Last week we shared four items that we love to work with in our mixed media projects.  We are back today with four more products!

To recap last week’s blog, we shared our adoration for Mica Powder, Dylusions Paints, Gesso and Uni-Ball Signo Broad Pen in white.  You can read the whole post here.  

Gel Medium by Art Basics and Dina Wakely Media

Gel Medium is a great medium that can be used in a variety of ways.  Gel Medium can be used alone or mixed into other products.  You can do photo transfers onto canvas, wood or fabric with gel medium.  You can also add it to acrylic paints.  Adding gel medium to acrylic paints will make it thicker and will retain brushstrokes adding texture to your artwork.  It also adds an adhesive property to the paint which makes it nice for collage work. 

​Speaking of its adhesive properties, use gel mediums to “glue” pieces of chipboard and metal to your project.  Pay attention to the finish of the gel medium you use.  A glossy gel medium will add extra sheen and luminosity to acrylic paints.  If you add matte gel medium to your acrylic paints, it will remove the natural glossy finish of the paint and leave you with a more subtle, non-reflective finish.

​Texture Paste by Art Extravagance 

​Texture Paste comes in a variety of colors from white to graphite and it does just what it says it does.  It adds texture to your project.  Use it “free hand” or through a stencil to add dimension and detail to your artwork.  One of the best things about mixed media artwork is the various layers and dimensions and texture paste will help add a lot of “wow” to your project.

Ferro by Viva Décor 

​Speaking of adding texture to a project, Ferro is also great for that, Ferro is unique with its metallic finish.  Use it with stencils, brushes, sponges, etc.  It works well when put on through a stencil.  It can be painted over with acrylic paints (not that you would want to since it comes in amazing colors).  Also, you can heat it and cause “blisters” or grow it add extra height.  

When working on a mixed media project, things can get pretty messy pretty quickly.  It is always a good idea to have a craft sheet or mat nearby.  You can work on the sheet/mat or use it as a palette to mix paints and mediums on.  The sheet/mat cleans off easily and nothing sticks to it (even when using sticky mediums!). 
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Do you agree with our mixed media picks?  What are some must haves in your crafty space?

A phrase you will see often on Palette & Paper’s website and social media channels along with being heard in the shoppe is “mixed media”.

But what is “mixed media”?  According to Wikipedia, mixed media refers to “an artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been employed.  For example, a work on canvas that combines paint, ink, and collage could properly be called a 'mixed media' work" (source). 

At Palette & Paper, we carry a variety of mediums to be used in various mixed media work (think about it, almost everything you create could be considered mixed media!).  A few of our favorite mediums/products that we carry are (we’ll be sharing more in the coming weeks):

Mica Powder by Finnabair Art Ingredients 

​Mica Powders are great additions to any base mediums – gesso, gel medium (use it this way when doing photo transfers and you will love the shimmery result) and even water to create your own custom mists.  The Mica Powder will add sparkle and shimmer to all of your mixed media projects. ​
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Uni-ball Signo Broad Pen in White

White ink isn’t just for writing on black paper.  It is perfect for adding details and text to backgrounds and patterned paper.  This pen is adored by many with its smooth writing and nice bold tip.

What are some of your favorite mediums?  Do you use any of these four regularly in your artwork?