Saturday

Sticks, Pinning & No Sewing Involved

I often find inspiration…well pretty much…anywhere!

One of my current addictions is Pinterest! I'm trying to create one of the largest painted & uniquely designed furniture pages out there. I’m constantly scowering the internet for new possibilities to add to my library. If you’re on Pinterest, please look me up, I’d love it if you’d help me grow my funky furniture collection. If you’ve never heard of Pinterest, write me for an invite, you'll thank me! It’s a virtual bulletin board where you can collect all your amazing pictures, posts & ideas in one organized place, while sharing and collecting from others.)

One of my most favorite styles of furniture to pin is Sticks! Who doesn’t LOVE a good piece of Sticks furniture, right? 


Recently, I was asked to design a small table for a customer that was similar to, but not exactly like, Sticks. It also was going to be for a home in the Adirondacks, so the theme had to be in an outdoorsy/rustic style, as well.


I decided to go with larger folk styled images instead of smaller scenes, which is why I didn’t put too much design into the pictures, because it would have been too busy. I kept them simple, but increased the interest with bold color. (Plus, I just had hand surgery, so I was basically painting with one hand. The less detail the better, LOL!)


With daring color in the imagery, the background and accent colors were done in taupe, tans, and muted colors, forcing the colors to stand out even more.  I then went back in with a little brown paint, water and a damp cloth to shadow around the edges of each character. This created a 3D effect. If you have ever used watercolors, it’s a similar technique, yet its acrylic paint. The effect is really nice. The trick is in the dabbing (with your damp cloth dab gently where you have applied the paint; thicker at the edge, more watery as you feather it out).


On the bottom I kept it simple as well, with a log cabin and a message of home. A wooden appliqué was glued on for whimsy.



I did a second piece…but I’ll have to show you that next week. It’s got a totally different vibe, but I think you’ll find it interesting.


Remember, come find me on Pinterest and please help me build my page!














I will be linking to parties that can be found here on my "Party Page!"

11 comments:

Feral Turtle said...

Beautiful. Your painted furniture always inspires me. Thank you for sharing. Cheers!

Monica said...

I love Sticks furniture though I think i like yours better. After all just love bright colors.

Mary Mollica, Owner & Artist of The Decorative Paintbrush said...

Thanks Ladies for such wonderful compliments! Monica, I wanted to write you back and thank you personally but you didn't have an e-mail. Hopefully you will see this. I wish Blogger had a reply button like Wordpress.

You guys always make my day with your amazing words of encouragement! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! M

Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking said...

Beautiful job again, Mary, creative and unique as usual.

Be Colorful Coastal said...

I love Sticks and I love you even more. That piece is outrageously cool. I love emulating them too ( ooh fancy word) whatever, it is the result of growing up with my dad. :0 )

I am guessing you did get linked up, unless you were trying to add something else too.
Keep that inspiration coming my way. I skip over everybody else and open yours first.
Happy Turkey Day,
Pam

Anonymous said...

Pretty! I wouldn't mind having one of these around my home.

foreverdecorating said...

Way cool, but I will have to investigate sticks since I never heard of them. I only know MacKenzie Childs.

Merry said...

Such wonderful colours and shapes.

Unknown said...

Oh wow! This is so creative! Love the 'theme' you went with! Thanks for sharing this on Fancy This Fridays! :) Especially during a busy Holiday weekend!!!

Andrea said...

Very colorful and clever. I am glad I hopped over from Se It's So Very Cheri. I started a link party too on thursdays
http://emosaicideas.com/tag/blog-carnival/
I also started excepting guest posts
http://emosaicideas.com/guest-posting/

Carolyn OConnor said...

Mary, how interesting! I did the same table for a client, you can see it at http://carolynsfunkyfurniture.blogspot.com/2012/03/hi-everybody-this-is-my-first-attempt.html

I love yours! I love your work and check out your blog and your pinterest pages all the time. You are an inspiration, lady! Carolyn