2023 Ornaments

Stunning Tom!!

Nice work, Tom. That hot glue effect is pretty cool. How did you keep the colors so cleanly separated on the two on the right? Did you paint the hot glue afterward?

These really are exquisite Tom! I am sure the recipients found them to be worth waiting for!
I echo Michael's question about your painting prowess. And any information on your "articulated joints" would be great!

Michael Anderson said:

Nice work, Tom. That hot glue effect is pretty cool. How did you keep the colors so cleanly separated on the two on the right? Did you paint the hot glue afterward?

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My guess would be colored hot melt glue, but obviously Tom has the last word about this.

Michael Anderson said:

Nice work, Tom. That hot glue effect is pretty cool. How did you keep the colors so cleanly separated on the two on the right? Did you paint the hot glue afterward?

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Thanks, Michael. Yes, afterward ... I used a Krylon 18kt. Gold Leafing Pen (it also comes in silver). I was a little concerned if that would work or not, but it went on easily and seems to adhere very well. Of course I didn't attempt to rub it off. I also use it to add a little extra color detail to my finials & caps.
Airbrushing over the glue leaves a nice translucent look (2 on the left). I didn't like the look on the black base colored one so I attempted to highlight the glue line with gold - I liked it! ... so used that on some of the others.

Will Armstrong said:

These really are exquisite Tom! I am sure the recipients found them to be worth waiting for!
I echo Michael's question about your painting prowess. And any information on your "articulated joints" would be great!

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Thanks, Will ... glad you like them. The "articulated" joints allow for a little jiggle when moved - and, if dropped the finials usually just fold up and don't break. Here's a link to an explanation - in the Gallery comments from 2019.

Jim Reynolds said:

My guess would be colored hot melt glue, but obviously Tom has the last word about this.

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I don't know if hot melt glue comes in colors - especially gold, Jim. I think a colored glitter effect is available in limited colors but that would be a different look. Besides, you would need two glue guns to be practical about it. You would have to empty the glue in the chamber ($$$) to change colors - and back again. Full disclosure - I have two guns.

Here are some colored hot melt glue alternatives.
12 solid colors
14 glitter colors

I agree that changing colors would waste the glue in the warming chamber. I believe you that the effect would different. I'm putting this on my Round To It list to see if I like the outcome.

Nice effect. Was it difficult to get the hot glue off the first one?

Walt Wager said:

Nice effect. Was it difficult to get the hot glue off the first one?

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Actually it was easier than I expected. On that one I airbrushed several base coats of white paint and then sanded smooth with several high grit foam-backed pads. This was done to give a little less 'tooth' when the glue was applied - it worked! All the others had a very light base coat because I wanted the glue to adhere better.