A hand painted Autumn gift tags tutorial

From Meggan – Last year I was jonesing to create something quick and fun! With the weather getting chillier and the leaves changing colors, I’m inspired to paint anything that reminds me of Fall.  Scarecrows, black birds, pumpkins, sunflowers, hay bales, corn stalks, leaves, you-name-it!

I also love working with wood.  It’s especially easy to paint on; and if I need pieces cut to a specific shape, I can head out to the barn and fire up the scroll saw, table saw, and belt sander. However.  When I say Quick and Fun … I mean something I can do right now.  I love pre-cut wood shapes!  You can buy by the piece or by the package.  Quick, instant fun and perfect for Autumn gift tags.

Here are the pre-cut wood shapes I started with: three wood tags, two mini craft sticks (for the hat brims). I always start with a sketch … sometimes two, sometimes thirty-two. When I’m happy with a design, I trace it onto heavyweight tracing paper. First, I wipe each piece clean with a cotton cloth, and paint one coat of DecoArt® Multi-Purpose™ Sealer onto each surface.

My volunteer – is showing you the sealed wood and the sanding block. This block is Medium grit.  When completely dry, you’ll notice the sealer has raised the grain of the wood. Use a sanding block and sand with the grain to smooth each surface; especially the edges.

Next, base coat each main surface with acrylic paint.  (Don’t forget to paint the backs and the sides)!  When completely dry, sand smooth and use the sanding block to remove the paint from the edges.  This gives each tag a more “weathered” appearance. Here’s where the pattern comes in:

Line up the pattern over the piece, and use light transfer paper to transfer onto a dark painted surface (the black, in this case); and dark transfer paper to transfer onto a lighter painted surface.

Shade each painted section.  Before painting the crow’s beak, however, here’s a trick for applying the hatch marks to his hat …

… a rubber background stamp!  Too easy, and looks great!

Add the painted details to each piece … then brush on sealer. (By the way … I used the stamp on the scarecrow’s face).

Outline with black permanent marker; glue on hat brims.

Thread ribbons through holes for hanging … and finally,

 Stamp a special note onto the backs for an added touch on the Autumn gift tags.

Happy Fall, Ya’ll!