Painted Furniture Workshop

What do you think of when I say "Painted Furniture Workshop"?  Well, it's kinda hard to describe --- especially since every one is totally different.   So let me just tell you about the one we had recently in Virginia Beach.  Beth Wagner is our very talented teacher - in this workshop she's more like our leader and  mentor.  Each person comes to class with their 'blank slate' - sometimes they even have a design idea for it, but even if they dont ... when they get to class - all it takes is a  little 'brainstorming' with Beth --- the creative energy starts to flow and your idea is born!  The first day is all about backgrounds, prep work, and developing our ideas.  As we work, there's a great group energy - we are inspired by each other -- all under the guidance of Beth's creative talents. We start with a little idea, it grows --- we build it, and it grows again.

This little two-tier table was first painted green, then painted white.  Once Cindy sanded the edges, the green layer came through to give it interest and dimension.  But she didnt stop there -- she added border details and roses on both top and shelf.  She's says she'll use this as a side table in her great room ----  I can tell you, everyone will think its too pretty to put a drink on ..

Just look at this little table - What a great design!

Notice the subtle detail around the border.

This is a gift her husband will surely appreciate - and she painted him a jewelry box to match!

We couldnt have a class with Beth without featuring roses ....   here's just two beautiful examples.

Kathy's project was a fireplace screen.   First, she taped off a border and painted a soft multi-colored background to the center.   Then she re-taped it and painted the edge blue.  She took another step and added a stencil design over the border.  For the final hooray she painted a glass vase filled with flowers for the center piece.   This is already an heirloom her family will treasure .... 

Look at this sweet little travel trunk with a beautiful dome top.   The lucky little girl who receives this can fill it with dress-up clothes now and memories later  - for it's certain she will cherish it always.

The background of the trunk is painted with soft dreamy, cloud-like colors.  You can see nose-gay flowers and ribbons spilling from the corners - and very lovely personalization on the top -- what a treasure!

The design on this bar stool grew from the inspiration paper you see posted on the wall.  It's a black  background with all grey and silver designs -- a little silver leaf and it will really sparkle.

It seems that little girls' dreams were the inspiration for a few pieces in this class.  Here you just see the door to a little storage cabinet - but each side and the top were painted with whimsical sea creatures and bubbles.   What little mermaid wouldn't love this??

And, finally ----

here's the proud teacher taking a shot of our group.

Each person went home with a unique work of art and more than a few ideas for future projects.

We're already looking forward to another workshop at the beach March 2012

-- and you can join us if you like --
(registration forms at http://www.brendastarstudios.com/)

the only thing I promise is .... It will NOT be like any other class you have taken ---

and --- you will LOVE IT -- more than any other class!