Have Fun with Decorative Painting

Decorative painting is a broad category that encompasses numerous painting techniques and mediums applied to a variety of surfaces. Common subjects include flowers, animals, fruits, birds, people, and scenery and tole painting patterns for these subjects are easily found.

Tole painting patterns are not necessary for the 'free hand' painter. One-stroke painting is a popular method of decorative painting. The brushes are loaded with multiple colors of paint so that the highlight, body color, and shadow are applied simultaneously.

This method provides depth to the element, but is quicker than applying each layer individually. Decorative painting is relatively easy to learn, and therefore quite popular.

Check your attic. thrift store or garage sales...you will find all kinds of things that are candidates for decorative I especially love to do tole painting on boxes. Hatboxes are fun to decorate. They come in nested sets or individually; provide storage for many small items and certainly organize your closets.

Recently, I painted a milk can that came from the dairy farm I grew up on. The theme for the can was the farm and included scanned pictures of the barn, cows, the silo, etc. The pictures were decoupaged on the can...other elements, ie the mountains in the background, trees, flowers, etc., were painted in. It's a snapshot of history and a real conversation piece.

Tole painting patterns used on an old but sturdy chair is a fun and useful project that will add a conversation piece to any room. Where you put the pattern depends on the chair's design. If there is a flat surface on the chair back that is even a couple of inches wide... embellish it. The seat needs a coordinating but large design. Pick a
tole paint pattern that fits the area and sets the theme for this project. Don't forget the legs...paint them to coordinate with the seat and back design.