decorative folk art
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Decorative Folk Art - The art of upcyclingTRANSCRIPT
Decorative Folk Artby Lorraine Stylianou
The art of upcycling
Gypsy Style
Old, tired, forgotten furniture (and other items) can be given new life through the application of a fresh coat of paint and decorative patterns… and you don’t need any experience to
start.
The Gypsy look is similar to much of the world’s folk style. It includes the use of bold, symmetrical patterns and bright colours characteristic
of eastern European furnishings or South American designs.
Why bother?
It’s not wise to waste and upcycling is part and parcel of the trend to make do and mend.
Generally, no matter how faded or scuffed an item looks, you can transform it to its former
glory with a few simple steps.
Some inspiration from William Morris
“Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful”
“There is no excuse for doing anything which is not strikingly beautiful”
“Ornamental pattern work....must possess three qualities: beauty, imagination and order”.
“Beauty is a human need”
Materials
• A sheet of sandpaper, some acrylic paint and good quality brushes are all you really need, not forgetting a dust sheet, water pot and adequate lighting.
Getting started!
• Add a base coat to the furniture item before outlining your pattern.
Cut around or trace your pattern on the surface
Develop the pattern
• Keep adding more and more detail - White acrylic paint gives great coverage
• Add several layers of colour on leaves and petals before outlining in black.
Take a seat!Acrylic paint usually dries within 30 minutes of application and leaves very little odour.
Apply a coat of acrylic varnish to make the colours “pop” and seal the paint against scuffs and finger prints.
Other “Junk Jewels”(suitcases, bedside tables, screens)
Want one?
To purchase your own “one of a kind” hand painted case or furniture item contact
Lorraine Stylianou at www.gypsy-chic.co.uk