‪@AlchemyArtisanWorks‬

At my studio I’ve just finished a big batch of my beautiful “Beach Wave” charcuterie boards. I shot 2.5 hours of my process and paired it down to a nice little 8 minute video for you, with just the best parts. 😅 I’ve placed all the details in the description, and you can find all my socials at linktr.ee/Alch.... As always, please like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. This helps me to reach more beautiful peeps, like you! And, feel free to leave your comments or questions. I love to hear from you!
Epoxy - Promise from ProMarine (formerly their Art Resin) promiseepoxy.c...
Mica Powders & Pigments -
Meyspring Mica Powders www.meyspring....
Black Diamond Resin Pigments Mica Powders www.blackdiamo...
Let’s Resin Liquid Epoxy Pigments letsresin.com/...
Glazed Epoxy Wave White & SEAQ Spray glazedepoxy.co...
Mixol White www.amazon.com...
Topcoat Finish Ballistix CA+ squeezeyourtri...
Alchemy Artisan Seasoning Waxes & Oils alchemy-artisa...
Before I began, these boards were all prepped first with a light sanding in the area of placement and a good ISO wipe. I also tape the back edges when possible to minimize epoxy getting on the backs and lessen any sanding I’d have to do. These boards are all acacia wood.
This particular epoxy cures pretty quickly so I don’t generally mix more than 8oz at a time, as I like to spend time to get the designs just the way like, without rushing. I get about 2 large boards out of 8oz. There is always a bit extra, which is fine as I usually keep a few coaster or crystal moloch’s around so the excess doesn’t go to waste.
I mix from 3 to 4 colors for a beach wave board, plus some clear resin to pour at the edge for the white to flow over. I like the darkest shades where the “water” would be the deepest, away from the shore. I added some of the liquid pigments into my mica mixes this time for some very rich custom color effects! You’ll see in the video that I use a sharpie to make notes on my table as I go, as I often make color decisions and experiment on the fly!
I find the white laces and hold it’s shape best when it has reached a slightly thickened stage. A little pass with the torch before blowing it out with the wand dryer and/or heat gun helps it flow over, nicely.
Once I have the wave patterning the way I like, I hit it with the “Sea Spray” to get a natural foamy wave look. You don’t want to torch after this, though, as you’ll lose the crispness of your waves.
Once I have the design the way I like, I make sure the sides are well covered and then it’s time to let them cure. This is another time you don’t want too much heat, unless it’s not flowing well over the edge, or you don’t get good coverage as it runs off if it’s been heated up. The run-off works well for re-applying to any bare spots on the edges.
Once these are finished, I’ll heat up any taped edges with my heat gun to improve realeasing the tape and drips, and sand if needed. Occasionally I’ll go over a resined area with a quick curing clear, if I don’t like the finish, or I get a bad fuzzy. You can also do a second wave just beyond the first, before you pull your tape and finish the back. I generally just do a single wave look.
The last thing I do is apply Counter Attack Plus by Ballistix for a super shiny, food safe and durable finish that resists staining and scratches, followed by a final coat of my All Natural Alchemy Artisan Seasoning Wax or Oil to condition, protect, and bring out the beauty of the wood.
Once again, please like, share and subscribe if you like what you see. This helps me to reach more beautiful peeps, like you! And, feel free to leave your comments or questions. I love to hear from you!
Thank you for watching!
Shanda 👩🏻‍🎨🎨

[@mattersofthehartbynat8815]

Beautiful pieces, and right up my alley!!
On one of the boards, you sprayed something on it after blowing the wave out… was that iso alcohol?
Also, just out of curiosity, what were writing on the piece of paper?
I am so eager to learn all I can and I would love to see you put up some videos that are in real time, with you talking us through it… it is the best way for us newbies to learn!
Of course this is just my opinion… and only a suggestion.
Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us! Much love, Nat from Australia. ♥️♥️🇦🇺

[@AlchemyArtisanWorks]

Hey, thank you so much! These are so satisfying to create. So, what I sprayed was “Sea Spray”. I believe it’s got some silicone in it. It help create some really beautiful lacing. I think I put it in the description, but I’ll check. As for writing on the paper, I needed to stop and record my formulas (when I liked them) so I could replicate them on future pieces. 😄 I’ll often use a sharpie and write things on my plastic sheeting as I go!, too! 😄 Yeah, I’m getting there with videos. I’m such a dork, I totally had to get over my self-consciousness about “being on camera” just to make these, lol. But, I’m getting there! 🤓 I learn this way to and it’s my intention to create some actual tutorial style videos such as you gave suggested. So, thank you for being in support of that! Fly me to Australia and I’ll give ya free lessons!! 😄

[@patsyhune6329]

What type of wood do you use ?

[@AlchemyArtisanWorks]

Hi, mostly olive. It’s my favorite due to the beautiful grain and live edges. But I also create on bamboo, acacia, pine, and other woods.