Country Church

This picture reminds me of the pretty glittery Christmas cards and the song Silent Night, it just looks so peaceful.

This is another of Betty Caithness's patterns done on a old silver plated tray. If you've never painted any of her patterns this would be a good one to start with. Most of her works have a lot of detail that can get over whelming for someone just starting out. This one took me a day to do between loads of laundry and a few other things I did around the house yesterday.

Ho, Ho, Ho Time for Santa

Trash To Treasure

This proves you can paint on anything. This piece is an old silver plated tray. I really like the look of the pretty edge around the tray. It looks like you have a framed piece. It's almost impossible to find trays with a smooth surface to paint on so I had to come up with a way to go around that. This tray had a pretty flower and leaf design in the bottom and I knew I had to fill that in so I would be able to dry brush my highlights on. So I put several coats of sealer. Still you could feel the etched design in the bottom. Then one day while out in my work room I saw a can of wall Spackle. I thought what the heck give it a try. So I put a thin coat over the bottom of the tray, let it dry and did a light sanding.
Then a few more coats of sealer and a few coats of base coat and it was as smooth as a babies behind...LOL,,,ready for painting.
I have gotten my hands on a few more trays so I plan to get a few more of these done with different designs. I've seen other trays and even bowls done, they work up really pretty. So the next time your cleaning out the basement or the hall closet take a second look at what your about to throw out. Because with a little time and your paints you can have a heirloom piece that will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Christmas Stars

Yikes it's October and I'm painting Ornaments like crazy right now.

I gotta share these stars with you.

This pattern you will find in the Winter 2009 of Quick & Easy Painting magazine.

Designed by Chris Haughey.

I just thought they were so cute. You can buy the rusty tin stars from Cabin Crafters.

They work up really cute.

I'll be back with more ornaments later.

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.