1. The colour scheme:
Is your project going to be a strong, primary colour, or will you want to add additional colours, shine or glitter? The colour runs right the way through Bubbalux, so there are no annoying white edges to have to contend with, as you’d get with coloured foam board. So, choose your colours and cut accordingly.
If you want to change the colour scheme, you can add colours over Bubbalux in water-based or acrylic paint, ink or marker pen. Gilding wax also gives a really lovely finish to projects.
Our white board is the most popular for adding colour, but do try our other colour schemes to find the paint effects you like best.
2. Do you want to add a pattern?
If you do, then consider the type of pattern and how you’re going to add it. You’ll also need to think about when to add the pattern, particularly if you’re going to cut, shape or mould the Bubbalux. Also consider how you’re going to heat and soften the Bubbalux when you do come to mould it.
With Bubbalux, there are lots of ways to add pattern. So if you’re embossing, freehand or with an embossing machine, you’ll want to run this through before you mould or shape it.
If you’re going to paint or use gilding wax, that’ll be best done after any embossing – though it can be painted before or after heating and moulding. Do be careful not to use water-based paint or ink if you’re heating in hot water though, you don’t want your lovely design to wash away!
Sharpies or other permanent ink markers are a great way to add colour and pattern to Bubbalux, and these may be used before or after embossing, heating or shaping - even with hot water heating.
3. Do you have your hairdryer to hand?
It’ll help you quickly heat up your Bubbalux to make it easier to bend, shape or form. It can also help to give it a blast to soften before embossing or cutting - just to make it a little easier to cut through, which will save you time. You can get craft heat guns if you want to target specific areas, but a hairdryer is a good place to start.
Also, you can use it like a leaf blower for scraps, to save you having to clear the table (please note though that you will have to pick these bits off the floor at some point!)
4. Are you creating a 2D or a 3D object?
Well, there’s not a lot of consideration needed here, because Bubbalux can do both! You can cut or die-cut Bubbalux to add to your scrapbook, cards, or artwork and it provides a lovely clean finish and a tactile surface, which can be embellished or decorated as you wish.
If you want to make 3D objects, then simply heat the Bubbalux and fold, bend or mould it to the shape you’d like. Please be careful when using heat or hot water, the Bubbalux will warm up, so you might want to protect yourself with protective gloves or use tools to mould and shape. Once Bubbalux cools, it retains its shape.
5. Where will you display your finished creation?
There will be no need to worry if you want to display outdoors, as Bubbalux is waterproof and will not take on moisture, this means your creations can be kept outside with confidence!
