Cheaper Then a Therapist!

That's the joke around here, each week when the gals show up for class. It's not just coming to paint but it's their therapy. When I think of all the stories that have been shared around the table while everyone paints. There have been some crazy stories and jokes that have made us laugh till we cried. And then there have been heart breaking experiences that we've all shared. So I guess it is kinda like therapy. But what better way to spend an evening then with friends and a cute design and your paints. With all the bad news and stresses of the world we live in I find that's my way of getting away from it all without leaving home. When things are weighing heavy on your mind try getting out your paints, brushes and a design that maybe a friend would like and painting something for someone else. It's a good way to relieve the stress of the day and clear your head, it just good for the soul. With the economy like it is right now painting is still one of the crafts that's affordable. You need to invest in three or four good brushes that you can use coupons to get an even better price on. And the paints are are still a good deal even though the prices have gone up some. Those little bottles of paint last forever less you painting something huge. Right now you can find lots of pre-cut ornaments to paint on. Look around for some painting magazines like Quick & Easy Painting or Painting, or Paint Works you can order then online and you'll find all kinds of patterns for some really cool things to paint for the holidays. So my challenge for you is to get a surface to paint on and spend some time relaxing and clearing your mind and see what you come up with. It's a nice way to spend an afternoon and you might even end up with some cute gifts for family and friends.

A Sign of the Times

I've been doing these signs for house warming gifts for friends and for a Realtor, she has me paint one for home buyers as a thank you gift. Everyone seems to really like them.

So I thought I would post one here and if anyone is interested you can contact me for more info.

thefurbandi@msn.com

They are painted with a good exterior paint and then several coats of varnish on top of the design. Some folks like their names on them and others prefer just to have their house number and a design.

Summer Harvest

I've been working on this piece for some time now, didn't think I'd ever finish all those leaves...LOL. I thought this would look nice in a big country kitchen or in a dinning room. This pattern is by Veda Parsley I just love all the colors. In the book it was painted on a large tray, well I didn't have a tray that big so I just cut a piece of wood 14 x 24 that it would fit on. I did lots of dry brushing on this one, still haven't done the crackle effect on it yet. I think that will add some character to it.

Snowman Ornaments

It's getting to be that time of the year when you can feel summer slipping slipping away. The nights are getting a little cooler and the days are getting shorter. The air has a different smell and feel. So it's time for me to settle in and paint a lot more then usual to be ready for my shows in a few months. Ornaments still get the most attention at the shows for me and the Snowman faces are popular. Here's a few that I've done in past years. To do these I've used the large clear glass ornaments.

Frosted them like I would to paint anything else ( see Tricks of the Trade for Glass Prep ) and then the messy part. I pounce on two or three coats of white paint the last coat I pounce on I add a touch of blue to make him look cold. Then he's ready to add your features.

If anyone is interested in placing an order for ornaments or any of the pieces shown here you can contact me at thefurbandi@msn.com for prices and other info.

I'll except money orders or checks once they have cleared I'll ship to anywhere in the US.