Natural Beauty decorative finish
DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

Natural Beauty

Artist: Debbie Hayes

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PROJECT SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

ARTIST NOTE: Scale is everything with this finish. For example, on a focus wall, the scale should be quite large, versus on an art canvas. So adjust the size of the stencil scale accordingly.

1 | Roll on 2 coats of primer. Let dry between coats.

2 | Mix 2 basecoat texture colors in 2 containers. Use approximately 1 part Burnt Sienna to 10 parts Weathered Granite, then 1 part Red Oxide for the other. Adjust color as needed.
(Photo 1)

3 | Use a chip brush for each color. Tap on a heavy coat of Red Oxide in artful drifts. Then use the Burnt Sienna mixture to fill in.
(Photo 2)

4 | Let dry for a few minutes. With the stainless steel trowel, knock down the peaks. Some of the white basecoat will show. Let dry.
(Photo 3)

5 | Apply and secure the stencil. Use a Japan trowel to apply the Venetian Plaster, being careful not to let it seep through the design.
(Photos 4-5)

6| Let dry to crackle naturally. Here is the final finish.
(Photo 6)

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About the Artist
Debbie Hayes earned a BA in Fine Arts, concentrating on painting, and has spent 95% of her career as a full-time artist. She is a book illustrator, graphic artist, art director, photographer, stylist, website designer, writer, faux finisher for 20 years, and DIY tutorial blogger. Many decorative painters know her from events like the annual ArtFusion Event and IDAL Decorative Artisans League where she has been an instructor, teaching various faux finishing techniques using the products and stencils she loves most.

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Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.