Archive for February, 2009

Are You Creative?

pictures-for-possible-classes-034Creativity 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 fluence 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

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

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Painting and Craft Classes

I am teaching painting and craft classes in several locations throughout the Central Ohio area. If you have any interests in attending a class or making arrangements for a class to be setup for your group, or maybe event for your child’s birthday party, please contact me at: 614-530-0219 or by email at: aamilou@aol.com. These classes also make great team building events for your office!

Amypainting-and-craft-classes-003

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There are Many Surfaces to Paint on

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

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

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White Wine Glasses

I have just added 20 ounce White Wine Glasses to my line of hand painted glassware. These glasses are painted with a Sunflower Theme. You are not limited to this design, on this style of glass. Feel free to request any of my designs, or a custom one may be created just for you!

These glasses are lovely pieces to have if you entertain a lot. Just imagine being able to serve your friends and family with these beautiful pieces. They almost seem too pretty to use, but do not let that stop you. They are durable and meant to be used and not sat out for display.

You can make these a set and include painted dinner and dessert plates to match! What fun these will make your next gathering or dinner party. Impress your friends with only the best.

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com
aamilou@aol.com
614-530-0219 white-wine-sunflowers-001white-wine-sunflowers-003white-wine-sunflowers-004white-wine-sunflowers-011

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Hand Painted Votive Holders and Centerpieces

wedding-favors-and-table-accessories-002wedding-favors-and-table-accessories-011wedding-favors-and-table-accessories-020wedding-favors-and-table-accessories-024Are you planning a big event in the near future? It’s probably time to give some thought to the decorations and favors you will have at this gathering. It is never to early to plan.

If first impressions are important to you, then you might want to consider having items custom painted to fit the theme and colors of your event. They do not have to be expensive to create a lovely party. You may even want to consider the items you have painted, to be the favors for your guests to take with them when they part.

Items to consider are votive flower pot candle holders and mini ivy bowls. They make great candle holders or you could even fill each one with candy or nuts, and place them at each place setting. These items can be sat throughout the room to encourage warmth and to set a pleasant and peaceful mood. A centerpiece made from a garden dish could adorn each table. Just imagine candles floating in each one. They also make nice flower containers if you would prefer that instead of using candles.

You will be providing your guests with a unique and wonderful experience, one they have not seen before. They will think you have over spent on your event, when quite the opposite is the case. Lasting impressions will be left with your guests for some time to come!

Amy

www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

aamilou@aol.com

614-530-0219

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A Party in a Bag

Have you ever wondered how you could put on a beautiful, yet unique party or event? You want to keep the cost down, have something creative, and it be easy to clean up afterwards. What could you do to come up with an idea that would fit all of your needs?

Hand painted clear plastic plates and cups are a great way to provide a simple yet classy event. They are food safe since the design is painted on the back of the plate. Your food will never come in contact with the paint. The paint is also non-toxic. It is very durable and plates and cups may either be thrown away once they are used, or you may hand wash them to be reused for your next event.

This is also a way for you to have a design custom made for you. You will not have to use what is available at your local party or grocery store. The colors can even be custom mixed to match the colors of the event. These are great to use at birthdays, anniversary parties, dinner parties, and even weddings. You do not have to spend a fortune to have a lovely gathering.

party-in-a-bag-pictures-006party-in-a-bag-pictures-007party-in-a-bag-pictures-001Amy

614-530-0219

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Hand Painted Borders and Sprays

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

painted-border-006painted-border-003amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/

614-530-0219

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New Design

I have recently completed a new design for my glassware. This is a Full Daisy Design. The design is painted on a 20 ounce wine glass and matching dessert size plates. This design may be painted on any of my glassware.
Also, if you would like to have glasses with matching plates in a different design, that can be arranged. You are not limited to what you see on my site. I love custom orders and will work with you to create a design to compliment your needs.

Amy//www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/
www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com

aamilou@aol.comwood-rings-123

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Learning About Paint Properties

hibiscus-flower-004hibiscus-flower-017Choosing 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
614-530-0219

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