Pam Raworth's Encaustic Art

I first started Encaustic art many years ago, I can’t quite remember when but probably in the 80’s after seeing a stand at an Exhibition in London from a company in Wales, with all the waxes and equipment.
All you require to start this truly addictive hobby is a small iron (with no holes in it, it can’t be a steam iron) and some shiny card and a selection of coloured beeswax blocks and off you go into the beautiful world of colour and artistic creation.
There are several techniques, with the iron set on a cool setting, you apply the coloured wax to the plate and you can gently float the iron across the card, not to press too hard, as all the wax will be pushed off. If you dab the iron straight down and back up, you create the most wonderful fernlike patterns. With the tip of the iron you can create birds flying, long leaves and using the side of the iron you can create steps. After each use of the iron, wipe it clean (lots of kitchen towel here!) before applying more colours and work on some paper that is disposable.
When doing abstract art, I just start moving the iron on the card and take it from there. You never know what the final result will be, which is great fun.
I also use rubber stamps, using a dye based ink pad, stamp the card first, and when dry apply the wax ~ I do use some clear wax in with the coloured here, so as not to cover the stamping.
Everyone can enjoy doing wax art and watch the video’s that Lynda has put on the website and see how encaustic art happens.