Monday, June 11, 2012

Stars and Stripes Colorsplash

Flag Up Girls!
Here comes another fun
Paint Project.
In the spirit of the Season and all
I've been wanting to
paint stars and stripes.


This is really more of a Pop Art version
of Old Glory.
And you can hang either vertical or horizontal.
But it will definitely add a splash
of summer color to your home.
It's just Happy Art.

I used 1/2" plywood
and cut a 16" X 27" rectangle.
Sand all of the edges.
Paint the back Semi-Gloss Black (Outdoor Paint)

Using a watered down Raw Sienna
brush the front,  covering the entire surface
and all of the edges.



Then using some black,
brush in a few strokes.

This way the very underlayer
will be a warm color
that will show through your
top coat technique.



Layers and Layers of Paint
give pieces more depth
and a very painterly artful quality.

Now for some color.

At about 9" down I taped down a line.
Now I can lay in my blues.



I'm using the same paint method
that I used on this table.



But here on the blue part of the flag
you can fold a piece of cardstock paper
any size and drag it back and forth,
continuing to dip in the 3 different colors.
You can even switch motion
vertical then horizontal for a criss cross application.

Apply as much paint as you want
leaving some of the underlayer showing.
That creates a worn chippy look.

I also added some dark navy blue on top.
I didn't have the paint color I needed,
but I had some blue stain
So I used that.
I poured some of the stain into a smaller bottle
so it was easier to pour.



BFF = Blowdryer



Now for the red





Cut a piece of cardstock about 3 1/4"
(just shy of that a bit)
Mark the 5 stripe layout on your board.
Using a straight edge
dip the cardstock in each of the colors
and drag down the line.
Add more of whatever color
you want to show.

Then for the white:





After you have all of the stripes painted,
return to the blue
and stencil in your stars using this same
dip and drag motion.

I first sketched a layout for the stars 
on a sheet of paper 
so I had a general idea of placement.
Then I cut stencils out of cardstock.

Laying the stencil in position
I used another folded piece of cardstock
(okay how many times can I say cardstock)
to dip and drag across the stencil
working out to in
so I don't get much run under.



Oh, and here are the colors
I used for the stars.



Well, you would think that would be enough.
But , oh no...
Let the layering continue..

Splatter with Orange.



Then a spray sealer.
I might even use a marine varnish
if I hang it outside.

Let's use a fun summer hang-
sisal rope.

I drilled tiny pilot holes in the plywood
to start my 1 3/16" screw eyes.






Say What?
Well, that's what they're called.





You can see how I looped the sisal through
and wrapped the braiding cord around.

Then you'll have a long stretch of rope.
I don't know how much I used but
it might have been 5 - 6'.



Tie that a couple of times
for a loop in the top.

Woop Woop
Now you have an American Summer Colorsplash !















Thanks for stopping by.
Hope you're having a great summer!



Linky Parties:


Tuesday:          Coastal Charm
                         Home Stories A to Z
                         My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Wednesday:     Savvy Southern Style
                         Cheap Crafty Mama

Thursday:         Beyond the Picket Fence
                         Shabby Creek Cottage
                         House of Hepworths
                         Delightful Order
                         The 36th Avenue
                         The Checkered Apple Patriotic Party
                         Itsy Bitsy Paper Blog Patriotic Party
                         Fine Craft Guild

Friday:              Redoux Interiors
                         At the Picket Fence
                        The Shabby Nest

Saturday:         Funky Junk Interiors

Monday:           DIY Showoff
                        Sumos Sweet Stuff
                        Craftomaniac
                        I should be Mopping the Floor
                        Between Naps on the Porch
                       C.R.A.F.T

32 comments:

Unknown said...

I absolutely love how you make it look kind of rustic. Also I love how there aren't 50 star that are all lined up and exactly the same size. Very well done! :)
- Abbey Lenz :)

thistlewoodfarm said...

Deb,

This is an amazing project! I would love to feature it over at our dust bunny blog :)

Have a blessed and wonderful day.
karianne

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks Karianne!
Much appreciation, Deb

Emreen said...

Wow ! Amazing work... Has a vintage feel to it... !! Very beautiful !!

Family of Five said...

I love this!!! I have been doing lots of 4th of July paintings but this idea is so cute!!! Thank You for posting!!! Amanda

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks Amanda!

Lindy@Itsy Bitsy Paper said...

This is awesome!! Way to go. I hope you will lin kup to my Patriotic Project Parade.

http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2012/06/patriotic-project-parade-linky-party.html

Rose :: Fine Craft Guild .com said...

yes, very pop art and perfect for jul 4, and any day in summer. love it...
truly orginal! hope you come share it and participate in our linky party: http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/

Sand and Shells said...

Nice to meet you, Deb! Love your blog, ideas & paints!!!

I'm your newest follower...

Jutta

Deb Hrabik said...

Very Cool. A Blogger from Germany. Sand and Shells sounds like a site I will love.
Thanks! Deb

laurmela said...

Deb,
I totally love this. I pinned it and am in the process of making one now! I am just having trouble with the stencil for the stars. Any suggestions?

Will send a pic when finished.

Laura

Deb Hrabik said...

Yay Laura! Glad you are going for it. I will scan and send my templates.

House Crazy in Michigan! said...

Your technique and style is so unique, I have never seem anything like it before. Wish you were closer and gave lessons!

What a bright piece!

Small House / Big Sky Donna
http://smallhouseunderabigsky.wordpress.com

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks, Michigan, for your encouraging comment! I love to have craft parties and this would be a great project for that.

laurmela said...

Deb,
I think I figured it out for this one. Here is a link to my blog post.
http://laurmelashouse.blogspot.com/2012/06/flag-art.html

I am making another one for a gift. Would be happy to use your templates.
Toodles,

Laura

The Checkered Apple said...

Hey Deb! Love the flag! Terrific color palette you chose. It looks great inside and outside of your home! Thanks for sharing it at the Patriotic Link Party!

Family of Five said...

Your welcome!!!

Unknown said...

I love this! Not sure I have your painting abilities - but I'll try!

Samantha D
cooksandcreates.blogspot.com/

Christie said...

Wow. this is my first time and your site and I am psyched. I can't wait to try this! I just love the look of lots of colors.
~ Christie

kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor said...

I'm so loving this, Deb!! And what a great tutorial. I would love to make one of these for my porch. Would be super delighted for you to link up with us over at Mop It Up Mondays: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/06/mop-it-up-mondays-21-with-give-away.html

{HUGS},
kristi

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks girls! Your kind comments are much appreciated.

Hey Kristi, yep, I will definitely link to your party. Thanks, Deb

kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor said...

Awww...thanks so much for stopping by, Deb!! Your comment was so sweet and kind and made my night!

;)

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Beautiful project -- thanks for the information on how you created this! pinning to my 'patriotic' board!

cheapcraftymama said...

That looks awesome- great job! I hope you will share this (and any other creations) at "Pin It and Win It Wednesday" @ www.cheapcraftymama.com!

Deb Hrabik said...

Happy to do that Cheap Crafty Mama. Now that's a description that would fit me.

Candy said...

I love it. And, your pics and directions are soooo good.
Im now following you. Please come visit me at PICKINandPAINTIN.blogspot.com and maybe you'll decide to follow back?? THANKS.

Noreen said...

You achieved a great antique look!

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks Noreen. Lots of layers of paint make it look aged.

Homeroad said...

Beautiful, beautiful! It should be for sale in a magazine!
I love your painting and layering techniques, your sign is gorgeous!
Susan
Homeroad

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks a bunch Susan!!

Claire @ a little something in the meantime . . . said...

Another gorgeous project showcasing your cardstock dipping technique! This looks incredible, Deb! So much character and dimension.

Can't wait to try this out this summer . . . perhaps as a Canada flag? :)

Deb Hrabik said...

Thanks Claire!
Hope you try it, Deb