In a message dated 11/22/03 9:07:21 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << I bought [among other things] some "fancy Midlands" unfinished bobbins. I figured getting them spangled would be easy enough but now I need to finish them first. I bought some water soluble acrylic paint with mixable colours by "FolkArt". I have tested the paints on a few pairs but then started to wonder if I have the right kind of paints. What does everyone uses to paint their bobbins? I also bought some water soluble outdoor gloss sealer that I thought I could put on after the paint dries. >> --------------- Dear Lacemakers and Darlene,
This is a wonderful fun activity for a local lace guild program - ask your Program Chairman! You might like to add decoupage instructions, if you have a program. Before the bobbins are painted you can learn how to wrap the bobbins with lovely photos from flower seed, fashion, and museum catalogs, or gift wrapping paper. Designs need to be appropriate for a tiny surface, so there will be a fairly nice join where the wrap meets. Paper needs to be light weight and capable of holding glue. (Heavy glossy paper stock that you receive from fancy store catalogs will not hold glue.) Then, you mix a small amount of paint to match the decoupage, and paint the exposed portion of each bobbin. You can make singles, pairs, or an entire set of theme-based bobbins. This topic was extensively discussed on Arachne a couple years ago, with contributions from various countries. I am purposely not writing further instructions. Several other people on Arachne will want to chip in with their experience. The slippery neck problem already mentioned can be corrected by using a small piece of fine steel wool to rough up the protective finish on the neck of a bobbin. No need to avoid painting and applying a protective finish to the entire bobbin. Darlene, the product used on my (at least 12 years old) bobbins was Minwax Ultra Fast Drying Polycrylic Protective Finish - Clear Gloss. Available in the U.S., and probably in Canada where you live. Other products will do as well. Compare labels to learn what the products promise. At the least, I would suggest you pair up with someone for a fun day. That way, you can share the expense of supplies, and bounce creative ideas off one another. Jeri Ames in Maine USA Lace and Embroidery Resource Center - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
