Monday, March 10, 2014

Collage and UTEE Handmade Hearts Tutorial



So many of you asked me questions about my handmade heart techniques, and whether there was a tutorial, so I decided to make one for you. These are fast, fun, and easy, and hopefully you will pick up a few tips!
 
(You can CLICK any of the photos for a larger view!)


To create your layered backgrounds, tear up bits of paper, collage sheets, and washi tape, and attach them to your masonite heart bases using Matte Glue N' Seal. You won't need medium for the tape and I added mine last. Be sure to layer and use colors that are pleasing to you. Make sure to cover the entire heart, extending over the edges. This is a fast and easy way to do it! And a great way to use up all those tiny scraps you have laying around. If you are like me, you hoard them! You can order the hearts with watercolor paper overlays, however for these hearts I only used the masonite bases.


Once dry, trim around your hearts holding your scissors to the edge. Since the masonite is hard and durable, you can do this easily without damaging the base. So easy!


Lightly sand the edges in a downward motion for a nice clean look. If you don't have sand paper on hand, you can also use a nail file. Now your backgrounds are done.


Layer Paper Cuts and any other images onto your backgrounds. The Paper Cuts are great since they are ready to go. Don't be afraid to just use just part of the image, and trim off the rest as we did above. Attach using Matte Glue N' Seal. Add accents using Sharpie Paint Markers and color using Gelatos, paint, etc. as desired. I added some Gelato color here and there and Sharpie Paint Marker Polka Dots.


Using a piece of Ink Blending Foam (I don't use a tool, I like the control of the foam in my hand) ink the edges of your hearts. I using a combination of Sepia and Black, beginning with Sepia. Using an awl, xacto knife, or small scissors, reopen the hole in your masonite heart so you can add an eyelet. Go in through the front. The hole doesn't need to be perfect since the eyelet will cover it.


These next two steps are most important and kill several birds with one stone. You must work fairly quickly. Seal your pieces with Glue N' Seal using a sponge brush. I like a textured look so I "pounce" with my brush rather than "stroking" on the medium. Make sure you add a generous amount over the eyelet hole. While your Glue N' Seal is still wet, proceed to the next step.


Before your Glue N' Seal dries, add your eyelet. Next randomly sprinkle on some Gold UTEE. The wet Glue N' Seal holds it in place just as nicely as any embossing medium and this allows you to skip a step. I figured this out after the first batch of hearts. The UTEE particles are large, so if you don't like some of the placement of the crystals, brush them off with your finger before heating. I tried to avoid covering faces and words. Finally, heat your heart using your heat tool until the UTEE melts. I placed mine on a paper plate and held the edge of the plate while heating, as the hearts can get hot.


The randomly placed UTEE crystals create a cool molten look and add another wonderful layer of texture! Several of you thought I used a melting pot or splattered it on while it was melted. No, this is much easier. Just sprinkle it on and heat!
And a string through your eyelet and you have a perfect little hanging heart. Or if you prefer, order the hearts without holes and attach them to an assemblage project or use them to create magnets!

 
Hearts definitely aren't just for Valentine's Day. Make some today!


22 comments:

  1. Thanks for this!! I love the one that you sent me!! Thankfully, I have all of this stuff so I can just dive in and PLAY!!!! You rock!

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  2. That's MY owl! Whoo Hoo....he adorns my work area hanging on a little knob! I LOVE him....awesome tutorial! xxx

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  3. Thank you so much for the tutorial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Linda

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  4. totally love this.. thank you for the step by step.. I was.. uhh am very afraid.. lol.. but not as much!! now to find some masonite locally to buy and hoard.. i mean create on!! :) will share and tag you if I get any done worth showing.. lolol

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  5. Have fun Katherine! Show us what you make!

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  6. I'm so glad he has such a great home Linda Cain!

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  7. Don't be afraid Tamiko, it's easy I promise!

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  8. Nice idea!!!
    I am gonna get some of the gold Melt ART!!!

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  9. thanks for adding this info.. i will have to order some supplies .. i love this project..such a nice end result since i have an original.. :)...... hope to see more or your great easy peasy projects......

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  10. I LOVE your tutorials!! and your products :) You're such a good art supply fairy!! xo

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  11. Thank you so much Jaci and Sherry!!! xoxo

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  12. Where do you buy the masonite board and are there other shapes? Thanks :)

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    1. Hi Roxann, the links to all of the products are in the tutorial above (at the top and bottom) including the hearts. We also have several other shapes available on our site www.RetroCafeArt.com Thank you so much!

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  13. Thank you so much for the awesome tutorial Kristin! Gorgeous hearts!! xoxo

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  14. I'm so glad you love yours Lynn! Thank you! xo

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  15. Great tutorial, Kristin. I'm wondering if matte Mod Podge works as well as the Glue N Seal? I don't have any Glue N Seal, but I DO have lots of... sand paper. LOL I absolutely LOVE my heart you made me with moon face. I have it hanging right in front of me on my work table. Thank you! I've just added the UTEE on my shopping list for my next order - you enabler, you! LOL

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    1. Deb Moon, until I tried Glue N Seal I was a Mod Podge user for YEARS! Since I was about 8 years old. But now I'm a full GNS user! I've converted! Yes, they will work about the same, but GNS seems to give a more seamless coverage. It seems like my colors pop through it more and there are fewer visible brush marks. It's definitely "better" in my opinion :). So glad you love your moon! And your sand paper!

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  16. Probably stupid question... how do you heat them? Never used UTEE! Thanks :)

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