Now it's time for Gilda and Dianne to mark the diamonds and transform the floor! - Using the measuring tape, diagonally connect the measurements around the perimeter by making small chalk marks along each line to act as a guide for the straightedge (figure A).
- Lay the straightedge along the marks and connect them to make solid diagonal lines (figure B).
- Repeat across the floor, then mark off the cross-diagonals to make the diamond patterns.
- Tape the outside edges of alternate diamonds (figure C). It's important to keep a straight line and straight edge when you get to the end of the diamond -- a craft knife with a sharp blade comes in handy for this, but be very careful not to cut the floor.
- Use a small piece of tape to mark each square that will be painted. Remember: Alternate squares will not be painted.
- After all the diamonds are taped, begin painting the ones you've marked with tape, removing the tape on each as you prepare to paint it. Apply two coats of paint to the diamonds, letting the first dry before applying the second.
- Remove the tape and, when the paint is completely dry, use a rag to wipe off all chalk marks.
- Use a contrasting paint and a small artist's brush to paint a swirl in the corners of each lighter diamond (figure D). Remember to make the swirls go in opposite directions.
Fireplace Stencil Kelsey has chosen some stencils that she likes, and her mom and Gilda decide to use them on the fireplace. One will form the central motif, and they cut a second one down slightly to be paired with it. But the design for the pillars at either side of the fireplace poses a problem until Dianne comes up with a leaf design she likes (figure E). Now Gilda shows her how to make a stencil of the pattern. Materials:
Ruler
Tape measure
Chalk
Satin latex paint in complementary colors (we used the same paint that was used for the swirls on the floor)
6" rollers
Thin artist's brush
Exacto blade
Stencil plastic
Stencil brush
Contrasting paint Steps: - Tape a piece of stencil plastic (available at crafts stores) over the design and tape it in place (figure F).
- Use an Exacto blade to cut out the design (figure G).
Safety tip: It's a good idea to wear eye protection when working with a blade. - Use a ruler or tape measure and chalk to measure and mark stencil placement.
- Tape the stencil in place, making sure it's flat.
- Dip the end of a stencil brush in paint and, holding stencil flat with your free hand, carefully dab paint over the entire pattern.
Tip: Because it's easy to get too much paint on a stencil, you may want to blot some of the paint off onto paper towels before applying it. - Immediately untape and remove the stencil; continue the process until all the stencils have been painted. When all the paint is dry, you can go back and wipe off the chalk marks.
RESOURCES :
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 Art of Stencil Embossing
Model: 085532841X
Author: Janet Wilson
The Creative Stencil Source Book: 200 Inspiring and Original Motifs
Model: 1855856581
Author: Patricia and Les Mehan
The Floor Book: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical and Decorative Floor Techniques
Model: 1570762015
Author: Dominique Coughlin
(2002)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Trafalgar Square Publishing Co.
Website: www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com
Floor Magic
Model: 0679758925
Author: Alan Berman
(1997)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Random House (Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Villard Books, Times Books, Shambhala Publications, Ballantine B
Website: www.randomhouse.com
Decorative Floors in a Weekend
Model: 1558706178
Author: Catherine Cumming
(2002)
Or order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Betterway Books (F & W Publications)
Website: www.fwpublications.com
Flooring: Furnish Your Floors: 25 Stunning Surface Solutions
Model: 1842154974
Author: Catherine Tully
(2001)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
Creating Beautiful Floors
Model: 0376011475
Author: Sunset Books Editor
(1996)
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Sunset Publishing Company (Division of Time Warner)
Website: www.sunset.com
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