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THE PAINTED CRAFTS

© Barbara Massie

Do you ever feel as Sir Edwin Landseer did when he said,

"If people only knew as much about painting as I do, they would never buy my pictures."

We don't all paint pictures. Many creative people paint on wood, slate, tin, fabric, on just about any surface imaginable. Not all have a God-given talent that allows one to just sit and paint beautiful things. Most have learned by trial and error, by getting hints from others and by taking classes. Many learn from television as craft and painting shows permeate the airwaves with neat ideas and great instructors. With television, the Internet, printed materials available in stores and the numbers of classes offered, many are learning, so, few that sell their items should feel as Sir Edwin did.

Surf the net. Go into sites to read about internet classes or to benefit from the hints and tips for crafters each gives. One "Classes" site is Crafty College. Take advantage of all the opportunities to learn that are offered on the net. You will broaden your talent and this will help your business.

Some tips I have learned:

How conscious are you of the back or underside of products? When painting the top of an item, turn it over to see that paint isn't smeared on the back. Make the back attractive, even if with just a coat of paint.

Some products you make are made up of painted pieces glued together after painting. A painted surface doesn't allow glue to sink in to adhere. Put a piece of tape over each place that will be glued. Paint the item then remove all tape. The tape leaves the wood bare for gluing.

Sometimes we really need inspiration to come up with original designs that no one else is doing. Take some time and visit a fabric or wallpaper store. Look at the wonderful colors and prints; then imagine some of your own. Don't copy - remember copyright laws!

When paints are stored standing up, it's difficult to see the colors. Put a dab of color on the top of the cap to identify the color or lay the bottles down, bottom facing out to see the contents. Make certain the lid is snapped back into place before laying them down or what a mess!

Many who paint winter scenes or floral pictures fill in areas with shaded berries or small flower buds. Double-load color onto one end of a cotton swab. Lay the swab on its side to dip into a dark color, then on its other side to dip into a lighter color. Gently tap it onto a paper towel to remove excess paint, twist it just a smidgen before lifting to blend the colors. To form the berries or buds, hold the swab in an upright position and stamp it straight down onto the painting. So easy!

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