Welcome to another installment of the workshop series brought to you by Mustard Seed Creations and Funky Junky Interiors! This week I’m going to address the, “I can’t draw worth a lick” defense and Donna is sharing her wisdom on how to store all of your cables and extensions cords. Check it out when you’re done here.
Believe it or not, I am not that great at drawing. Painting is a very different art from sketching. Even though a lot of my work is freehand, I do use templates and tracing tools on certain projects. Using these tools is a great way to get a hand painted look, even if you’re not comfortable painting freehand. Here are some tools I always have on hand:
Rulers – I prefer clear rulers that are made for quilters. They are wide enough to use as a “square” and the fact that they are clear means that you can see your work underneath.
A set of French Curves: This is a set of three templates that can be used for scrolls and ovals. I do almost all of my scroll work freehand, but I pull these out when I need perfect symmetry. You can purchase these at a craft store in the art section for about $8.00.
Graphite Transfer Paper: I’ll be honest, here. I bought the pack pictured about eight years ago and I’ve never opened it. This is a great way, though, to transfer patterns from decorative painting books. I never used it because I don’t like to copy designs exactly.
Anything with a nice shape: I save anything that can be used as a stencil. Keep chipboard cutouts after you’ve used the letters and shapes for craft projects. Cut and trace designs using a Cricut or Slice machine. Print shapes off your computer onto card stock and cut them out to make your own stencil. There are endless possibilities.
A Projector: I absolutely love my opaque projector and I use it often. I can print up a word, phrase or image on my computer and transfer it onto a sign, wall, or piece of furniture and have it turn out perfect.
I also use it when I am painting something that is very recognizable, like the Steelers logo desk or Star Wars room I worked on for clients.
So, here’s an example of a design you can put together using some “stencils.”
Trace something circular, like a small plate or bowl. I used a candle.
Center a chipboard letter of your choice and trace it.
Use a French curve to create a swag on either side of the circle.
Paint the swag and wreath in a lighter color with comma stroke leaves. Paint the monogram in a darker color, so it stands out.
I used this same method on the drop leaf table pictured below.
Have I convinced you? You don’t have to be able to draw to paint and just about anything can be used as a stencil.
This post concludes my Decorative Painting 101 Series. I will have more decorative painting series in the future, but we’ll take a little break from it for a while. Let’s give the series a nice send off and have a link party next week where you can share what you’ve done. This is not a time to share only finished projects; we want to see your sample boards, test strokes, even your mess-ups. Just link up if you painted along! I will be giving away three sets of acrylic paint provided by DecoArt to random participants, so get those posts ready. If you don’t have a blog, you can e-mail pictures and your information directly to me and I will post it for you. I’ll also feature some of my favorite efforts on my blog.
So, what’s next? For the next two weeks, I have “guest instructors” who will share their tips and tricks with you. Next week, in addition to the link party, my guest will share 10 tips on decorative painting from a “non-professional decorative painter” perspective. The following week will feature advice from a professional photographer. I’m looking forward to what I can learn from her as well. Then, the ball is back in my court and I am going teach you how I prep, paint, and refinish furniture.
I didn't know that they made opaque projectors like that. So cool! That opens up a whole range of options!
Those are great hints and tips. Thanks so much!
I can't say I have ever attempted decorative painting but your tips make it look like fun. And I even have what you referred to as an opaque projector but mine is a toy from years and years ago!
Oh, thank you for sharing this info. I love the tips and had never heard of the French Curve-thing. I'll add it to my list of toys I need to get.:)
Oh my gosh, between my sewing kit and my loves old work tools (from the days they drew line maps by hand) I think I have got all of your recommended tools. I never thought of using them for painting. Now if I only had the courage to actually start painting something decorative on something. But I am getting there.
Thanks for this, I needed it.
Marian,
This blog just gets better and better…I can't keep away!
I've finally got the courage to step into the cold garage to get the pics of my 2 pieces (we've also had a snow…lots of it!) so I'll be sending you those asa I get the time 🙂
Love these series! Sooo informative!
Thank you!!
I have an opaque projector and have never used it. Shame on me!! I better get it out and dust if off and put it to use. Thanks for the tutorial!
Hugs
SueAnn
Thanks for the awesome series. Now there's no reason not to tackle those decorative painting projects.
oh that's so clever! thanks for sharing=)
follow me: Living Creatively with Flory
http://flo-ry.blogspot.com/
such an inspiring post loaded with tons of great and useful info. thanks so much
Those are great tips! I will have to think where I can try it, maybe some art first, and move on from there.. Thanks!
This is one of the best most informative posts I've ever read. It's my belief the hardest part is starting. Once you have a starting point, the other variables come alot easier.
A little tip that helps me in the design process is, take some blank paper first and start scribbling. Do shapes, ovals, squares, letters, curly cues, whatever. Now that you have a monogram visual, try to design something in that format.
This will help you brainstorm in finding something that is pleasing to the eye for your particular chosen surface if you're totally winging it (like I usually do).
I cannot WAIT to get my hands on a projector! It's long overdue!
MMS, will you teach basic mural painting too one day pretty please?!? I'll come over and be your assistant. 😀
Donna
I've enjoyed learning all these techniques,, I especially like this latest one, with the monogram,, very neat little trick. Thanks!
Dear Miss Mustard Seed, (I feel I should address you this way now!) hee! (because I revere your gift of artistry!)
Where to begin? First, I have butterflies in my stomach. Excited about the potential that may lie inside me! Oh, my goodness, there they are again. Those beautiful creatures, fluttering around. Truly I have enjoyed this creative process, the ins and outs, the suggestions, tips, etc. It has made my creative life so much more fulfilling. I'm a wing-it type of personality. But I've always longed for more in the painting realm. I feel like perhaps I may be heading into something just lovely.
Now, I have tears in my eyes. Do you think I'm weird?
OK, using those tools above are amazing. I have a small stash of stuff I use. Nothing fancy. Yet, I'm thinking of getting some of the items you mentioned – the ruler and the curvy thing. I really need one of those curvy things.
Next week is fast approaching. I'm getting my items completed. Do you really want the mishaps??
Thank you for doing this series for all of us. I am loving it and also looking so forward to the next series coming up and the one after that!!! Photography!!! I realized last night that I don't even know how to HOLD A CAMERA!
~Kolein
So clever!
Warm blessings,
Spencer
I'll spray paint anything that doesn't move but I'm so excited to get all these tips on decorative painting, thank you !
Very nice…thank you! smiles.
I just found your blog tonight and I can't pull myself away!! My husband finally went to bed without me after 2 hours. I love all that you share here with your great finds and especially the tutorials. I love to find things at the thrift store and repaint them, but I didn't really know what I was doing. Your site will be a great resource for me.
I'm no where near as talented as you but I have a few things that I've done if you want to look.
http://joyclan.blogspot.com/2008/12/ambition.html
http://joyclan.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html
Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Those are great hints and tips. Thanks so much!
Work From Home
Clever lady giving up her tricks! I have used graphite paper but I have never used a projector. May have to try it sometime.
Your pal in Ashburn.
Molly