Decorative Painting Services and Hand Painted Items

Do you have walls with a lot of imperfections? Maybe you tried to remove old wallpaper and your walls were left damaged after that process? Faux wall treatments are a great way to restore beauty to your walls, at a minimal cost.

The technique I will discuss here requires lightweight joint compound, a large 12" taping knife, wallpaper brush, and a small brush with the bristles cut short. If you would like to add your paint to the compound you may do so before starting the job. I normally just paint the walls after the joint compound has cured.

Prepare your walls by removing light switch and outlet covers. I would strongly recommend taping your woodwork around the doors, floors, and tape your ceiling. This will save clean up time after the technique has been completed. Make sure you use drop cloths to protect your floors. This project could be a little messy.

If you are going to add your paint before your begin, make sure you add it to the entire amount of compound you will be using. This will help to ensure your color remains consistent throughout the process. Make sure you mix it well. You might want to use a drill with a special piece attached just for mixing paint and similar liquids.

If you are not adding paint, your joint compound will typically dry white with a chalky sheen. I would recommend painting the walls once the compound has dried completely. This will make it easier to clean and will help protect the walls.

Work in sections sizes that you will be able to comfortably manage. I would apply the joint compound in small sections, run the brush through it and then move to the next section, unless there are more than one person doing the technique with you. It would be perfect to have one person apply the compound while the other one creates the texture.

You will begin by coating your surface with the joint compound. You will be using the tape knife to apply the compound to your walls. Skim the coat on the wall in a relatively thin fashion. It does not have to be perfect, but you do not want it to be thicker in some areas than in others. If you maintain consistency at this point you will obtain a nicer look.

The next step calls for the wallpaper brush to be used. Again, remember to work in small sections. Start from the top of the wall near a corner, pulling the brush from the ceiling down past the middle of the wall. Clean out the brush and proceed to repeat this technique, but this time you will start at the bottom pulling the brush up to meet and blend in the middle where you left off.

Use the small brush with the cut bristles when you need to fit in to tight spots. It is also a good tool to use when you are trying to fit in to the corners. It may also be used to clean up any access joint compound.

I would recommend allowing the joint compound to dry completely for at least 24 hours before you paint it. If you have added the paint already to the compound, still allow for drying time before you hang pictures and other home decor items to your walls.

If you are in doubt about being able to complete this technique in a pleasing manner,
go through the extra expense of buying practice boards. This treatment is harder to correct than just painting. I cannot say all you have to do is re-paint it. That will not do the trick. Practice before moving to your walls. You will be glad you did.

Amy

Color washing is a nice technique to use over walls that are already painted. It is an easy way to change the look of any room without having to base paint. It is just the right touch to add life to any room.

This technique can be washed over any sheen of paint, however it seems to work best over flat paint. You will be using diluted paint to wash the walls with. It is important that you use a lint free rag to apply the paint.

This faux technique can be a little messy. Make sure you lay down a drop cloth while you are painting. It is very likely you will have drips while you are washing the walls.

You will begin this process by pouring a small portion of your paint into a small container that will be easy for you to work with. You will add a little water at a time. Each time you add water make sure you stir the paint well. Keep adding a little at a time until your paint is an inky consistency. As you paint you will find that consistency will start to thicken. You can add more paint or water as needed. It is important to keep the inky consistency so that paint will not be too thick when applied to your walls.

After diluting your paint you will be ready to begin. Use a rag that is easy for you to work with. I recommend a size that fits within the palm of your hand. This will make it easy to work with and help keep the dripping down.

Place the rag into the inky paint, getting the entire rag wet. Squeeze your rag to remove excess water and paint. Your rag will still be wet but not drenched. Start at one corner of the room and move around the room from one wall to the next. Begin at the top corner and work your way down to the bottom. You will wash the paint on the walls just as you would wash your walls with water. Do it in a random pattern so that you are not creating a definite pattern. You will have a varied amount of paint from once section to the next. This is the look your are trying to achieve.

If you need to touch up the paint in the future, just repeat this process. You will do it in smaller amounts a needed to complete the touch up. This is a nice technique to cover up imperfect walls.

Get your rag ready and begin to paint!!!

Amy

A very popular style is Tuscany, or an Old World look. This can be a nice design style for a dining room, kitchen, or even a bedroom. It is often created with browns, golds, and greens and is considered a warm romantic style.

The look of stucco is definitely a painting technique which works well in a Tuscany style design. It works nicely if you are creating an exposed brick look in random places on the walls. It also adds to the look of aged and cracked walls. This is perfect to be used on imperfect walls to distract from the imperfections.

You are going to begin by basecoating your walls with the desired color. This color will typically be darker than the additional colors that will be added later. In the next step you will be using a mop brush. This type of brush has long bristles. Use light and airy movements while pouncing the brush over the surface. The brush should be loaded with a lighter coordinating color. Make sure you continue to move your brush around to keep the design in a varying pattern.

The next step will call for you to use a darker color than the previous one, but not one which is darker than the basecoat. You will mix this color with a blending gel. Using a flat brush do random strokes over the painted area, leaving some of the pattern darker than in other areas. This is a great way to add depth and texture.

Next you will grab the mop brush and pounce on the surface a lighter color than used in the second step. This will bring out the lighter color more. Be careful not to over pounce. You want to concentrate primarily on the lighter sections.

The final step in the stucco technique is to spatter white paint over the entire surface. You may use a special tool for this process or use another brush hand to spatter the paint filled bristles from another brush. This is done by hitting the brush with paint on it, on the handle of the other brush. Continue to move around the surface. You will need to mix your paint in this step with water or a flow medium to achieve an inky consistency.

When you are finished just remember the importance of cleaning your tools, especially the mop brush. This will keep them in good condition, allowing you to
use them again on future projects.

Amy
Etsy

Can't afford real marble? That's okay, now you can make it look like marble for a fraction of the cost! It is easier than it may sound.

You will begin by using plastic wrap. You will create a ball with the wrap and begin pouncing the paint on to your surface. You are basically using the same technique as you would with a sponge, but are using the plastic wrap instead. You will get a different pattern than you would using a sponge.

For the next steps you might want to mix a glaze in your paint or a medium allowing you to move the paint around, and avoiding it drying out quickly. Randomly place your two to three colors on your surface. It helps if your background is a darker color like black, and you are adding lighter colors like gray and white. You could also do the reverse and start with a lighter background while adding darker colors at this same point.

You will now place a piece of the plastic wrap on top of your painted piece. The plastic should be a little larger than the surface you are painting. You will need a little extra because, you will be crumpling up the plastic and pushing it in to the wet paint, to achieve the look you are going for.

You will allow the plastic to sit on the surface for a few minutes while the paint is starting to set. You will want to make sure you pull the plastic off before it dries. When you are ready to pull the plastic off, start at one corner, pulling it up and off of the piece. Be careful note to smear the paint.

The end result should be a blend of the colors you placed on the surface. The look should be more of a soft muted look and not a bold contrast. It if is not, you could add more extender and maybe even some of the base color to soften it, and repeat the process.

I would recommend experimenting with this technique either on a practice board from the hardware store, or a piece of scrap wood. Once you are comfortable, then move on to your project.

Remember, it is just paint. If you do not like it, all you have to do is paint over it. It really is just that easy!!

Amy
The Painted House and More

This technique can be done with any type of sponge. It does not require a sea sponge, but can be a sponge you could use for cleaning the house or your car. You do not have to spend a lot of money to create a special look in your home.

Sponging is a fun technique to do. It actually is pretty easy to do. One thing to remember, if you do this and do not like it, all you have to do is paint over it.

The type of sponge you use will determine the end results. The firmer the sponge, the more distinct the pattern will be. If you use a soft sponge, your pattern will be softer and more muted.

You can use one or more colors and create a lovely look. You can use the sponge to apply the paint to the wall. You can also roll the paint on over another color and use the sponge to remove the paint.

I would recommend purchasing practice boards from your local hardware store. I would try different sponges and different techniques. You might try colors that are close in hues and others which highly contrast. I prefer colors that are close and do not contrast a lot. You can create a nice look by using the same color but different sheen, such as a semi-gloss and a satin finish. You might think you won't be able to tell, but it really shows up better than you would think.

Remember to work with a wet sponge!

This is a good stroke for a beginner to practice on. It is actually a great stroke to use if you want to paint a ribbon. Maybe that is where they got the name!

You will be using a flat brush for this stroke. Typically, you will double load your brush. It is also possible to do this stroke with more than two colors. You will just add a different look to the results. Adding more than two colors is a wonderful way to create a different look and add more interest.

You will begin on the chisel edge of the brush. The beginning will be very similar to painting the S-Stroke. You will be going from the chisel edge and pull the brush, while pushing it down to the flat part of the bristles. You will continue with the downward pressure. When you are ready to create the ribbon, you will flip the brush over and continue on the flat part immediately. Do not come up to the chisel edge while doing this. This may take a little practice to get a smooth transition from one side to the other without stopping.

Play with this a little before starting on your project. You can even add a twist to this stroke, using only one color when you start, add shading by side loading your brush with another color. Just apply the new color where the stroke flips. Try it out and see which way you like it best.

This stroke is one that you will use often, especially if you do One Stroke Painting. The C-Stroke is a stroke that uses the technique where you start on the chisel, flatten your brush, and then end up on the chisel. It could also be considered the U-Stroke if you it turned.

Begin on the chisel and when you start to add pressure to the bristles, pull the brush toward you. As you reach the bottom, begin to lessen the downward pressure. Curve around to the right, or left if you are left handed and put up on the chisel.

Be careful not to pull up too soon. You need to keep thinking chisel-flat-chisel while painting this stroke. The bottom of the C will be the thin line.

Do not forget to practice this stroke before painting on your project. You will need to get the feel for it before you use it. Remember; practice makes perfect!

As with most anything in a right handed world, if you are a left handed painter you will need to adapt. By now, you are probably used to doing that and painting is not any different. Unless you are able to paint with either hand, the main thing to remember is you may have to do the strokes starting in the opposite position.

If you need a practice guide, you could photo copy the design strokes you are working on. They would be copied backwards for you to practice from. If you do not want to go to that trouble, just go in the reverse direction from the instructions and see if you are able to achieve similar results.

You also might find that you are able to paint well going in either direction. As with many techniques when painting, you are going to need to practice and get the feel for what is most comfortable for you. Do not go by what is working for someone else. You may keep it in mind, but know that there are other ways to get to the same end results. The main thing to consider, are you are happy with your work?

Amy
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

You may get confused when you hear the term "Flat Edge", when referring to your paint brush. There is an actual brush that is called a Flat Brush, and then there is the "Flat Edge". The flat edge of your brush is when you apply pressure so that all of the filaments are touching the surface, as you are doing your stroke. This can be done with most brushes, no matter what style they are.

It is important to know how to load your brush properly in order to achieve this stroke. It should be loaded with the proper amount of paint, evenly. You also will need to learn how to apply the proper amount of pressure while doing the strokework. You will pull the brush toward you, ending up on the chisel edge. Lift the brush up from there. This will create a nice clean look.

If you have too much paint brush on your brush the end result will not be smooth, but will have a wavy look to it. If there is not enough paint on your brush, the stroke will not be completely painted and smooth. You will need to do this stroke several times to get the feeling for it, while learning the correct pressure and amount of paint needed.

Learning the different strokes will require practice. You may be someone who will do it a few times and pick right up on it. Everyone has different skill levels, but that is okay. It may take you a little longer to get it just right, but do not be afraid to practice. A great product to use while practicing is waxed paper. It is affordable and can be thrown away after you are done. This will eliminate a mess to clean up.

Remember, have fun while you paint!

Amy
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

If you are a decorative painter it is very important to your work, to be familiar with and learn the different brush strokes. Learning to do them properly will also improve your work. If you do the different strokes correctly, your work will be crisp and cleaning looking. It will also make you aware of the different strokes that you can do in your designs, allowing them to be more interesting and unique. This could be just want you need to be different and stand out from the competition.

If you ever hear the word "Chisel" in reference to your paint brush when you are painting, that is the very tip of the bristles. Often when you are doing strokework, you will start on the chisel edge, apply pressure and move the brush in a certain direction. It will then call for you to end back up on the chisel edge. This will allow you to create a very nice crisp stroke.

You can also use the chisel edge of your brush to create a "line stroke". You must keep your brush perpendicular to complete this stroke correctly. You will need to work on applying the correct pressure when doing this stroke. If you push down too much the line will be too fat. If you raise up off the surface too much, then you will have a broken line. Just the right amount of pressure is needed to make a nice thin line.

Always remember, practice makes perfect! Take a little time each day to work on your strokes. This is a good idea even if you are an experienced painter. Often we rush and sometimes get sloppy. This is a great way to keep our skills up and remind us of the proper way to do our strokework!

Strokework is the basis behind decorative painting. Once you have mastered the different strokes, you will be on the way to creating beautiful artwork. By learning these different techniques you will be able to do different types of decorative painting. Combining techniques will allow you to create more interest in your work.

If you are a painter who did not learn how to use your brush and the different strokes from the beginning, you will notice the difference in your work if you take the time to learn. It allows you to understand how to hold your brush, the amount of pressure, and how the paint works in your brush. This is information that is beneficial no matter what type of painting you do.

There are two main elements to stroke work. One element is downward pressure and the other is sideways pressure. The amount of pressure will determine the width of your stroke. Of course, the more pressure you exert, the wider your stroke will be. As with the less pressure you use, the smaller your strokes will be.

Amy
The Painted House and More
614-530-0219

There are a few ways to create a glaze when you are painting. My favorite way to create one is to add water to your paint. This works when you are using acrylic paints, but is not recommended when you are painting with oils. You should either use oil or a product recommended by the manufacturer of the paint you are using.

The one problem you will find when using water when you are glazing, is that it will actually dry quicker, and not slower. Often when you are doing a glazing technique, you are going to find that you need more time to manipulate the paint. If this is the case, then you will need to buy a glazing medium specifically for your project.

When you are glazing it will be important that each layer of paint dry before placing the next layer on. Glazing is often used to bring out a certain color. It can actually increase the intensity of the color and can alter the color below it.

This faux painting technique is fun but can be a little messy. It may require a little practice to get the effect just the way you would like it to look. Sample boards are sold at many local hardware stores and make great practice boards.

There are many tools that can be used to create this look. Fan brushes work well, but you can also use an old toothbrush. They even make a tool that is used specifically for spattering.

First, you will need to thin the paint your are going to use. Then wiggle your brush through the paint. You are going to tap the loaded brush on top of another paint brush handle. This will cause the paint to spatter on to the surface from the paint loaded brush. Often the size of the flecking is determined by how close you are to the surface you are spattering.

If you are using an old toothbrush, you will pull the bristles back with you finger and then go. This of course is done to a paint loaded toothbrush. It is recommended that you be at least three inches from the surface, but not more than ten inches away.

Keep in mind that your paint needs to be an inky consistency for the best results. Move your brush around as you are spattering. This will keep you from getting it too heavy in one spot and spread it out more evenly. I would strongly suggest practicing this faux technique before moving on to your project.

This is another faux technique. This can be done on walls or surfaces such as metal or wood. This is a nice look on small projects that you may be painting. It basically can give an item an aged look. The top paint crackles and leaves the under color exposed.

There are several products to choose from. Each can give a slightly different look. Folk Art even has a product on the market that you can use with their line to crackle paint items.

Your best results will come if you use the products for the particular line your are painting with. It really is not a good idea to mix products from different companies while doing this technique.

I would strongly recommend doing this process on a practice board first, while learning how to get the look you are going for. The width of the cracks will vary depending on the amount of product that is applied. This is one process that may be hard for you to really know what the end results are going to be. If you are a perfectionist, this may not be the technique for you!

Have you ever looked at a wall and just thought to yourself, "How boring!"? I often find myself doing that and feeling a little life could be added to your room with a faux paint treatment, or maybe even a hand paint border or spray of flowers in different places throughout the room. You can add just a little and make a big difference in any room of your home or office.

Faux painting is an inexpensive way to create interest on walls, glassware, and even furniture. It is a wonderful way to cover up flawed walls too. Remember, if you do a technique and find that you really do not like it, all you have to do is paint over it. It really is just that easy.

Faux actually means "fake". You can use several different techniques to create interesting designs. A combination of different techniques can mimic many different products such as stone, marble, and even granite.

Often there are different tools and products that can be used to create the same look. You may find yourself trying different products and tools that are out on the market today, in order to achieve the desired look you are going for. In this learning process you will determine what works best for you. The main thing is to not be afraid to try. It is just paint!

There really is not wrong way to do it. The main thing to remember is to keep trying until you get the look you are after. Just like with anything else in life, the more you practice the better you will get.

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

There are a variety of painting techniques that may be used to add interest to any of your projects. Some are easier than others. Practicing can allow you to master any of these special techniques.

Drybrushing is often used when you are faux painting. It is not limited to this, but can also be used in paintings to add texture and interests.

You can do this technique with different types of brushes and do not have to use a special brush. It works better if you have stiffer bristles, but even that is not a requirement. The results will vary with each type of brush you use.

As the name suggests, you do this technique with a dry brush. You begin with dipping your dry brush in to your paint. You can either move the brush back and forth on your palette or in a paper towel to remove excess paint. Then you begin on your painting surface with your brush strokes. Keep repeating this process as your brush gets too dry and needs more paint.

If you are painting on a wall, light brush strokes in a random pattern going in the same direction all over the wall can create a neat look. You can also use this technique and do a criss-cross pattern. If you are using it in a painting it is a nice way to add depth, high-lighting, and shading.

You can create a lot of neat faux designs with this technique.
You can purchase practice boards at many home improvement stores. They are fairly inexpensive and a great size to create your designs on, before moving to your walls. This is a fun technique. Give it a try!

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com

I know for the past 16 years I have dreamed of having my own business. I went from wanting to stencil for people in their homes to painting glassware. My husband often discouraged my desire to paint for people in their homes. It was not that he felt I was not good enough, but his concerns for me were the liability you have when you are working in people's homes, and also dealing with not getting paid for your completed work.

However, my desire to paint continued and I would do jobs in my own home and for my friends. I had such a strong desire for a creative outlet. I continued to buy every painting and home decor magazine I could get my hands on. That of course, filled my mind with even more ideas.

I still had the feeling that my husband was not completely sure of me pursuing my dream in any medium. However, I started trying different projects and took the next step which was freehand painting. For years I did stenciling, but never tried much in the way of freehand painting. Boy, was my husband in trouble now!!!

I am not and have never been afraid to paint on walls or objects, knowing full well if the project was not to my liking, it could just be painted over. No problem! It is just paint.

Here's where the trouble began. I ventured to the outside of our home! I had already painted just about everything on the inside, a few times at that. The little picket fence that hid our trash cans was the first to get painted. I painted a cute whimsical flower pattern on it. Then, I planted a few little plants in front of it. What a cute little garden!

The backyard would be my next target. Watch out.....Here I come!!! Our old privacy fence would be my next project. I took two sections of it and painted what looked to be a picket fence. It almost gave the look of a fence leaning up against the privacy fence. I also planted a garden in front of it. I love little sections of seating and gardens throughout a yard. I really had fun doing it. I received so many positive comments.

I also have a fetish for old doors. I had a nice friend that would supply me with them. My husband did not like that so much, but oh well! I created an outdoor screen and placed it in the back yard. I painted a tree theme on it. Very unique and fit right in with the pine trees, pond, and park bench. Of course, the park bench was painted too!

One day while standing out in the backyard, my son came out to talk to me. We were standing there looking around the yard. He turned to me and said, "Do you see how much better you have gotten?". He's a pretty big critic and an art college graduate. I was surprised and took that as a way of him paying me a compliment! Which by the way does not come easy for him. You could really see from one project to the next, the amount of improvement I made in my skills.

I continued on with smaller projects like stepping stones, pots,
and bird baths. My desire to be creative was even stronger and continued to grow. I became familiar with Donna Dewberry's One Stroke at this same time. I tried to get in to a few classes here in town and unfortunately, they kept getting canceled. Frustrated, yet determined to learn, I purchased just about every book I could of hers. Yes, I sat down and taught myself. I practiced and practiced and continued to try different projects and even attempted a few craft shows. They were duds, so I focused on the internet and continued to work my daytime job.

The turning point for me was when I painted a few champagne glasses for my son's graduation party from college. The glasses, though they were cheap they really looked expensive. People were afraid to use them! It made me think I was on to something. That following June my friends had a party where you had to bring fun glasses to exchange. You got it, I painted mine! They were nothing like I paint now, just really basic, but boy did people love them! So, determined to get my business going I started painting glassware even more, and found out how much fun it it to paint.

In November of 2007 a friend of mine told me about Etsy. I love Etsy! I sat up a shop in addition to my own site. Did I mention in this mix I also learned to make jewelry? I listed a few things on the site. I did not get my first sale until January 2008, but after that I began to focus on it and really tried to learn how to make it work for me.

I have learned so much since I started out. There is so much more to learn. You just have to put your fears aside and tackle it. You will have your ups and downs. Maybe it will take you many trials and errors. That's okay. Learn from them and just do not let them stand in the way. Do not let what others may say stand in your way either. Try to take them with a grain of salt and remain determined. Remember, it takes time to build a business!

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Do You Know What Your Creative Zone Is?
For each of us this may mean something quite different. It also may vary depending on the project we are working on. Allow yourself a little time to get it just right, and to figure out what works best for you. Keep in mind what works well for someone else me may not work for you.

You might find that you need to be working in total silence. Maybe you work well if you are jamming to your favorite rock music or maybe classical music is your thing. You will learn by putting yourself in different situations, and determining how you are able to obtain the best results in your work.

Setting up your work space may be as easy as finding a nice quiet place, surrounded by trees, and just the sounds of nature to inspire you. Others may work well with lots of color and clutter around them, giving them ideas in which they can feed their creative on. This too may depend on the project your are working on. Mix it up if you need to. You work space does not always have to be in one particular spot.

Start by making notes of when you felt your most creative. If you work well from late evening into the early morning, then by all means go for it. Maybe you are a morning person and do well first thing when you get up. If you can determine what works best for you, this will maximize your creative time and allow you to do your best work.

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

If you are planning a birthday party for your pre-teen, or planning a fun project for your group to do at their next meeting, this idea might be just right for you. Painting on foam sun visors is easy to do and will also give you a great sun hat to wear to the beach, out in the garden, or even when you play golf.

There is no preparation that has to be done prior to painting. They are very easy to paint on for those who are new to painting. They are also very affordable and will allow you to keep the fee for the project to a minimum.

This type of sun visor is easy to obtain. Many of your local craft and hobby stores stock them. All you have to do is find the time to stop by to pick them up. If you are unsure, you might want to call first to make sure they are in stock. Depending on the amount needed, it may be necessary for you to order them.

I would suggest either coming up with possible designs that can be painted on them prior to your gathering, or just allow each person access to the paint, the painting tools, and let their imagination get the best of them. They could do funky designs with different types of paint brushes, polka dots, or use stamps to create their designs. Stencils could be used with this project. You might even suggest that each person bring something from home they might like to use on their visor.

It is up to you on how detailed this activity will be. I would judge this based on the time and space available to your group. Most importantly, remember to have fun!

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Often we find ourselves invited to events that require us to take a gift. Many times it is for someone who we really do not know that well, or maybe it is for someone who has everything. Either way, you will be asking the age old question of what you should buy them?

Hand painted items can be something that fits your needs. They can be unique, one of a kind pieces or even custom painted for the individual in mind. Oil bottles can be a neat gift for a housewarming, birthday, or holiday gift. Along with them being a more personalized gift, they are very affordable too.

They can be used as part of their home decor while holding their cooking oil or dish washing soap. These are much more visually pleasing than just having the plastic bottle sitting by the sink, or the glass or plastic container you oil arrived in sitting by your stove. They look pretty just sitting out on your counter top.

Each bottle is painted with acrylic enamel paint. Once they have been allow to air dry for 24 hours, they are coated with varnish. This will give them added durability for daily use.

Amy
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Creativity is usually referred to someone who is involved in performing or visual arts. This is how we most often think of it. However, you probably did not realize creativity affects just about every part of our lives in some form.

Sometimes it involves coming up with a thought, process, or item that is totally new and has never been seen or heard of before. Often, it is actually developing a new twist to something we are already familiar with. Being creative is a form of problem solving. Many decisions have to be made from the start of the original thought to the finish of the product or process. As we know, we are faced with many decisions in our lives, and problem solving is an important part of getting through each day.

It is acceptable to surround yourself with items that lend themselves as inspiration to you. It might even come in a written form or musical for that matter. There may be thoughts for the day which inspire your creativity and make your feel a certain way. Maybe your favorite music stirs up memories of events or items from your past.

It might even be as simple as having a photo album which you keep photos in to jump start your creativity. This album could be a mixture of clip art, photos from magazines, or pictures you have taken. They are not meant to be copied from, but to influence you project. It might be as simple as the colors in the picture, which influence you to use them in your next design. Maybe the picture you took of a flower garden has a few flowers that standout, and you include them in your painting. Certain shapes may lend themselves to your final design.

No matter what part of your life you use your creative side for, it is important that you try different things in order to determine what inspires you. Everyone is different. What and how something affects you, may not be even close to how it makes the next person feel.

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Have you ever considered painting on candles? They can really be beautiful by adding a design to them. It is quite easy to turn a plain candle in to a lovely piece to add to your home decor. Painting the candle holder to coordinate is a neat idea too. These also make wonderful gift giving ideas for birthdays, weddings, and even housewarmings.

Begin this process by cleaning the candle with basic soap and water. Once you have dried the candle off thoroughly, you should go over the candle with rubbing alcohol. This will remove any residue that may remain on the candle.

There are products out on the market that can make painting on candles easier. Some products are added directly to your paint. Other products are used as a primar and are used to coat the candle before painting.

It really is not necessary to go through the added expense of buying all of the extra products. The Folk Art Enamels work beautifully on candles. They are very durable and cure by air drying within 21 days. No extra products areneeded when you use this type of paint. The regular One Stroke brushes work nicely while painting on this type of surface, eliminating the need to purchase special brushes.

The type of paint and products you use on your painting projects are based on your own preferences. I would recommend doing some research on the products available to you. Give them a try and compare them in order to determine what works best for you. No matter which product you end up using, it is important to read and follow the instructions the manufacturer has provided for you. This will ensure you end up with a great finished product.

Amy

The Painted House and More .

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

What a great way to spruce up any room. Hand painted borders and sprays can really do the job nicely. They are easy to do and can be done relatively cheaply. You don't have to go completely around the top, middle, or bottom of a room like you would with a paper border. Painting your border gives you more flexibility to be creative, and allows you to just add it in special places around the room.

I use the Folk Art Enamels for my hand painted wall borders, sprays, and murals. I realize this paint is suppose to be used for glass and ceramic, however I use it on just about anything I paint. It cures within 21 days if you don't bake it. It is very durable and produces a lovely completed project, no matter what surface I am using it on. It also may be put on your surface with any tool you would like to use. You are not limited to using a paint brush.

If you want to get even more creative you could design a wall pattern which appears to be wallpaper, but is all completely painted by hand. Covering over your painted design when you are ready to make a changes, is so much easier than having to remove the wallpaper. You should prime the walls before switching to a new color. Painting a design on your walls is also more affordable than putting out the money you would on wallpaper, especially if you can do it yourself.

Do not be afraid to give it a try. Think of your walls as a blank canvas. If you do not like it when you are finished, all you have to do is paint over it. It really is that simple. So, what are you waiting for?

Amy
The Painted House and More .
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Choosing the right paint for your project is very important. It is amazing how many different characteristics there are for paint. It can vary from the type of container they are found in, such as tubes, glass jars, or plastic bottles. After you select the desired containers, you will then have to understand the different properties each color will have as well. You probably did not realize so much thought would be involved.

The behaviors may vary greatly from one brand to the next even. Often it will be necessary for you to try several products, before you narrow it down to the one that works best for you. If you are an artist who deals with several different types of surfaces, you may find the need to switch around to different paints. The paint you choose will depend greatly on the project and what it will be used for. Along with using different paints you may find the same technique does not work well with each type of paint. You will have to be versatile in your techniques in order to create your pieces and obtain the desired look you are going for.

Some paints will cover better than others. Some will be more opaque, while others will be transparent. In order to learn your paint behaviors you may want to start off by creating some color swatches. This will allow you to experiment a little before placing the paint on your project.

Another concern you may have is your colors fading. When you are searching for your paint, pay close attention to the rating for this on the packaging. If it is rated "excellent", this means it will hold it's color for a long time and is durable. If the rating is "moderate", you will experience some fading, but will not be noticeable early on. If the rating is "fugitive", there will be a lot of fading. The ultraviolet rays from sunlight are the primary cause for fading.

Another property to consider is the toxicity of the paint. Often high quality paint will offer colors that are toxic. Some of the more vivid colors tend to be more toxic. These seem to be the cadmium pigments and some blues. Read the labels on your paint before using them. Be cautions also if you intend to spray the paint. There are paints that should not be used for spraying. If you are painting an item for a child, use non-toxic brands of paint.

While on your search for the desired paint, make sure you read the labels, and follow the directions on how to use the paint. This is very important. It not only may have a great affect on your project, but your health as well.

Amy
The Painted House and More
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Many of you out there may not have considered this priceless tool when you want to create a sample design or practice your painting skills. Waxed paper is a cheap and an easy product to use just for this purpose. It is also a great way to paint a design sample for a wall. Hold it up to the wall to get an idea of what your finished design will look like. This can save you valuable time and prevent you the expense of re-painting if you do not like it on the walls.

Often waxed paper can be found at your local dollar store. Just tear off usable size sheets as you go. Once you are finished with your design allow it at least an hour to dry. It will be ready for you to either tape it or hold it up to the wall to see your sample design. If you do not like it, just throw it out and start all over again.

If you are using it to practice on, again just tear off in easy to use sheets. Go to town practicing your designs. No need to allow for drying time, just crumple it up and dispose of it in your trash can when your sheet is full. Pull out another sheet and practice some more. It is as easy as that. Always remember, practice makes perfect!

Amy
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Do you have fond memories of the home you grew up in, or maybe it is the house you raised your children in, or even your favorite vacation home? A nice way to cherish these memories is to have your favorite picture of this special home painted on a plate. This can also make a wonderful gift idea for housewarmings, birthdays, or just for someone special to you. Imagine their surprise when they open up your gift and see a painting of a house that holds special memories for them!

The hand painted house can be hung on the wall or placed in a stand to be displayed where it can be seen. It will not only add special memories to your home, but add beauty to the home decor. They look nice on dinner sized plates and can be painted on square or round shapes. If you would like to add more scenery to your painting, you could even choose to have it painted on a 16" oval platter. The choice is really up to you.

Amy
http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Fall is just around the corner and you know what that means? Yep, that's right the holidays will be upon us before we know it. It is always a great idea to try to get those little gifts out of the way early on, leaving you more time for visiting with your family and friends throughout the holiday season.

Often there is a need for smaller gifts to have on hand when the unexpected person stops by to give you a gift. It is nice to have something to give them in return when this happens. You also might have many friends whom you exchange smaller gifts with. The hand painted gift is an idea which fits this need. It can be affordable and more personable than a regular store bought item.

Hand painted Christmas and Holiday coffee cups are a great gift giving idea. They may be custom painted and personalized to fit your needs. If there is another design you would like instead, it can be done for you as long as it does not violate the copyright laws.

The hand painted cups are painted with acrylic enamel paint. They are baked to cure the paint.
The cups are dishwasher safe if placed on the top rack of the dishwasher. It is recommended they be hand washed to preserve their design.

The coffee cups can be given to a variety of ages from children to senior citizens. They are not only nice for coffee, but can be fun to sip tea or hot chocolate from. They may be painted with a variety of designs to fit the variety of age groups.

Amy
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Do you have a garden that is crying for help? As the weather changes each season it is nice to have something in your garden which remains consistant. A hand painted stone is a wonderful addition to any flower garden. They come in a variety of designs and can also be custom painted to fit your needs. If you love flowers, sayings, or maybe even animals or houses, all of these can be painted for you. Your garden can actually tell a story!

If you have a beloved pet whom you would like to remember in a special way, the garden rocks make nice pet memory stones and head stones. They can be placed actually where your pet has been laid to rest, or maybe in a special memorial you have made in your garden.

Garden stones can really add to your garden decor. They are affordable and durable. Each stone is hand painted, so no two stones will look exactly alike. Their shapes will vary since they are natural stone. Acrylic enamel paint is used to paint the designs. The rocks are baked to cure the paint. Once they are baked they are coated with a few layers of outdoor varnish. This will help them endure the elements for years to come.

Amy
http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Wine glasses are a versatile glass. They can be used for entertaining whether you are serving your favorite selection of wine, or specialty drinks. It really does not matter. This type of glass will be just perfect. It also makes a great gift idea for that hard to buy for person.

Wine glasses are easy to paint on and look beautiful whether you are painting just on one side, all around the glass, or even painting a flower that starts from the base of the glass and come clear up the sides. When you look inside your glass it mimics the inside of the flower. This is the part the artist can get real creative and add so much interest to the piece. Not only is the inside unique, but the outside is pretty too.

Do not forget those pet lovers out there. They deserve special attention too! Just imagine the face of their cat or dog being painted on a wine glass. They can relax and enjoy their favorite beverage while admiring their best friend. Life is all good!

Amy
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

I am really in to keepsake items such as the plates and boxes. The years pass by so fast that it is easy to forget events that took place in the past. The plates and platters make a unique, yet pretty way to remember special events.

The plates can match the decor of a baby's room, a painting of the house the housewarming gift is going to, or something special to remember your wedding day by. They can also be created to allow for signatures of the guests who were in attendance at your shower or wedding reception.

They make great gift ideas for the hard to buy for person. The sky is the limit with these pieces. Do not stop at the designs on my sites. You have an idea, I would love to turn it in to a reality.

The plates and platters make nice wall hangings. They also look great in a stand sitting on a bookshelf, mantel, or even on top of a cabinet. They can placed in several rooms throughout your home for everyone to see.

Here is my latest creation I want to share with you. Let me know what you think!

Amy

http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

I am a very versatile decorative painter who paints on many surfaces from wine glasses to walls. My designs range from floral to painted houses. There are not too many designs I am not willing to try. I get bored easily, so it is fun to be challenged!

I offer wholesale prices to shops and store owners who are interested in carrying my products in their storefronts. I do not require a minimum order at this time. So, if you are a small shop and want to try a few of my pieces to see how well they sell, you are a free to do so. Your initial investment will be small in order to give it a try.

My wine glasses seem to be a big seller. There are glass and plastic dessert plates which can be hand painted to match the wine glasses. This is also available for the martini, margarita, and the champagne glasses. For the beer drinkers I offer the Pilsner glasses. They can be painted to match as well, but often these are painted for men. A more masculine design might work better for this one!

Themed glasses are a big hit too. These are painted to match the interest of the person receiving the glass. I have painted themes from ladybugs to cowboy boots! These make great gift ideas for wedding and bridal parties.

I also offer a line of personalized hand painted signature plates and platters. They can be painted just as a keepsake without the signatures. They make great gift ideas for weddings, wedding receptions, wedding showers, birthdays, baptisms, anniversaries, graduations, and retirements. This is a wonderful keepsake and unique gift that they will not have too many of.

I am open to any other requests. If there is something your customers are asking for, please let me know. If it something I can create for you, I will be more than glad to do so.

Amy
http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219

Have you ever wondered what a great gift idea would be for an anniversary? This Family Tree Platter would be just the right gift to give for such an occasion. The family tree is hand painted on a 16" oval porcelain platter. It is painted with acrylic enamel paint and a Pebeo paint pen.

This plate is custom painted with your family information or the family information of the person who will be receiving it. The platter can either be hung on the wall or placed in a stand to be sat somewhere for everyone to see. It would look nice on a shelf, mantel, or even a cabinet.

This platter is for decorative use only and should be hand washed when cleaned to preserve the design. It is not meant for serving food as it is not food safe. A platter can be painted that is safe to serve food on, as long as no sharp objects are used on the painted design.

The Family Tree Platters also make great gift giving ideas for the upcoming holidays or even birthdays. Some people are hard to buy for and this would be something unique. It is also a great keepsake piece that can be passed on to other family members as time goes on.

Amy

http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

Large paper hat boxes make wonderful memory keepsake boxes. They are hand painted with acrylic enamel paint. Many items can be kept in such a box.

Keepsake boxes make great gift giving ideas. They not only can hold smaller gifts and be used as the wrapping, but they are a part of the gift as well. What a unique way to give a gift.

Some items that you might consider keeping in a box like this are pictures, a lock of hair from child's first haircut, children's teeth that have come out, a plate or a napkin from a special party or event, awards your child received throughout their sport and school career, invitations that were used for special events, and anything else you might think of.

These personalized boxes are great for weddings, wedding showers, baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays, births, baptisms, and graduations. I am certain you could probably think of a few other life events that memory boxes would be perfect for.

The box will be a special hiding place to keep your memories safe. Saving items this way makes it easier to know where they and where they should go as your collect them.

The best way to buy a keepsake box is to have it personalized and custom painted to fit the celebration's theme and colors, or you could consider providing the person's interests so the theme can fit the person who will be receiving it.

Keep the memories safe!

Amy

http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

Turning a wine bottle into a lamp is a great way to re-cycle an empty bottle in to something useful. They make a great source of secondary lighting. They are unique, adding interest to your home or office decor.

These bottles can be painted in any design or style to fit into your style of decorating. If you just want to leave them unpainted, they look nice this way too. Maybe even dress it up more with the lampshade you choose. It's really up to you.

They can be placed just about anywhere in your home. Wine bottle table lamps look nice in livingrooms, familyrooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens. There really is not one area that is better than another. It mainly depends are where there is a need for secondary lighting.

This lamp is a nice conversation piece. It is very unique. Not everyone will have one. You just might start a fad by having one of these in your home!

Amy

http://www,amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

Color can really have an affect on your mood. Have you ever entered a room and felt a funny sensation in your stomach? I have! Colors really can play a large part on your mood and how you feel. There seems to be a link between visual pleasure and a person's attitude. If your surroundings are pleasant you feel more at ease and relaxed. Adding hand painted features to a room can really warm it up without it being too busy or loud. I do offere FREE ESTIMATE to people who live in Central Ohio. Give me a call at: 614-530-0219 or send me an email: aamilou@aol. I'd love to share my talents.