Decorative painting classes will be held on Monday nights this winter from 6:30 to 9:30 p. m. and Saturdays from 12:30 noon to 3:30 p. m.   I will also be scheduling some Wednesday classes for needle-art and sewing projects.  A list of them is at the end of the painting classes.

There are lots and lots of surfaces available to purchase in the shop.  If you purchase your surface in the shop, the classroom paints are free to use otherwise there is a $2.00 paint charge for each project. The class fee is $12.00 for each class and that covers my teaching time and my overhead.  Project surfaces, mediums, and tax are extra.  All of the mediums (crackle medium, varnish, extenders, thickeners, etc.) are for sale in 2 oz or 8 oz. bottles in the shop and spray varnish is also for sale.  If you need me to base coat projects for your class or cut stencils, etc., I charge $15.00 per hour for my time.  That is also my fee for painting special orders. 

We have coffee, tea, cocoa, and a nice home baked treat at each class and my students have a good time sharing stories, laughing, and learning good painting technique.  You will also meet some very nice people at these classes and be amazed at the colors that people put together and how beautiful their projects turn out.  I try to take pictures for my website too.

Below is a list of the projects that will be taught this winter at the classes beginning on Monday, January 23rd.  These projects are designed to teach you how to be a good decorative painter.  Only one project will be painted at each class and you will learn many good techniques while doing the projects.  You are free to change the colors to suit you design needs.  I am here to help you learn to paint!

Joanne Mitchell
Teacher

Valentine Swirls Heart Basket or Lid: 

You will learn  to make swirls, checkerboards, how to shade a bow, and will use bright colors to make a lovely candy dish for Valentine’s Day.  The dish is 3” T x 5 1/2” diameter.  It is glass with a wooden top.  The project cost is $10.00.  I have another piece that can also be used and that is also $10.00, but is a wire basket with a wooden lid that is larger.   It can also be painted on a plain heart shaped surface. 

Monday, January 30 & February 6th. 

Pierced & Cut or Painted Lampshade: 

We will be using a multi-opening lampshade frame and cutting pieces to fit each opening from lampshade paper, then piercing and cutting a design in each section. They can be painted or left unpainted.  They will be glued into each section, then trimmed.  I have many styles and sizes of multi-opening frames to choose from.  The material fee depends on the frame you pick.  Project cost is $5.00 for lampshade paper and trim + cost of the frame. 

February 13 & 20.

Easter Egg Painting: 

There are many patterns that can be painted on a wooden Easter egg. 

Paint as many as you wish and add an egg holder or a clay saucer or basket to hold your eggs.  This is a fun class and makes for great Easter decorations and gifts.  Project costs depends on how many eggs you paint and accessories you choose. 

February 27 & March 5.
 

Berry Bucket: 

This tin berry bucket measures 4 3/4” diameter x 5” tall.  Originally these berry buckets were used to measure beer.  People carried them to a corner pub to pick up a pint, a half pint or whatever their bucket held.  They were also used for lunch pails.  The pail you will paint on is a replica of an antique piece and is painted with raspberries, strawberries blueberries, leaves, swirls, blossoms, and is absolutely beautiful when finished.  The cost for the Berry Bucket is $12.00. 

March 19 & 26.

Round Daisy Box: 

This project can be painted on a round 9” paper mache box, a bentwood box, a wooden plate, or a basket lid.  Daisies are fun to paint and the leaves and filler flowers are fun to learn.  You can make you surface selection before the class and I can order all that we need if I don’t already have it in the shop.  Prices can run between $8.00 for a paper mache box or to $21.00 for a bentwood box. 

April 30 & May 7.

Nasturtiums Garden Accessories: 

Painting flowers is such fun and these projects look so good on your porches, patios, or gardens. 

I thought we would do yet another project on metal.  Bring your own project piece and paint beautiful nasturtiums on them.  I just know you will love painting these flowers.  Material cost is $3.00 for paint, patterns, a color picture. 

May 14 & 21.

Wednesday Sewing & Needle-Art Classes

     

Sewing Project: 

I will have several tote bags and purses made into kits for students to sew.  They will be all different prices and some will require you to furnish your own fabrics.  The class fee of $12.00 will be charged for this sewing class + the cost of your kit for a tote or purse.  February 1, 8, and 15.  Let me know if you prefer the daytime or evening class.  You need to bring normal sewing tools such as shears, scissors, thread, pins, etc.  I have two sewing machines available or you can bring your own machine.

     

Bunny Pillow Project: 

These two bunnies are done with hand-dyed wool.  Wool projects are a lot of fun and easy to do.  They are a bit expensive if you use good wool, but well worth the expense and effort.  These are sewn on with a blanket stitch and filled with polyester fill. 



The entire cost is approximately $35.00 as you will need two pieces of the hand dyed wool for the pillow and 1/3 of another piece for the bunny.  I have scraps that can be used for the heart, patch, and eyes.

Wednesday Daytime or Evening Class. 
March 7th & 14th

     

Bunny Punch Needle Project:

This adorable punch needle bunny will get done in time for Easter!  The completed project measures 4” x 3” and can be framed or sewn onto a pillow or tote bag.  You will need to purchase a punch needle ($24.50) and I will have kits made for the project that include your design all traced on the weaver’s cloth, your embroidery floss, and picture and directions  for $7.00.  You will need to bring a locking type 7” hoop.  I have them for sale at $8.50 each and have a couple to loan for the first class.  Please bring small sharp scissors to class.  I will teach you how to get your pattern onto the weaver’s cloth, how to thread your punch needle, and how to punch your project and finish it.  This project is fun and easy to do.  There is no class fee if you buy your supplies from me at the first class. 

Wednesday Daytime or Evening Class.   March 21 & 28.

     

Lampshade Project: 

We will be using a multi-section lampshade frame and cutting our fabric from upholstery fabric to fit the openings.  The lampshade will be lined and trimmed when finished.  I have several types of multi-section lampshades and the price will depend on the size picked for your project.  You can supply your own fabric and trim and the only cost will be the frame.  I also have fabrics that you can purchase for your project.  This is a really neat project and you will want to do more lampshades for other rooms in your house! 

Wednesday Daytime or Evening Class. 
Wednesday April 4 & 11.

     

Pineapple Punch Needle: 

This is a wonderful project and the kits cost $7.00, which includes the project design traced onto weaver’s cloth and the DMC embroidery floss.  You will need a punch needle, scissors, and a 7” locking type hook.  I have the punch needles and hoops for sale and if you purchase them from me, there is no class fee for this project - even if you purchased them at a previous class. 

Wednesday Daytime or Evening Class. 
Wednesday May 2nd & 9th.