3 Things You Can Paint, With Craft Paints

It's an amazing way to spend the day.

• Make it what you want.
• Relax, and have fun.
• Get creative
• Use bright colors
• Add glaze for more interest
• Get the girls together for a paint night
• Or get the kids involved and give them a project.

The beauty of using craft paints is you can always change it. There are only happy accidents. You just wipe it out and start again. Fresh wood will need to have a conditioner or primer first. Now let's get our paint on.

These candlesticks were originally parts of an old rocking chair. First, they were made, into wooden candlesticks. Then a new generation of our family got ahold of them and painted them black to match her bedroom.

To paint the candlesticks, you need the items below:

• Wooden candle sticks
• Sandpaper, fine grit
• Clean cloth
• Black craft paint, flat or gloss or color of your choice.
• Small flat paintbrush & paper plate for paint.
• Clear coat protector, spray or brush on.

Start by lightly sanding the candlesticks. Then give them a wipe with the cloth. Squirt a generous amount of your paint color on the plate and load your brush. Paint on in an even coat. Picking up more paint as you need it. Once it's, completely covered then, let dry for at least one hr. Apply a second coat, let dry again. At this point, you can leave it a solid color and apply the clear coat. If you want to add a design, paint a pattern on before the finish coat. Once, you are done place it where you want it. The best part of painting them yourself is you can paint them any way you want. The first picture shows you how they are, displayed in my home. Now get your supplies and let's paint. You can also make it a ladies night and invite the girls over and paint the night away.

If you would like to add more, detail to these candlesticks, paint the grooves in another Color. You can make it simple or add a contrasting bright color that stands out. Or paint and outline of something you like, ex: white daisies or roses.

You will need these items:

1. Paint pallet or paper plate
2. Use a paper place mat or newspaper. For your work area.
3. Four different brushes, small round, med round, small flat, med flat,
4. 2-3 colors for the base coat and 4 to 5 colors for the picture.
5. Paper towel & a cup of water
6. A wooden bird house, they are found at craft supply stores.
7. A mushroom bird or bird of your choice. ( also found at the craft store)
8. Stencil if you don't draw free hand.

Directions:

To begin painting this bird house, start by putting the base colors on the paper plate. Set placemat where yu will be working. Then load your brush and start with the lower area of the birdhouse. Craft paint dries quickly so even out the brush strokes as you go. Rinse and wipe your brush off as you change colors. To make it the same color as you see here, use plant green, eggplant, purple, and robins egg, blue. If you can't find those colors, then choose something close in color. Use your medium flat brush for the base coat. Once you complete both the sides and roof, Let dry for 1 hour. Now the fun part starts. Use a picture for reference. You can add whatever you want. If you aren't sure about drawing free hand then painting. You can use a stencil instead. Paint as little or as .much as you like. I chose flowers and vines, use your small and medium round brushes this time. The tip of your brush handle works great for making the dots on flowers. Press the handle tip in the paint and dot on the spots where you want the centers for the flowers. When you have completed your design allow the bird house to dry

If you are using it outside, use the clear coat spray. I don't use it when the birdhouse is only decorative and used indoors. When your bird house is complete, add a bird, butterfly or ladybug. The choice is yours. I used a mushroom bird, medium size. They come in a wide variety of color, shapes, and sizes.

The second set of photos is the bird house painted with a stencil. It was base painted like the first one. Then you trace the paint stencils on and paint it in. Use more than one color to add some dimension. Once the birdhouse had dried, it is slightly sanded off for a weathered look. No clear coat was applied. Then the exterior would continue to weather naturally, outside.

After sanding the entire jewelry box, wipe it down with the cloth. If you don't want to sand, then buy a primer for Acrylic paint. Then use the black and pink, paint and apply with the medium flat brush.

We only did the main color coat for the jewelry box. Pull out all drawers and stand on the edge to paint. To make it the same as this one, use the pink, color. Tape off the frosted glass after cleaning. Paint the entire box black. We used a flat black. If you want a contrast, then pick a dark color that stands out against the color you chose for the drawers. To take it a step further, you can add a stencil, freehand a pattern or use stickers. My granddaughter wanted this jewelry box in solid colors. The cool thing about painting items yourself is you can make them be anything you want. After writing this article, I am going to add more detail to some of my treasures.

If you want the paint on the handles, to last longer, then use a metal paint. Like most teenagers, she will be changing her decor again soon. The craft paint is easy to remove and repaint. For extra style, you can line the drawers with contact paper or vinyl. All you have to do is measure the inside and cut to size, peel, and stick.

Renew and Refinish other items around your home & yard

1. Wood planter boxes
2. Kids toy box
3. Keepsake box
4. Wall display boxes
5. Picture frames
6. Wooden spice rack
7. Kitchen drawer dividers
8. The old wooden bread box, the outside.

Have fun and comment below what item or items you are going to paint around your home. Craft paints make painting easy to use and easy to clen up. Everything can be cleaned up with soap and water. Be creative and give it a try. You don't know how much fun you can have until you do.

It's fun to refresh, renew and reuse. ENJOY!!!!