How To Create With Powertex Using Minimal Resources
By Donna Mcghie Powertex Tutor and Trainer
See below for tips on how to continue creating with Powertex even when socially isolating
More and more of us are making the decision to responsibly socially isolate.
You may be wondering how you can continue to use Powertex when the extra resources needed to create are becoming harder to get hold of.
This has been going through my mind too, especially with regards to rubber gloves.
There are so many vital services that need rubber gloves at the moment I am determined to make one pair last me for a very long time.
This means that I can pass on my other unused gloves to somewhere that may well need them more at the moment.
The good news is, rubber gloves actually hold up pretty well when placed in the washing machine.
Which means they can be re-used a number of times.
Read on for my other tips about how to continue to Powertex at home with a clear conscience.
TIP NO.1 How to eek out the use of those gloves
These gloves have survived the washing machine
Ok, lets start off with the gloves.
The photo above shows a pair of gloves I have used a few times.
When I’ve finished using my Powertex I simply rinse the gloves under the tap.
Its easier to do this whilst they are still on your hands. Then place them in with my wash.
Once the wash has finished, simply hang them out to dry.
You will find that they are not quite as sturdy once washed, but for something like a Powertex project they tend to be perfectly useable.
If you don’t fancy using the washing machine, simply washing them under the tap will bring them up clean enough for reusing.
From this
To this
TIP NO. 2 Re-use your tubs
Re-use those tubs
This is the tub I used the other day when I was doing my Powertex Fairy House Blog.
As you can see it still had some residue Powertex in it.
If there is a decent amount left, I can put a lid on the tub and the Powertex will remain useable for a fair few days.
However, in this case there was not enough left for that option to be viable.
As soon as this residue is dry enough, I can peel it out of the tub.
I find it strangely therapeutic doing this
I personally like to keep some of the scrappy interesting shapes for use on canvasses when doing mixed media projects.
This tub is now perfectly useable for your next project
As you can see, I have used this tub numerous times.
It may not be pretty, but it much kinder to the planet.
TIP NO. 3
These cloths are so handy
My third and final tip is one on saving paper towel. I have started using these cloths that are easily available for my dry brushing.
The secret to successful dry brushing is, as the name suggests, ensuring your brush is not too wet.
I have always recommended wiping your damp brush on paper towel.
Paper towel is something that I personally am finding difficult to find at the moment.
Even if I did find some, I am happy to have found a viable alternative and leave the towel on the shelf for someone who needs it more.
These J cloth type sheets are brilliant.
The used one in the photo is again from the Powertex Fairy House Project.
You can use these many times over, and when you need to, again, simply pop them in the washing machine.
They may not come out as good as new, but they will certainly be up to the job of having a brush wiped over them for many washes to come.
I hope you find these tips useful.
None of them are rocket science, but I have found when using Powertex as much as I do they can make a big difference.
Where Can I Purchase Powertex?
Lastly, you will probably have seen that due to the impact of the Corona Virus, the Powertex UK website is currently unable to deliver products until they feel it is responsible and safe for their lovely staff to do so.
At the time of writing there are a couple of Powertex tutors who are also stockists who are able to safely get orders out a couple of times a week.
I will add their contact details below, although please do bear in mind, as with everywhere else at the moment safety will always come first, so they cannot guarantee how long they will be able to do this.
The lovely Liz Dixon of Artistic Retreats currently has stock and can post a couple of days a week
And the equally lovely Michelle Martin of NSJ Powertex can accept paypal payments.
You can email Michelle at info@northstonejewellery.co.uk
Michelle is currently posting out on Fridays.
Irene at Purrfect Crafts also currently has stock she is able to send out and can be contacted via her website www.purrfectcrafting.co.uk
Take care everyone, keep on creating, and more importantly keep on keeping safe
See you soon
Donna
