Some More Questions for Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch
A question from Trish (New Mexico)
I bought the beeswax and damar crystals to make my own medium. I’ve seen it done two ways: melt beeswax then add damar crystals and melt that at a higher temperature. Another artist melts the beeswax in a stock pot, and melts the damar crystals at a higher temperature in a separate pot, and then mixes both together. Since the beeswax is not supposed to be overheated, the latter makes more sense to me. So why is the first method usually the one recommended?
Hi Trish! I’ve never actually seen the first directions myself, so I can not answer you on that level. But, I always melt my damar in a large electric skillet at a higher temperature, then pour in the beeswax and turn the heat down. I like to melt 2 1/2 lbs beeswax to 1/4 lb damar, but there are many variations of ratio out there! Play with what works best for you-keeping in mind that too much damar will make the final painting/mix more brittle. I’ll be in Santa Fe teaching in 2010! Check my blog for dates if you are in the area:) www.gingerfetish.blogspot.com
A question from Karen (Massachusetts)
After how many layers of wax do you fuse? Or, do you fuse after every layer?
Karen,
I perscribe fusing at each layer and this is the best procedure to ensure maximum durability. When I am working on a piece over an extended period of time and the wax surface has become quite warm from all the work time, I fuse less often-maybe every third layer-believing that the extra warm surface I have created in the concentrated work time is helping in the fusing! 
Good luck and just keep playing in it to find what makes sense to you.
A comment from Sue (Texas)
I just want to read your answers to others questions. Thanks, Sue
Hi Sue-glad to have you! Check out RFpaints.com for forum posts too-great questions being answered there by all kinds of artists
I’ll be in the Dallas area then San Antonio at the end of January and the beginning of February respectively! Look for me and maybe take a workshop?!
“Encaustic Collage Workshop” Has Arrived
Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch’s DVD, “Encuastic Collage Workshop,” has finally arrived in our warehouse! This DVD goes well with the Carrie Burns Brown DVD, “Watermedia Collage Workshop.”
In Patricia’s DVD, you’ll start with low-cost supplies from stores you visit every week and incorporate techniques from collage, scrapbooking, painting, and other media that make you feel at home.
Patricia’s in-depth discussion of materials makes this workshop friendly to complete beginners. From mixing medium to hanging your frame, she covers all the bases.
If you have questions about Encaustic safety in your studio, download Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch’s single page discussion. If you click on the link it will download immediately.
Reminder!
If you pre-ordered Patricia Seggelbruch’s “Encaustic Collage Workshop,” you still get to ask a question! Watch your new dvd and then follow the link in the email that Susan sent you and submit a question to the artist. We (and she) want to hear from you!
First Q/A for Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch
Question 1 from Mary
I want to do more abstract work and am particularly interested in seeing your shellac burn method. Have you tried shellac burn of a piece that has several layers of rice paper incorporated in the wax? If so, will you please describe the technique?
Thanks for your question Mary!
The shellac burn technique is one of the most popular because of its organic feel and the fun of burning and watching results unfold right before your eyes! It can be caustic, as we are creating fumes in the burn of wax and shellac, so take precautions when doing this technique. Do it in the open air, away from flammable materials, and if you are very sensitive, wear a vapor mask.
I have tried this technique over rice paper; also over decorative papers, photo transfers, Japanese silk tissue paper and sumi paper! As long as you apply the shellac over wax, with the papers embedded underneath wax, you will get the desired effects. I suggest a few layers of wax between the papers and shellac, but one may be enough if you are ready to blow out any papers that may ignite if the wax melts away too quickly and exposes them to flame. The technique is demonstrated in my book, on the DVD and I do it at many demonstration-the next of which is in Seattle at Daniel Smith Art Supply ( -look for their ‘free demonstration’ heading) Hope this gets you where you want to go with the technique and happy burning!
ps: I’d love to see your HM painting~If you have work online or digitally, send me a link so I might indulge in other’s encaustic play!
Ask a Question; “Encaustic Collage Workshop” Pre-Order Special
Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch’s fast, fun, and inexpensive methods break down the barriers to working in encaustic. In this DVD workshop Patricia leads you through three encaustic collage projects using dozens of creative methods and materials. You’ll start with low-cost supplies from stores you visit every week and incorporate techniques from collage, scrapbooking, painting, and other media that make you feel at home.
Take advantage of the Pre-Order special and get the chance to ask Patricia a question!
1. After an on-line Pre-Order is placed, you will receive a questionnaire form via email.
2. You can fill it out with your question for Patricia and send it back.
3. The artist will then select questions from the group to answer.
4. Over the next several weeks, answers will be publicly available on the newly revamped ccpvideos blog and made available to everyone!
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