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When you think about painting, you might imagine a giant canvas hanging in a big museum. If you’re anything like me, you might think that your skills aren’t quite museum-level. That’s okay! In fact, there are so many quick and easy painting projects to try. Many projects require easy-to-find materials such as acrylic paint and brushes. If you’re not ready to create portraits and landscapes (leave that to the experts, I say), paint a blank clay pot or tray. You can even make your own decorative wall hangings! It’s so easy to get started, just grab a few materials and get to work!
How to Paint: Basic Materials
- Sponges
- Paint brushes
- Paint (acrylic, glaze, etc.)
Most painting projects require two things: paint and a brush or sponge. You’ll want to invest in a few different colors to fit your project. You can save the extra bottles for later (once you try one painting project, chances are you’ll want to make something else). Many beginner projects require acrylic paint, but if you’re working on a ceramic piece, you may also find you need a certain type of glaze. Double check the materials list before you head to the store. Also, you’ll want to invest in a variety of brushes and sponges. Often, you can buy a large pack of brushes and save money.
Painting Tutorials and Techniques
Before you start working on different types of projects, check out these painting tutorials. Each of these techniques will help your projects come to life. You’ll also find helpful advice on storing and cleaning your paint brushes.
- French Wash Painting Technique
- Distressed Ivory Painting Technique
- Animal Print Painting Technique
- Antiqued Metal Painting Technique
- Checks and Stripes Painting Technique
- Cleaning and Traveling with Paintbrushes (Without Damage)
- How to Clean Hardened Paint Brushes
- How to Prepare Metal for Painting
Free Easy Painting Projects
Geranium Painted Garden Pots – Use acrylic paints and a round sponge to create the blooms on this pot. The sponge helps create a more understated design that looks almost hazy. Use a small brush to create the petals and add a colorful background design.
Bird and Flower Heart Canvas – This project requires a flat brush, shader brush, chisel brush and filbert brush. Apply a variety of acrylic paints to a canvas using these materials and you’ll have a delightful piece of wall decor. This would look great in a little girl’s bedroom!
Colorful Tribal Plate – Make a huge statement with this bright kitchen craft. Opaque underglazes and a distinct pattern help bring this project to life. You’ll also need a variety of different sized brushes and a clear glaze to finish off the project.
How to: Painting Videos
I’m a visual learner, so video tutorials are often very helpful for me. If reading the articles above just isn’t making sense, you won’t want to miss this collection of painting videos below. Even if you’ve been painting for a while, these videos can help you learn a technique or “brush up” on an old skill.
How to Use Crackle Paint
How to Paint on Fabric
I hope that all of these free tutorials have helped you get started! Before you know it, you’ll be showing your work in a museum! Okay, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but you will be proud to show off your work. Painting can be a fun, relaxing craft medium – you just have to give it a try and start with the basics!
And while you’re picking up a new hobby, why not check out a new project and giveaway every day in March? We’re celebrating National Craft Month in a big way. Check out today’s post for your chance to win an awesome prize!
What’s the next craft project on your to-do list?
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I need to make “Flat Cindy” – a paper doll of myself that is going to travel far to an event with friends. Since I can’t be there myself, Flat Cindy will be going in my place.
Making wire bird nest jewelry
I need to finish a few projects before I start others, but the next one on my “to do” list after these are finished is finishing a trinket box to hold my earring collection. Not sure if I’ll tile it with mosaic tiles, shells, rocks or cover it some other way – either with beads, decoupage or a fancy paint job. Still undecided.
Painting has always been a challenge for me, but after reading this blog post about the different techniques and materials that are needed for a beginner painter, I feel more confident in my painting skills. Recently I bought a plain old terra-cotta pot for my new Majesty Palm (I absolutely love plants), and I had no idea how to go about painting the pot to make it look more interesting. I will take the brilliant idea of using a sponge and create a textured look on the pot. I also found the post with the directions on how to clean your paintbrushes to make them look as good as new very useful. I will definitely pass this on to my sister who needs to “brush up” on her paintbrush cleaning skills. 😉