Mixed-Media Library Bag

Mixed-Media is a visual art that produces beautiful results using more than one medium.  Now, I know I am not inventing the wheel here; many talented hybrid scrapbookers (especially at this site) have been doing this for years but to me, it always seemed very intimidating.  Until recently, I had never used a gel medium before.  A gel medium is an acrylic polymer that has a wide variety of uses, such as:

-Paint Extender:  a small bit of this mixed in with your paint will keep it from drying up without affecting the colors hue or tint.

-Decoupage: Run out of Mod Podge?  No worries!  This can be used in exactly the same manner!

-Adhesive or Sealent:  The same with Mod Podge, this can be used to adhere your project together and seal it from the elements.

Ok, so how can a hybrid scrapbooker use gel medium?  Today, I will show you how a small bit of this amazing product can tranform your hybrid scrapbooking projects!

Supplies:

-Gel Medium (I have used Golden Regular Gel (Matte).  I find that it dries completely clear and maintains awesome flexibility!)

-Foam Brushes

-Canvas bag  (You could use a small mounted canvas for this project as well!)

-Image printed on a transparency

-Brayer, bone folder, or rub-on tool.

The first step in this process would be to create an image that you would like to transfer to your project.  I used TKWhimsy‘s Space Dog kit for this project as my son is obsessed with anything space related at this momment.  You could use anything from frames, to word-art, or even patterned paper; just create an image that means something to you. 

When printing on transparency, you want to make sure to always check your printer’s settings and follow the instructions on the package or you may wind up with an image that does not transfer well.  Also, remember that when printing on a transparency, same with an iron-on sheet, you need to select “mirror image” prior to printing.  Remembering this step will save you a lot of wasted paper, trust me!

Next, prepare a flat surface for your project to sit on.  When using a base that contains multiple layers, if possible, insert a flat surface between layers to prevent sticking and/or wrinkles.

Mark off the areas that will need to contain the gel medium.  You will want to make sure that the ENTIRE area that your image will be transfered to contains a thin, even layer of this product.  Too little and your image won’t transfer to the area; too much and your image might smear. 

Using your brayer, bone folder, or rub-on tool, make sure that the entire area of your image has been pressed firmly to the base and gel medium.  Lift corners as you rub to make sure that you are covering in the entire area.  Once completely smoothed over, slowly peel back one corner until the transparency is free from the base.

At this point, you can continue to add layers of images with additional transparencies or you can let your project dry completely.  After it is completely dry (normally an hour or two), feel free to add additional embellishment or layered dimension to the surface!

As I said before, Gel Medium can be used in a WIDE variety of different ways!  From techniques involving photos to vinyl, this product will be one that you will want to have on hand!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!