The Gathering Continues

My first 12 contributions to the 30 Day Creative Gathering

This has been such a full year for me that blogging has taken a back seat as I process so many changes. Mum went into care and it seems unlikely she will be back home. At year end I sold the largest sculpture in my portfolio and the future hinted at more. Then Covid 19 shifted my personal priorities. I set up an Etsy Mask shop to support the cause. My trip to celebrate passing into the third age was axed and then in July, my friend of 25 years died. I now know more about dying and paperwork around it than I ever wanted to. I’ve been on a steep learning curve and there is no rest ahead. 

The whole world and everyone I know has had a tough year and we are all trudging zombie like towards 2021. However, it seems like I’ve had to process more than most. I keep thinking about the movie Titanic and I feel like I’m standing on the stern peering down into the abyss. How about you?

Anyway, life goes on and my internet friend Sheila Delgado has been doing an admirable job hosting the twice yearly Creative Gathering on Facebook. Each participating artist and crafter is soldiering on, and I’m thoroughly enjoying each new work they post. There is a great feeling of camaraderie and support. What a solid, reliable set of worldwide friends I have. Thank God for the internet.

Above are the first 12 postings I have made to the Creative Gathering. We are allowed one piece a day and we each post in the daily album. It is so interesting to see the changes in rhythm, color and media as time goes on. I’m sure we are each influenced a little by the others.

One of my favorites is the work produced by choosing a magazine image and attempting to mix the main colors. I think these are art works in their own right.

Then there are the wonderful character faces of 

Take a look on Facebook - 30 Day Creative Gathering - Friend me and ask for an invite

And Etsy - My Mask Shop - https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/SEA2YOU

Hall Table Transformation

When I moved to my current home I had a vision for a beautiful, welcoming entrance way. The hallway is wide and opens onto the lounge: There are  five doors and two openings leading off it, so there is little room for decor. And so began the journey of how to furnish the one long wall. This table was a possibility. It was a rich cherry, shiny, 1990s Queen Anne style, which was totally over the top, but I was charmed by the seashell appliqués.

I love the look of chalk paint and find it a fun and gratifying task, so it was an easy choice. The table was very glossy, so first I rubbed it all over with sandpaper. Sanding isn’t usually necessary with chalk paint, but this table needed some tooth for the paint to stick. I decided to prep the top because a hall table gets a lot of abuse from keys and bags. I used some Miss Mustard Seed Bonding Agent which I purchased on Amazon. This prep is gloopy and I used a brush, so brush marks were visible when dry. I didn't sand the marks, I kinda liked it, but I would probably use a roller next time.

The color I chose is called Cascade, a lovely soft grey/turquoise which seems to look good anywhere. The brand is Folk Art Home Decor Chalk which goes on nicely, but make sure you tighten the lid and wrap in cling wrap when done as it tends to dry out easily. I had let the prep dry for a couple of days, then I applied one coat of Cascade. It’s not necessary to leave for more than a couple of days between coats, but I left mine for a few months before applying a second coat because I became busy.

After the second coat of chalk paint I covered the sides and legs with clear satin wax and then I applied a light coat of white wax around the edges and shells. Because the top of a table gets a lot of use I applied a coat of satin varnish. To match the white wax I added a touch of AntiqueWhite to some Cascade in a clean yoghurt container and stencilled some designs on the top. When that was dry I  sealed it in with another coat of varnish.

While I was in process with this table I had decided on different furniture for my hallway, so it is now ready for sale. Have you ever tried chalk paint? I find it very fast and relaxing. It is also an inexpensive way to update a piece of furniture.

Stay home - Stay safe

Furniture and Finishing

I have waaay too much furniture in process in my studio and around the house. Some is half finished and some is a figment of my imagination. However chances are that I will have plenty of time to get some painted over the next few months.

New seat covers - Chairs now ready for sale

These chairs came with a used table I fell in love with. I have a mega excess of chairs, so these have to go. They came with a ghastly set of covers made from old T-shirts, so they had to go. I unscrewed the seats and removed about 3,000 staples from the shirts. The original covers were mostly in great shape, except one had pen or paint marks on it. Drat!

So I then purchased a meter of beige micro fibre fabric and cut it into four squares. I positioned each square on top of the padding, turned each seat over and folded the corners into place underneath. A quick staple with a gun to hold each corner in place. Then one along each side while pulling the fabric taught. Tidying each corner with two more staples each and one more between each of the side staples for a total of 24 staples per seat. A quick flip, then screwing the seats back into place and voila! A beautiful set of chairs ready for resale.

I have at least 3 months worth of things like this to amuse myself while I’m  self isolating. I would love to hear what you are doing with all the extra time.

Stay home - Stay safe.

Bistro Table Top in Chalk Paint

BISTRO TABLE TOP by Sea Dean

Its nice to do something different after an intense 30 days being creative. I set my theme as birds and nests. I produced some good saleable pieces and a few that still need some work. However, I now have a backlog of furniture pieces to refinish, some I’ve been working on during the challenge, but they need finishing, others are just waiting in my imagination.

One piece just needs varnishing; it is table top for a wine barrel that I’m repurposing into a bistro table. It used to be an ugly gloss brown. First I coated it with light taupe and added a faux wood look in brown. I wasn't keen on the look, so set it aside for inspiration. During the challenge I gave it a couple of coats of Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Primitive. I wanted it to be more decorative, so I went through all my stencils and chose a leafy pattern. I taped the stencil down and stippled it with a brush lightly coated with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk in Castle. I wanted the effect to be a bit rough looking so I was pleased that the slightly too fluid chalk paint had created indistinct edges.

When my chalk furniture involves a table top I always finish with varnish rather than wax to give extra durability. I will probably do this in satin.

DAY 12 of 30 - BIRDHOUSE BLING in Progress

One of the things I love most about the 30 Day Creative Gathering on Facebook is that anything goes. It was set up for creators of every level and any media. Thats why today my entry is a birdhouse. We are encouraged to either complete, or work on something every day and it is very motivating and social.

This is not a fine art birdhouse, it is for regular home decor and will sell under my COUNTRY GIRL brand. At the moment the back and sides are a little bland, so I will probably add more. The front is finished and ready for move in. The spotty bits on the eves and base are sparkly jewels although they don't show up well here.

For sale by contacting me through email or comments. I have three more in process if you would like a set.

30DCG2020 - ODP

PEACE TABLE

I’m proud to introduce my latest work of art, PEACE TABLE

This installation was specifically created for this years Lake Country Art Gallery Intergenerational Exhibition, entitled “A Winter Gathering”. I’ve been participating in this exhibition since it began about 7 years ago. Each year I try to step out of the box and create something unusual. I love the challenge and the locals are always sufficiently surprised.

Peace Table isn’t simply refinished furniture, it’s actually fine art painted on a recycled round table. I had been considering purchasing a large round art panel, but when I saw this unloved piece, I just had to give it new life. First I treated the surface, prepping with Golden GAC 100, two coats of gesso and then started painting with quality acrylic paints. By doing this I am following in the footsteps of many famous artists who, when faced with lack of funds, painted on anything they could find..

Most of the sculptures and installations I am producing now have been percolating on my back burner for quite a while. Peace table combines my love of repurposing furniture, my dislike of war, my belief in equality and my ongoing desire to simplify my work.

This painting comes with the option of displaying it as an occasional table or removing the legs and hanging it on the wall using the included attachments. Although it is curing at the moment I will finish with several coats of matte varnish.

Furniture Painting Demo with Gail Hodgson - Part VI

Table with waxed handle

Waxing

The best way to preserve your beautiful paint job is to use specialist wax. Obtain the wax from the same supplier as your paint and specialist tools.

1. Flat or matte wax is easiest to use. It goes on easily, doesn't streak and leaves a nice shine free finish.

2. Satin wax gives a slight lustre which is nice but it can show streaks. It's important to brush in the same direction as the grain and the brushstrokes of the paint or you'll get a cross hatched look. Satin is the most durable to use on surfaces that get a lot of use.

3. The above waxes are colorless, but wax is also available in white, antique and several metallics. The table above has pewter wax on the handle to cover a shiny gold one. It's best to use a small brush for this. You can Cottage Paint the handle first or just use the wax over the metal, both giving different effects.

4. Dark and metallic waxes can be used as a form of distress or antiquing. They are very high pigment content, so it's best to apply them with a damp sponge and wipe off any excess quickly before it soaks into the paint.

5. Use matte wax first as an isolation layer and apply Satin or coloured waxes over it when dry. This method gives you more control over intensity and streaking.

6. White wax can be used to soften a distressed look. It works well on soft pastel colors. It is interesting over color appliqué to add an air of mystery.

For an extra durable look you can use specialist varnish. Make sure it's the non-yellowing kind. See my blog on varnish for barn wood kitchen cabinets for details on what to look for. Annie Sloan has a varnish especially for refinished laminate and tile floors.

Furniture Painting Demo with Gail Hodgson - Part III

How to Crackle

Cottage Paint Crackle Medium
I've tried other brands, but this Canadian brand seems to work quickly and gives the best effect. Crackle must be applied between two coats of paint, base coat, thick crackle coat, then thick top coat. For best results put top coat on very thick and brush all in one direction. The top coat on this crackle mirror is "Narvick blue" Cottage Paint.

Color Wash

Start with light color (Asphalt). Two coats regular thickness. Dry well.
Overlay darker color on top (Charcoal). Make the top coat very thin. Thin with glaze or water. Use a damp sponge to apply. When all is dry apply two coats of wax. (See tomorrow's blog for waxing).

Applying Color Wash

Finished Color Wash

Finally waxing on my blog tomorrow

Furniture Painting Demo with Gail Hodgson - Part II

Transfers
The challenging part here is to start with the right type of photocopy. Make sure you get advice on which printer to use for transfers and what settings.

In our area Staples self serve color machine set to black and white (check it is the right machine as the newer machines don't work for transfers). Kettle valley graphics in Birch Plaza are helpful and very very knowledgeable.

If you want to purchase a printer for transfers, it's not an ordinary ink jet. The best printer is the type of laser printer with powder drum toner, but get advice as they are not cheap.

For black and white transfers use Cottage Paint Transfer Oil. I have been told that other oils also work such as Oil of Wintergreen. Possibly Citrasol from Walmart USA. When transferring make sure any writing is backwards in the copy. Coat image with transfer oil or other product, then tape on the object. Rub with back of spoon. Lift paper carefully and allow to air dry, then coat with two layers of wax. (For waxing tips see future blog).

For color use Golden soft gel. Coat image with soft gel, place face down on object, smooth or rub with back of spoon to remove air bubbles. Allow to dry. Wet copy with sponge and gently rub off as much paper as you can with your fingers without removing the transferred image. When dry, apply two coats of wax, drying in between.

Copyright free vintage photos can be obtained from graphicfairy.com

Nancy Crawford in Langley BC has books on the subject.

Furniture Painting Demo with Gail Hodgson - Part I

A great recent demo on refinishing furniture and more. I took a basic class with Gail Hodgson a couple of years ago and when I saw she was offering a free demo with some more advanced techniques I was in.

Part I

Chic Refinishing

There are many names for the type of paint, Annie Sloan chalk paint, mud paint, cottage paint, milk paint etc. There may even be local manufacturers in your area. There are also recipes to make your own on the internet. The paint works on almost anything with little or no prep, including wood, pottery, glass, laminate, leather, cloth, canvas, etc. 

Cottage Paint product locally obtained from -

Star Western Auctions

Furniture Heaven

Home Depot in Vernon and another brand in Kelowna

Superior Interiors on Leathead

For your area try craft stores, hardware stores, furniture stores, or the internet.

As with all crafts there are a few speciality tools. For painting Gail was using a lovely thick and wide brush with a chiseled end for getting into corners. It was bristle and about 3" x 1 1/2" approx $40. She says it lasts forever. I use cheap dollar store house painting brushes which don't last forever and do lose their bristles. It depends how much money you want to spend and how fussy you are.

There are many ways to use the paint and I'm going to spred the techniques over several blogs to keep it interesting.

One Color wet distress

1. Paint base coat with chalk paint brush. - Allow to dry - Each coat dries in half an hour.

2. Second coat. Don't worry too much about streaks because it should look a bit distressed

3. Can use wet distress technique up to 48 hours after painting. Use wet cloth rubbing along edges to remove some of the paint and reveal the wood underneath. This looks best with light paint on dark wood, or dark paint on light wood. This table is "Beechwood" Cottage Paint brand

4. Wax (see waxing technique in later blog.

TIPS

Flat wax is easiest for beginners.

For heavy use areas Cottage Paint Satin wax is most durable.

Do two coats allowing to dry in between - dries in half an hour.

Clean brush with warm water soap and hang with bristles down to dry

Table with wet distress look 

Faux Barn Wood - Part III

I have a small amount of specialist chalk paint varnish on hand, which must be what I used on the bathroom vanity (see image) but I wasn't sure there was enough, so I sallied forth to the hardware store to pick my way through the complex world of varnish. Luckily I had done my internet research and had a couple of products to look for ... Varethane Satin Crystal Clear Fast drying Heavy Use, or, as this seems to have been discontinued, Varethane Polyurethane Satin in an ochre and white can. As usual in Western Canada, neither of these products were available, but I knew what I was looking for.

1. Matt finish
2. Polyurethane
3. No Odor
4. Non yellowing
5. Fast drying
6. Works with chalk paint
7. Could be painted over

The nice young shelf stocker advised that anything with oi in it will yellow, so he recomended Varethane triple thick. However, when I asked a specialist paint assistant she said a customer had recently told her that product yellowed even though it wasn't supposed to. She said there is never a problem with Varethane Diamond Wood Finish Matte. On the can it says Interior water based, Ultra Fast, Fingerprint resistant, Superior durability, Soft touch Natural Wood Feel. (See image). This assistant said that any water based varnish may go cloudy if applied too thickly, so use a brush not a roller. Again, two thin coats are better than one thick coat. All good!

I've learned from past experience to sand lightly before applying varnish. On the internet I found a tip to use a brown paper lunch bag, so of course I had to try. The upside is yes, it does create a nice soft, smooth surface, which will absorb less varnish (cheaper) and stops milkiness. Downside is that it ends up completely shredded (see image) and makes a mess, so be prepared. I have to admit that it creates a better surface than sanding sponges or fine sandpaper, it's cheap and smooths roughness and those little hard balls of chalk without removing any of the hard won paint effect. I will use this idea from now on. The varnish I selected is self levelling, but just in case I recommend brushing in the direction of the faux wood grain. Voila!

I recently discovered some LED bulbs for my halogen pot lights, so I replaced them in my kitchen sunshine ceiling which are a pain to do and the new ones are supposed to last 9 years. The surprising thing is that as an artist I'm very fussy about light quality and I like these bulbs! I also purchased some new burner covers in keeping with my red and lime theme. Now all that is left is to put the doors back on and enjoy my fresh and bright kitchen. Yay!

Faux Barn Wood - Part II

Now for the next stage of my barn wood kitchen cabinets

Stage II
The idea is to create a wood grain effect, so I found some barn wood images on the internet To use for inspiration. I wanted to encourage drips and runs so I stood the doors upright. Next I filled a can with water, dipping the brush into it and then into a small drop of the paint in a dish so it was very runny. Do not mix, you want it to go on unevenly. Using straight Anchor Grey I stroked the very wet paint over the frame and doors in an uneven thin veil.

Chalk paint darkens as it dries so if it went too dark I dipped the brush in water and brushed some of the paint off. I allowed drips and when almost dry brushed them upwards which helped with the wood grain look. On this layer it's important to vary brush strokes, especially the amount of pressure exerted on the brush. Sometimes I pushed hard which puts more paint on the wood, others I used a light whispery touch to mimic wood grain. I also varied the consistency of the paint, going from almost dry to very runny.

After grey I chose several neutral colors and brushed on very small amounts haphazzardly around to enhance the wood grain. In places I painted knots to make it more realistic. this is done by gently placing the brush perpendicular to the wood and lightly twirling.

The colors I used were ... Folk Art Home Decor in Castle and Sheepskin, Americana Decor Chalky Finish in Heirloom, Anchor Grey and Simply White described above. I must emphasize that I used them all as thin washes or dry brushing in tiny amounts, allowing brush strokes to show and working with drips and water to remove paint that was too dark or too light. I used a very light touch at this stage. It is important to step back and make sure the wood grain is irregular or it looks machine made.

This is how they looked after this stage waiting to be lightly sanded.

Stage III later.

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