Instructions for using Powertex -

• Do not freeze in liquid state.
• A cured sculpture can withstand -83 degrees Celsius.
• Non toxic and cleans up with soap and water.
• Do not pour down drain or rinse out containers. Work in a plastic bowl, cover and save for later use or allow to dry and simply peel out.
• Wearing gloves, although not necessary, will keep hands clean.
• Keep a pack of cloth type baby wipes handy for quick cleanups.
• Stir the product from the bottom, especially colors.
• Liquid can be colored by adding powdered pigments such as; ColortricX or Powercolor, or by adding FolkArt paint at a rate of no more than 2 oz paint to 1 liter of Powertex.
• Powertex does not stick to plastic. If you want to cover something plastic, wrap with masking tape first.
• Allow to cure for 2-3 weeks before putting outside.
• Bronze, Lead and Terra Cotta colors are weather resistant. No other additives are necessary.
• Coat transparent with an outdoor varnish for outdoor projects. ( Easy Varnish is preferred).
• After dipping textile into Powertex, massage product into textile completely. Use a dry piece of textile to "off-load" excess product. You want to completely impregnate the textile with Powertex while using minimal product. The textile will dry with a matte sheen.
• Can use any paint on top of dry Powertex for highlighting. Creating a paint using Powercolors or ColortricX mixed with Easy Varnish is preferred.
• A two-year test over polymer clay shows no adverse reactions.
• Can be thinned slightly with small amounts of water.
• 100% natural fibers work best. Always test fabric by treating with Powertex, if fabric sticks to itself, it should work nicely.
• Natural fibers will cure harder than unnatural fibers.
• You can make approximately two-three 15" figures from a ½ liter.
• If using on a canvas give a light sanding before applying Powertex.

Powertex is so versatile it is hard to include every instruction on how to use the product. We hope that this information will help you in your exploration of this wonderful medium.

This is a fun project to do with your child.  I know my daughter wants to make more!  Estimated time: 1 hour, not counting drying time.  Powertex needed; about 4 oz. depending on thickness of fabric.

• Choose a frame that is not plastic.  Paint.  I used FolkArt colors Coffee Bean and Sunflower.  Do not mix the colors well.  Paint some darker lines across the bottom to create "stage".
• Choose a picture that has full body showing.  Cut out. 
• Choose a background.  Can be from a magazine, scrapbooking paper or from your own pictures.  for example.  Put your son at your home team baseball field.  How about your ballarina with a swan lake performance in the background.  Think outside the box.  Just make sure the proportions are okay. Set aside.
• Cut a piece of 100% cotton weave or knit.  The length should be 2 times the height of the frame, plus, the width and 1 more inch.  So for you math people (2*H+W+1).  The width of the fabric should be about 2 times the width of one side of the frame.  for instance, my frame was 3/4 inch wide so I cut the fabric about 1 1/2 inches.
• Saturate your fabric with transparent Powertex, remove excess product.
• Place fabric on frame, start with the outside edges of the frame, then create the look of curtains.  Use small pieces of ribbons & other embellishments to decorate.
• Allow to dry. 
• When frame is dry to touch you can fix your background on the cardboard that came with the frame. I used double sided tape.  Place in frame.
• Line up where your little one should be standing.  Place feet just on "stage". Use those foam tape blocks that make things higher.

That's it.  Older children can have fun making these on their own. While younger children may need help choosing, cutting picture and fabric.  Great Scout Project. 

Copyright 2008, Project can be duplicated for you own personal use or for classes using Powertex Textile Hardener.  Any other use please contact Sue at crafterscafeinc@yahoo.com for permission.