Here are some of the tools used to make my designs. The templates are hand-cut with much attention to detail. There is a wide range of template sheet materials in the current market. I prefer the blanks that have a high poly content. This allows the cutting knife to glide smoothly without the herky-jerky lines found in the acetates. A sharp cutting knife is essential. After many trials and errors I have settled on the Shiva Artstiks for my pigments. They are permanent, oil-based, non-toxic pigments. They are applied dry from my palette so blending is clean and a second color can be applied immediately without waiting for drying time. Once cured the materials are machine washable and fade-proof. I am happy with the pigments as the colors are rich and are easy to apply.Some of my designs take two or three template applications to achieve all the color details that would be impossible to cut into one template sheet. Brushes are natural white hog hair bristled which take up the minimum pigment needed and allows for the stiff "pouncing" of the colors into the materials. Brush sizes range from 1/4" to 1/2". I prefer this method for my designs. They cannot be mass produced in this manner. All is done by hand. This is the process I enjoy.
"Get your Happiness out of your Work ~~ or you'll never know what Happiness is!"
~~ Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915), founder of the Roycrofters.
