| Handpainted Linens |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-306 |
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Q: I have some old, faded table linens. I hate to throw them away. Is there a way I can spruce them up? A: (from Debbie Stapley, Ask DIY Crafts expert) In just a few easy steps, you can give your old linens a whole new look -- with paint! You can choose to stamp your design, stencil it, paint it freehand -- or even create a design from a combination of all three! And your pattern can be geometric (figure A), romantic or whimsical -- simply decide on the look you want and set to work. Materials: Linens (tablecloths, napkins, placemats)
Fabric paint in the desired colors
Stamps and/or stencils of the desired shape and size
Medium-size stencil paintbrush
Small paintbrush
Paint pen(s) - To get started, lay out your linens and decide exactly where you want to position your design. If you're using stamps, it's best to work with the flexible foam variety as shown in figure B. (Though rubber stamps will also work for this project, it's a bit more difficult to apply sufficient pressure on this type to ensure even distribution of the paint.)
- Use a paintbrush to apply the paint to the stamp. The goal is even, generous coverage but not so much that the paint drips off the edges. Examine the painted stamp carefully before applying it to the fabric: use your finger or the end of the paintbrush handle to remove any excess paint along the edges or other areas.
- Lay the stamp in the designated space and press down firmly. Apply even pressure on each area of the stamp, being careful not to let the stamp slide out of place. Once you've applied firm pressure to the entire surface, carefully lift the stamp to reveal the image (figure C). Allow the freshly stamped design to dry thoroughly.
- To add detail to your design, you may want to purchase fabric paint in a fine-tip applicator bottle (figure D). This will allow you to add fine lines, small dots or other intricate details that can't be created with a brush.
- When creating stenciled designs, it's best to use an actual stencil brush like those shown in figure E. Choose colors that complement one another as well as your decor -- here, Stapley has selected a pale green, periwinkle and bright coral. Using the stencil brush, apply the colors to the stencil with a short, sharp blotting motion. Be sure to fill in sufficiently along the edges of the design (figure F).
Tip: To create a bicolor effect in certain areas, apply one color of paint to half of the stencil brush, then carefully apply a second color to the other half. Then just apply the paint to the surface as usual. - Once you've applied the desired amount of paint to your stencil, carefully lift it from the fabric and allow the stenciled design to dry (figure G).
For an especially elegant look, try a metallic fabric paint like the beautiful copper shade featured here (figure H). Again, be sure to cover the stamp or stencil thoroughly and evenly for best results. - To touch up any messy or slightly smudged edges, wait until the stamped (or stenciled) design has dried, then carefully outline the edges with a paint pen (figure I) to conceal any minor flaws.
RESOURCES :
Decorating Table Linens: Sixty Tablecloths, Place Mats, and Napkins
Model: 0806985984
Author: Chris Rankin
Stenciling for the First Time
ISBN: 0806944854
Author: Rebecca Carter
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Stenciling
ISBN: 0764115499
Author: Reyes Pujol-Xicoy
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Stencilling on a Grand Scale: Using Simple Stencils to Create Visual Magic
ISBN: 1552094863
Author: Sandra Buckingham
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Stenciling: Ideas and Decorating Techniques
ISBN: 0696211157
Author: Linda Hallam (Editor)
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The Art of Stenciling
ISBN: 1564773043
Author: Mary Hickey
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The Complete Book of Home Stenciling
ISBN: 1571455116
Author: Katrina Hall
Order this title from Amazon.com.
The Creative Stencil Source Book: 200 Inspiring and Original Motifs
Model: 1855856581
Author: Patricia and Les Mehan
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