~~~EASY TIPS ON PAINTING LETTERED SIGNS~~~ (and a Crochet Lace Pocket Pillow, too!)

~MAKING A SIGN FROM AN OLD LACE LABEL~

Even before learning how to manipulate images using computer altering software I found myself drawn to all types of vintage sewing ephemera (something transitory or short-lived/a class of collectible items not originally intended to last for more than a short time, such as tickets, posters, postcards, labels, etc.).

~SCANNED LABEL ENLARGED~

I'm especially fond of the paper wrappings once commonly found in old millinery shoppes where spools of ribbon, thread and lace could be purchased for a dressmaker's stitching needs... 

 ~GREAT FRAMED SIGN~

This week I'm going to be working on another painted project that will include reproducing parts of an old lace label onto a wooden sign.  Once a country style checkerboard painted out in country blue, I found the great wooden piece you see above at a tag sale sometime back for a couple of bucks (not much need for such a thing these days)!  Anyway, I primed it (ZINSSER) several weeks ago and last Wednesday applied the final base coat (cottage white) before shabbying up the edges.  I've painted the FANCY LABEL graphic before and always love how the old design comes out...

 ~SIGN FROM A FEW YEARS BACK~

 Transferring old labels onto signage and such isn't hard to do.  It isn't!!!  There are several ways to get great results, the easiest and fastest being done with a copier.  I enlarged the FANCY LABEL to my desired size and then used graphite paper taped to it's back before tracing around the lettering and/or artwork that's been taped to the sign.  I use the gray colored paper because the black is just too dark for my favorite lettering paint.  You can also rub a pencil over the back of your copier image instead of using the graphite paper, but I've never been happy with the results.  My mother used this technique for years and  I still use it in a pinch...it's just not my favorite!

~ANOTHER USING THE SAME IMAGE~

After you've traced around your lettering and/or image you can begin painting.  I paint primarily in acrylics and using the best brushes your budget can afford is a must.  I favor shaders and liners, but filberts work well, too!  I kind of look at painting lettering like coloring a design out of a color-book.  Just try and be neat and stay inside the lines!!!

Go slow....practice makes perfect you better! :) 

 ~NEW POCKET PILLOW~

(Lovin' that old crochet lace)

Yesterday I shared with you a little sneak peek at a new vintage lace pillow for my A Gathering Place website.  I haven't been on it much since Christmas because I've been busy making over THREE Train Cases and they have taken most of my focus (and our house redo projects)!  Now that I'm caught up I'll be back to my regular work soon! :)  The pillow will be uploaded later today sometime, and a couple of her friends, too!

~FROM AN OLD ADVERTISEMENT~

By the time you read this I'll probably be out and about junkin' and slummin' with my favorite guy!  Hope to have lots of fun things to share with you this week!

Have a GREAT SATURDAY!

Love to you...