Showing posts with label painted. Show all posts
Showing posts with label painted. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
painted deck project
painted deck project
I feel like before I begin sharing the process I just have to provide a disclaimer or at least share my philosophy on home projects:I am not into the latest and greatest home decor trends and I NEVER want to feel like my home is "too precious" to take risks and try something unique, creative or even weird. While I love home decor shows, magazine and blogs- I also think it is easy to fall into trendy, safe and practical thinking when it comes to your house. I am not safe nor am I practical and I tackle most DIY projects like an artist. I love color, pattern and I believe that paint is one of the most affordable and easy ways to transform just about anything in your home into art. My husband Andy is super supportive of my approach but he always asks that we try to find a long term, well thought out way of making my ideas happen.
Here are the reasons we selected paint instead of stain:
- Paint will fill gaps and cracks.
- Paint will resist mold, rot and sun damage.
- We own our home and I know that we will be living here for a long time so a crazy project like this doesnt affect us like it would if we were renting or planning on selling soon.
- Our deck will eventually need to be replaced and painting it this year is simply taking the necessary steps to buy some time, save for a deck renovation and get a little more time out of it.
- We liked the idea and look of colorful paint weathering and even peeling.
The first step was getting things cleaned up. Andy cleaned and scrubbed the entire surface. Moss is a big problem around these parts so this process took a while. Once it was cleaned up, we let it dry out then he sanded down things down. Since we would be using paint we didnt need to sand it all down- just the trouble spots. 
Now it was time to paint! So here is the crazy thing about me...I dont like to plan or sketch out my designs. I know this is insane but a big part of my painting process is all about the moment and letting things evolve and change. I knew the color scheme I would be using, I also knew I wanted a suzani inspired design on a LARGE scale. I started by using a large brush and began outlining my design. Again, this is all off the top of my head. Something I know (and something that makes me commit to the process) is that if I mess up or if I am not happy with the design, I can paint over it and start again. This is the BEAUTY of paint!
Once my outline was dry, then I began filling in areas of color. Once again, this is off the top of my head.
The process of adding color, is all about using my gut so I spent a lot of time standing and looking at my design from different angles. My biggest goal is to achieve balance and harmony with my colors.
As those big areas of color began to dry, I added more color to the top and then started laying down details. We really wanted to make sure that the deck had about 2-3 layers of paint on the entire surface so each of my designs all have layers of colors to ensure that the wood is nice and saturated with paint.
I worked back and forth with painting different areas with layers of color and details. Thankfully we had nice weather so the paint was drying as I worked and I could move around easily.
Lucy even joined in on the painting!
This process took me about 3 days working in chunks of about 3 hours at a time. So a total of around 9 hours. Working on a floor is much different than working on a wall and it can take a fast toll on your back and knees. My body can take about three hours straight of painting then I step away and come back the next day.
The last step was to touch up the remaining side of the deck with a solid dark brown.
NOTE: We did not seal the paint only because the paint we used was made to withstand weather and the elements. But keep in mind no matter how heavy duty the paint or even if its made for a deck, eventually it will age, weather and peel...there is just no way around it.
The end result is CRAZY COOL! What I love so much about working large is that you dont need lots of tiny details for something to feel dynamic. My design is pretty simple and FAR FROM perfect. But the scale, the color and the contrast all comes together to feel really dynamic! 
Then came the really fun part and that was doing a little bit of decorating! Up until now, we really havent used our deck. We have a huge backyard that we love to hang out in. But we do a lot of grilling so we really wanted a fresh, colorful updated space to use while Andy cooks outside on the BBQ.
We moved some of our outdoor furniture to the deck, purchased some plants to add even more color and the next thing I knew, we had completely and TOTALLY transformed this space! Now weve been enjoying our meals out here, using it as a place to hang out and draw or read. It has been so much fun to have a new space to use now that the weather is nice.
Available link for download
Saturday, March 4, 2017
painted leaves
painted leaves
I love autumn and one of my favorite parts of the season is all those fall leaves! For the last few years, it has become a tradition of mine to use those leaves as a surface to create on.
Any shape of size of leaf will work. I typically let the leaves dry out or even press them for about a week or two.
One they are dried out you can paint or draw on the surface!
The result is a totally unique piece of art!
And for those who ask... no I dont do anything to preserve the leaves. So far my leaves have lasted for years and honestly there is something I love about creating art that is temporary!
Looking for more leaf inspiration?
painted leaves leaf garland leaf wreath paper leaf wreath paper leaves painted leaves
Available link for download
Monday, February 27, 2017
Painted Armoire
Painted Armoire
I never posted photos of this armoire that I painted a few years back, but I went back to paint some other pieces in the same clients house, and snapped a pic of it.
I dont have a "before" picture, but it was dark brown, I do believe. Now its nice and light and airy!
plus how frikkin cute is the room?!
I love that rug!
Happy Thursday, everyone. This week is flying by for me, what about you? Im headed out to do a faux tortoiseshell on a dresser for a client -- should be fun!
Available link for download
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Painted!
Painted!
How was your weekend? Ours was nice and so busy! We spent it hanging out with friends and family, and also I did a lot of housework. As usual :)
Friday, when I came home from work, I painted our bedroom. I finished it in about 3 hours -- not too bad. I only did a second coat on two of the walls. I know- slacker. Im allowed to slack in my own house, right? Its not noticeable, so I didnt care. And -- I love the color! I know youre thinking, you always love the color, then paint it again in a few months. Which is true! And one reason I didnt pressure myself to do two coats everywhere. Hah!
Here are some pics! I used Valspars "Dove White". By the way, when did buying paint at Lowes get so expensive!? Might as well have gone to Benjamin Moore (which is what I usually do). The regular Valspar paint (one gallon in flat) was over $40?! Kind of crazy. And I bought a quart of a color in semi gloss that was almost $20, which is also what I pay for a quart of Aura paint at Ben Moore (My favorite paint ever that I always use). Not cool! Shock at the register. Oh well, I guess $40 for a huge change of vibe in a room isnt that big of a deal.
here are pics!
I havent decided if Ill put curtains back up for now. I kind of like the bright warm white by itself.
yes, I bought a new comforter. Hehe. I went to IKEA to get curtain rod end caps, and came home with a new comforter and some straws. I guess thats how IKEA always works. Those darned weaving through the store techniques they make you do really work. But anyway, it was from IKEA so it barely counts. Ha! I think its really cute. I saw one at west elm that was really similar, but it was around $150 for just the duvet, and this was $50 for the duvet and the two pillows.
I feel like dressing a king size bed is hard. Even if you have the right amount of pillows (which I dont in this photo), it always looks a little strange. I think queen size looks better but we do love having the king size! I love my bed. Anyway, I need to get one more euro sham, and maybe a long bolster instead of the little dinky looking pillows currently on the bed (but I do love those pillows).
I love changing things up! I think I might put my blue and white bedskirt back on the bed (from anthro), too. Ever-evolving over here!
____
this weekend, I helped a friend hang some artwork in her new house. So much fun. I love doing that stuff. I will share some photos of the progress tomorrow!
Available link for download
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)