Instagram Support and Other Myths

In case you missed my rant about my Instagram being hacked... I apologize in advance to any of my friends and supporters who have been following my IG BUSINESS account McCarron.Art.Design if you saw any offensive, or distasteful posts. (I don't mean political or slightly off color humor. I don't apologize for that.)
But, apparently my hijackers were following thousands of people looking to "hook up" or show off their booty, and spout sexual innuendos. And Instagram Support did nothing! I reported them as pornographic, but was told that they were not breaking any of Instagram's rules.

So... long story, longer... the only way that I could take back control of my account, is to switch it to a "personal" account, and make it private. Then I had to change my password and add the two-factor authorization. So, right now, no one can follow me without my approval and I can start to manually unfollow the 3 thousand or so unwanted accounts. However, I can only unfollow about 50 at a time. Otherwise, I AM MISUSING that feature! I AM? WTF? So, I will be keeping my account private for a while, at least until I get this awful situation fixed. Please do not get offended if I unfollow you by mistake. Please bear with me as I get back to making my IG feed about art, design, and other inspiring artists. Thank you!

Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra

My latest design. For the Trekkie in all of us. "Darmok" was one of my favorite episodes of Star Trek the Next Generation.... Oh who am I kidding? I can't pick a favorite! But, it is one of the most quotable episodes. 

Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra STNG Poster
by 1_Wacked_Mind

Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint Marker Review

I have done several personal and DIY crafts on ceramic and glass using sharpies. Recently, someone asked if they could buy one from me.

I didn't feel comfortable selling the items I made because, Sharpies, while awesome for DIY crafts, do wear off and fade. If I was going to sell my professional art/crafts, I would have to find a professional grade glass paint.

After some extensive research, I was convinced that the Pebeo Vitrea 160 line was the way to go. This is my review.

Personally, I found these paints to be extremely pricey. But, I ponied-up and bought a box of 9 Pebeo Vitrea 160 assorted glossy glass paint markers. (About $45 from Amazon including the cheapest shipping option.) It took less than a week to get delivery.

According to all their marketing, Pebeo Vitrea 160 is part of a new generation of thermo-hardening, transparent, non-toxic, water-based paints specifically designed for use on glass. It can be applied to glassware, vases, lamps, and even an entire window surface.

The entire line of paints includes both glossy and frosted colors as well as paint mediums (sold separately) for different effects such as crackled paint iridescent glass. (Pebeo also sells a line of Porcelaine 150 paint are not intermixable.)

The Vitrea 160 paint comes in 1.5 oz bottles, or a limited palette in marker style. I chose the markers since I wanted to use it the same way I did my Sharpies.

I did a test batch. Reading the instructions I shook the markers well, and pressed the tip until it filled with paint. Then a painted some designs on my glass disks using all of the colors in my box.

I waited the recommended 24 hours, and then placing them in a cold oven, baked them at 160 °C (325 °F) for 40 minutes, and left them there until cooled.

Since I would be using them to create glass runes which are meant to be handled and cast like dice, I needed to be sure that the paint would not chip off. This first batch was a disaster. The paint scratched of a the slightest touch of a fingernail.

I searched the internet for help, and came across a video promoting using the Pebeo Vitrea paints on glass where it was suggested to test my oven temperature accuracy with an oven thermometer.

I purchased one and tested my oven. Sure enough, even though my oven was set at 325 °F the actual temperature of my oven was 315 °F.

I painted another test batch, and waited the 24 hours. Then I adjusted the oven dial, increasing it 10° and backed a second test batch. Still the same ISSUE!

I did notice, though, that the thicker area's of paint were less likely to chip and scratch off. The problem is that the marker tip does not paint on very thick. It was only at the end of lines or in the middle of dots where some paint pooled.

So, my overall thoughts on these paints... The Pebeo Vitrea 160 Glass Paint markers are not worth the money I dished out. I won't buy them again. I may eventually purchase a 1.5 oz bottle or two and test out a batch painted using a brush. but until I can find a better alternative, I will stick with the oil-based Sharpies.

Finished Pet Portrait, Lulu

Lulu's unfinished portrait has beautified my wall for a few months, but yesterday, the finished painting was delivered to Ms. D. to hang in its new home.

Lulu DONE!

I thoroughly enjoy painting these wonderful photos of pets that have brought so much love and joy to our lives, but selling a painting that I have put so much heart, soul, and time into, always leaves me a little sad. But, then I think about how much happiness my art will bring to the new collector.

Interestingly enough, Ms. D. gave my artwork extremely flattering praise and triple my asking price. Knowing that she was so thrilled with the piece eases the angst of parting with it.

Lulu in progress