Design: Sad Little Trees by Girl in Blue Designs

GIRL IN BLUE DESIGNS – Charlie Massey

“Since I can remember, I’ve had a creative drive. If I wasn’t drawing something, I was building something; even if it got me in trouble. I spent my teenage and young- adult years dabbling between mediums, such as, graphite, charcoal, acrylic paints, and the occasional sculptor’s plaster. From spooky nudes, to realistic-ish pet portraits, to silly sculptures of happy old man-faces… my art-language was trying to find me!

It wasn’t until I was about to drop with my child at nearly 9 months pregnant and a ripe 30 years, that I discovered the joy of painting furniture. It spoke to me! The shapes, the curvature, the lines, the era, and the mood of the furniture just told me exactly what to do with it.. It wasn’t the same as staring at a blank piece of paper or a canvas, it was like the furniture was working with me to create its new life.. It was like the furniture was my artner…. I mean my partner! I became hooked quickly! Especially, since my designs were selling. What a feeling to a novice!

Fast forward approximately 7 years and I’m still doing it because, it’s SO worth it. Like any “industry”, it has its ups and downs and it’s discouragements, but it’s the one place that I can really let my hair down (even though my hair is still in a weird messy bun with a paint brush sticking out of it).”

HOW TO DECOUPAGE…

PREPARE YOUR SURFACE: You can decoupage on pretty much any surface. We do recommend that you ensure any surface that is slick or has oil be cleaned with a degreaser.

PAINT SURFACE: Paint the surface with chalk, mineral or acrylic based paint.

APPLY BGY ARTISAN PAPER: We recommend using a water based polyacrylic or mod podge medium when applying our paper. Work in small sections with a thin layer of medium. Before moving onto the next section be sure to work out any wrinkles or bubbles in the paper. For the best results use a brayer or card to help remove any wrinkles or bubbles.

SAND: For a flawless look we recommend that you sand down the edges of the paper with a 220 grit sand paper.

FINISHING TOUCHES: You items such as furniture, you can continue blending the paint with the paper. Once finished seal with the poly acrylic. For other items, seal with the poly acrylic. Keep in mind that the paper will bubble when the poly acrylic is reapplied. Once dry the bubbles will dissipate.