workin' my wax to the bone ....

'whaadya mean I haven't done enough layers?'

......JUST KIDDING !!!

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we had the GREATEST class today...in Part Two of "Going Deep", called "Experiments in Wax". That's our teacher Cathy waving behind me !!

In todays class we prepped our boards with several layers of medium (beeswax + damar resin). Then, we made marks using India Ink as well as pigment wax, or, as I did, adding some Perfect Pearls. Apply more wax, fuse with a torch and continue this process over and over.

We were also able to imbed things like string,

wood or fabric,  and build up the layers with more wax as we went along.

we work with our boards resting on little pyramids (available at www.waxworkswest.com)

and it makes it so easy to lift your board or turn it while you're working because the wax won't stick to your work surface.

here one of the students imbedded wood pieces

we used all kinds of home made tools to make 'marks' and to embed

I masked out the string I laid down so I could build up the wax around it

and, eventually, I removed it...after many, many, many more layers of wax...and pigments, and ink, and wood !!!!

I had to allow myself to just let go and try it

when I was done (I think!!) I had learned a lot about deep layers and what can be exposed underneath after scraping back and removing wax

for me...this is just the beginning...

I was way out of my comfort zone but it was okay...that's what I was there for..to experiement..to learn..to try something different.

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Here are more photos from todays class...

you'll be inspired...guaranteed !!

Cathy showed us how to lay fabric into the wax

build up over it and pull it out

then continue to work on it...Like OMG !!

Daniella worked on a piece that took her out of her comfort zone too !!

she and Cathy discuss the possibilities !

BRAVO !

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some from the other gifted students

this is one of Cathys (below)

then we had a show & tell

and after cleanup all the excess wax goes into a pile..never to be wasted !

As I said....just a remarkable class.

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I head home tomorrow after my 2 week visit...

Wendy says she'll be sad when I go...we've had the most amazing time together..she's right...we have !

I couldn't even begin to say a proper Thank You !

let's just call it sisterly love !

xoxoxox

 

Comments

[Loree]

Hi Suze!
It was wonderful to see you again at the Going Deep class and I love your blog! Hope to see you at another Wax Works West class soon!

[lyle baxter]

I've enjoyed your class too. thanks for thinking of us!

[Nancy G.]

What an amazing trip. I loved seeing everything from the wax to a lll of the shopping. Today's work is so inspiring, to see the depth that is created as well as removing some of the wax. Your vacation is too short for me. I want to see more:)

[Kathy Gledsdale]

Amazing work by all, what a class, thanks for taking us along.