How to Paint Large Feather Art

I got my paintbrushes out!

It's so relaxing and energizing at the same time.

I've been so busy learning to design patterns

on the computer and have them printed onto fabric.

Here is a sample of a watercolor flower that I painted

and then put into digital format for fabric printing.

Since I had so much fun painting my blue jay feather,

I wanted to share some steps with you guys

in case you would like one too 

for this Spring and Summer.

I used 4 picket fence boards from Menards.

They are Saw Tex Fence Pickets for 99 cents each.

Base paint off white

lifting your brush at the edges to reveal

unfinished wood .

You can see the faint pencil sketch of the feather

outlined on the boards.

Here is a template for you to look at

and rough sketch.

Then starting at the bottom

with the lightest color,

I work my way to the darkest color on top.

The paints are wet so they blend as they go.

Here are some of the paints

that I used.

While your paints are still wet,

pull from the center out,

blending as you go.

With an up and down motion,

punch in some black horizontal stripes.

Then you can go back over and soften a bit 

by pulling your brush down lightly.

Blend the black out more as you get to the bottom

of the feather. 

Keep your paint application lighter there.

Now for some finishing tips:

Pull in some off white background paint

to make clean cut in sections.

Use a smaller flat brush.

Add some gray fine feathers on the bottom 

with a liner brush.

You can also drag

some white dry brush or black dry brush

over top if you want more lines.

Also run a dark gray or black center line up the middle.

Hope you try it!

I hope to be back with another

paint project soon.

Happy Painting,

Deb

Making Old Signs

What is it

about old signs!

There's something about the way

the written word marks a passage of time.

It takes me back generations

imagining a pioneer way of life.

Humble.

Simple.

Resourceful.

Planked Styling,

rough wood,

stencil look letters,

and a rusty patina

have all the makings of 

an old time sign.

Terri, my country cousin,

saw the "Toll Bridge" original

in the local cafe.

Are you like me -

whenever I shop or see things I love,

I always think I can make that!

It's a way of life.

So I was excited to take the challenge

and make this Toll Bridge sign.

Using pieced fence boards,

keeping all of the boards and edges dark stain,

and brushing on an off-white paint,

my sign base is ready for lettering.

I made the text in photoshop and pencil transferred to the board.

Then let the marathon lettering begin. ha!

Watching the CMA's while outlining and filling in 

with a sharpie helps.

I did take a liner brush with black paint over top

to strengthen the text.

(I know - I need to get a letter cutting machine!)

Yeah, that's cinnamon in the picture.

I should be making pumpkin pie

but that would be "Lake Girl Bakes".

 I'm using my cinnamon for 

Old sign worn detail.

After everything was painted and dry,

I brushed clear glaze randomly over entire piece.

Then sprinkled cinnamon over those areas

and brushed lightly.

There are so many ways to distress

new paint to make it look old.

I thought this method looked 

like the original aged patina.

Aren't the words fun!

This photo was taken in Terri's charming 

farmhouse entry.

Her country design is so inviting,

I think she's going to let us in

for a tour soon!

Thanks for your visit!

Always appreciate you stopping by,

Deb

Link Parties:

DIY Showoff

Boogieboard Cottage

I Should be Mopping the Floor

Sunday Showcase Party

Between Naps on the Porch

Coastal Charm

Cozy Little House

From Dream to Reality
A Delightsome Life
City Farmhouse
Stone Gable
Redoux Interiors
French Country Cottage
Jennifer Rizzo
Craftberry Bush
Common Ground
Funky Junk Interiors