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Inside the August 2009 Issue


Plan Ahead—Summer’s Nearly Here!

The summer months are the perfect time to check out local garage sales, flea markets, and secondhand shops for those unique, economical, must-have painting surfaces. If you are looking to spruce up your décor or searching for pieces to paint and sell, you’ll be amazed at what you can readily find in your own neighborhood. Be sure to read Maria Grimanis’ article, “In Search of Surfaces,” for hints and suggestions on types of items to paint and where to find them. painted flip flops

Summer is also a time when many communities have special weekend festivals during which one can purchase booth space to sell their wares. What a great way to supplement your income, and if you are a painting teacher, what a wonderful way to promote your classes! If you have never set up a booth or if you have never had real “luck” in your attempt, read Nony and Gisele’s “Brush up on Business” article on page 86 to see how you can make your booth stand out and, therefore, draw more traffic. They also discuss how to boost your sales by offering special services to your customers.

Whether you are painting for personal use or painting to sell, we believe you will be inspired by the projects in this issue. Most of the surfaces are readily available (terra cotta, wood planks, canvas, and more), and the patterns can be easily adapted to a host of items you might already have on hand.

Make a promise to yourself to set aside time to create ... not only will it brighten your surroundings, it will also lift your spirits and lighten your heart.

Happy painting!
Linda R. Heller, Editor in Chief

 How-To's
Americana Basket Patriotic Pocket
by Chris Haughey
Display this simple Americana design and brighten your summer days.
Compass Basket Compass Basket
by Jill DiMaria
Create this bright burst of color on any round surface by simply enlarging this pattern.
Nautical Shelf with Drawer Nautical Shelf with Drawer
by Heidi Yates
Relive summer memories of wonderful times playing in the sand.
Summer Purse and Tray
by Glenda Payne
Have some flip-flop fun this summer!
Terra Cotta Table Grouping Terra Cotta Table Grouping
by Chris Thornton-Deason
These terra cotta pots are economical and easy to paint!
Pink Poppy Pink Poppy
by Mabel Blanco
Add a contemporary flair to your walls with this magnificent blooming poppy.
Ceramic Bowl Server Set Ceramic Bowl Server Set
by Donna Bush
Liven up your party buffet with this easy-to-accomplish project!
Watermelon Flag Banner Watermelon Flag Banner
by Barb Jones
Display this unique flag banner on your front porch to reflect your patriotic spirit.
Four-Season Holiday Wall Calendar Four-Season Holiday Wall Calendar:
An American Sail by Rebecca Trimble
Sail into summer with the second design in our seasonal holiday wall calendar series.
Summer Snow Angel Summer Snow Angel
by Karen Wisner
Create this darling summer angel to welcome all who come to visit.
Sunflower Parade Sunflower Parade
by Monika Brint
Paint these bright and sunny carefree bunnies!
Mediterranean Summer Lavender Pockets Mediterranean Summer Lavender Pockets by Monika Brint
Fill these pockets with your favorite dried flowers and aromatic herbs.
Americana Box Americana Box
by Sue Allemand
Here’s a box just for EWE!
Retro Lemonade Sign Retro Lemonade Sign
by Sue Allemand
Time to chill! Ice-cold and fresh-squeezed, this sign is sure to please!
Pineapple Table Runner and Placemats Pineapple Table Runner and Placemats by Pat Smelkoff
Create your own table set—full of welcome, friendship, and hospitality!
Beaver Lake Watercolor Card Beaver Lake Watercolor Card
by Kathi Sojka
A tranquil trek brought me to this hidden treasure!
Primitive Painted Tray Primitive Painted Tray
by Kim Klassen
Warm colors make this the perfect prim piece to display with your summer décor.
   
 Helping Hand
Ask Priscilla Ask Priscilla:
Common Questions about Brushes and Techniques
by Priscilla Hauser, MDA
Priscilla answers your questions!
Painter's Profile: Painter's Profile:
Meet Chris Haughey
by Susan Mynyk, TDA
Meet this most inspiring designer!
Funky Folk Art: Funky Folk Art:
Angel Birdhouse
by Shara Reiner, CDA
This garden angel will watch over your flowerbeds!
Try This: Try This:
Tote Bag, Cap & Flip-Flops
by Trudy Beard, CDA
Be sure to add these seasonal “necessities” to your wardrobe.
Create on Canvas: Create on Canvas:
Mabe Mountain
by Patricia Reichenbach

Majestic mountain magic!
Brush Bin: Brush Bin:
In Search of Surfaces!
by Maria Grimanis
See what surfaces you can find in your own neighborhood!
Flea Market Find: Flea Market Find:
Gramma’s Lemonade Pitcher
by Debbie Cotton
This refreshing design can be adapted to any of your own flea market finds!
Brush up on Business: Brush up on Business:
Painting in a Distressed Economy
by Gisele Pope and Nony Housh
Nony and Gisele share some successful marketing tips for today’s painter.
“USA” Signboard Purely Primitive:
“USA” Signboard
by Kim Klassen
Transform a plain wooden board into a painted treasure.
   
 Departments
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