I once visited the inner chambers to shop and discovered wonderful vibrant murals painted over the walls. Breakfast at the Castle would make some great photos too.
Downtown Disney is comprised of quaint, Victorian-style homes and stores that are very realistic. For more quaint buildings, check out the Tom Sawyer buildings you will see if you choose to take the paddle-wheel cruise. I highly recommend taking the cruise; not only is it a vacationer's paradise with the scenery, the calm atmosphere, and the gentle rocking motion, but you can also put your camera to use by photographing the beautiful boat itself. If you like anything old-fashioned or are just a fan of boats in general, this is definitely the attraction for you.
Don't forget to take lots of pictures of kids in their Mickey Ears! You can even have your child's (or your!) name stitched onto the back of the hat. Don't laugh; when I rode back on the monorail, I saw two big boys around the age of sixteen, what you would think of as a "tough" age, wearing Mickey Ears with their names on the back! Disney is a magical place where *everyone* forgets their actual age. If your children want to ride on the Carousel with their mouse ears firmly in place, keep your camera handy. I did this and even now I smile at the pictures.
Watch out for the German medieval architecture you'll see as you walk toward It's A Small World. There is also a castle facade, complete with lots of colorful banners. It would be a shame to ride the halls of It's A Small World and not get all the bright costumes and cute characters on film. I myself wish I would have taken more pictures on the ride. Many countries' costumes are represented on animatronic dolls that sing and move as you go along. Yes, the song will stick in your head for eternity, but it's well worth it. This is a ride anyone can enjoy.
Haunted Mansion is another great attraction; it's not overly scary, but there are things that pop out at the last minute, startling even people who were bracing themselves for it. Your ride begins in a sort of carriage, on which you ride through a creepy old house with some former residents still haunting the rooms. You will see ghosts waltzing on an old dance floor among other special effects; if you can take a photo at the exact moment that something pops up, good luck, but pictures may not come out very well in the dark. Your best photos will probably come outside the building, where you can snap shots of the old stone mansion to your heart's content.
Adventureland is a bright and cheery place to unwind and enjoy the pleasures of the "jungle." If you're lucky, you'll catch a man dressed as an African explorer and he will hopefully honor your request to take a picture taken with him. Some of the best pictures you can get at Disney are with costumed guides, but always make sure to ask permission. Most will be perfectly happy to oblige. If you're lucky enough to visit Adventureland in the spring months (I went in March) you may also see beautifully bright-colored trees and bushes contrasting with elegant palms.
If you choose to leave Disney on the monorail you can catch some great photos along the way. One of the most beautiful things you will see is the huge, stately complex of the Grand Floridian. Always be on the lookout for that perfect shot; Disney is full of little nooks and crannies that will keep the photographer busily snapping away until he or she is reminded that it's time to go back to the car.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
There are lots of places throughout the park to get some unforgettable shots. The most obvious is the beautiful Cinderella Castle; don't leave Disney without tons of pictures of this famous landmark. Modeled after the European castles of fairy-tale proportions, Cinderella Castle is beautiful inside *and* out. I once visited the inner chambers to shop and discovered wonderful vibrant murals painted over the walls. Breakfast at the Castle would make some great photos too.
Downtown Disney is comprised of quaint, Victorian-style homes and stores that are very realistic. For more quaint buildings, check out the Tom Sawyer buildings you will see if you choose to take the paddle-wheel cruise. I highly recommend taking the cruise; not only is it a vacationer's paradise with the scenery, the calm atmosphere, and the gentle rocking motion, but you can also put your camera to use by photographing the beautiful boat itself. If you like anything old-fashioned or are just a fan of boats in general, this is definitely the attraction for you.
Don't forget to take lots of pictures of kids in their Mickey Ears! You can even have your child's (or your!) name stitched onto the back of the hat. Don't laugh; when I rode back on the monorail, I saw two big boys around the age of sixteen, what you would think of as a "tough" age, wearing Mickey Ears with their names on the back! Disney is a magical place where *everyone* forgets their actual age. If your children want to ride on the Carousel with their mouse ears firmly in place, keep your camera handy. I did this and even now I smile at the pictures.
Watch out for the German medieval architecture you'll see as you walk toward It's A Small World. There is also a castle facade, complete with lots of colorful banners. It would be a shame to ride the halls of It's A Small World and not get all the bright costumes and cute characters on film. I myself wish I would have taken more pictures on the ride. Many countries' costumes are represented on animatronic dolls that sing and move as you go along. Yes, the song will stick in your head for eternity, but it's well worth it. This is a ride anyone can enjoy.
Haunted Mansion is another great attraction; it's not overly scary, but there are things that pop out at the last minute, startling even people who were bracing themselves for it. Your ride begins in a sort of carriage, on which you ride through a creepy old house with some former residents still haunting the rooms. You will see ghosts waltzing on an old dance floor among other special effects; if you can take a photo at the exact moment that something pops up, good luck, but pictures may not come out very well in the dark. Your best photos will probably come outside the building, where you can snap shots of the old stone mansion to your heart's content.
Adventureland is a bright and cheery place to unwind and enjoy the pleasures of the "jungle." If you're lucky, you'll catch a man dressed as an African explorer and he will hopefully honor your request to take a picture taken with him. Some of the best pictures you can get at Disney are with costumed guides, but always make sure to ask permission. Most will be perfectly happy to oblige. If you're lucky enough to visit Adventureland in the spring months (I went in March) you may also see beautifully bright-colored trees and bushes contrasting with elegant palms.
If you choose to leave Disney on the monorail you can catch some great photos along the way. One of the most beautiful things you will see is the huge, stately complex of the Grand Floridian. Always be on the lookout for that perfect shot; Disney is full of little nooks and crannies that will keep the photographer busily snapping away until he or she is reminded that it's time to go back to the car.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
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