 Porch pals and critters are easy to paint and are alot of fun. Paving stones and bricks can be found at your local garden/ landscaping center such as Lowe's or Home Depot. They are very inexpensive usually around 59 cents each. I love the ones painted in the book Porch Pals and Yard Critters by Maureen Hart. For my porch this summer I am painting the lady bugs found in this book but there are about 16 other critters to paint and she even has another book full of them.
Supplies:
Tracing paper
Graphite paper
Pencil
Acrylic and/or latex paint in the colors desired
Stiff brush ( preferably an old brush since painting the pavers is very hard on brushes so be sure not to use your good brushes. I also do not use sponge brushes since the surface tends to tear them up)
All purpose sealer
Exterior varnish
Directions:
1. If you are using an old brick or paver wash with soapy water and let dry thoroughly
2. Apply a coat of the all purpose sealer and let dry thoroughly
3. Basecoat your brick or paver with the desired color. I have found that if you load your brush heavily and dab like when stenciling you will get much better coverage. You may need 2-3 coats for complete coverage
4. Transfer any details to the paver using your traced pattern and graphite paper or just draw the details on free hand lightly with a pencil
5. Paint all details and let the piece dry thoroughly
6. Remove all pencil marks and then varnish with an exterior varnish 2-3 coats before placing outside
You will find that these are fun and easy to make and very addictive. Just let your imagination and creativity run wild !Labels: crafts, crating, painting pavers, summer crafts |
