Lake Girl Paints

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Here Comes the Sun - Handpainted Sign Tutorial

I am so ready!

This happens every winter.

I need a splash of bright color.

This makes me happy.

I thought you might like some sunshine

in your home too.

The signs at Go Jump in the Lake

are so cool, I thought I would

give it my own twist .

Here's how to get it -

I started with 1/2" plywood 21" X 26".

Paint the back any color really.

I use semi-gloss black.

Paint the edges with a water extended Burnt Umber.

The base coat is a mix of Kilz and Yellow.

It might take two or three coats

ending up with mostly yellow for the base.

I get impatient and have to use my blow dryer

between coats.

Apricot is the shade color on the edges.

I used Photoshop to layout my lettering.

Brush Script Std font.

Pencil the back of the letter template.

I use my window for a light box.

You could also chalk the back

depending on the base color.

Use a pen to transfer from the front.

A pen keeps a sharper line when you press.

Actually I could have pressed a little lighter

because my lines transferred darker that I wanted.

I filled in the lettering with white kilz first

then whatever other white you might like.

The lettering didn't show up quite enough on the yellow

so I put a light raw sienna shade on the right and bottom

of the letters with a 1/4" flat brush.

Isn't it fun how color

can make such an impact on your mood.

Hey friends - Bright Days and Blessings,

Deb

"If you are filled with light

with no dark corners

your whole life will be radiant."

Luke 11:36.

Link Parties:

DIY Showoff

Between Naps on the Porch

Coastal Charm

My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Beyond the Picket Fence

French Country Cottage

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Santa Pattern Download - Free

I know. : )

It's February and I'm talking about Santa.

But I've had request

for this Santa Pattern.

And I thought some you

might like to have it in your paint stash.

You can find my original post

and paint instruction Here.

Today I am including

a sketch outline for you to transfer.

I have copyright on this pattern as it is a design

I licensed to paper plates two years ago.

So it is not available for resale,

but you are welcome to copy for your personal use.

You can either right click the image above

and "save picture as" on your computer.

The image will be small and you will have to enlarge.

you can download 2 pages for full size image at:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/?ru74dm09hjxxlxb

that link will be the santa face.

This will be the santa hat: http://www.mediafire.com/view/?lg054eabcf2fgbr

This should be about the right size for a chair seat.

So today

it's Christmas in February.

Happy Painting Friends!

Deb

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Nightstand Makeover With Basket Drawer

Last Summer

when I came upon this curbside find

I knew it had great potential.

I liked its boxy shape.

I didn't mind that the drawer was chipped

because I knew I could either repair it

or replace the drawer with a basket.

The hardware had to go,

so I filled the unused holes

and drilled new ones for the black cup pull.

After sanding, I spray painted

underneath the nightstand, on the back,

and inside the drawers.

That way I made sure everything was fresh

and ready for a new home.

Then it gets a coat of semi-gloss black.

I used my double loaded paintbrush

with 2 reds and coated over the black.

This nightstand is going to be a coordinating piece

to go with the Blue Boys Dresser

so it is getting a blue stripe.

I am using all of the colors

that will be in Dane's bedroom.

And I'm giving options

for using the basket or the green drawer.

Isn't it fun to see what paint can do

for an old piece of furniture!

I never get tired of these fun transformations.

Thanks for joining me!

Deb