Things Ive learned trying" the do it yourself"

Hi
Just some insight about a few things I've tried and what did and didn't work for me..
1)Suzy Sparkles Jam- making shadow- This worked great for all the mica samples, what NOT to use would be the Mirage Twinkling Silver (titanium dioxide)turned into a flakey mess. Also the cellini blue stains like crazy, if you use this color, wear gloves.
2)I used my Joann 40% off coupon and bought a green high density foam pad to cut into sponges...Took a while and was a bit messy (the little pieces cling). I actually like these sponges.
3)Making glitter tattoo stencils-after cutting the stencils, they take a while to pick all the pieces out. The lady from Michaels directed me to darning needles (set of 6 for 2.99) these worked great. I used the 631 vinyl. Pink and black for fun.
the stencils looked great. Then I put the adhesive tape(V0803) on them and use a metal spatula to adhere to the vinyl..not a good idea.. the tape won't release the stencils and I have ruined some by the vinyl just ripping where the designs are more intricate.
I have to re-position a lot of the floating pieces if they don't rip first. ugh
Any help on the stencils would be appreciated...

I love the creative ideas you all come up with and am not by any means going to stop trying them..Its fun and I learn a lot... Thanks for sharing ideas, things that you try, and all your insight.

I'm kinda the queen of glitter tattoo stencils. Here is my suggestion:

You need a higher tact vinyl. It adheres to the skin better. I use Orocal 651. Not only is the Orocal 651 more sticky, but it's a little moer durable. No advice on weeding, you just get used to it. The simpler, solid tattoos are much easier.

Also, the type of adhesive tape you use makes all the difference in the world. Don't EVER use any kind of tool to help it adhere. You want it to adhere LIGHTLY. I finally found the transfer tape that works like faketoos. I got it at my local regional supplies. It's called transferRite Ultra. It's the medium tact. (get the lowest tact you can find). It's very thin, totally transparent, and not SUPER sticky.

good luck!

Ok Queen tell us about working in the wind! (kidding)
One of my staff artists yesterday looked like a Christmas cookie after our gig. Just a tad bit still shiny today.

yikes!!! I cut a bunch and am afraid to try them..Used a couple on me and my little girl. One on my hubby.. It took forever to get the adhesive tape off. lol Good thing I tried them before really needing them.. They look sooo nice and professional, I hope I dont have to waste them all.... I also tried black mica on one and it looked sooo much like a tattoo... Thanks Kat for everything..... Posted your site on my FB

You're a sweetheart. You can make the other stuff work. I did it for years. Just harder. You definitely have to hold the stencil on the skin tightly as you pull off the transfer adhesive. my best advice is not to pull up.. peel BACK.. like you are folding it off.

Loretta.. been there!! lol

I'm not necessarily the queen of DOING the glitter tattoos. lol. I'm good at them, but that's just practice. I am pretty experienced in making the stencils though.
http://www.facepaintforum.com/t7761-please-help-me-with-glitter-tattoo-advice

Until now I haven't need to use transfer paper, I attach the loose pieces with a thin line to the design (like eyes or noses) when I use transfer paper on the stencils I bought already made I have lots of trouble getting little pieces in place.

arty... are you saying it's easier for you to use tweezers to apply the ones with many peices?? a lot of the stencils I have created myself are much too complex to do by hand. there are several components to them.

just ordered a heavier vinyl from vinylease... its a bit thicker than the 651 and it says it a permanent adhesive like the 651.

woot!

I don't use stencils with so many components, I fix the designs before I cut them and I attach loose pieces like eyes, noses, star, circles etc. it works for me, my customers always complaint about too many options to pic.

I also stick to single piece stencils when I cut them myself - I don't like having to use the three part tape - no floaters for me! Some of the ones I've bought have floaters, but I don't make them that way for my own use....

I guess I like the fancy ones too much to go back to the solid designs. lol. The solid shapes actually last longer though. Thin lines wear off a lot quicker.

Oh I'm not saying my shape is solid - just my stencil doesn't have pieces that aren't attached. I still have to pick tons after I cut it - but I don't have to have a toothpick or use transfer tape to get everything positioned.

gotcha. Yeah, you can always connect lines to make the shapes all one piece.
It's interesting, because now, even on the simple designs I always use the transfer adhesive. I just find it a pain to try and get it straight on the skin when I'm putting it on. With the transfer material, I don't have to worry about it. Do you dislike the ones you buy online that have the adhesive? I have been through 4 different transfer tapes and I finally found one I like!

I think I just really like my own way of doing it - I don't find it difficult to get it straight, but I don't have much experience at all with the transfers...

For the most part my designs are multi purpose - I use the same ones for airbrush tattoos or glitter tattoos, and if someone really wants will spray it on with face paint (so it can be washed off easily)

Here's a tip for cutting up sponges and not having little clingy pieces all over the place: Lightly spray the sponge with your water spritzer before you cut it. It doesn't have to be really damp, just enough to stop the static cling. I cut up several dozen sponges this past weekend and that's what helped me deal with all those static clinging pieces.

On the sponges....an electric knife is what is used to cut them for re-upholstering...works great, straight lines and no fuzzies!
KAT - what do you use to cut your stencils? a cricut? I have been thinking about learning how to make my own....

Cha Cha the cricket isnt compatable with the programs used to cut the stencils anymore scal and mcut... I'm answering for Kat here (sorry) She and I both use the silhouette. Mine is the SD. You can look up cricket in the search box and you will find sooo much on this subject.....

will do. Thanks!