Learn To Paint A Birthday Banner On A Window

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Look, Look, Look... There's a Kitty Painted on Connie's Window!

Those were some of the sweetest words to my ears when my daughter was younger!

When it was time for her birthday, or time to decorate her room, I would paint her favorite cartoons on everything! From furniture to clothes, to plaques and shelves to hang on the wall... I spent many happy hours painting, just so that I could enjoy the shouts of delight from all the little children in the neighborhood! 

I volunteered at her school, so I had the privilege of many happy hours of painting...under the watchful eyes of several hundred children!

What a pleasure!

This lens has step-by-step instructions to show you how you can paint a welcoming Birthday Banner on the windows of your house! Just be prepared for the momentary pandomonium when the kids get their first look at your wonderful design, and come running to give you many hugs of appreciation!

© 1976-2007 SANRIO CO., LTD for all Hello Kitty images and/or products in this lens!

It All Begins With a Coloring Book

* Choose the picture you would like to paint from a coloring book of one of your child's favorite cartoon characters.

* Scan it into your computer, and print it as a 4-part poster.

* Tape the 4 pages together to create an over-sized pattern for your banner.

Four Part Banner

Beginning To Paint

Remove The Pattern

Happy Birthday, Little One!

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Assemble Your Tools

* Artists Paintbrushes

* Foam Plate for palette

* Paper Towels

* Various colors of acrylic paint

* Bowl of water

* Scotch or Masking Tape

Acrylic Paints Are Available in Many Brands

Portfolio (r) brand is a very nice acrylic paint that comes highly recommended by acrylic artists.

I've worked in craft and hobby stores for many years, and though I have never used Portfolio brands personally, my colleagues have recommended it for craft and general hobby applications.

It's a little pricey for window painting, but it will create a beautiful effect!
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Acrylic is My Choice for Window Painting

Acrylic paints come in many different brands, and I have probably used all of them!

Apple Barrel, Ceramcoat, Delta, Crafter's Edition...and a host of generic brands. For windows, I tend to use the generic paints, since it's going to be soon be washed away with some warm, soapy water!

The generic brands run about 50 cents per bottle, and are a great value for a temporary project.

Most of the above mentioned paints are available at your local Jo-Ann Stores, as well as online.

If You're As Prone To Crafting As I Am

...you will probably want to purchase the 8 ounce bottles. They save frequent trips to the store...as well as the frustration of running out of paint in the middle of a project!

Jo-Ann offers a FREE SHIPPING Club for frequent shoppers... All it takes is 3 purchases of $25.00 or more, and you're in!

It's a great value when you just need some basic supplies. Online shopping is terrific, because you can shop late in the evening, after all the little ones have gone to bed for the night!

It would have been nice to have had online access back in the days when I was painting more frequently! The sights and sounds of a large craft store can be over-stimulating for little ones...and a real challenge for the mom who just wants to browse for a while!

A Word About Tempera Paint

Tempera paint is another great choice for window painting...

I haven't used it for a while, because it usually comes in large quantities. I used it often when I was painting on the large windows at school, but for home use, I still prefer acrylic.

Crafter's Guide: Artist's Paintbrushes

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Use a "Round" and a "Flat" Brush for Most Window Painting Projects

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Artists Brushes

My personal preference for brushes is red sable...they keep their shape well; and when well taken care of, will last for many years.

Here's a Tip:
Don't leave your brushes standing in your bowl of water while you are painting. They have a "memory" and will lose their shape if left standing in water.

Simply rinse well between colors while you are painting, then when you are finished for the day, clean your brushes thoroughly with a gentle brush cleanser.

Pink Soap, by Mona Lisa

My personal preference is "Pink Soap" by Mona Lisa...
available at your local craft store!

Pour a small amount of the soap into the palm of your hand, and work the brush into the puddle of soap...this soap has a chemical composition that is made specifically to break down the acrylic paint.

It cleans your brushes beautifully, and a little goes a long way.

Now, let's get back to painting!

Tape the Pattern to the OUTSIDE of the Window On Which You Are Painting

With the Printed Side Facing In

Now Comes the FUN, It's Time to Start Painting!

Since the picture will be seen from the outside, you will begin with the details...

So let's paint Kitty's eyes first...all it takes is a couple of small black dots...

Just a Little Bit of Paint Goes a Long Way in Window Painting

Let's Add Some Balloons For a Festive Touch

After all...it's a Birthday Banner!

Begin to fill in the simple shapes with color...
I painted the trunk of the tree first,
the balloons,
the sun...
Next is the palm branches, with some added branches at the base of the trunk...

Fill in Kitty's nose, the flower in her hair and the flower on her bathing suit.
Ears and forehead...

Pour Only the Colors You Are Using at the Moment

When you are working with acrylic paint, the key is to work in phases...

If you pour all of your colors as soon as you begin painting, the paint will begin to dry, leaving a film across the top.

Especially if you live in a dry climate! Your drying time becomes "FAST!"

Broad Strokes Fill in Kitty's Face, Arms and Legs

Use a larger brush to paint Kitty's body... you will want to use as few strokes as possible, as the paint will lift if you brush over it too many times...

It's that fast drying time, as well as the nature of acrylic paint on glass.

If you feel like the paint is too transparent, allow it to dry completely, then add a second coat.

Use a Craft Sponge to Pounce in Some Sand

I Used a Standard Craft Sponge

Available at One of Your Favorite Craft Stores

Give Your Banner a Greeting

You can use a pattern, or simply freehand like I did...

Oops... I got the "Y" backwards! Not to worry, it's a super simple fix; just wash it off, and re-paint!

In days gone by, I used to be a very harsh self-critic...I've learned to lighten up and enjoy the process, rather than demanding perfection from myself!

Yes, you will see brush strokes, and yes, there may be spaces when you didn't exactly "keep it between the lines"...

BUT, I had fun, and I can guarantee that the little one you painted this banner for will never notice either...

All they'll say is, "Oh, LOOK, LOOK, LOOK, there's a kitty painted on MY window!

You'll be their hero forever, so enjoy the process...as well as the lovin' hugs from the little ones that will come runnin' to hug ya.

That's It, You're All Finished

Flickr Makes It Easy to Follow Along, Step by Step

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Connie's Guide to Crafting Supplies

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Connie's Crafts 4 Kids Blog

Ye Royal Party Planner is aka... Connie's Crafts 4 Kids
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Now That You Know How to Paint a Banner

Check Out My Hello Kitty Birthday Lens

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Partial Proceeds From This Lens Benefits the Global Action Foundation

Global Action Foundation is one of my charities at Squidoo.
Read more about the important work that is being done by John Daniel Kelly and the GAF.
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