patterning

Well, this project has been several years in the making, but I finally got my motivation back and finished it up. The whole house has a Tuscan feel, so we thought it would be nice to add a bit of stenciling here and there, hoping to complete the look and make the house look a little more rustic and well-loved.

First we had to decide on a stencil pattern, though we knew it would be a grape vine, as that was a recurring theme in the kitchen area, and this wall is in the dining room--right next to the kitchen. Chip requested that it not look like a stencil, though, so I had to revamp a few things and cut out a few of my own vine patterns so they would be continuous. Then we picked out the colors they recommended, as well as a couple more to make it look more authentic and purchased brushes. I was ready to go! It was tax season, so there were plenty of Saturdays that Chip wasn't home, and I needed a bigger project to keep me busy.

I discovered pretty quickly that I like stenciling, as it's similar to pointalism and has enough structure that I don't have to worry about making things look right on my own (there's always a guide!). And I still get to play with blending colors and use a bit of artistic eye to make sure everything is lining up properly.

So, I got the vines, grapes and most of the leaves done in about a tax season and a half...then I got busy with other things and the painting got shoved to the wayside. When I quit my job, I suddenly realized I had a little more free time, and could finally get this done! We always put up a suction-cup birdfeeder on the dining room window, which attracts chickadees, mostly, so Chip asked that I put a chickadee on our grape vine. I added that, and then started to work on antiquing the whole thing. We wanted it to look like it came with the house, and supposedly the house had been around for years and years (though it's not really, at least not yet). First I covered it with a glaze mixed with the original wall paint, and then I had to add cracks and patches of rough areas. If you want to get the full effect, start booking your vacations! ;)

It's nice to have this under my belt, and now we can start thinking about the next project, which could be around the ceiling near the front bedrooms...

And I just have to share how goofy Henry was with the painting--she went through a phase were she tried to land on it! :roll eyes:

The current parakeets don't have an interest in it...

Book recommendation: Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichel
Recipe recommendation: Tuscan Chicken Topped with Roasted Red Potato Crust
New product recommendation: Chocolatour from São Tomé (70% cocoa)