Friday Favorites & Paint a Simple Bow

My first fav is graphite paper. It’s like artist carbon paper, if you haven’t used it. I use it so much that I’ve taken it for granted.
Now, you don’t have to use graphite paper, of course. You can just a pencil and rub it on the backside of your pattern. Or you can use sewing transfer paper, which comes in a variety of colors. There’s also a blue transfer paper that’s great, too.

Graphite paper also comes in white. I came across this post last night at PaintMePlaid, which is fast becoming one of my favorite blogs. Amy simply downloaded some clipart and transferred the pattern on to a pumpkin. It’s a great tutorial – one that I’ve neglected to write. Note to Amy: Thank you!!!
If you’re going to be doing some painting for the holidays, save yourself some time and go get some graphite paper. You can get a multi-shaded pack, which is a great deal. Then google some ‘clip art’ images and get painting! (Or you can check back here and eventually I’ll have all of my copyright-free line art patterns posted!)

My second favorite thing is also by Plaid. I wrote about it earlier this week here. Why is it my favorite? Because I use it every time I paint. It helps me blend my paint.
I also use it for layering. Most of my PIY kits layer with 100% paint. This is because, when people are learning, they tend to have visible brushstrokes. Topcoating with full paint camouflages them a bit.

But eventually you’re going to want to use Floating Medium. And this stuff by FolkArt is the best. I love the consistence, the flow, the open time. Love it!
Those are my 2 Friday favorites. And you might want to use them to paint a bow.

What???

Hey, I needed some sort of a segue.

After you’ve transferred the pattern with graphite paper (yes, I realize I didn’t post the line art – I will, I will), basecoat the entire pattern.

Apply shading in designated areas with a deeper shade.

Then apply highlighting with White. No, I didn’t lighten the body of the bow – it’s my camera (or the person behind it).

Then topcoat with the same color as your basecoat. And, yes, you can add FolkArt floating medium or use straight paint. Either way, now you have a dimensional bow to put around some flowers or on a Christmas painting or . . . whatever you want!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Colleen