Decorative Finishes

Decorative painting is one of my very favorite past times. It is a wonderful and unique opportunity to create a one of a kind piece that can be customized to fit any decor. From decoupage, stenciling, and free hand painting you can enjoy any one of these projects and create your own original design.

Decoupage is the easiest way to update and change any piece. Trying this first type of project can be fun and rewarding because of it's beginner level work that gives expert level design. This technique is the decoration of a surface with paper cut-outs or fabric. Let me tell you you can use virtually anything to transform your furnishings.

One of my first decoupage projects was fun and the end result was terrific. I ultimately sold the piece to someone after I finished it. She still has it to this day and that was 7 years ago. My husband and I love to flea market shop as well as yard sales. We found a tall wooden dresser from our local flea market. It was rather modern looking and honestly very ugly, but when I finished with it, it turned out to be a true treasure.

I started by removing the dresser handles and discarded them. I went to my favorite fabric store and purchased a red and white toile fabric. (Any kind will work.) That was the most expensive part and I only needed to purchase enough to cover the front of the drawers. I cut the fabric with a 1/2 inch allowance for a seam. I used fabric tape to "sew" the raw edges. I pressed the edges for a clean line. The fabric should cover and fit the drawer exactly.

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You could cut the fabric to be smaller then the drawer front about 1/2 inch all around and finish the drawer off with ribbon to frame the fabric. (Any type of ribbon will work as long as it covers the wood. Grosgrain ribbon works nice and you could miter the corners for a finished look.

We sanded the dresser down and cleaned it well of dust and dirt and painted it white. You can prime the piece first and then paint any color. I didn't bother to paint the drawers since they were going to be covered in fabric. (However, if you don't have enough fabric to cover you could paint a frame around the drawer and put the fabric inside. I also love the decorative molding you can buy, select one that is thin and miter the ends to build a frame around the drawer front. Use a nail gun to attach the wood on the drawers after the fabric is added. Paint to match the rest of the piece or use a accent color to compliement.

I purchased a large bottle of decoupage median. Now each bottle has a different finish. There is Gloss, Satin, and Flat. I used satin, but the choice is up to you.

I applied the decoupage median to the drawer front and carefully lined up the fabric on the drawer. Liberally, coat the fabric over with the median and let dry. After you finish the drawers make sure that all edges are sealed and adhered to the drawer. Make sure that the fabric is smooth of wrinkles and bubbles. Do this BEFORE the glue has dried. You can use white glue and water, but I like the actual decoupage glue.

I finished it off with new drawer pulls. I found cute glass draw pulls in clear and red at the flea market so I alternated the colors. The dresser was cute. I also made a complimentary lamp to go with it. I found an old metal tea pot at the flea market. I bought a lamp kit at the hardware store and had my husband turn the tea pot into a lamp. I purchased a plain white shade at the craft store to scale to the pot and used the left over fabric by tacking it to the lamp shade. I clued the edges over and finished it off with a band of ribbon around the top and bottom of the shade (Red ribbon.) Very cute let me tell you. The gal that purchased the dresser also bought the lamp.

Another fun thing is to use your imagination. Anything will work. Copy a botanical from a nature book or find old love letters and copy them. Don't decoupage originals, make copies of them. Try these ideas a deck of cards, postcards, wall paper, decorative paper at craft stores, fabric, sheet music, or newspaper. Anything will work just fit it to match the scheme.

The best thing about this style of project you can update anything and everything. How about an old table and wooden folding chairs. You could paint white and another color stripe. Find a cute floral wall paper or decorative paper, or vintage floral book, color copy and decoupage the flowers onto your newly striped furniture. Great for a sun room or porch. I love garden rooms and a dresser changed into storage for plates, or place mats is great for that space. I am telling you SKY IS THE LIMIT!!!!!

For more information on this and other projects contact http://www.kpdesigns.org/.