‘Decorate’ is what I say to people when they ask me what I like to do.
The next logical question people ask is ‘what specifically do you like to decorate’? To that I respond, ‘anything that doesn’t move faster than I do’.
That’s the joke our neighbor made up when he feared that his washing machine might be next. But seriously . . . .
According to Google the definition of decorate is:
dec·o·rate
/ˈdekəˌrāt/
verb 1.make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.
How To Decorate Furniture and Furnishings
Stencils When I first started to decorate, I briefly did so on furniture using stencil designs with acrylic paint.
Freehand Designs I rapidly was able to develop my own freehand styles of painting without the need or desire for stencils. But I did continue to use acrylic paint.
Surface Materials and Primers Wood and metal are the materials I like to decorate most. These surfaces work best when primed with spray paint or a gesso base.
Color Surface Next I use Liquitex or Golden acrylic paint that comes in a jar or bottle. Do not use paint from a tube because it is too thick. This paint would be the next layer when an additional color coat is necessary. As an alternative, spray paint can be sufficient as the color surface on large and intricate pieces like the telephone table above.
The Ultimate Furniture Decoration Technique
For this most unusual technique(s) to decorate furniture and matching furnishings, I decorate with a variety of materials like this foot stool table:
• oil cloth
• fabric
• ribbon
• socks ‘n shoes
Note that the integrity of the pristine maple wood finish is underneath and has not been compromised by any adhesive or other sticking material.
How To Decorate Accessories
Along my my decorating project journey, I have come to notice all kinds of other objects besides furniture and furnishings that want to be included. Small objects call out for unique identities.
In fact, this happens to include my collection of personal accessories like shoes and handbags as well as household items. Since I have so many of these items as well as things to decorate them with, their desire to mate is magnetic.
Materials to Use for Decoration To decorate handbags and shoes, I use a variety of materials:
• buttons
• earrings
• bracelets
• necklaces
• ribbon
• pins and pendants
• silk flowers
• plastic trinkets
Shoes Summer sandals are the easiest and most fun way to decorate one’s shoes. Decoration can take these Oka b hot pink sandals at least one step further in becoming more adorable summer shoes wear. That’s thanks to my decorative techniques.
Handbags I apply the same guideline to handbags that I do to furniture. If a new or vintage item is more valuable in its original condition, then do not try to enhance it with decoration. Leave it in its original condition.
Small (Non-Porous) Surfaces These items are fairly straightforward to work with. Just follow my ‘5-P process’:
• Prep-clean or smooth surface if necessary
• Prime– with spray paint or gesso
• Paint-add a base color layer if one is necessary
• Prettify– add a decorative layer
• Protect– with a layer specifically designed for this purpose
Protective Coatings A final step when anti-scratch protection is necessary is Liquitex Matte Medium or Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish.
There is another kind of protective coating for wood that is a commercial rather than an art brand.
It is very durable but after many years it can start to yellow if it is used on a metal surface. So bear that in mind.
When you need to protect a wood surface it is preferable to use Zip-guard. It is a water-based Urethane wood finish.
Adhesives to Use for Decoration
There are primarily two optional methods to decorate handbags and shoes. Double sided heavy duty tape is a viable but temporary solution. But for permanent ways to decorate these items, use B-6000 glue.
It dries fast and stays on. So be sure that is the final design you want to use to decorate something.
If you’re not sure, go with the double stick tape. It provides a temporary way to decorate. Either way is fun and whatever you do, it enhances the original item.
Memphis Design Jewelry available on Etsy.
