Looking for a new way to express yourself? Painting is perfect, and you don’t need to be an artist either. All you need is the right medium and a little inspiration. From acrylics that shift and shimmer in the light to pouring paints that create layers of detail, there’s something for everyone.  Let’s explore some products and a few new techniques you have to try:

Marvellous Marbling.

Paint pouring is so popular right now and FolkArt Pouring Medium truly makes it easy. You don’t have to be an artist to create some of the beautiful poured works of art that you’ve probably seen lately.  If you aren’t familiar with pouring medium, it is an additive to use with your acrylic paint when doing pouring projects. Unlike water, the medium will not dilute the color of the paint; it simply makes it more fluid. It also allows multiple colors to flow together without becoming muddy.

To use the medium, it is a simple 1:1 ratio of FolkArt Pouring Medium and your favorite acrylic paint. This is great because it opens up the entire line of FolkArt colors and allows any of them to work as a pouring paint – even metallics and specialties.

We absolutely love paint pouring at our house. Our family has paint poured on pots, coasters, ornaments, vases, pumpkins, and so many other surfaces.  It’s a lot of fun for both kids and adults. There are many different techniques to try and with all the color combinations, the possibilities are endless. If you have not tried this craft trend, I highly recommend giving it a shot! As always, you can check out Plaidonline.com for more great ideas and lots of pouring project inspiration.

Pouring Notebook

Supplies Needed:

• 2689 FolkArt Pouring Medium
• 7517 FolkArt Paint Set Rainbow Flower
• Spiral notebook
• Small plastic cups
• Wood popsicle sticks
• Paint tape or masking tape

Steps:

1. Pick the desired paint colors and follow basic instructions on Pouring Medium label.
2. Mix each color in a plastic cup and stir with wood stick. * it is about 2 parts paint to 1 part pouring medium.
3. Fold back all the pages, separate from the cover and tape together with masking tape (this is just to protect the pages as you pour the paint on the cover.)
4. Elevate the notebook on several plastic cups so that the extra paint can pour off the edges.
5. Pour the colors as desired and move the cover around until surface is completely covered with paint.
6. Let dry completely.  Remove tape from pages.

Gorgeous Glitter.

If you love to use glitter, then FolkArt Glitterific is a game changer! It features multiple size glitter particles suspended in a clear liquid base to create the most dazzling glitter paint you can imagine. Glitterific comes in a beautiful range of colors and can be used on multiple surfaces like wood, metal, glass, canvas, decorative fabric, and plastic. You can use it as a top-coat over painted projects or by itself to give complete glittery coverage. The best part of Glitterific is that it is no mess!  Anyone who has used traditional glitter knows that it gets absolutely everywhere! Because the Glitterific particles are suspended in a base, it goes only where you want it to, and once it’s on, it stays on!

In our craft studio, we use it any time that “over the top” glittery effect is needed.  From kids’ crafts to home décor to fun works of art, there is no other glitter paint like FolkArt Glitterific. If you are looking for some fun ideas, be sure to check out plaidonline.com for inspiration!

Glitterific Office Supplies: Stapler and Tape Dispenser

Supplies Needed:

• 7522 FolkArt Glitterific Paint Set

• 871 FolkArt Metallic Pure Gold
• 44277E Brush Set

Steps: 

1. Gold Stapler- Basecoat stapler as shown with FolkArt Metallic Pure Gold and let dry completely.

           Next apply several coats of Folk Art Gold Glitterific paint, let dry between coats.

2. Tape Dispenser- Apply several coats of Silver Glitterific as shown and let dry between coats.

Perfectly Perserved.

Mod Podge is a must-have in any household. In the craft studio here at Plaid, we use Mod Podge for everything from school projects to handmade gifts to home décor. It comes in a matte or gloss formula and can be used to glue, seal, and finish almost any project. It dries to a smooth, clear finish. It’s also water-based and non-toxic so it’s easy to work with, good for the kids, and a snap to clean up.

Mod Podge has actually been around for over 40 years. It was invented in Atlanta in 1967 by entrepreneur and interior designer, Jan Wetstone, who was looking for an alternative to the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of decoupage.  Over the years, it has become a staple in every craft room due the versatility and ease of use that it provides.  There are so many creative uses for it!

One of the most popular Mod Podge trends in recent years is to use Mod Podge with paper napkins to transform surfaces like wine bottles, table lamps, candles, decor pieces… you name it.  It’s also great for lining drawers with fabric, creating collages, scrapbooking, making coasters, mixed media art pieces, and even furniture.  There are so many uses for Mod Podge it would be impossible to go into them all here. Be sure to check out Plaidonline.com, where you find all kinds of project ideas and inspiration.

Mod Podge Clip Board

Supplies Needed:

• CS11301 Mod Podge Matte
• 44277E Brush Set
• Assorted scrapbook papers
• Clip board
• Scissors

Steps:

1.  Cut pattern papers into desired shapes to fit the clipboard.  * Use the clipboard to create a pattern for size.
2. Apply Mod Podge to the back of the paper and apply to clip board as shown.  Flatten down paper and let dry completely.
3. Once paper is dry, apply a top coat with Mod podge and medium brush.
4. Let dry completely.

Bold and Brilliant.

Help your projects pop with rich, vivid colors and a smooth finish with FolkArt Multi-Surface Satin acrylic paint.  And FolkArt Color Shift acrylic paint can enhance any DIY project with an eye-catching shimmer. From a simple cup to an accent for your garden, you can make your favorite items shine.

Small Stack Boxes & Color Shift Desk Accessories

Supplies Needed:

• 44277E Brush Set
• 5070E Folkart Paint Set
• Small boxes with lid
• 7501 FolkArt Color Shift Paint Set

 Steps:

1. Small Stack Boxes: Paint each box desired color and let dry completely.
2. Color Shift Desk Accessories: Apply several smooth, thin coats of FolkArt Color Shift Paint to wood vase.  Let dry between coats.  Several coats will create that amazing color effect.

Whether you want to paint to unwind, to bring your friends and family together or to inspire your own young artists-in-the-making, there’s never been a better time to start creating.