Project Description
To celebrate the launch of USArtQuest’s newest embellishment, Prills, they’re hosting a blog hop! If you’ve come here from Sally Lynn MacDonald’s blog, then you’re in the right place. To start the hop from the beginning, please go to the USArtQuest blog.
Become a follower of each blog and leave a comment on each blog to be entered to win Prills blog candy! One winner will win 6 jars of Prills!
The winner will be picked on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at midnight EST, so be sure to enter before then. The winner will be posted on the USArtQuest blog on Sunday, March 18, 2012.
Now on to the project… You can enlarge the photo of the mask by clicking on it. It’s a great way to really see the textures.
When I first saw Prills, I was fascinated by their texture and colors. They immediately reminded me of Dippin’ Dots ice cream. I’m sure you’ve seen them—the little balls of frozen goodness? But Prills are much smaller and in a variety of sizes. They have a wonderful pearlescent sheen and come in 42 colors!
I started to think about all the wonderful textures you could achieve with USArtQuest products:
![]() |
|
I wanted a project that would showcase all four materials and let me leverage the different textures—from flat leafing to bumpy prills. An African mask came to mind. I’ve seen fantastic examples made with beads and shells. Why not duplicate that effect with USArtQuest embellishments? So, off I went.
I found a free download of a coloring book with great images representing Africa, including masks and selected one I liked. I love detailed work, so I decided to make my mask about 5″ tall.
Using Make The Cut! software, I converted the image to a cut file for my Zing electronic cutting machine. I knew I wanted to cut out the silhouette from black “leather-like” paper and cut out pieces of Cut-Bond-Create to adhere the Leafing Metal, Mica D’Lights and Mica Flakes. I drew the design on the silhouette by putting a chalk pencil in the Zing. I love that I can use anything I can hold in my hands in the blade holder of the Zing! I used a printed copy of the design to mark what material/color would go in each area of the mask.
Using the Zing, I cut out the silhouette of the mask and cut pieces from Cut-Bond-Create to adhere to the mask. This would give me adhesive areas I could use for the lightweight materials (Leafing Metal, Mica D’Lights and Mica Flakes). Some areas were so tiny, it was easier to use Duo Adhesive. For example, the small circles at the top of the mask and in the bottom of the earrings. I applied dots of Duo Adhesive, waited until it was dry and then added Leafing Metal. Check out my homemade burnishing tool! It’s a piece of shop vac filter glued to the bottom of a child’s block.
I applied the Prills using Perfect Paper Adhesive (PPA) Matte. I used a #4 Round Brush to “paint” PPA in the areas and then poured on the Prills. These little guys can roll around a bit, so I found it easier to work inside a tray. I also used an anti-static powder pillow on the tray and piece before I began working with the Prills. Wait a couple of seconds for the Prills to stick to the PPA, tap off the excess and pour it back in to the Prills bottle and move on to the next color.
You can see how the PPA was “painted” into areas so the Prills could be applied color by color.
After the Leafing Metal, Mica D’Lights, Mica Flakes and Prills were applied, I decided to add a few shells to really give the mask an African feel. They were easy to attach. I just used the paint brush to apply a little PPA to the back and placed them on the silhouette.
I’m really happy with the finished mask. I love how there are 5 different textures (from Leafing Metal to shells) and how each reflects the light differently. I encourage you to explore all the textures possible with USArtQuest embellishments and see what you can create.
Now back to the hop….
The next stop on your blog hop is Lea Cioci’s blog, CreativeLea’s Infinite Journey. Enjoy your hop and good luck!
Happy Crafting!
Joe
This mask is just awesome!
WOW…. that is totally amazing… thanks for sharing.
Joe, this is over the top amazing! So totally cool. Love all the texture and interest!
Hi Joe—-Your mask is absolutely amazing!! Thanks for the close ups and enlargements of the details so we could really see the texture of the new PRILLS. I didn't realize how the difference in the sizes make the 3-D effect even more beautiful.
Hi Jo! I love the variety of sizes you get with Prills. It's such a different look than what you get things like micro beads. Thanks for hopping!
Oh Joe! This is a fabulous project. I'm really impressed with how you have 'showcased' Prills. I would definitely want them after seeing your project…if I didn't have a few rolling around already. Thank you Joe.
Thanks!! They certainly do roll! LOL! But working in the little tray made it a breeze to scoop 'em up and move on to the next color. Those jars may look tiny, but they go a long way!
This is another incredible piece!! Your talent is amazing.
WOW! That is amazing – I love the mask and the texture you achieved with the Prills !
Thanks!
amazing…
You did an incredible job on this project Joe! Great example of using the Prills.
Hugs XX
Barbara
Very nice. Beautiful work Joe.
ooooooooo I so adore this Joe! You have me sold on a zing 3x's over!!!! I love how perfectly the Prills are put into place, the design of the mask is soooo perfect!!! This is so cool.
I love the mask! It was great of you to showcase all the different products in the piece so we could get a feel for them.
Love the mask idea….and yes, the texture products by USArtQuest are second to none. The new Prills are a great addition.
Joe,
Your work is always wonderful!!! and I love what you have done with this new product!
LOVE!!! amazing work
I love YOUR mask…. colorful and organic. It is great use for the prills.
I really Love this mask! What a great idea using all the different textures. A truly amazing job! Thank you for sharing.
Another perfectly executed art piece. I love the composition and flow, not to mention ALL the different products you used seamlessly on the mask! Simply Perfect! :0)
Yes, I really can see the texture much better on your project. I like the fact that the Prills are not all the same size. TFS. Great project!
Thanks!! I'm glad the photo worked well for you!
Joe – I love your mask! This is so ornate and decorative…like you brought it back from a Safari. Great tip to put you work in the tray to apply prills…then pour away back into the bottle. Great project ; )
THIS IS AMAZING…. IT IS FLAWLESS.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING.
JANIS FROM CANADA
Fabulous mask! It's like a paint-by-number, but to the 100th power! So much texture, color, and sheen! Love the finishing touch of the shell on the forehead!
Fabulous project. That mask is simply awesome. Great job with the prills.
Great project. When you enlarge the picture you can really see all the wonderful detail.
Love the mask!
Fantastic mask. So interesting to see the totaly different ways to use the Prills.
Great mask. the colors you used are perfect. you are right that do look like the dots ice cream.
Vicky Schmidt