This is a kit from Bona of LiveLoveScrap. This one came with the chipboard cut outs and I used my own paper
Friday, November 25, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
How to Spray Paint Stencils
So, you want to spray paint stencils! Spray paints leave a clean, smooth finish that is free of paint brush lines and the splotches that sponges might create. But, as easy as it is to spray paint from a can, it's not so easy to get good results. So, there are a number of tricks you need to know about.
The challenge with spray paint stencils is getting crisp edges and clean lines. Most commonly the end result is a fuzzy image. That is just the nature of spray paint. If your project is going to be OK with fuzzy edges then you're in business. In fact, if that is what you are trying to achieve, then you should know that the further you hold a stencil from the surface the fuzzier it gets.
However, if you still want to spray paint stencils and need crisp edges then read on for all the tricks you'll need to know.
To get clean lines, you need to make sure that the stencil is as close to the surface as possible. If any part of the stencil is lifted it can allow paint to spray under (which is called "overspray").
One way to make sure that your stencil is in good contact with the surface is for the stencil to have an adhesive backing. There are a couple of ways to do that. You can copy your stencil onto a piece of full page label paper and cut it out. Or you can coat the back of the stencil with spray adhesive or a glue stick.
I need to tell you that if you use a sticky back stencil you may have a problem with the background paint or finish being lifted off with the stencil when you are finished painting. Make sure to read all instructions on any products you use and test before doing your project.
If you have decided to use spray glue, place your stencil face down on a piece of newspaper and spray the back side that will be placed on your surface. I know this sounds silly because of course you are going to spray the back side, right? But how many times are we doing something with our minds somewhere else and before we know it... Well, anyway, I just wanted to remind you. Also, make sure to spray with newspaper underneath. Spray glue is like spray paint - it goes everywhere!
Let's say you want to work with a glue stick. It's best to tap the glue around the islands and bridges. If you drag the glue stick you will likely get globs of glue around the edges of the islands (openings). In order to get crisp edges on your painting the islands have to be clear of glue.
Follow along with me as I spray paint a fleur de lis stencil design on a stool.
Here are some of the things that you'll need.
Of course, you'll need paint. I'm not going to recommend any brands because what works for me may not be what works for you. All I can say is to experiment with different ones until you find a brand you can stick with.
Some of the qualities you want to look for in a spray paint are truthfulness of color and a consistency that is not too thin. It just needs to spray on a nice color. Experiment with a few brands until you find the one you like.
You also want to find a brand that can offer some reliability of the nozzle. There is nothing worse than having a nozzle that clogs and sputters out large blobs of paint.
I've found that just because one brand of paint is more expensive does not necessarily mean it is the better choice. A can of discount brand paint may not go as far as a more expensive brand. So, you need to buy more of the discount brand paint. However, you may still come out ahead in the long run. You be the judge.
Also, I have had some paints create a crackling effect when sprayed. The best way to keep this from happening is to apply a thin layer of spray paint and let it dry thoroughly before another coat. It's better to apply many thin coats of paint than to try and finish it quickly with one or two thick globs of paint. Spraying a thick coat of paint can cause a number of problems besides cracking paint (like running, pooling, dripping...).
And you'll need stencils - hence the spray paint stencils part! The variety of stencils available to you is mind numbing. So, it's next to impossible for me to recommend any one kind of stencil because I don't know anything about your project. My best advice is to experiment and test different stencils and materials.
I would like to share with you a comparison of stencils made from thick and thin materials.
When using a stencil made of thick materials (like plastic) you need to spray at a perfect 90 degree angle especially around the edges. If you spray from a side angle, the edge closest to the sprayer will be fuzzy because the spray of paint is blocked by the thickness of the stencil. On the other hand, a thick stencil which is durable and heavy will cover your surface better and prevent overspray.
A stencil made from a thin material (like paper) doesn't have an edge thick enough to block the paint as it is sprayed. So the edges should be crisp even if you are not holding the can at an exact 90 degree angle from the surface. However, a thin material (like paper) might be flimsy allowing paint to get under the edges if it curls or gets blown by the spray. If you are using paper, you may want to consider an adhesive backing option as described above to keep this from happening.
You will need an object to paint. It can be anything you want - a t-shirt, furniture, floor, rug, cardboard...whatever! Just make sure that the surface to be stenciled is prepared properly. If it has a previous layer of paint, make sure it is dry. Paints do not stick well to semi-gloss or gloss paints. So, if you are painting the entire surface of the item before you stencil, use a flat paint. If it has already been painted, you may need to sand it down to rough the finish. If you are stenciling a t-shirt or other fabrics, make sure they are washed so that any surface treatment which may discourage paint from sticking has been removed.
I do not advocate illegal graffiti so if you plan to use spray paint stencils on a train or a building, make sure you own it!
I am going to recommend safety gear like a face mask or respirator, eye protection and rubber gloves. You need to be aware that spray paint is very toxic and you don't want to breathe it in especially over long periods of time. If you are spray painting inside, get a good respirator. Remember it's always good to be safe than sorry!
You will also want to have some old newspaper to cover the areas around the stencil from overspray. Spray paint has a way of going everywhere. It gets carried in the wind and lands on any exposed surface. So it's important to cover anything you don't want to have a painted haze.
You will need some masking tape to secure the stencil and any newspaper that you use.
You will need a good place to apply the spray paint. Hopefully you have a room with good ventilation. However, you don't want to be in an area where there is a breeze and dust is blowing around.
Well, on to the spray painting of the stencil. First, you want to secure your stencil to the object to be painted and cover all exposed areas outside of the stencil with newspaper. If you don't use an adhesive on the back of the stencil as described above, then tape down all the outside edges so that your stencil will not move during the entire process of painting.
For the fleur de lis stencil, I tapped a glue stick on the back side of the stencil over the thin bridges and around the edges of the fleur de lis. This made the stencil adhere better to the surface and helped in preventing overspray. When the stencil is in place on your surface to be painted, run a finger firmly around all of the island edges.
When spraying paint, hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the stencil. Use a gentle waving motion, spraying paint in horizontal lines from side to side. Release the nozzle at the end of each row and move down far enough so that when you start to paint your next line in the other direction, you are starting a new line and not repainting over the last line. You are looking for a slow and gradual build up of color with even coverage. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly after each thin layer. Be careful not to let the paint build up too fast because it will run, drip, create ripples like in a pool or start a crackle effect as it dries. Remember, it is going to take several layers of paint with a time period for thorough drying in between. No rushing!
Don't try to paint the outline of the stencil. Just stick to the back and forth motion described above. Forget that you are working with a spray paint stencil and just sweep across the entire stencil as though you are painting the whole area. Again, this is going to help you build up a gradual and even layer of color.
Make sure to hold the can upright at all times and spray toward your surface at a 90-degree angle. Holding the can upright keeps the flow of paint consistent.
Let the paint dry thoroughly before lifting the stencil. Removing a wet stencil can cause smudging. Try to pull the stencil straight up or hold down at one end and roll it up carefully from the other end. The idea is to avoid dragging the stencil over a wet surface.
And Voila! It's finished. How was that for your first spray paint stencil project? As you can tell using spray paints adds a few challenges but there are some benefits too. As you experiment with stencils using spray paints or brushes or sponges you will find out what method works best for you. So, always try new things and have fun stenciling!
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Friday, November 18, 2011
Rich Mullins - With The Wonder, Sedalia, Mo 1991
Rich Mullins & Beaker performing "With the Wonder", from his album "Winds of Heaven, Stuff of Earth", during a concert in Sedalia, Mo. on September 28, 1991.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Blue Me Away - 200 Gram Fountains - Fireworks
For blue lovers, this fantastic fountain is rich with crackle effects and loads of blue beads and little blue stars.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Blue Pottery with Crackle Bead Oil Lamp
!±8± Blue Pottery with Crackle Bead Oil Lamp
Brand : Jewelry Adviser Gifts | Rate : 
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Post Date : Nov 05, 2011 10:37:40 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| Price : Post Date : Nov 05, 2011 10:37:40 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Blue Pottery with Crackle Bead Oil Lamp
Weight: 1 GM
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Interior Design Colors - Painting Picture Frames to Match Any Decor Is Easy and Fun
Painting is not limited to your walls. How about painting picture frames and making them your own. You can paint them any color using virtually every painting technique. Painting picture frames is fast, fun and a great way to create custom artwork in your home. Within minutes you have your finished creation. This is a good way to test a new color or technique without spending a lot of money or time.
Let's get down to business and talk about some great options for creating unique and interesting picture frames. I will warn you this is fun and can get very addictive.
Picture Frames Without Pictures
That's correct no pictures, it is very popular in the design world right now. Often large vintage picture frames are used, with colors that are muted giving that worn aged look. But you don't have to do that, step outside the box and do something bright and bold, paint them something that is a contrast with your current color decor, creating that unexpected pop. Have fun and give it your signature look. The frames look best when grouped together, remember use an odd number the eye likes that look. You can also sprinkle a few frames with photos mixed in.
Antique and Embellish
This is a very easy technique with amazing results. I typically use a painted picture frame (sand it lightly) and then put a dry coat of paint over it. Dry painting is exactly what it sounds like, put a small amount of paint on your brush and then take most of it off on a paper towel. When there is only a small amount of paint left, brush it onto the frame. Brush it out until it is all gone and repeat the process. If you get too much paint use a paper towel and take it off and thin it out. Remember less is more and you just want an illusion of the top paint color.
Use a color that creates a contrast, some options are silver over black, or white over blue, anything that gives a slightly muted or lighter look to the base color.
Now for the fun part embellish it, you can add anything, buttons, beads, shells, jewelry, fabric, metal objects, glass objects anything that fits the size of the frame. Secure it with the appropriate adhesive and your frame is finished. You can make the frame specific for a child or any holiday, what about customized Christmas presents?
How About Wallpaper
This one is great fun with unlimited options. I also love to use specialty papers, you can find them in any style or weight, and they adhere very well to the frame. Wallpaper is easy to work with, make a template of the frame and cut the paper to the correct size, adhere with adhesive and you are done.
You can enhance the paper with small amounts of embellishing powder found in most craft stores to add an accent to the paper. Remember less is more start with small amounts.
Just Paint
You can use just paint and be as creative as you would like, paint it a single color and leave it at that. Or paint a beautiful design, detailed, geometric or a very simple flower. Using stencils to create a design is easy and very effective. Use sponge painting techniques, crackle paint or gold, silver or copper leaf for a magnificent look. This project is only limited by your imagination. Look all around you for inspiration.
Most techniques that you can use on your walls can be used on picture frames with great success. It is a lot of fun and as I warned you in the beginning it is easy to get hooked. Be sure to take a before and after picture. You can find inspiration everywhere you look. If you see something you like take a picture and recreate it, the sky is the limit.
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