Mud's Stuff

Why not start your own website. You can have total control of what you say, tell everyone here where you are, and not have any more problems. Look into a .ca domain name, and there are lots of inexpensive servers out there.. You might find it a happier place than blogspot or any of the big names..

Just an idea....

You don't need graphite paper .. just carbon paper, waxed paper (which makes it easier), and a stylus or pen. I always kept oa pen that was out of ink, so it didn't mess me up. Trace whatever pattern you want. Do that by putting the picture of it on a window or door, preferably in the sun, but at least in daylight, and attach it with scotch tape. Then, put a plain piece of paper over the top of that, and attach that with tape too. You will be able to see through the paper if it is sunny out, and see it easily. Just trace what you want. Then, use good old carbon paper - I wipe it down a bunch so it isn't very strong any more.. Put your carbon paper inky side down on the wood. Put the paper you traced over that, and a piece of waxed paper over that. Now you trace the pattern onto the wood. The purpose of the waxed paper is so you can see what you have traced and that way, you make sure you get everything. Then, just take everything off, and you're ready to go. If you have a good eraser, you can take the traced lines off by rubbing them out. Just make sure you paint inside the lines... If you put paint over them, and they show through, they are permanent..

If you are going to draw freehand, I always found it easier to draw onto a paper, and then transfer it onto the wood. If you do it directly on the wood, and get something wonky, you can't really fix it.

Also - when you are transferring the pattern to the wood, do NOT press very hard. Otherwise, you will leave a gouge in the wood..

If you have any questions, just drop me a line. You know my email address. Can you tell I have done a bunch of this??

Good luck!

Barbara

One other thing... If you are doing something that is based in one colour, and you are going to do other colours on top, I always just traced the pattern one at a time.. It means you don't have the lines underneath and possibly have to work a lot harder to erase them.

Congratulations! What a cool way to spend Valentine's Day!

I miss Schneiders.

Strangely, I like 'em both. I like today's better, but I'd keep the other one around too. It is just plain pretty..

That's simply beautiful.

Merry Christmas, and I hope you make some incredible memories. Enjoy!

What a beautiful dog!

If you get that sheep, just think - you'll never have to cut your grass again...

I am so looking forward to hearing how it went.. Hope the buffalo burger and hot chocolate were enough to get you through..

That sucks. I'm sorry you had this happen.

I love the skull hat! Bunnies too, but the skulls in hot pink? My daughter would be in love..

I love the photos! Don't you just love the old names for rooms? I think I need to have a parlour..

Looking forward to the next batch!

I'm not so keen on the B & B thing. It always sounds so romantic, but I'm better at the hotel thing. Your experiences haven't changed my mind!