Several of my friends have asked about my "Fresco" technique. It is quite simple. First you paint or stencil a perfectly good image and then you mostly destroy it.
Stencil or paint image onto surface. Let dry. Mix 10 cups of builder's sand to one box of joint compound. With trowell scrape mixture over stencil, leaving a few spaces "open."
With plastic kitchen scrubber (the orange ball type) remove as much or as little of both the stencil and the joint compound for desired affect.
For best results, scrub hard. The sand helps. To enhance the antique look even further, mix a watery solution of beer and several colorants and apply to area with large natural bristle brush.
I believe that this image appeared in "House Beautiful" magazine, many, many years ago. Not only the stencil but the walls appear to have been treated in a similar technique as described above. Gina
Wonderful ideas, Gina, and so beautiful! I love The Stencil Library. I used to go through their entire catalogue when I was faux painting my condo and reading The Painted House. I'd love a painted floral garland in my dining room so maybe a stencil will work, the way you do it. xo – g
ReplyDeleteDear Georgianna,
ReplyDeleteWith your artistic eye, "Free Form" stencilling is made for you. Not only is it more interesting to look at but is so much more fun to paint. The end result is definately worth the time it takes to execute.
This is wonderful~ stencils are so charming. Love it- thanks for sharing at FNF :)
ReplyDeleteHi Courtney, There are so many ways to use a stencil...they can be simple or they can be quite complicated...there is no limit, only your willingness to experiment is required. Thank you for your comment. It is so appreciated.
ReplyDeleteGina