Brush, Sponge, Stamp: A Creative Guide to Painting Beautiful Patterns on Everyday Surfaces

Very easy, creative and inspirational.It's not like other books on the subject which eventually make you consult other books. Even beginner like myself can perform the projects easily. And you know what? The results are quite professional.

This book is full of bright colorful designs and patterns to spruce up any object in your home. With so many techniques, you can pick and choose between them to create your own unique pieces of art. The designs are easy to create because they use simple shapes, color shapers and stamping tools. However, many are also elaborate, taking several layers of paint, so they can be somewhat time consuming. The book starts out with instructions on how choose brushes, mediums, papers and other useful tools. It then explains how to prepare and finish surfaces. It also guides you through basic brushstrokes. Twelve projects follow including objects, fabrics and furniture. Each one includes a materials list and step-by-step instructions accompanied by photos and illustrations. Some of my favorite projects include a Bokhara pattern wall art hanging, a cool jazz candleholder and an English rose round table. My favorite part of the book is the library of over 20 decorative patterns. Again, a materials list and step-by-step instructions guide you thorough each one. A large close-up of the texture is shown along with several small picture swatches of it a various stages. Some textures include the carpet-liner, bubble-wrap, color-wash, and dry brush.

Having seen in class what you will see as color photos in this book, and having been witness to the steps and techniques required to produce such interesting and delightful art, I can heartily recommend this book for the thoroughness, simplicity in technical description, sparkling creativity and talent, and wholeheartedness that its artist/author exemplifies in her person as a teacher. Wait til you see her special brand of batik, her uses of printing, and what her methods of layering will yield. You won't want to leave your paints alone! Happy creating!!!