Friday, May 02, 2014

The Impulse to Paint Things



I had a pair of old, faded sling chairs out in the yard. Once the slings were royal blue canvas, but the fronts had faded to a dirty gray.  They were still quite serviceable, but really dingy, so I decided to paint them.  There is an enduring part of me that loves to paint things. A lot of us have that impulse to paint things.  We do.  A coat of paint is the ultimate in instant gratification, right?  Right...? Oh yeah, not everyone has the impulse to paint things. Oh, what cheap thrills they miss out on.  All this for around $10, with paint leftover. 

So now my chairs are good as new—no, better than new! At least more colorful than new. They are a bright spot in my garden. Even from the front porch they are a cheerful sight that makes me smile. I am ready for summer. 






9 comments:

  1. What is that stunning yellow groundcover beside your path?

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  2. Terry, Do you use a special paint for this? I have some director's chairs with fabric in similar condition and this gives me an idea. But, I am not a "painter", just a quilter, so I don't know what to look for. Thanks. PS. I have been following this blog for years and always find nuggets of inspiration. Thanks for all you share.

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  3. Answers to two questions:
    -The ground cover is a variety of sedum. The yellow green color is great!
    -I used acrylic craft paint to paint the canvas. I think the paint would have gone on more evenly if I had primed it with gesso, but I was afraid it would make it too stiff and possibly even crack, so I painted directly on the canvas. It is a little stiff, but I think will soften with use and mellow a little as well.

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  4. Beautiful! Both the sedum and the chairs. :) I have Archer's Golden Thyme in a bed near the front walkway, and it glows just like that. Now I'm itching to go paint something.

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  5. Anonymous8:53 AM

    Painting the fabric was a terrific idea. Your design is a huge success as well.

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  6. Beautiful. Yes, we like to paint - especially yard items. We can go crazy and no one cares.

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  7. have you seen this Terry? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSqGMPLvkFg&feature=youtu.be

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  8. Anonymous9:36 AM

    what a fabulous upgrade!

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  9. I agree :) and colour is always worth it :) your garden is gorgeous.

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