Winter Heart Wreath

Materials:

"Winter Heart Wreath" theorem stencil kit - three overlays
oil paints:
- alizarin crimson
- chromium oxide green
- raw umber
three bright or fabric brushes - #4
three stencil brushes
fine line #0 artist brush
9" x 9" muslin
8" x 8" square of white poster board
palette paper, wax paper or freezer wrap on which to mix paints
masking tape
acid-free adhesive spray
turpentine or mineral spirits
paper towels

Steps:

Work Surface Preparation

1. Spray 8"x8" white board with adhesive.
2. Center board over 9"x9" muslin and press together. Turn over and smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Attach fabric-covered board to work surface with masking tape.
4. Center first stencil layer on fabric and attach with masking tape.
5. Place a piece of masking tape (after removing some of its stickiness) under each registration mark; this is an important step that allows accurate alignment of stencil layers #2 & #3.
6. Place small dab of each paint color on wax paper or selected palette. Very little paint is needed to complete this project.

Painting

1. Using bright or fabric brush designated for Raw Umber, pick up a small amount of paint on brush tip and wipe on paper towel until almost dry (dry brush technique).
2. Paint in registration marks.
3. Place brush tip on stencil edge, and use quick, short strokes to shade perimeter of heart.
4. Use stencil brush to blend paint creating a soft, shading effect around edge of heart. Don't pick up fresh paint with stencil brush. Use the paint already applied with the bright brush. Center remains unpainted creating a highlight on the wreath.
5. Remove stencil layer #1 and replace with layer #2; use registration marks to align properly. Attach stencil to fabric with masking tape.
6. Use bright or fabric brush designated to chromium oxide green, pick up small amount of green color on brush tip and wipe on paper towel until almost dry (dry brush technique).
7. Place brush tip ON stencil at base of leaf opening; brush lightly up into opening. Repeat this step until all leaf and bud openings have been painted. The goal here is not to fill in opening with solid color.
8. Use stencil brush designated for the green, pull color up through each painted leaf and stem opening. Don't pick up fresh paint with stencil brush, use the paint already applied with the bright brush. Notice the various shading at this stage; it adds wonderful dimension to your painting.
9. Remove stencil layer #2 and replace with layer #3; use registration marks to align properly. Attach stencil to fabric with masking tape.
10. Use bright or fabric brush designated for alizarin crimson, pick up small amount of red color on brush tip and wipe on paper towel until almost dry (dry brush technique).
11. Place brush tip on stencil at base of flower bud openings. Paint from bud base up through opening. Don't fill in opening with solid color. Repeat this step until all bud openings have been painted.
12. Use stencil brush to blend and pull color through each bud opening then remove stencil #3.
13. Before beginning fine line reds work, mix a small amount of turpentine or mineral spirits with the alizarin crimson until you get a milk-like consistency. Dip fine liner #0 brush in red color and dab lightly on paper towel to remove any excess turpentine and/or paint. Using reference photo, make tiny dots radiating from the four empty calyx.
14. Clean fine liner brush and mix turpentine with the Chromium Oxide Green. Once you've gotten a milk-like consistency, dip brush in green paint, dab on paper towel to remove excess turpentine and/ or paint.
15. Lightly paint a line around the edge of heart. Repeat this step, only this time connect the leaves and flowers to the outline. Go around two more times, creating a figure-eight effect on either side of your original green line. Be sure to use your reference photo while painting.
16. Add tendrils and veins to leaves if desired.

Tips:

• Theorem stencils may be applied to any paintable surface using a variety of acrylic and oil mediums.
• Change suggested colors for a variety of decorating options.
• The speed and ease of theorem stenciling make it fun for both kids and adults. The variety of craft applications make theorem stenciling great for creating craft show items. Use muslin in 12" block and as center for a decorative pillow or quilt block. Make beautiful custom stationery or gift cards. Designs look great on sweatshirts and T-shirts.