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Modeling Paste or Joint Compound

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010 by Alyice

Back in 2008, I came up with the idea of using modeling (or molding) paste as a non-bake alternative to clay and instantly fell in love with how easy it was to use and how versatile it was. I, however, was not too keen on the cost. A 32 ounce jar cost $25.99.

Then one day in 2009, I decided to seek out a cheaper alternative. After a little visit to the hardware store, I saw a container of joint compound and thought, “That looks like the same consistency of modeling paste, I should give it a try.”

At first, I bought a name-brand version, a small 32 ounce jar, for just $4.99. I tested the compound on a few jars and discovered that there was virtually no difference between the joint compound and the modeling paste.

A few months later, I looked over the completed jars and saw that the hardened compound had held up well. It had not fallen apart, it had not cracked, and it had not yellowed.

I was impressed. I went back to the hardware store for another jar. Unfortunately, they were all out. The clerk assured me that the “Wel-Cote All-Purpose Joint Compound” would work exactly the same as the pricier version. And the best part was that I would be able to get 12 pounds for just $5!

Again, I was skeptical. Would it tarnish? Would it yellow? Would it fall apart? Yet I couldn’t help but think of the cost savings so I jumped on that deal.

A few months later, I am still pulling compound out of that container and I can tell you that I have not had a single problem.

I still prefer modeling (or molding) paste for canvases, but I love—and I do mean love—joint compound for my art jars.

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My Experience With Swap-Bot

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 by Alyice

I’ve been on Swap-Bot.com a few weeks now: browsing old swaps and reading comments, reading forum posts, and of course, partaking in a few swaps of my own. My feelings are now mixed.

On the one hand, I think it’s a great way to have a little fun, to create with purpose, to enjoy the thrill of receiving a traditional package in the mail—and of course, obtaining positive reinforcement from those who actually take the time to appreciate your part in the swap. On the other hand, it’s not easy to build camaraderie amongst those you’ve swapped with—which can make one feel more like a number than an actual human being.

Some leave nice comments about what you’ve sent, and even thank you when you rate and comment on what you’ve received but that seems to be as far as it goes, then there are those who don’t say a word to you. They don’t acknowledge the item being received until you contact them a few times to ask if it arrived, then when they finally rate your swap, they simply use the number system and offer no personal feedback—which of course makes you feel like they didn’t like what you sent.

From what I’ve read online, there are swappers who give their best, swappers who do the bare minimums, and swappers who really shouldn’t be swapping at all. They are the ones who flake on completing their part in the swap or they forget that there are actual human beings behind a swap; people with different skill levels, different tastes, and different styles. They are the ones who think not rating another swapper (or rating too low) is okay simply because the item swapped didn’t live up to their personal expectations—never mind the fact that the item received met the swap’s obligations. Then there are those who’ve forgotten that swaps are supposed to be fun and create a huge list of “do nots” on their profile page making it near impossible for someone to create something likeable, or they become disgusted with this or that then hop over to the forums to throw a hissy fit.

And yet, it’s hard to not want to continue swapping when you receive a comment like this: “Wow! So pretty and I love the card! Your ornament is gorgeous!” Or you receive a swap like this!

So for now, I’ll be selective in the swaps I partake in. I’ll be appreciative of what I receive, I’ll do my best to meet the swap’s obligations, I’ll let my partner’s know when an item goes out and when one is received, and I’ll avoid all the drama by avoiding the forums.

Keep Creating

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Remove Adhesives With De-Solv-It

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 by Alyice

Be forewarned. This will sound like an advertisement but it truly is a non-biased, non-paid review. There’s just no other way to say it…

I Recommend

Your purchase
supports this blog.

While I love recycling old food and beverage jars, removing labels can be a pain without the help of De-Solv-It®. I simply soak the jars in a tub of hot, soapy water for 20-45 minutes, remove the labels, then grab my bottle of De-Solv-It®, spray it onto the jar, and scrub off the residue with a non-abrasive sponge. It is really wonderful for removing gum and adhesives—and though you can do other things with it, like remove stains, I tend to only use it for removing residue.

I know a lot of people prefer Goo Gone—and it does a good job, too. But if I need to clean the jars myself, I prefer to use De-Solv-It® because it doesn’t seem to cause my allergies to flair.

And for the eco-friendly artists out there…De-Solv-It® is biodegradable, 100% citrus-organic based, non-toxic, and is completely safe should it get absorbed in the skin!

Click to order

Disclosure: I purchased this item to review. This is “my opinion” of the product. I was not paid to give a positive review.

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AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

Copyrights

All material on this blog belongs to Alyice Edrich, unless otherwise noted. No project, artwork, or text may be reproduced or displayed elsewhere without the consent of the creator. That includes making derivative works for resale. Please use project tutorials for personal use and/or gifts only.