Day 75 - 2010

Big topic today is to finish the painting of the wall above my fireplace.  I procrastinated long enough to do that.
In the meantime I prepped the opposite wall with pictures and some color, my next project after the fireplace. I bought a couple of different frames to see what it looks like framed.  The paint is a sample color from Home Depot.

Here is the intended background for the fireplace:

Concept view

Lets get started

Preparation and material

to see what the pattern looks like I uploaded a sample picture from Faux Panel (you can use any stone image found on the web) to http://www.blockposters.com/ .  This service converts an image to a series of pdf files creating a larger image, its a free service with a 1MB limit on file uploads. If I still like it I can get started, if not I reprint a different image. Also great for individual picture art, visit the side and look at their gallery.  Oh, yes I did change my mind about the size of the stones not the colors.

Next I bought some stencil vinyl (4 sheets) at GrafixArts, about $5.00.  The stencil vinyl is overlaid onto the picture and the stone pattern is traced with a felt pen.

As I found out the pattern is good for the contour only, you can go free style with the sponge and paint and use only parts of the cutout. To match up stone patterns overlay the vinyl and trace the existing stone outline.

For the painting material I went to Home Depot and bought some sample paint mixed to the sample I received from fauxpanel.com.  Different color sponges assured that I had one for the colors (senior moments).  I choose sponges for their shaping of the patterns, they are cheaper as well. You can get the four pack sponges a the grocery store.  Cost for the paint, sponges, deposable trays $16.00.  

Ready to play.  Tape up the edges and all the areas which don't need to be painted. For the corners use only half of the stencil on the front, wrap it to the left or right side and paint it.  Start from the left or right side and build on it (lego style).  For the really creative ones:  thing of doorways of stone for the outside.

Step back once in a while and look at the pattern.  If there is a mistake just paint it over.

Looks pretty good so far.  In the process I did change my mind and started butting up the stones with the thought in mind to draw in the grout later with a different color and add shadows. I know, just add some more work to it. 

Time check: 2 hours (including a lot of contemplating).   Should go faster from here.

Postponed until tomorrow, my daughter came to visit.  Rather spend time with her.

Goofing off ...