So you want a FIXATIVE

A n d . . . It MUST be a spray. Polymer compatible…impossible. Until now.

I have been sitting on this product for almost a year. I was desperately looking for something to cover the metallic leafing pens. Everything caused the leaf to smear. Or to prevent the smearing the process of applying the products I tried was time-consuming and painstakingly, excruciatingly slooooow.

Enter PYM II ……

I tested this with the Krylon pens on various polymer clays. The test pieces have been sitting on my work table for the last many months. The Gold, Silver and Copper cannot be scraped off with a finger nail. The finish is durable and is not, to date, interacting with the clays.

Things to keep in mind:
Use in a well-ventilated space…it does have an odor, it does dissipate quickly.
It takes 24-48 hours for the fixative to cure.
I tried both the pump spray and the aerosol spray. Both work fine. I found the aerosol easier to apply with less drops.

I am absolutely delighted with the product and the developer. He is available by phone and email. And more than receptive to adjusting his product to your needs! The product as sold gives a slightly higher sheen to your piece when applied to polymer. Requests for different finishes (matte, high sheen, gloss, etc) are possible.

Visit http://www.precision-blue.com/ to purchase.

And for all of you who have been questioning how to apply a fixative/sealer to your inkjet transfers using parchment paper… this is the answer! I tried and it works beautifully!

Valerie (who finally got a modem! and is back online!!!)

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Classes at Bead Fest

After missing my first class, I was able to take the next two. I learned to rivet…what fun! And today I met a wonderful person. Early on in my blog I had a drawing for Kristal Wick’s fabulous fabric beads (see here). Today I was walking the bead show and talking to a vendor. Next to me a woman said hello as if she has known me for years. Then she turned to the vendor and introduced me as ‘the Bead Star’. I had to ask, who are you? Kristal Wick.

This evening I took her class. The woman is a fabulous teacher. Her manner and presence is special. Kristal’s teaching methods are excellent (as is evident in her book, even more so in person)! She is warm and welcoming. 

Thank you Kristal!

Valerie

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Santa Fe

This is a small town. The areas I have seen are full of shops, many artists and rich in history.

In the evening around dinner time there is a pleasant and festive air of activity. Tourism appears to be a major factor for the economy. I met a ‘local’ today and while we were walking to the bead show she talked a bit about the economy. Artists have done very well here. Currently times are tight.

I think I helped! This is the first time I’ve been to a bead show and I must say…unbelievable! I have always wondered how designers can possibly afford the wonderful beads used in the designs. Come to a bead show! Prices are more than reasonable. Some vendors can only be found at a bead show, and those are the ones I found to have the best prices. That selection pictured are my purchases for a couple of hours of shopping. And I have my eye on a couple of more pieces…

I drive a ‘91 Ford. Two doors, one of which does not work. With steering my mechanic says to keep off the highway. What I am diving in New Mexico, courtesy of Interweave and Fire Mountain Gems, is a brand new (1900 miles) Crysler 300! ALL the bells and whistles. Sheesh, even has a power button that moves the brake and gas pedal! What will they think of next?

Valerie

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Bead Star Charity Auction

Bead Star's online charity auction is now live on eBay and runs through March 16th! Designers donated some of their prize-winning designs from Bead Star magazine, the first-ever beading publication comprised entirely of prize-winning projects designed by reader/contestants, for an auction to benefit the American Heart Association's women's heart-health initiative.

All auction items will be on display at Bead Fest Santa Fe, March 12-15, 2009 if you want to see them in person. While five of the designs will be available for bidding only during the silent auction at the show, there are 23 different designs from the magazine available for eBay bidding. Visit the Bead Star website for auction details on these gorgeous necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even a ring from Bead Star 2008.
The bids are just starting and are low! I’ve linked to only three of the listings. And while the Best of Show Bead Star necklace (mine, I admit) is not being auctioned, what is is fabulous.

Valerie

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I Moved

And am unpacking. In two weeks a large seven room apartment with studio was packed! TWO weeks. We moved on the 4th. Tomorrow is the 11th and BEAD FEST Santa Fe! I get to escape my forest, or is it mountain, of boxes. I assure you the boxes will await my return.

The 11th came and went with me sitting in airports. I am still in an airport. It is 4am on the 12th. 4am my time. 2am local time. Which means I still have to wait another 6hrs for my flight. Weather delays. Should already be in my hotel in Santa Fe.

I am in Denver and the officer who just rode thru says there are about 6 (six!) passengers in the entire airport. And this place is huge. I am tired, hungry, old and just plain out of sorts!

Valerie

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