Saturday, May 31, 2008

Soap Bubble - O - Rama Backgrounds






Okay, so here's a new technic I've read about, in art books and online, but never tried before, until today. Today, our local book arts group met, which we do once a month, and this was the technic taught and tried. It was loads of fun, and actually quite addictive. We met for four hours of art fun and play, and when the four hours were up, I didn't want to stop playing and making cool backgrounds.

Actually, these pieces could be framed as they are, and be great art. Or several framed as a set, and be great art. And like, who knew??? I sure didn't....until today. And am so glad I was introduced to this technic -- a very easy, simple, and cheap technic. Thank you so very much Laurie, for introducing me to this technic.

It involved a recipe of water, dish soap, and tempera paint. We used wide mouth plastic cups for the paint, and basic straws with which to blow the bubbles. And then, once the bubbles are blown, you take your paper and touch it to them, and this is the amazing result. Not terribly difficult, eh? And loads of FUN, that harkens back to childhood play. It's no more difficult or involved than that.

So, here is the recipe, as I'm sure you'd like to know it.

Materials:

1–2 tbsps. Tempera Paint

1 tbsp. Dishwashing Liquid

½ cup Water

So, you mix it all up, and then insert the straw, and start blowing bubbles. What we found was as time went by today, the result kind of changed, to where there were tiny bubbles around the rim of the the plastic cups, and the paint on the background papers got darker. Also, it seemed to me the bubbles got larger, except for around the rim, the longer we used the paint/mixture.

I'm very happy with how these turned out. It was really great, and fun, trying a new technic. I can see me using these backgrounds in various ways. If you're inspired to try this, good for you. I love being a source of inspiration to other artists, as I appreciate being inspired myself by other artists. So go to it, and try this out yourself. You'll be happy you did.

(Scroll down to my last post on Nature Art with a Twist to see how I used caulk and a real leaf. I posted that yesterday.)

19 comments:

ceevee said...

This looks so cool. I must try it. I did it once before but not with tempera paint. I think we used watercolor paint and it was too pale. Off to try it.
ceevee

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info. These look GREAT!

BunnyKissd said...

I saw those done with a Kindergarten class not too long ago, bright primary colors; it was quite beautiful! And omg that had FUN! ^_^

Kim said...

It is a cool technique... I have used various paints, but not tempura. Back to the studio!

Anonymous said...

Hi...

I am also part of altereddreams etc group and I have looked at your blog site many times...I love the bubble backgrounds and I know my kids will love to make some as well..this looks like a great project for a starting point. Thanks for sharing all your "stuff" you have a wonderful site.

-Felicia

Dianne Adams said...

Thank you for the recipe! I haven't tried tempura paints. These are beautiful samples.

Jo Anne O. said...

Hey Val! I have used this technique a long time ago using ink pad reinkers...worked great! Thanks for the reminder...I will have to do it again as I am always at a loss for different ideas!

Anonymous said...

These turned out great Val and it sounds you got the much needed fun you deserve!

I did this technique long ago but will have to do it again soon....if for nothing else but to have FUN!!! To bad we did not think of this for the cloab :>)

RevRuth said...

This is a wonderful site! Thanks for the onformation. I, too, love tea and the ritual of preparing it properly. In fact, I enjoy giving afternoon tea parties for friends and family. You have provided me with inspiration for some tea-time art of my own. Thanks again! Your work is lovely!
Rev. Ruth
Las Vegas, NV

Créaturiste said...

Hi Val,
Thanks for sharing this.
I will try it someday on a theatre mask, it might work!

By the way, people, it's Tempera paint, not tempura (which I think is a kind of fish food. I wouldn't paint with fish food.)

Anonymous said...

beautiful backgrounds! thanks for sharing the technique! i can't wait to try it.

Wendy said...

This just proves that the old and simple techniques really are the best. Thanks for reminding us

Barb V. said...

Wow, this is cool! Wonder if it will work with other paints?
(Tempura is (also?) a kind of batter, try your local Japanese restaurant, fab with fresh veggies)

Angie in AZ said...

Val, these are fantastic! I'm not understanding about getting the bubbles to the paper though. Do you put the mixture in a flat pan of some kind and then blow the bubbles and lay the paper on and pull it off or what? You mention a cup but how do you cover a piece of paper with bubbles from a cup? Scoop them onto the paper?

Christy said...

Val another fabulous result. I have to say the black and white is so stark and just gorgeous. Of course I now am inspired by you (what's new right?) to try this direct in my little altered book I am doing. I'll let you know how it works!

quirkyartist said...

You can do this with inks too. It's great fun.

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Oh this looks fun and perfect time of the year to do it!! Marva

~*~Patty S said...

WOW, who knew bubbles could looks so fantastic on paper! TFS the process too!

Elis Cooke said...

those are awesome... now that looks like fun! I am going to add this techique to my list for summer fun! namaste Elis.