Embellishments using UTEE and TJL Molds

Posted by Megan Bee on Apr 14, 2012 in featured, Mixed Media, Projects, Tutorials | 0 comments

I don’t normally like to cross post my blog entries between my two blogs but I felt compelled to share this on both blogs since it had to do with both jewelry makers and scrapbookers.  You might not know or you may, but I also make jewelry using resin, lampwork beads, and polymer clay.  In January, I started making molds to be used with resin and shortly after I released them in January, I had my first question regarding UTEE and the molds and whether UTEE (or ultra thick embossing enamel) would work in the molds. I had plenty of UTEE but no way to melt it and pour as I did not own a melting pot used with UTEE. I was going to purchase one but right about that time, Ranger discontinued it to come out with a new style which was eventually released. I purchased it last month and finally arrived a few days ago.

I am glad to report, that UTEE does indeed work in my plastic molds that I have available for sale. The pieces you are seeing were made with clear embossing enamel and antique copper Pearl Ex mica powder using my rose cabochon and hard candy mold. The rose mold was made with my thickest plastic and the candy mold was made with a slightly thinner plastic and both worked out perfect.

UTEE with molds is a perfect way to create quick embellishments for jewelry, scrapbook projects, or any altered art. One of the best things about it, unlike resin, is if you don’t like your pour, pop it back into the melting pot, remelt it, and pour again. I created a video that I am embedding below but as you will see in the video, I did not mix the powder as thoroughly as needed and also the camera impeded my pouring a bit. Off camera, I threw the pieces back in and remade them. This time, the powders mixed all the way and I filled the cavities fully creating the pieces you see. They harden quickly and are really light weight.

A tip or two –

• When you start pouring, don’t stop. The UTEE hardens quite quickly and will cause crease lines in your piece which I show below. Its better to over pour a bit and trim than to stop and get an ugly crease line.
• Do not use any colorants that will react with heat. You will see in my video that I tried some white ink which reacted with heat and caused it to cook. Avoid these as it leave a residue.
• After your finished or if you need to change colors, let your pan cool and any UTEE left in the pan will harden and you can remove it to keep for another time.

Below you can see the video to see the process. Super easy!

Ranger Melt Art Melting Pot UTEE Pearl Ex Mica Pigments TJL Molds

Craft Book Club – 6 books for the price of 2

Posted by Megan Bee on Mar 8, 2012 in Store Review | 0 comments

Its been quite some time since I did an update here.  My scrapbook/card room is still in progress.  Two weeks ago we ripped the entire room out and installed a 13 x 3 foot long workstation and install cube Martha Stewart style storage shelves.   Still lots to organize but I thought I would post regarding Crafter’s Choice.  I don’t think a lot of people know about Crafter’s Choice Book Club and its one of the best deals out there.  If your used to paying near full price for books, you can’t beat this.  Even at Michael’s they won’t allow you to use their coupons on them.

When you go to Crafter’s Choice, you will quick see that you get 4 books and a gift for $1 each.  Choose your first 4 books and choose to buy the first book of the required two to complete the membership.  Save the book you buy for the cheapest book you are picking out.  With shipping, the first 5 books are normally right around $20 to $25 which is right about the cost of 1 book.  You only need to purchase one additional at $14 to complete the membership in a year.  If your like me, over the year I invest in more than 6 craft books.  Love it and I thought I would share.

They are also giving two free books for referrals.  If any of you like what you see there and sign up, if you wouldn’t mind using my link below.  You can learn everything you need from books!
Link to Crafter’s Choice