Atchoo (is that how you spell it?)

Papier mache tissue box holder, using a design originally for tins, by Beverley Kindred. Find this and many other free projects on the Artists Club web site.

I've had the box for a long time, and can't remember where I got it from, but I'll try to remember to make a note for this blog in future.
 

Altered art votive candle holders

An altered art project just right for Christmas, summer barbeques, or any time you use candles.

Having gone to town big time with using paper napkins/serviettes on my bag decorating projects, I have a few spares (like several hundred!).

So I've taken some of the more interesting ones to turn plain glass votive candle holders and dishes into something more eye-catching.

As with other altered art napkin work, you take just the top layer of the napkin (there are usually three) and stick it to the back of the dish and the inside of the votive holder using something like Modge Podge. You need you glue to dry clear. Then paint over the back of the napkins with an appropriate light colour. I used whites, creams, pinks and blues, depending on the colour of the napkin. You'll need quite a few coats. Finally, seal with something non-flammable!

A toast to decorative painting

Take a few wine glasses, apply glass primer, mix your paint with glass medium, and paint something fun!

I've borrowed this idea from a painter called NC Rick who had really gone to town on painting faces on all sort of glass. You may still be able to see their ideas on  their Flickr site.

The faces are designed originally by Jamie Mills Price, and are a free pattern on her web site.

The glass and tile media are from Jo Sonya, the manufacturer of a wide range of decorative painting materials.

I mixed these with DecoArt Americana paints as used in Jamie's pattern. I was told that it would be better to just use products from one or the other manufacturer, but my choice seems to work fine.

A couple of coats of varnish will help to protect the paint, but it's handwashing all the way for these babies!

Somewhere to put all those pencils and pens

Here I am adapting designs again. This wooden pen holder is decorated with elements from a design by Nancy Scott, published in the August 2008 edition of Paintworks magazine.This is a great US publication, full of projects for all level of painters. Sadly the exchange rate has meant I'm not subscribing this year.

The arty teddy bear was originally on a paint box designed by Beverley Kindred and available as a free pattern on the Artists Club web site. Just click on the Projects tab and you'll find plenty of free patterns.There are other good free patterns here too.