Repainting a Chest of Drawers

These are some of the steps I took to vamp up and freshen an old, tired chest of drawers.

It's now being used as a "sofa table".

It is full of arts and craft supplies. Working double duty in this small home where space is valuable.

Painting a Portrait of Parker

I have done portraits with photography, pen, pencil, charcoal, crayon, pastel, acrylic and oil.

but

Watercolor is my favorite medium for portraits so that's what I used for this piece.

I started this portrait in early December in order to have it ready for Christmas.

These are some of the steps I took in getting in finished. 

Repairing a Damaged Picture Frame

 

A client recently approached us to do a repair job. Her ornamental corner was totally missing. She wanted me to recreate one for her. Although I have done a lot of touch ups, painting and refinishing frames, I do not hail myself as a specialist by any means. I do like to learn and I learn best when it's hands on. I am self taught in the art of frame restoration/repair. I read what I can, ask others and experiment.....a lot. I explained this to our client but she wasn't dismayed. She was ready to trust me to re-create a new corner for her extremely sentimental piece. This is what I did.......

 

   

Eagle Cake Decorating

 

"Eagle Cake" 
created by 
Ashley Anthony and John Cason
written by Kimbo Hewitt






I recently had the honor and privilege
of watching, interviewing and filming

an awesome eagle cake  being decorated 
during a party! I couldn't believe the focus 
and detail that was at work. Realize that this 
took place while people bustled all around

during a birthday party for one of my friends.
Be sure to check out the link below. So cool

Creativity is Contagious with Kimbo Hewitt
Webisode # 23

Kimbo interviews a dynamic duo as they create 
a one of a kind American Eagle cake.

Click on this link to see the video:

http://youtu.be/bfW66CVQbHY


you can find more info on the web at:ashleyswhippedcreations.com
andwww.facebook.com/whippedcreations

Painting a Sunrise

I wanted to share my newest creation
 with you. I am painting a picture
for one of my clients.

Getting Started: Usually the hardest part.
I've already sketched my image on to the canvas.
Let the painting begin!!

Finally an image is coming through with some 
painted details. Having a designated work 
area really helps. I'll leave my painting supplies
out so that when I get the "urge" I'll be ready.

There's no need to hurry.
Relax with some nice background music.
I am softly washing in some color. I'll start out light 
and gradually darken it.

The sky has been refined and detailed. Notice the 

darkening of the water and the sun's yellow have been 

added.  The reflection of the clouds has also been 

added to the beach. Next I'll continue 

to enrich the colors as I "darken" everything. 

 A lot more gray and orange have been added. 

Next I'll do a peachy/orange wash over the 

bottom portion of the sky and the top/horizon 

portion of the ocean. Then I'll be ready to 

add the blacks and reds. (Always save your darkest

 colors to paint last because you can build upon the 

light colors but it's really hard to soften the dark ones.)  

This "peachy" wash will become an important 
undertone. Next I will add the darker color
to the waves and clouds in the image. 
There's not much more to do and I'm getting 
very anxious to see this painting finished.



 

Finally Finished!!!

 

Pirate Ship Step Stool

You can check out this project and others with the links below

This is a step stool that I worked on along with talented woodworker, Gary Daniel. He built the two part creation so that it could get shorter as the child gets taller. I thought that was brilliant!! His daughter showed us the shower curtain that she wanted to match and away we went. Ships Ahoy!!!

        http://youtu.be/MD6BNpJzuik

Start with your wooden object. Prime it, sand it and then paint it the colors that you want. 

To get the lettering placed perfectly, I used carbon paper to mark it in place.

I made photos of the image on the shower curtain, then some computer skills to change them  around a bit.
Check out copyright laws before using someone else's artwork and designs!!!
Then I used an Exacto knife and scissors to cut out around the images.
I made "mirrored/flipped" images so that I could put one on each side of the stool.

Carefully apply glue or decoupage medium to the back of the image.

I painted a "water" area on the stool with acrylic paint and waited until it was totally dry. I made sure that where I placed the ship wasn't going to be covered up by the wooden bottom layer of the stool. (Notice it's been removed for this part of the application?) Apply your image very carefully to spot on your work surface. Be careful to put it exactly where you want it and wipe away any air bubbles. Use a paint brush to apply more glue/decoupage medium over the entire surface of the front of the image. Brush the glue and extend it past the image atleast 1/8" so that it seals it totally. You don't want air gaps between the paper and flat surface.
Follow the instructions on the bottle of glue/decoupage medium for more information.

To make sure that you are happy with the placement of things, use chalk or removable tape to line it in first.
They can be changed much easier than painting something over again!!!

I chose a 3D wooden pre-painted craft item that I found at the local craft store. It was perfect to finish this piece with. I painted in the island and glued on the palm tree. It nicely added to the layered look that the stool already had from the levels. I also chose to "rough" up the edges of the wood by sanding them down to give this a "worn" look. I coated the artwork and  painted surfaces with a matte finish sealant because this is going to be in the bathroom & needs protection. 

And here's the back view of finished piece.
A very happy little boy is now enjoying this and will be able to grow with it too. 

Faux Finishing

I recently painted a dining room table because everything in the room was brown and boring. I wanted to add a pop of color to the room's centerpiece. Check out the before, during and after pix. 

I started by picking a "happy" base color. This apple green was just right!
Before I began painting, I lightly sanded the surface of the table since it had a clear coat varnish on it.
This was going to help the paint "stick" better. Notice that I used a drop cloth of paper
and I lifted the table up on risers (made of paint cans). If any paint sticks to paper
it creates a problem for removing the object after it dries. 

I chose a very dark, and thinned down brown/black acrylic for the "wash".
I use an acrylic "extender" to thin my acrylic paint out for "washes". 

After applying a generous amount of "wash" I use a damp rag to softly "wipe and
pat" the paint off. Don't rub too hard or it will take all of the "wash" away. 

I added a protective finish of water based polyurethane to make the surface stronger
and more durable for everyday wear and tear. It's paint so it WILL SCRATCH
with heavy abuse and scuffing. The finish also cuts down the "tackiness" of the semi-
gloss acrylic paint which can be very problematic and bothersome.  

This is the finished result. Compare with the "before" photo at the top of the page.
Don't you agree that this is exactly what the room needed?
I love mixing up wood grains with painted surfaces. This is such a "happy" table now.
Think about how you can make the most frequently used rooms of your home
more personal, fun AND functional.