The Painted Home by Dena

The Painted Home by Dena

The Painted Home by Dena

The Painted Home by Dena

Hardcover

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Overview

Dena Fishbein believes that putting a paintbrush in someone’s hands opens up the imagination to a new world of color and design opportunities. The woman behind internationally acclaimed merchandise company Dena Designs shows how her hand-painted style combines vintage and traditional elements with a modern twist. Here she walks the reader through her own home, room by room, and discusses her inspirations and methods for encouraging creativity. The Painted Home features simple DIY projects, useful design tips, and personal stories from one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the textile and design business. The book also includes a custom stencil so that readers can launch into the DIY projects themselves.

Praise for The Painted Home by Dena:

“Verdict: Fishbein successfully gives new ideas to those desiring the ever-popular country look.” —Library Journal


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781584799627
Publisher: Abrams
Publication date: 09/01/2012
Pages: 208
Product dimensions: 9.30(w) x 10.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Dena Fishbein is the creative force behind Dena Designs, Inc., and her many products such as textiles, gifts, accessories, apparel, and greeting cards are sold in Neimen Marcus, Dillard's, Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Michael’s, Jo-Ann's Fabrics, and other retailers around the world. Dena has a monthly newspaper column with United Media. She lives in Lafayette, California.

Read an Excerpt

CHAPTER 1

WELCOME TO SEVEN OAKS RANCH

ENTRY WAY AND FAMILY ROOM

ENTRY WAY

I've always believed it's not what you say that matters as much as how you say it and the way you make people feel when you're talking to them. The same can be said of your home: When someone visits, you want them to feel good, welcome, and at ease. If your house is relaxed, they'll be relaxed. If you're content and happy in your space, others will be, too.

The entryway sets the tone. Ours is a sunny yellow. I knew that I wanted the walls to be a warm, inviting color, but it took me some time to figure out the rest. When I decorate, I often work a step at a time. In this room, I painted the background color first and lived with it for a while. A month or so later, I decided to add the vines, leaves, and flowers. I love painting vine patterns because they are free-form; they do take some practice, but it's lovely to sketch the design and not need to make sure everything is perfect and evenly spaced.

Working in stages takes the pressure off. The beauty of this method is you don't have to do everything at once — nor does every project have to be huge. When a partial idea comes to you, go with it! If you're not sure what to do next, let go for a bit. If you discover you don't like what you've done, you can add more or take away — later. When it comes to decorating, remember that most things can be changed easily.

Simple, thoughtful touches — whether purchased or homemade — reveal who you are and what's important to you. In our entryway, family and friends are greeted by colorful details. The delicate tole chandeliers are flea market finds; we have a set of two we found years apart but they are a perfect match. The cheerful assortment of hand-sewn pillows and the pretty porcelain plates add color and pattern. Like the opening of a garden path, this space is practical, yet inviting. It's a point of entry ... and a hint of what's to come.

PROJECT

Salt-and-Pepper-Shaker Tassels

Add some vintage charm to your curtains, your Christmas tree, or the key to an armoire! Salt-and-pepper-shaker tassels can be used to embellish all sorts of things.

GATHER:

Wire cutters
26-gauge wire Salt shaker and pepper shaker, preferably vintage Beads in a variety of sizes Glue gun and glue sticks Fabric adhesive, such as Fabri-Tac
1 yard cotton bullion fringe Small-tipped scissors Variety of decorative trims

CREATE:

1. Cut a piece of wire about 12 inches long. Thread the wire into the hole at the bottom of the salt shaker and then up through one of the holes at the top. Leave a 4-inch tail of wire at the bottom of the shaker.

2. Thread a small bead (one that won't slip into the shaker hole), a medium bead, a large bead, and another medium bead onto the wire at the top of the shaker. Continue to thread tiny beads onto the wire until you have enough to create a loop.

3. Thread a large bead onto the wire, then insert the end of the wire into the other hole at the top of the shaker and back down through the bottom hole. Both ends of the wire should now be coming through the bottom hole.

4. Twist the two wire ends together until the beaded loop is held firmly in place.

5. Trim the ends and use a glue gun to adhere them to the bottom of the shaker.

6. Place a line of Fabri-Tac along the top edge of the bullion fringe, then roll the fringe up tightly. Continue rolling the fringe until it is the same diameter as the bottom of the shaker, making a perfect tassel.

7. Use a glue gun to adhere the tassel to the bottom of the shaker.

8. Use a glue gun to adhere decorative trim around the top of the tassel where it meets the shaker. Add additional trim as desired.

9. Loop a small piece of trim through the beaded loop to hang.

10. Repeat with the pepper shaker.

EYE CANDY: From a choice, one-of a-kind piece to a quirky collection, wow your guests with something that's fun and interesting.

A cheerful pile of homemade pillows seems to say, "Come in, sit down, and make yourself at home!"

SET THE TONE: Establish whatever style or feeling you want to evoke in the entryway, where visitors get their first impression of you and your home.

PROJECT

Reverse Appliqué Pillow

Reverse appliqué is a fun and easy sewing technique that can be used to make the prettiest of pillows.

GATHER:

Fabric pencil Store-bought solid-colored pillow cover Assortment of patterned fabrics Pins Needle Embroidery floss Small, sharp scissors Buttons, beads, and trims (optional)
Pillow form

CREATE:

1. Use a fabric pencil to draw simple shapes directly on the pillow cover. Make sure the shapes aren't too small or intricate, and leave at least ½ inch between each of them.

2. Back each shape with a piece of contrasting fabric pinned on the wrong side of the pillow cover with the pattern facing the fabric. The pinned fabric should be least 2 inches bigger than the shape it's backing all the way around.

3. Following the fabric pencil outline of the shape, sew the two layers of fabric together with a running stitch of brightly colored embroidery floss. A running stitch is a simple over-and-under stitch. You can decide how long or even the stitches should be.

4. With small, sharp scissors, cut out the solid-colored shape to reveal the patterned fabric below. Cut 1/8 inch inside the running stitch.

5. Use your scissors to cut any excess fabric around each of your fabric shapes.

6. If you would like to sew on additional buttons, beads, or trim, now is the time. Trim can be sewn on by machine, if you like.

7. Slip your finished pillow cover onto the pillow form.

WALLS: Think of your walls as a backdrop. Whether clean and simple or richly patterned, they set the stage for family photographs, a beloved collection of vintage plates, or other treasures.

FAMILY ROOM

Just off the entryway and adjacent to the kitchen, our family room is exactly that — a space for our family. Bright and airy, it's a natural gathering place. Durable and unfussy, it accommodates the diverse requirements of a busy household — from three dogs and three kids to extended family and lots of friends. Everyone is welcome to relax and enjoy themselves here. Nothing is precious, and just about everything is washable!

This comfortable room, like all the rooms in our home, has evolved over time. As our kids have grown and our needs and tastes have changed, it too, has changed. Over the years, we've made simple changes to existing furniture pieces and walls, so much of what seems new is actually repurposed or embellished. These renovations — small, relatively quick, and inexpensive — in combination with new flea market finds and do-it-yourself projects, give this well-used space its fresh, charming character.

No matter where you live, your home should be an environment that feeds your senses and makes you feel content. If you love flowers, surround yourself with floral patterns. If you love color, accent your space with bold bursts of it. In our family room, I covered the drapes in hand-painted roses; used fun, handmade pillows (this page) to spruce up a vintage daybed and classic slip-covered sofa; and lined a wall with a collection of colorful decoupage plates (this page) I made myself. The possibilities are endless. And the rewards? Innumerable!

PROJECT

Hand-Painted Curtains or Lamp Shades

Curtains are conducive to hand-painting for many reasons: Paint can be used to cover a water stain, to add a splash of color that echoes or enhances a color scheme, or to bring a bit of interest to a plain or otherwise undistinguished curtain. Hand-painting a plain lamp shade is an easy and inexpensive way to solve the "generic" problem here as well: Buy a simple, one-color shade, and paint it in colors that complement your room.

GATHER:

Paper and pencil for sketching Inspirational source materials Plastic cups for mixing Acrylic or latex paint Golden brand GAC 900 fabric medium Assortment of round and flat paintbrushes Fabric swatch for testing Curtain or lamp shade Paper towels or rags Container for water

DECORATIVE TRIM:

Fabric Scissors Measuring tape Glue gun

CREATE:

1. Plan out your design on paper. Refer to inspirational source materials — such as wallpaper samples, fabric swatches, or vintage botanical illustrations — if you're having trouble thinking of ideas.

2. In the plastic cups, mix the colors you will need in quantities adequate to complete the project. Add GAC 900 to thin each one to the consistency of heavy cream.

3. Test the mixtures on a swatch of fabric that's the same color as or similar to the curtain or lamp shade. Adjust the consistency of the paint as necessary with GAC 900.

4. Begin painting your curtain or lamp shade.

5. To be safe, let the paint cure for at least 24 hours before using your hand-painted piece.

VARIATION: Add decorative trim to your lamp shade.

1. Once the paint has fully cured, cut two fabric strips or pieces of trim the length of the circumference of the lamp shade.

2. Use a glue gun to attach them to outside of the top and bottom edges of the shade.

COMFORT IS KEY: Make sure your family room has plenty of places to put up your feet, good light for reading, and coffee or side tables within arm's reach of every seat.

PROJECT

Glass Paperweight

I love glass paperweights. I display them grouped on a side table. They're also fun and easy to make. Find a small, clear glass bowl at a flea market or import shop, turn it upside down over some charms arranged on a piece of pretty wallpaper, and you have the makings of a one-of-a-kind paperweight.

GATHER:

Small (2 to 4 inches in diameter), clear glass bowl, cleaned and dried Mat board Pencil X-ACTO knife Mod Podge Pretty wallpaper or other paper, photographs, or illustrations Glue gun and glue sticks Charms or other small objects Decorative trim or tape Felt Scissors

CREATE:

1. Place the small glass bowl upside-down on a piece of mat board. With a pencil, lightly trace the rim of the bowl.

2. Use the X-ACTO knife to carefully cut out the traced circle. This will be the base of your paperweight.

3. Use Mod Podge to adhere the wallpaper, photograph, or illustration to the mat board. (All paper used for decoupage should be fairly lightweight, similar to computer paper.)

4. Use the glue gun to adhere charms or other small objects, such as beads, millinery flowers, or shells, to the base.

5. Use the glue gun to adhere the mat board base, decorated side up, to the rim of the bowl. Finish the edge with pretty fabric trim or tape.

6. Trace the rim of the paperweight on a piece of felt. Cut out the traced circle and use a glue gun to adhere it to the bottom of the paperweight.

MIX AND MATCH: Don't be afraid to layer pattern on pattern. Remember that combining Florals and geometrics is a good thing.

PROJECT

Decoupage Plates

Sometimes a large, empty wall is the elephant in the room. The space can be hard to fill, yet just as awkward to leave empty. I think a collection of similar objects, such as decoupaged plates, is the perfect solution. Clear glass plates are easy to find, and I use color copies of my own hand-painted designs as the artwork to back them.

GATHER:

Clear glass plate, cleaned and dried Scissors Paper cutouts, such as photocopies of family photographs, vintage wallpaper, or botanical illustrations (All paper used for decoupage should be fairly lightweight,
similar to computer paper with matte finish)
Small foam brush Mod Podge or diluted Elmer's Glue (3 parts glue to 1 part water)
Cork from a wine bottle X-ACTO knife Metallic gold marker

CREATE:

1. Plan the arrangement of paper cutouts on the plate. If using one large cutout, leave a ½-inch border all the way around the outside edge.

2. Use the foam brush to spread thin coats of Mod Podge or diluted Elmer's Glue on the back of the plate. Do the same to the front of the paper cutouts (the side with the image).

3. Carefully place the paper cutouts, image side down, on the side of the plate coated in Mod Podge. Gently press the cutouts flat with your hands; work out any air bubbles or folds in the paper by rolling a cork over them, being careful not to tear the paper.

4. Let the plate dry to touch completely.

5. Use the foam brush to apply another coat of Mod Podge or glue to the back of the plate. Be careful not to lift the edges of the cutouts as you brush. Let the plate dry completely.

6. Repeat step 5 at least two more times, letting the plate dry completely between each application. I recommend 20 minutes between coats.

7. Use the X-ACTO knife to trim the edges of any cutouts extending beyond the rim of the plate.

8. Use the metallic gold marker to add a gold border around the edge of the plate.

EVERYDAY SPACES

KITCHEN AND SUNROOM

KITCHEN

Our kitchen is both functional and fun. From the vintage crystal chandelier to the hand-painted cupboards, it's filled with things that make us happy — and so it should be, because we spend a lot of time in there! This well-used space is central to the hustle and bustle of family life. As conducive to conversation as it is to cooking, it reflects not only our taste, but also the graciousness and comfort that make our house a home.

Every kitchen has the basics: a sink, a stove, a counter, and a refrigerator. Beyond that, its design and contents can be as personal and eclectic as you choose. If you have treasured pieces you enjoy, don't be afraid to display them! Your kitchen, after all, should be a beautiful place where you love to be. With simple, inexpensive touches, it can suit the needs of you and your family and embody what you cherish most in life.

In our kitchen, we've managed to find spots for favorite flea market finds, such as the vintage mirror above the large sink. This mirror hung in my daughter's bedroom — until she decided she no longer wanted it there. I thought to myself, I really like that mirror, where else could it go? We moved it around, tried it here and there, and finally, it ended up in the kitchen, where it's been ever since. Although the kitchen may seem an unlikely setting for an old mirror, it just works! The mirror reflects the sparkling chandelier above and the openness of the family room beyond. Best of all, it draws in light from outside — a pleasure for the person stuck doing the dishes.

I've done most of the decorative painting in our house myself, but I commissioned the cupboard doors because landscape painting isn't my forte. Inspired by English landscapes, I brought the interior panels, which pop out, to a local artist. She painted them in the pastoral style of the reproductions I gave her, emphasizing the aqua of the sky (my favorite color) and the many shades of green. This lovely, calm palette is a perfect backdrop for bursts of color — from simple fresh-cut flowers, a kitchen counter staple, to patterned dishware and linens.

The kitchen, like all the rooms in our house, is a work in progress. Year by year, we add new things, change old ones, and come up with new projects. In fact, I don't think it will ever be finished, and that's the fun of it!

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: Just because the kitchen is a practical space doesn't mean it can't be beautiful and inspiring. Combine the functional elements with more personal, unexpected ones.

SUNROOM

Our sunroom opens onto the terrace via French doors, connecting the inside of the house to the outside. It's a space we use every day — for family meals, casual lunches, and dinners with friends — it's full of favorite flea market finds and simple, handmade touches.

Part of the personality of any room comes from stories created and contained within it. The vines, which I painted up and down the walls, were based on a gift box design I created for a stationery company a long time ago. Years later, when the art director for the project came to lunch, she exclaimed, "Dena, I just realized, I'm sitting inside your box!" I had to laugh. Obviously, what I do during the day totally affects how I decorate our house!

I found the paintings of the lovely Japanese ladies above the piano at the flea market. When I spotted them, it was love at first sight. Shopping at the flea market is like that. You never know what you're going to find. When I'm drawn to a piece, I figure out how much I'm willing to pay for it before approaching the seller. If it turns out the price is higher than what I think is fair or can afford, I'll either politely try to talk the vendor down or walk away. In this case I decided to splurge but to spend no more than $500. When I asked the seller how much he wanted, he told me $60 for both. Now that's what treasure hunting is all about!

Our house is proof you can make a room beautiful, interesting, and entirely yours without spending enormous amounts of money. In fact, in seeking out less traditional places to buy things — such as consignment shops, tag sales, or flea markets — you'll discover a new world of possibilities. You'll find more for less, and the selection will always be fresh and different. When you do buy something — art or otherwise — make sure it's something you love, no matter what it's ultimately worth. We do go for that big splurge every now and then. But we rationalize expensive purchases because so much of what we use to decorate is handmade by us or was a flea market find. Place any new item somewhere, right away. If it creates the need to redecorate, so be it! That's half the fun!

In our house, we're not afraid of change, of adding or taking away, of painting or repainting. The elements in our home, like lively dinner guests, seem to demand conversation. In response, we move things around quite often. I love spaces that grow and change over time, for these are the rooms that give a home its personality — and its soul.

SIMPLE PLEASURES: Savor the scent of a garden rose, the sweetness of a fresh peach, or the everyday elegance of afternoon tea.

PROJECT

Paper Medallion

One rainy day my daughter, Lisa, and I made paper medallions, a fun project to do together. Once you've got the basic structure down, embellish to your heart's content! These pretty decorations can be made large or small and used to adorn anything from a wall to a gift box.

(Continues…)


Excerpted from "The Painted Home by Dena"
by .
Copyright © 2012 Dena Designs, Inc..
Excerpted by permission of Abrams Books.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION SURROUND YOURSELF WITH THE THINGS YOU LOVE,
WELCOME TO SEVEN OAKS RANCH ENTRY WAY AND FAMILY ROOM,
EVERYDAY SPACES KITCHEN AND SUNROOM,
PLACES TO GATHER DINING ROOM, LIVING ROOM, AND DEN,
COZY NOOKS LITTLE BEDROOM AND LITTLE SEWING ROOM,
PRIVATE HAVENS SITTING ROOM ANDMASTER BEDROOM SUITE,
A ROOM OF ONE'S OWN HALLWAY AND UPSTAIRS BEDROOMS,
INSPIRING SPACES STUDIO AND GARDEN,
ENTERTAINING,
EPILOGUE,
DENA'S FAVORITES,
ABOUT THE AUTHOR,
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS,

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