Hard to believe it’s been an entire year since I began my adventure. As of last Friday, I’m finished…and now I’m ready to lead YOU on an adventure. In the next few posts, I want to familiarize you with some really cool products and how to use them.
Let’s start with some of the Golden products that I love. There are so many fantastic texture gels, and you may have heard of some of them or even used them. How do I love thee, Tar Gel? Let’s look.
Tar Gel is an amazingly stringy little creature. He looks very normal at first glance. So normal in fact, you’d be tempted to just open the jar, dip in your brush and just stroke him onto something. You can do that, too, but there are other ways to use him and if you know how, he’s a lot more fun. Here’s what you do:
Use the handle of your brush (or a palette knife works well, too). Stick it down into the jar two or three inches. Then try a dry run by pulling the brush handle straight up and out of the gel to see what happens. The Gel should drizzle off the end of that handle like silly string. Just like this:
You can adjust the width of the drizzle by how high you hold your handle from your surface, by how much you pick up and also by how quickly you move it as you drizzle.
Ya, this is fun but why would we want to drizzle it? Here are two photos in which I’ve used it all drizzly. Can you spot it? It looks rather like a string just lying on the painting. This works exceptionally well for the Pods, but also makes great texture in the Nun painting. (If you think there’s Nun in there, you’re wrong. There’s a lot…he, he…I’m back).
Just like anybody else, Tar Gel has his little idiosyncrasies. For example, when he gets all stirred up he gets into a tither. As I mentioned earlier, you can just apply Tar Gel with a brush straight from the jar. It makes a really cool top layer for a painting – like a rock hard candy surface. OR you can mix color into it, OR it is great medium to use for making Image Transfers, too. It has a lot of uses, too many to mention in this one post. The thing is, any stirring motion or disturbance of the gel causes bubbles to form. Hence, when you stroke it onto a surface it will have tiny bubbles in it (sing it Don Ho) that can burst and leave little craters. However, if you pop them before the gel dries they will fill in automatically. Misting them with a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol is one way to pop them. Now this may be more than you ever wanted to know about Tar Gel, but there is actually a lot more.
OH! I ALMOST FORGOT to tell you one of my favorite things to do with Tar Gel. It’s rather sticky even after it’s dried. How can you tell if it’s dry? Milky when wet, it gets clear once it’s dry. When dry, you can iron metallic foil over the top of it. The iron softens the gel slightly and causes the foil to stick. Any foil seems to work, although the one I use is from Dharma Trading Company. http://www.dharmatrading.com/paints/icraft-decofoil.html
This is really great for adding a bit of punch to a painting.
And now, I want to include this special $100 off coupon for those of you who have signed up for the “Jumpstart Your Imagination” creative Mixed Media workshop (all new projects) on Madeline Island. Please note that the deadline on the coupon is Leap Day, Feb. 29th! The flyer for this class is immediately below. Then, below that is the coupon for you.
CLICK HERE for the coupon!
Thanks so much for reading. It feels good to be back and I hope to be here again next week.
Kathie
YES! I missed you. Great tips re the Tar Gel, but mostly, I just love your cute hair in the attached pic.
Thanks! It’s growing, but slowly.
Yayyy! You’re back!!! Thanks for all the cool tips and I must say, you are looking so cute in your little Pixie hairstyle. Makes you look all innocent and everything! xoxoxo
Thanks, Nancy!
Thank you all SOOO much! I’m looking forward to this new year and getting my energy back. Look out world!
So glad you are back, now I can get my weekly art inspiration!!!! missed you!!
Kathy before I even read about any products I want to say “you look marvelous & it is so good to have you back. Thanks
Thanks for the tip and glad you are back. Cute, cute hairstyle.
Yes you are!!!! Love your pixie hair !!! Have not read your always wonderful tips yet just so excited to see our gal ready to get back to being Kathie ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Soooooooooooooooooo glad to hear the news!!!!! LUV the hairstyle!
Hi kathie, I’m so glad you are back and coming to the villages! I know we’ll have fun , we always do with you, ?Fran
Love seeing that twinkle in your eyes once again! Cute hair! Great creative ideas as always! Missed you…glad you are baaaaack!
Vicki
Look at you….the twinkle in your eye is back and you look much younger with that darling hair cut…hope u keep it that way. I always look forward to the tips. keep them coming
Oh my goodness, what a great surprise I got when I turned my computer on this morning. Kathie we all missed you and your blog. Love that hair, too. Glad you are doing well. Love You, Pat Freeman
What a surprise!! You have been missed. So glad you are back and can look forward to Tuesdays.
Thrilled you are baaack and FINISHED. You are looking great and your humor makes your instructions so enjoyable!
Congratulations on finishing your treatments. What joy you must be feeling! Sending my best wishes for complete remission and no more health issues. Welcome back!
So glad you are back! Have truly missed your inspirations (and of course your humor) on Tuesdays. Great way to start my day.
Kathie —So happy to hear that you are able to return. JOY. You never stopped being a shining inspiration, and I am purchasing my first Golden Tar Gel today! Smiling with you!!!!!! Blessings all ways. Connie
So so glad you are back. Missed you a bunch. You look adorable as always hair or no hair. Will be looking for workshop near here.
Sue Tarkin, Kathie is coming to New Orleans on March 18, 19 and 20, 2016. We still have openings!!! The classes will be held at the Belle Chasse Library again!! Call me for info. 505-427-7975. Hope you can come!!!
So happy you’re back! And I might add, you have not lost your wonderful sense of humor or your darlingness! ?
You look so healthy! Love the twinkle in your eye. Gorgeous! Glad you are back. Missed you a LOT.
Hi Kathy!
So glad to see your smiling face!! Sending you my best and hope to see you soon!
Lindy Muse
Tar gel? Great idea. Now Kathie, could you use it in a batik???
Welcome back!! ?
Lydia
Oh Kathie this will be a great day now that I see your smiling face again!!! Cute, cute , cute hair too! Most importantly you’re doing better and what a challenging year it has been!
I’ve watched every Tuesday for an update and was thrilled to see your post and your picture! We love you! Take care of yourself! Hope to see you soon!
Glad you’re back Kathie! We’ve missed you!
WATCH OUT, WORLD, She is back !!! Love the new haircut and mostly that wonderful infectious Worldclass SMILE!!!
So happy you are. Back. Missed you. Thanks for info on tar
Yeah for you! Look forward to the product demos!
So wonderful to see you back & rearing to go!!! Love your little quirks in your blog. That’s the Kathie we all know & love!!
Welcome back & continue your journey to good health.
Hope to see you this year!
You look beautiful, so glad you are back and feeling well. This article is very informative, I have used Tar Gel before but you gave me some new ideas.
So happy you are back and looking wonderful!!! We truly missed you!
What a joy to see your post!!!! So glad that challenging year has lead to good health!!!!! ❤️??
So great to read your blog again with your quick wit and incredible words! You are loved by everyone, Kathie. We all wish the very best for you!!! Love ya!
Kathy, you look GREAT! Thanks for the info. I really like the ironing foil method. I must try . See you soon n France
You look wonderful, glad you’re back 🙂
My Tuesdays are more rewarding now… for your great fun spirit. Welcome back.
GREAT to have you back! YES missed you!!!! Luv your Tuesdsy notes and sense of humor..oh yeah, the product info is pretty cool too. IMO this hair style is TOTALLY you, sweet and sassy.
How wonderful to have you BACK online with your humor, art tips and adventures. Your new hair style is adorable. Is it also curly? I have missed you and your friends have asked me about you and will be happy to have you BACK in full Kathieisms.
Looking forward to March 1 in the Villages with you! You looked great in Italy , and even more vivacious now! Thanks for tar gel info as I purchased your White Bird mixed media but afraid to use the gel now I Can.
Wow …. absolutely love your hair! See you in the Villages. I always enjoy reading your blog. Glad you are back!!
Love to see your smile again!! I know that many members of OWS were praying and sending you their best wishes. Stay strong. Keep the brushes wet and we will see you soon.
Kathie, you look terrific! I’ve been thinking of you a lot, and it brought a smile to my face to see your post today. Thanks for the tips on using Tar Gel (and thanks for the ear worm song – Tiny Bubbles – that I’ve been singing ever since you just had to mention it) LOL!! It’s great to have you back.
Welcome back!!!! We definitely missed you and your beautiful smile. Looking forward to trying all your wonderful suggestions. 🙂 Love and hugs.
So very happy to hear you are well. Love that you share your tips and tricks. Have a blessed year.
Missed you A LOT and have thought of you OFTEN!!! sending prayers and healing wishes. You look great and the short hair is adorable!!! So glad your treatment is done!!! HUGS!!!!
I use most of the golden products, but tar gel is one I have not, so thanks for the info. Next time I can get some, I will pick it up to try!!! thanks– informative as always!!! hugs again!!!
Yes, I missed you a lot. So glad to see that real smile. Your hair is adorable. Have a great day. See you soon. Pat Greene
PS! Those two paintings are just amazing.
Connie Rose
Glad you are back. You make my Tuesdays better. Glad you are finished with all and raring to go.
Can’t wait to paint with you again. Soon, I hope.
Welcome back. I did miss you. You look terrific.
Glad you’re back and looking TERRIFIC Can’t wait to hear about all your new ideas. Missed you!
Hi Kathie,
You look absolutely mahhhhvelous dahling!!!! Love, love, love the “new you” look! Praise God for His healing powers!!!!!
Yes, I miss you and am glad you are back with your Tuesday Tips. Love your cute & perky hairdo.
So glad you are back and feeling better. I just signed up for your seminar in Denver. See you soon
I am so HAPPY to hear from you .So glad you are doing so good.I MISSED you.But yourrrrrrr back.GREAT
Quelle belle! Votre coiffure est superbe! Beaucoup de calins(hugs).
J’attends avec impatience de vous voir en France.
A bientot, mon amie!
So glad you’re back. I miss you and miss the Tuesday blog. I’m looking forward to seeing you this fall. Love you.
Have missed you more than you will ever know…batik artist friends have been asking me recently if I knew how you are doing so now I can tell them you are doing great!
Absolutely! Love reading your tips on tuesday! Take Care and see you soon.
Congratulations on your last treatment! We will definitely toast that in Spain, probably every day! ??. Love your sharing all these cool products! Love the foil idea! Seriously thinking of the Madeline Island trip. Always wanted to do it. Love that your back and looking adorable in your new short style!?
You were missed by all. So happy that you are back and feeling great, looking great and.kicking butt to the “Big C”! Changes our whole outlook on living life to it’s fullest. Thanks for the tips on product…..have fun, take good care of Kathie, we all want and need you in our lives.
Look forward to painting with you again soon! Barb
I put in a lot of Love un that post, didn’t I?
So excited when I saw an email from you.
Asked Betty ( our Springfield group) if she had heard from you. So worried about you.
I think your hair looks great and I am sure easy to take care of with your schedule.
Take care,
Ann Lanham
You bet I did miss you! So glad to see your smiling face and “love” the hair style, you might want to hold on to that style through the summer, cute, cute on you!
Just look at you on the front cover of The Decorative Painter.
Yes you have been missed. You’re looking great and I know we are all so very glad this last years adventure is finished and you can now move on to more and more wonderful adventures. Love this tutorial and sure wish I was one of those taking your Mixed Media Workshop. Welcome back. Linda
I too have missed you. You look great and your wonderful sense of humor is intact. I appreciate how generous
You are with your sharing and talent.
You are more beautiful than ever, Kathie!! Boy, if only there were a way to follow you all over the place.
Kathie, what an absolute joy when I saw your email this morning! It got even better when I opened it and saw how amazingly beautiful and healthy you look…yeahhhhhh! I am so excited to have you coming to my studio in just about two months, I can’t wait!
Hugs!
Sue
You have been on my mind……Glad your back and ready to go. Thank you for the info on Tar Gel. I used it many years ago, with you. I will have to play with it again. I miss you lots! You look wonderful as always.
Welcome back Beautiful! Can’t wait to paint with you again in April. Love the cover of The Decorative Painter and the project! Love your new hair style. Fits your pixie personality! Sending prayers for a very happy, healthy life. A cure will be found one day. Hugs and love, Pat
I am so glad to see you back! And thank you for the tips. Are your two paintings that you showed for examples watercolor?
You are still cute as a bug and SASSY!
Happy to hear the good news. Looking forward to your ideas, love, Jeanne
It’s sooo nice to have you back and so wonderful that you are better. Thank you for all your help and teachings. I always look forward to your postings. My husband is waiting for CAT stories, lol. Hurry back to FL. Pat S.
Hi Kathie, So glad you are back and finished your treatments. You look great and sound like you are ready to take on the world again!
…. which is great news! Can’t wait to finally meet you. Big hugs, Cynthia
Looking forward to finally meeting you at “The Villages”. What an inspiration you are! Your workshop & a week in FL is my ChristmasBirthdayValentineDay Present from my husband! See you soon – Your new Missouri friend, Paula
It’s good to see you and to hear what news you have to share. I look forward to future posts. I have Tar Gel so will try your suggestions. Thanks for sharing!
Did we miss you? You silly girl! So glad you’re done with treatment and feeling more like your stellar self. Love your blog…and your cute hair…and your big smile! ❤️❤️❤️ (Dusty says “hi!”)
Kathy, so glad you are back! Missed you very much. You are glowing and look amazing!
Thanks for the tips on products. Still keeping you in my prayers!
Cute do so glad you are back your humor and creativity were sorely missed. Thanks again ?
Welcome back darling! We have missed your bright and enthusiastic self.
Missed you, Kathie! So glad you are back. Can’t wait to spend three days with you soon in The Villages, Florida!
You are always a bright spot in my day! Good to see you!
I was so happy to see your post this evening, love love love the hair style, I always say we women with a little age on us look younger and cuter with short hair! Thanks for the info on the tar gel, I look forward to the others you plan on showing us. I won’t be able to come to the Island this year, sooooo sad. Please let me know if you will be doing any teaching in your home area, I would love to come down for that. Love and hugs and prayers, Chriustie
Oops I didn’t spell check my name, Christie!
Looking forward to all your mixed media tips!
Kathie you look young and so cute with your hair cut short. Be Blessed
Kathie you look great. I am so glad you have come through the tunnel and back into the light. Stay well and be happy.
WELCOME BACK! You look FABULOUS Kathy — Love the hair and that wonderful smile!!!
Welcome back Kathie! Yes we missed you and I am glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor! Glad your adventure is over and you are feeling better!
Welcome back Kathy you look great. Love your hair cut. Hope to see you again at “Cherokee Trails Decorative Painters”. Love you new and fresh ideas. I love to experiment with new products. It’s fun. Take care dear friend. God Bless.
Wooo hooo! Oh boy, you can see that everyone is SO happy to see you, Kathie … we’re all so glad that you are baaaaack. ;0) Tuesdays just weren’t the same … Don’t worry about jumping all the way back in, though. Just do your thing. Good work!
Lynne
Short hair is ADORABLE on you! Love learing about this new product. Something more to add to the tool box!
I’m so glad you’re back writing and most of all painting!!! It’s been a long year. I’m so thankful you are healthy again. I’m looking coward to painting with you here in New Orleans in March, 2016. ( we still have a few seats left if anyone wants to come). I’m really buzzed about going to Greece with you in May. Life is good and God is great!!!!
YES INDEED KATHY….MISSED YOU LIKE CRAZY!. WALKING IN THE CANCER VALLEY ISNT EASY! YOU LOOK FABULOUS!
Hello Kathy. I’m looking forward to visiting with you in person soon. I’m feeling better also, still doing the radiation, as the herceptin didn’t work with my heart it was postponed a few weeks. I suppose I could be a bit tired for the workshop???? But the energy is coming back. I even opened my etsy store this week (selling fiber and yarn so far). And as I’m sure you you know my waist long hair is gone….I’m looking forward to the pixie!!! Great to see you online. See you in a couple weeks!
Love to see your smiling face, the pixie haircut is the perfect addition!