Simple Paint Projects

Rescue a tired brass chandelier with a coat of silver spray paint. If the chandelier is wired in place, loosen the top plate, protect nearby surfaces with plastic sheeting and painter's tape, and spray-paint. To make the lampshades, coat the shades with two layers of gesso (tempera paint primer) so paint won't bleed through. Paint a pattern in two blue hues, then add dots of taupe, white, and blue using the rounded end of an artist's paintbrush.

 

Our floorcloth is simple to make because it starts with a scrap of vinyl flooring cut to any shape or size using scissors. Turn the piece to the back side, prime, and paint with a base coat. Sketch your pattern using contrasting chalk, then use crafts paint and loose brushstrokes to add the final details.

 

When your budget won't bear the cost of pricey window treatments, consider this: Our toile fabric was reduced 60 percent at a discount fabrics store, and the vinyl shade cost less than $6. For a no-sew window treatment, press under the fabric sides and top, and attach clips to the top edge for hanging. To make the shade, paint bold stripes using standard paint and painter's tape. For a soft finish, thin paint 1:1 with acrylic matte medium and lightly brush the thinned paint lengthwise and crosswise on the shade to mimic fabric.