Sunday, March 23, 2008

Wet Paint at Romantic Homes!


Do you ever get the urge to just paint something?!

To paint absolutely anything and quick?!

I've found that a fresh coat of paint can revive a some what lackluster piece and send an already outstanding piece right into orbit! To become yes, Uber Chic!

Ever since I was a kid this funny sneaking sensation would ever so oddly pounce on me, some times at the most inopportune of times and whisper into my ear, PAINT SOMETHING!

I simply could not resist! Strange I know but it certainly was fun!

Once I had a perfectly good bike, shiny and pink with those handle bars that dipped way down in the front, with a pretty little

white wicker basket attached to them and a sweet banana seat covered with the most fabulous pink glittered vinyl, you know,

like the racing boats used to be painted in the 60's!? Well, one day I was minding my own business just kicking back

watching Bugs Bunny cartoons and Gumby, when it hit me! I MUST PAINT THAT BIKE! Never mind that it was practically new! Ok, I know right about now you are beginning to ask yourself, Hey, Wonder what the heck her bike with the glittered seat has to do these Pop Art picture frames?! Well I will get to that,

And so off to the garage I went, on a mission! The only paint I could scrape up was a partial can of powder blue and a

small can of a deep plum purple, I poured them both into a another can, used the end of a wooden hammer to mix them together and went to town!

When I was finished the garage floor was painted, I was painted and my bike was now painted, I had even painted my tires blue, a very delicious ,

shade of periwinkle blue!

I, for one just adored it!

But as you can imagine my dad on the other hand, not so much!

WHAT ON EARTH EVER POSSESSED YOU! And at the time all I could muster up the courage to say was,

I dunno! I dunno! Fortunately for me he understood the artist within me and even greatly encouraged my sometimes misguided attempts at self expression!

And so in conclusion, as you can see I still get the uncontrollable URGE to just paint something anything! The best way I can relate it to you is like this; When you get a craving for something, like lets say a hot fudge sunday, nothings stopping me till I get that hot fudge sunday!! Now I'm positive it's all much clearer!

For all the how to's and specifics of mixing paint colors, pick up the March 2008 issue of Romantic Homes magazine and don't miss out on the free artwork. I have included exclusively for Romantic Homes an elements sheet for you to photocopy and use to create your own 3-D paper statue! Quick and easy and lightweight!
Also a reminder to check out the project I created for Teresa Mcfayden's Bellatoria E Zine, before it flies away!

104 comments:

Alison Gibbs said...

Oh wow! You just have to love paint.
Alison

michelle said...

I really have the urge ot paint something now! I need a good trip to the thrift store first though!

knitsteel said...

My daughter does the exact same thing! - most recently, with her clothing and fabric markers.

ElegantSnobbery said...

I very often have that same urge! I love it!

Kari & Kijsa said...

Have a wonderful Easter Sunday!

blessings,
kari & kijsa

BumbleVee said...

I can honestly say I have never had the urge to paint anything....maybe brush on a dab of old gold on some high points for a bit of bling is all...

Donna O. said...

OMG, I'm freaking out. I was SO the same as a kid. I painted the beautiful wood flower insets on my mom's piano a great shade of red and blue. Like you, I just had to.
And them I learned about sand paper and stripping the paint off per my mom. Ahem.
I had the same bike, too. Did you have the Beatles swirling in your head as you pedaled? Maybe Yellow Submarine. Or Green Tangerine. Certainly NOT the White Album.
D.

dubuhdudesigns said...

I know the feeling! Usually I want to paint the walls but since I know that'd take forever I just stick to dyeing my hair:)
I love the blue frame!
Hope you had a wonderful Easter:)
~Christine

LiLi M. said...

Yess this does sound familiar. I started when I was about 12 (1974) when everything in my room had to be brown and/or orange. When I close my eyes I still can see my metal waste basket painted brown with an orange wave (which wasn't too accurate). This shiny paint was a dust-attractor first class. When I was 15 I used a similar color blue (wedgewood bleu) you used for the second frame to paint my shoes and removed the soles (originally there were platform soles under the shoes which I replaced for thin leather soles which were actually meant to be used inside of your shoes, but who cares?). Since then I dyed everything from handshoes till underwear from a floor till curtains. I love your story. Too bad I cannot buy Romantic Homes over here, I will take a subscription, but I will probably be too late to receive this number. Hope you had a lovely Easter, if you celebrated. Here in the Netherlands we always have 2 days to celebrate, so it's the second day of Easter now. Well I'm of to finish some of these chocolate bunnies...

Kitty said...

Oh yes, I've done that too. One day (whilst pregnant - that was my excuse) I had an overwhelming urge to paint something. My ex came home to find one wall of the kitchen bright pink. It just HAD to be done!

Hope you and yours are enjoying the Easter weekend. x

Artemisa said...

Hello!!

It's beautiful! you have to love paint, You paint very well!!

Happy Easter to you and yours!!

Kisses,
Eva

pescbrico said...

Have a wonderful day! I love your realisations :) I have a frame that look pretty much like one of the last one but could never do something worth it with it! You are the best!

elegantmusings said...

how inspiring!!! I love the things you've repainted; especially the blue frame. now I want to go hunt something up to slap some colorful paint on!! :D

Mockingbird Hill said...

Sandra...the Bellatoria Project is so wonderfully sweet! Can't wait to give it a try...and thanks for the wonderful downloads. They just make it so easy..

Thanks for sharing your amazing talent...once again!

cassie

Heidijayhawk said...

i am SOOOO glad i am not the only one who gets that urge. greta story about your bike! i can see my middle gal doing the same thing. i would think it was fab and her dad..not so much.

Gabrielle Madsen said...

What a lovely bit of your childhood experience to share ~ hence I was returned once again to sunny days of bike riding (training wheel memories) and just the sheer freedom to 'be'! You are a delight Sandra.

gabrielle

Joy said...

Yes, paint! We have the urge and are paining gour livingroom TODAY! Yay! (love the hot pink)

Tara said...

I love that you followed your painting urges and made things so funky!
:0)

Rosemary said...

I love it!! I do get that urge once in awhile. I have that issue, and loved it. You are the best!!
Rosemary

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I can't wait to check that out. I also enjoyed your spread in Somerset Life. I got my advanced copy and was happy to see you there.

Scrappy Jessi said...

hey girl,
thanks for stopping by.
hope you had a great Easter!!!
Today is your day at Teresa's, i allready printed off everything. just need to get a box. your projects is darling!!!
love it!
thanks
oxooxox,
jessi

Pam said...

Loved your bike story. Reminds me of the time I noticed my dad's white tool shed as a big canvas. I used poster paints, painting giant daisies and tulips, complete with a buzzing bee. They all thought it was very clever......until it rained!
Love your blog. Hopped over from Bellatoria.
Thanks for the awesome project.

A bird in the hand said...

Do I know that feeling? Oh, yes!
I keep some canvasses of works I don't like anymore (mine) and start smooshing paint on them. I lived in a rental apartment so this is the next best thing!

Lori said...

me too!!! i like the quick dry spray paint for some instant gratification!!!

Melissa @ The Inspired Room said...

I'm cracking up because I often have the urge to have something painted but I rarely get the urge to do it myself! If you get the urge again soon, give me a buzz. :-) I'll save some projects for you!

Happy Monday!

Melissa

Kim said...

Love the statue , and also the freebies offered in Stampingtons email - what great images and thank you! Personally , I pretty much Always have the urge to paint something lol.

Edgar and Edgar said...

I love the pink shelf!!!! Very cool.

Kimberlee

Donna said...

Wow, love the pink! Makes me want to go paint something, anything!
Your painting projects turned out beautiful!
Hugs,
Donna

Rosa said...

Now, the question is, did you go from gold to pastels or the other way around? When I get bored, I paint fun things also. It is fun, isn't it, to be able to change an object so easily--even walls and rooms!

Waterrose said...

I think I had that same bike! Mine was was purple and white with sparkly purple banana seat!

Beth said...

i just love the colors you chose !!!
hope you had a nice easter !!
xo,
beth

Sandi McBride said...

Some look good enough to eat...the others need to be gallery hung...lovely work
Sandi

Diana Evans said...

everything you touch turns to magic...I am so inspired by you and your creativity...

I am looking around the house for my next make over with paint project...

Have a wonderful night...

Cheers,
Diana

Di Overton said...

Exactly why I started Ghost Furniture.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Oh yes, I can relate. I'm always picking up a paintbrush to paint something. I just don't use as bright colors as you do! It is so much fun to transform something with paint. Funny story about your bike. I can imagine your dad's reaction.

Rhoda

Missy Sue Hanson said...

I bought that issue and absolutely love the vibrant pink! I was glad to see one of your projects there!

charlotte said...

stunning! xoC

Christine LeFever said...

I might have done this had I access to mass paint, but what I actually did do was devote time and Comet Cleanser to removing the dirt from my grandmother's big, ornate white frame. Of course, it was all of the antiquing.

Christine

Velta said...

You have inspired me to go find those sconces I put away and paint them. Really, I know exactly where to put them thanks to you. I just love visiting you and seeing your wonderful artwork.

The Polka Dot Pixie said...

Sandra you continue to amaze me! You are a genius!

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

I get those paint urges too... but I LOVE spray paint! If it is spray paintable then I am on it! I often wait for my neighbors to complain about that woman out there with the spray paint can again. :)))

Love your pretty summery colors you chose!

Hope you had a wonderful easter!

Jeanie said...

Thank you for stopping by the Marmelade Gypsy!

I've been catching up and am inspired by the bright, beautiful colors. (Yes, I can see where Dad may have had a few issues -- but look what happened when you grew up!). The bright pink and blue are just lifting my spirits on this gray and gloomy day! Thank you!

Pea said...

Sandra,
adore your work. I am much like you sometimes I have to paint and the terrible thing is I am not very good at it like most of the artists I know. but paint I must.
Love the frame. I painted my bike once a electric green. The coolest bike ever. LOL
Thanks for popping into my blog. I love it here at yours,Pea

robin bird said...

i love that story! yes i feel like painting things but usually think better of it and i see i am missing out if i am not more daring!!

bird tweet

katydiddy said...

What an adorable little story!

Cookie Sunshine said...

What an inspiring post. Fun, fun, fun!

Cookie

Laura said...

Sandra, I have both issues, the magazine and the urges to paint! Love your article, and also your article in the recent Haute Handbags. My purse is on page 136. I blogged about the symbolism, which isn't in the magazine. I'd love it if you'd come by for a visit!
Creatively Yours, Laura

ThePeachTree said...

I just get sucked into your images!! Incredible content and style :)

Karen at Junking in Georgia said...

color is intoxicating just looking at colors can make you happy.. it is transforming and in your hands Sandra, it is so wonderful.. you have no fear and what you create is delightful.......

Lola Enchanted said...

I love this! I bought that issue just for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's stunning and fresh!!!!!~

Pinkie Denise said...

Hello Sandra,
Yes I have done that and just started
painting. That is my most favorite color of PINK! I call it raspberry....
Love it Thanks for sharing and I'll have to pick up Romantic Homes Pinkie Denise

Little Pink Studio said...

I love this story!
I also loved this project very much!! My favorite thing in the whole issue!
I don't remember seeing the art work for copying though?? I don't think it was in there?
~Cerri xo

Tammy said...

Please, please, please, please! Bring your paintbrush to my house! Please, oh please!!

Shop girl said...

I could use a gal with a good eye for color to paint 4 chairs that I have had waiting for ages. I can't seem to make up my mind what color, or a theme...so here sets the old chairs bare and un loved.
This post is so pretty, it just has to make a person smile.
Hugs, Mary

Jo Capper-Sandon said...

lol I laughed outloud at the question.

..oh yes....that little voice of 'paint something' crops up often rofl

Will check out the mags. :0)

Tutti Chic said...

I am with YOU sandra! I paint everything in my site! Your painted beauties are gorgeous~keep painting! xo chris

jillian said...

That is too funny about your bike! I did the same thing to mine! (if you ever check out my website, there's a story about it on my bio) I always have the urge to change things in my house, and paint usually solves that!
Jillian

Sleepy Hollow Craft Company said...

your blog is so fun! I just love what you did with those frames! so wonderful!

Susan Tuttle said...

Hi Sandra!
You work magic with paint - I am ooing and ahhing over the pink and blue paints you chose - makes all the detail work look like a finely decorated cake!

Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog - they made my day!

Susan
xo

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Paint!!! Paint!! Who doesn't love color. I can't get enough. You always seem to inspire me. Love your ideas.

Kim

Parisienne Farmgirl said...

Nothing like a can of spraypaint - once you start you can not stop!!!

Vintage Flair said...

I saw that issue and I immediately loved it and then I looked to see who wrote it and then I knew why I loved it so much!
Lori

Sam I Am said...

you rock!
love your paint make-overs...
im thinking the pink display would look absolutely YUMMY dipped in some glass glitter or sparklies!!!! YUM!!! :)
Can't wait to see what you paint next!
hugs..
sandy

Bebe said...

Hi Sandra ~

I thought it was just me that got those late-night painting cravings!! :) I love to take something and give it a refreshment color ~ it changes the whole personality of a piece! Sometimes I'll change around a whole room after I've worked on one item. It is a creative stirring that needs to be fed...right away!!

Loved this month's Romantic Homes ~ everything is so ME!! :)

Paint-splattered hugs,
Bebe :)

Brenda said...

Yes, Sandra -- I do! (sometimes have the urge to just paint something!) Thanks for stopping by my blog space -- I love stopping by yours!
hugs,
Brenda

Plain-n-Simple! said...

Color is so wonderful and so is your talent for seeing the out of the ordinary and making it cool!!!!
You Rock!
Jackie

PixieDust said...

Hee,hee! What a great story! I'm so glad your dad managed to take it in stride - and look how well you turned out because of it, yes?

;-)

All Things Bright and Beautiful... said...

THat pink shelf is soo cute!! :-)

Doreen said...

LOL...what a great story. I'm the same way with drawing...if I have an idea I HAVE to draw it out....no matter where I am or what time it is :)....

Thanks for stopping by my blog..we had a wonderful Easter...I hope yours was lovely as well.

Blessings,
Doreen

Danita Lyn said...

The urge to paint something? Yes...sometimes in the middle of the night...I can't sleep...I have to get up and go work in the studio and create something...paint, glue, sew...it doesn't matter...just to be creative soothes me. Thanks for stopping by to visit my blog. I LOVE your blog. Even the way you write is beautifully creative. Thank you for your insipring talents. *smile*

Danita Lyn

belindaschneider said...

i love to paint. like how you breathed a fresh look into some classic pieces, almost a bit kitschy, but the good borderline kitsch.

Tricia said...

Wonderful! I love all your painted stuff! I want to go paint something.... NOW!!

LiLi M. said...

Hi Sandra!

I was checking your blog: where did I see something that inspired me to make my bling bird cage? It was a while ago I guessed, aaah It's in our sidebar. In my blog I mention you as my inspirator, but of course LiLi wouldn't be LiLi if she didn't add legs!

laura said...

That periwinkle blue is stunning! You've inspired me to head off into the garage in search of half-cans of paint!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Love all your painted frames etc. I am sure I would have loved the painted bike as well. I am sure it looked cheerful to ride on.

Marcela said...

You are so talented Sandra!!!
Hugs
Marcela

Flea Market Queen said...

What a beuatiful shade of blue you created...love it!
I would welcome a bit of that sweet color in my world right now!
Priscilla

Diane MacNaughtan said...

LOl, I am so glad I'm not the only one! I had and still have many of those "I just have to paint something now moments".
My parents new early on the creative soul I was.. They were very forgiving, Hmmmm, supportive ? Of those "I just have to paint something now moments"
~Dianie

Joy @ The Vintage Rabbit said...

I love that whole look! I think I might just have to paint my self something! in fact I just bought a Great OOPS paint from Walmart in a great fun aqua color...hmmm...what in my stash do I have to paint?? Thanks for the great post!

Designs by CK said...

Sandra ~ FUN hot pink color & to answer your query...ALL THE TIME! LOL '-)

CK

Pocket Full of Prettys said...

I love to paint, I love to mix the colors to see what I will get. Can't wait to see the next issue of Romantic Homes!

Bayou Contessa said...

Sandra, I can't believe how you put into words an exact description of this urge. I have had it all my life and have lived it many times, but never have I ever seen it so beautifully and exactly written. Wow!
Julie

The Rose Room said...

hmmmmmmm, yes can quite see how that all ties in. . .
Thanks for the lovely comments you leave on my blog.
I am off to peruse? the links on your post.
Looking forward to my Romantic Homes coming in the mail:)
Take Care, Rachael

Bristol said...

You are exactly right about the paint. I am itching to sand and paint my kitchen table. Have a great weekend.
Bristol

HopHopJingleBoo said...

yes!yes!yes! i am a naughty gotta paint something girl!! stated out when i was a little girl and all that 'leftover paints' from the paint by number kits! my poor mom I was only trying to make things pretty!! and then my daughter would go crazy when i would 'repaint her toys'..ahhh we never out grown that creative itch.. i hope!! your photos are always such a inspiration and i am still working on flower projects from your paper flower book..

Carolee said...

I can sooooooo relate, lol. Drawing and painting is like breathing - I could no more go without creating than I could go without oxygen! Thanks for sharing that wonderful story. :)

~ Carolee

Aleta said...

Remind me not to have you in for tea. I would not feel safe having you in the same room with my beautiful antique frames!!! Ha!! I do love the pink though!! A lovely weekend to you.

Warmest bear hugs, Aleta

Tracie said...

It's just in your blood to paint!

How nice you had a dad that encouraged you and understood that creative need in you that continues to grow and inspire all of us.
~Tracie

Fete et Fleur said...

I love the 3D statue and that pink paint is wonderful!!

Nancy

Charmingdesigns said...

I never realized "the urge" was something that other people had...My daughter gets that same urge! How funny!!I put a few photos of her apt. on my blog...she painted her toaster, printer and just finished the top of her lap top...I'll have to get a pic. of that!Laurie

Jen r. said...

Loved your bit on Romantic homes, very clever.. I was the same way as a child, alwasy drawing and painting everything... When I took a package of those fruity scented markers to my neighbors white picket fence and drew flowers and other things all over it, my dad was not too happy. I remember him out there repainting it....poor dad..I said it wasn't me, it was someone else, but I guess writing my name along with the flowers wasn't too bright :)
Jen R

craftswithcare said...

Sandra,

Thank you for visitng me and for your sweet comment on my blog!

I love your blog and your work!

You know I have had the same urge to paint many times. I loved reading your post!

Hugs,
Mithua

FrenchGardenHouse said...

PINK! Love that!! I painted lots of things at my European Grandparents home where we lived as a child. Got into some trouble, like Donna.:) AND picked all the roses to make perfume....good thing they loved me.
xo Lidy

Susan Williamson said...

I always hesitate to paint anything, but there's a lot to be said for just going with the urge. I loved your spontaneous pink and turquoise outbursts.

Linda said...

I get the urge to paint too...but what I really like to do is play with the paint. I love to just mix paints and stir it around like cake batter. linda

red tin heart said...

i love paint too. it makes me so happy to paint a room a new color.
xoxo nita

rochambeau said...

It's cool how a paint job can change the looks of something so quickly. Yes it's so satisfyingly. I like your choices very much The blue and pink make such a statement!

paris parfait said...

Oh yes, paint changes everything - and an artist can't be stopped! :)

Sherry ~ Cherie ~ ms. herbes de provence said...

Oh yes, I am a paint-aholic from WAY back...and loved the piece you had in that issue of Romantic Homes...it proved to be very inspirational!

JeannieTheDreamer said...

I find your post very inspiring, and your blog quite interesting! Someday, I will tackle painting. I will.. :)

Thank you for dropping by today

Jeannie

Thriftin and Craftin said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog, and leaving such a sweet comment about my blog banner. I LOVE the blue frame!

Dianna said...

I thought I was the only one with such urges*!*

I'll see something, anything, and will say "I'll just paint that and it will be perfect!" to which Hubby and my Mom answer, "Why can't you just leave things ALONE?"

...I dunno, I love to paint everything, to personalize it, to make it my own...

(Hubby thinks I look like a looney bag lady in my *painting clothes* too...another reason for him not to like my "urges")

carlene federer said...

LOVE the paint job!!! Much better in fuschia & turquoise!!!

Jules of Whimsicalnotions blog said...

That is hysterical and i know exactly what you mean,Its just in you isnt it ,to create. I have often bemoaned especially around christmas oh why couldnt i have been born normal hehe I see these women in the bargain shops grabbing two packs of $2 christmas cards with barely a glance,whilst i asm up till 1 am agonizing over this years christmas theme and what this cards I will be making this year. Yes it would be more relaxing to be normal but then you wouldnt have that magical sparkle that ends up here at christmas (amidst the carnage and the glue)
I love your creativity and i love that post you just did on your treasures,i have jars of marbles and dice and still have my clackers (the two balls on the string) I also have a few liddle kiddles hehe and a gumnut baby my sister and i made once in the backyard from the clay out there baked it in the summer sun and painted it,The treasures of childhood.