Experimenting

Experimenting with a new medium can be exciting, and at the same time frustrating. I've been re-creating my paper alphabet blocks on wood. The wood blocks were sanded and sealed with polyurethane. Alphabet letters were drawn with a Sharpie marker or outlined with Ziller (acrylic) ink and painted with acrylic craft paints for wood by Plaid.  This part of the experiment went well.

Now another hold my breath part, sealing the painted letters. The instructions on the paint box said the paints didn't need to be sealed as the paints wouldn't chip or crack. However, while working on the blocks, a bit of paint ran where I didn't want it. I used a dampened paper towel to gently remove the offending blot. Horror as the painted background on the block square flaked revealing the wood beneath. Obviously, the paints would need to be sealed.

Even though the paints are acrylic would the paints bleed when the polyurethane was applied? I tested on the bottom of one of the blocks. So far, it looks good.

I also thought I'd like to decoupage a picture of myself sitting on illuminated initial blocks. I created this image in Paint Shop Pro and use it as my avatar.  I printed the image on photo paper. I spread a thin coat of Modge Podge Decoupage sealer over the image. Was shocked when the image streaked!  Now what? I tried again this time using the polyurethane. No streaks!

What are you working on? Are your experiments turning out the way you expect?