Creating a Diamond (Harlequin) Pattern

Cute Little Dresser- Basic Painting “How To” and Harelquin (Diamond) Pattern
On my Facebook Page I like to post notes about what I am doing in my shop- here is a flash from my past!

It was an adorable little dresser that I painted in many Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan colors: My color choices? Well…..I was a bit indecisive so I selected Paloma, Old White, Country Grey, Versailles, Emile, Henrietta & Old Ochre.

There are many reason why I love Chalk Paint®…one of them is the ease of use of the paint. It is exactly like how Annie Sloan describes it – it is a kind paint. First of all- it is super easy to apply. And – the process is super quick. All I did to “prep” this piece was wipe it down with some Odorless Mineral Spirits and I shop vac the drawers out. I started by painting the top in Annie Sloan Chalk Paint Old White..which took a whole 5 minutes.

There was specs of dark “stain” on the top…and the Old White covered it all. Next I started to paint the body of it in Annie Sloan’s Emile- which is a beautiful warm soft aubergine color with pink red undertones giving it a rich complexity that makes a sophisticated lilac tone. I LOVE this color!!!!! I started the whole process at 11:03 am and finished painting the entire skeleton of the dresser within 15 minutes. (Now keep in mind- my store is open on Saturdays and I am doing this all the while I have visitors.) I didn’t use anything fancy to paint the dresser – in fact- I used one of my handy old brushes.

Here are a few suggestions that may be helpful for you.

1. I always put whatever I am painting, up on scrap blocks to elevate it off the floor. You can see my blocks in the photo above. It will make painting the ends of its legs easier, especially if you have a drop cloth on the floor. For some reason- drop cloths always bunch UP and get in the way of painting.

2. If you paint pieces to sell or if this is for your home…please don’t forget to paint the back of it. I like to use the analogy that when a woman goes to the hair dresser she still gets a cut & color on the back of her head…even though she cannot see it. The same applies to furniture. And this includes painting inside the drawers. By putting in this little extra effort – it gives the piece double duty in case you want to use it to divide a space in a room or, depending the size of the dresser, if it is small enough, place it at the foot of the bed. The back can be kept the same color, or use a surprise color! But definitely paint it. A piece that is painted all the way around – conveys that it has more value and commands a higher price)

3. That whole surprise color idea- applies to inside of the drawers too. Use a fun accent color for a bit of whimsy. Or- if this is for your teenage daughter who insisted she wanted her walls of her painted in bright neon orange, but you compromised on a different color- use the orange in the drawers! She will love it!!! Annie Sloan likes to refer to this surprise color inside as, “Quiet Riot.” I think that is so cute!

REMOVE THE HARDWARE:

Now I know we are all in a hurry and time is of the essence- but go to the effort and take the knobs off the drawers as shown below. It will make painting much easier- and besides- now you can decide to use the existing knobs or purchase new ones without the worry of having to match the shape and size. Also, you won’t have the existing hardware painted on- which prevents switching them later. Seems elementary, but thought I should write it.

For the top of the dresser, I love whimsy. So, how about a little Harlequin design? I think….yes!
So many of you tape this pattern…and I often wonder why? That takes so much time and you run the possible risk of pulling up your previously painted base.

CREATING A TEMPLATE:

I personally like to create a template and then a simple grid…and map out my diamonds.

This process works great on dresser tops, the side of dressers, on buffet doors, front doors, seats of chairs, FLOORS!…..you name it! Keep reading below and you will understand!

To begin this “harlequin” step, first I determine what size I personally think would look good for the diamonds. I take a ruler and place it from the front to the back dresser and measure the depth. From here – I decided that three FULL diamonds or close to it would look best.

HELPFUL SUGGESTION:

When doing a layout of diamonds- personally I do not like seeing a diamond pattern on a piece of furniture where the diamonds are not centered and one side of the pattern is cut off,

OR

The last row of diamonds is cut off in half, but all other rows are full diamonds.  This looks very…amateur to me. (I apologize- if that offends you, but that is really what I think when I see a poorly planned pattern) So, take the extra minute and plan out your pattern.  Measure twice, so you can create a layout that looks cohesive and professional on the first attempt.

Take the measurement using a ruler and divide it by 3. (Find your old yard stick – and just make sure that the ruler is not bending or warped)

The rule of thumb for a Harlequin /diamond is that the height of the diamond should be twice the width.
This is just a guide- if you prefer more of a square shape- do that instead, this is your dresser.

Next, I created a template using card stock or some heavy paper. I mapped out my diamond, draw the shape using a pen, and then cut the shape out. I like to leave the lines visible inside my cut edge.

I then find the center point on top of my dresser and using water color pencils – I draw my lay out. Remember that watercolor pencils will blend once wet- so make sure to use a color lead that is similar to the color you plan on painting. Why is this helpful? Well, if you are doing a layout and plan to paint pink diamonds on a white base- choose a light pink watercolor pencil. Once you paint over the pink lines- they will blend in perfectly with your design, versus the grey from a graphite pencil.

So, just in case you missed what I was trying to stress above…..never use regular lead / graphite pencils since the lead smears and is difficult to cover. And although Chalk Paint® has wonderful coverage qualities, keep it easy for yourself – and do not use your kid’s school pencil. The Graphite pencil is a very stable material. It does not fade in light. It does not bleed in water unless other dyes are added and for other reasons, lead from “traditional” pencils can just be messy.

WHERE TO BUY WATERCOLOR PENCILS:

I typically buy my watercolor pencils from Hobby Lobby or Michael’s Crafts, but I think you can find them at WalMart too.
watercolor pencil

How I approach this is that I make a grid to find the center point easily. I place my “diamond” template centered on top of the dresser and begin my layout always using either a watercolor pencil (some people use a piece of chalk- but I don’t – they tend to smear a little)

Again…I suggest to not use your run of the mill lead or graphite pencil because depending on the paint you are using- it can be a bear to cover and the lead will smear in you paint and alter the color.

When I painted the diamonds in using about 6 different colors- to get more interest- I would thin out the paint- almost to a “wash” consistency just to get variation in hue and depth of color. It gives the piece more of a water color feel. I personally- like to make sure that the brush strokes always go in the same direction. Also- use a “Flat Bristle” artist’s brush. Click HERE to see an example of some at Hobby Lobby.

Flat Brush Hobby Lobby

When I was doing all of this – my shop was open and I had multiple paint sales and people coming in with questions about Chalk Paint®. So- I did not finish the piece that day. Below are some additional photos of how it looked through the progress. I painted out the front panel on the drawers in a cream because my next step after finishing the harlequin pattern was to add a pretty landscape of one of our beautiful NY Finger Lakes.

 

For this project- I used my Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan​ as if I was painting with water colors. I mixed the paint with water to give it a soft, muted effect.   To do this, I will use a picnic styrofoam plate.  This allows me to put paint in one section, water in another- and then I will use the remaining compartments to mix water in different amounts to get a different degree of the color.Styrofoam plate The Purple Painted Lady

 

Side of buffet

  • HandPainted Buffet
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    Buffet and chairs PORTRAIT
    Slide 10 2nd table top view
    Harlequin kitchen backsplash with nameHarelquin website picmonkeyLisa Close up of door

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BUY PRODUCT FROM THE PURPLE PAINTED LADY™:

As for buying any of the products we mentioned earlier in this post- I hope that you select The Purple Painted Lady™ to be your one stop resource!  We have four locations in western NY.  Check out our Information tab and come and meet us!  Otherwise- if you are not located near me- the following information may apply to you.  This information is directed to those who do NOT have a local stockist.  Because if you do – go and meet them, shop from them and build a relationship with them.  The guidance, information and knowledge they share with you – will be invaluable.  But, if you are in a location where there is no one selling paint products- and you must buy on-line- consider us.  With that said, visit www.anniesloan.com to find a stockist near you.
 
We are here to help you, our customers!  We want you to be successful!  And, just so you know, when you place an order with The Purple Painted Lady:
 
SOME OF THE REASONS OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS THE BEST:
 
*  We sell Chalk Paint® for $34.95
*  If you order before 3 pm EASTERN TIME any day Monday thru Friday – we will ship out your package that SAME day.
*  We ship orders out every since week day all over the US.
*  We offer the lowest flat rate UPS shipping cost so if you are one town away or 10 states away- the shipping cost is the same.
*  We have awesome follow up customer service, too!
 
 
And- it is my paint sales that keep me in business and allow me to be here to help you.  (my shameless but honest plug)    Here is a link to our on-line shop=>   http://shop.thepurplepaintedlady.com/
: )  And I will be here to help you as you progress through your future project!  And if I do say so myself- we offer the BEST customer service that you will ever experience!Lastly- if I was helpful to you- ….please consider leaving a positive review on my Facebook business page sharing your positive experience or thoughts about The Purple Painted Lady.  Here is a link to my Facebook page=>  http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710    This really helps me!  (wink, wink!)
XO
Trish

The Purple Painted Lady™ ~ the serial no. is 86/641,416 with the US Trademark Office

Tricia Migliore Kuntz ~The Purple Painted Lady ~
Design/Consulting, Kitchen Cabinet Refurbishing, Custom Painted Furniture, Chalk Paint® & MMS Milk Paint Retailer & herRochester Blogger

PHONE: 585-750-6056

Come visit us:

At our MAIN STORE at 77 West Main Street in Macedon, NY 14502 OR

STARTING JULY 1st, 2015 ~ 650 South Ave. in Rochester, NY 14620 OR

3200 West Ridge Road in Rochester, NY 14626 (The Shops On West Ridge) OR

Our Syracuse, NY location at 1 West Genesee Street in Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Please LIKE me on Facebook!   http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Purple-Painted-Lady/291882785710
Check out our website and online store!   http://www.thepurplepaintedlady.com/

(How did I get that business name you ask?……I started the business in my 1885 purple painted Victorian – and I LOVE to paint – so the business name just fits perfectly!)

The Purple Painted Lady 5th Annual Barn Sale Junk Jubilee- September 26, 2015 from 10 – 5pm

Hope you will save the date for us! We are hosting our 5th annual Barn Sale Junk Jubilee on Saturday, September 26th, 2015 from 10 – 5pm.
Barn Sale 2015 Chalk Paint Logo The purple Painted Lady

LOCATION: The home of The Purple Painted Lady

845 Yellow Mills Road, Palmyra NY 14522

Because this is our home- this is a non-smoking event.

Barn Sale 2014 Directions with curve in road

Come and enjoy a day in the country at this great artsy event. Classic Rock Band, Chicken dinner BBQ from noon till 3pm, Farmer’s Market, Bakers, Wood Craftsmen, Furniture Painters, Handmade Clothing, Wineries, Maple Syrup, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint® Demos, Handmade Goat Milk Soap (meet the goats!), Glass Blowing, Stationary, Metal Art, Free Raffles….You Name it- We Will Have It!

Everyone is welcome to come – NO INVITE necessary- but if you RSVP on are Facebook Event Page you will be kept on announcements: Click HERE to visit the EVENT Page


The Show Goes On…… RAIN OR SHINE!

This event besides being fantastic- is a benefit! The Palmyra-Macedon Rotary, the volunteer Fire Department from South Macedon and the Boy Scouts, Venturing Crew 313 will be just some of the organizations that receive 100% of the money raised.

As for the RAFFLE …..every artist has donated a piece of their work that will be given away. Local Venture Crew 313 is managing the raffle- and they will be hosting a blanket drive for the local food cupboard to provide families in need with sources of warmth and comfort for the upcoming winter. Bring a gently used blanket to the barn sale to donate and get a FREE raffle ticket!! You name it – we will have it!

PRINT THIS FREE RAFFLE TICKET AND BRING WITH YOU …one per customer! (and NOT necessary to enter!)

Barn Sale 2015 Chalk Paint Logo The purple Painted Lady RAFFLE 2015

The Barn Sale & Junk Jubilee will be held on Saturday, September 26th from 10 to 5pm at our home in Macedon on 20 acres with 10 acres dedicated to off road parking. (NO Parking permitted on the street due to safety.)
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What’s up with a PARKING FEE?:

We have doubled the parking lot and guarantee solid ground to drive on! Look for the great volunteers from the Palmyra Macedon Rotary who will be directing traffic. (see map below with directions- we are EASY to find!!!) Again- this is a benefit and the parking is $5. 100% OF THAT MONEY goes right back into helping the community, but feel free to drive a bus here and maximize that $5 fee. The Rotary has over 20 volunteers who work ALL day to earn this money and then they turn around and re-invest that in it.

WHY IS THERE $1 ENTRANCE FEE:

There is a $1 entrance fee to the Barn Sale Junk Jubilee, and again 100% OF THAT MONEY will go the charitable organization which is the volunteer Fire Department from South Macedon.

All 80 vendors will be donating a creation worth $30- and raffles will be held every hour on the hour this year! We will be sharing a FREE printable Raffle Ticket here and on our Facebook page as we get closer to the event.

The Purple Painted Lady will be giving away a quart of Chalk Paint® decorative paint by Annie Sloan and a tin of wax and Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint (alternating) every hour too!~ Look for the “Raffle Booth” which will be located near the entrance to the sale this year! We have the Boy Scouts, Venturing Crew 313 managing the raffle- and all sales from raffle tickets will go directly to their troop.

We will have a chicken dinner barbeque, wineries, a micro-brewery, farmer’s market and an incredible selection of artists joining us to make this day amazing for you!

LOCATION:

Again – this event is happening at my home on Saturday, September 26th from 10 to 5 at my HOME – located at 845 Yellow Mills Road, Palmyra NY 14522. See map above.

Just a reminder that everyone get’s ONE FREE raffle ticket and since EVERY artist has donated something – you can inexpensively buy more raffle tickets there too!

Barn Sale 2014 Directions with curve in road

WANT TO BE A VENDOR?

We have only about 20 spaces left for our 4th Annual The Purple Painted Lady Barn Sale Junk Jubilee happening on Saturday, September 26th, 2014 from 10 – 5pm. (Set up is the day prior) Our business Facebook page recently hit over 15,000 followers. This event will be advertised in the messenger post papers, 585 magazine, Rochester Woman magazine and all of the news channels and D&C. We are looking for unique artists (no catalog/distribution businesses and we are closed out for jewelry artists.) If you are interested- there is a $40 vendor fee and you receive a 10 X 10 outdoor space. You supply your own tent/tables/and whatever else you need. Think “Fairport Canal Days.” We average over 4000 people in a 7 hour period. Please contact Trish at takuntz@rochester.rr.com. Title your email “I want to be a 2014 Barn Sale Vendor”…and in the body of the email, include:

* Your full name, address, and phone
* Business name (if you have one)
* Description of what you make and plan to sell
* A photo or two of your items
* Do you have a Business Facebook page or website? Please provide that.

Thanks so much!
Trish

Purple Painted Lady Barn Sale house