Hey folks! This is the week for the big Minnesota Designer’s Blog Hop! (You can read all about it by clicking on the logo over on the right hand side of your screen.) I’m on my way out of town for the big Bernina University event in San Francisco, so my turn on isn’t until July 1. In the mean time, you can click on over to the other blogs to see what’s happening around the great state of Minnesota.
I’m going to show you a great project on July 1. I call them “Easy Paintstik Placemats.” To get ready for the event, I pulled all my tips and tricks for making great rubbings into a single document. Finally! This little gem of a handout covers a bunch of topics that I’ve covered over the course of 3 or 4 blog articles. You can download the article by visiting the Learning Center on our site. If you prefer the “chatty” version, you can follow these links to past blog articles. Here’s what’s covered…
The Big 3
The Top 3 Tips are first on the list. You need the right tools for the right job. Get a grip with a Grip-n-Grip mat from Bear Thread Designs, 404 sticky spray from the folks at Spray and Fix, and learn to use the side of your paintstiks. The articles that covered these topics are Better Tools, Better Rubbings (part 1), and Better Rubbings (part 2).
Making rubbings from a single plate
Next up are tips for making the actual rubbings. In the fist section, I’ve provided my recipe for filling your fabric with images from a single rubbing plate. The process here is pretty simple. Make the first rubbing from a portion of a rubbing plate, move the fabric, do it again, and so on until you fill up your fabric to look something like this.
Once you have a lovely piece of fabric, you can make a wonderful project from it. Bosa Nova Bags, anyone? We’ll be using this technique for the placemats, so I really recommend that you download the Top Tips document and keep it on hand for next week.
Rubbing Plate Portraits
The second rubbing plate technique is working with a single image and adding multiple colors. I like to call these rubbing plate “portraits.” This is where the side of your paintstik comes in handy — big time! We all know that you can’t “see” the rubbing plate under your fabric, but you can find all the design elements by making a very light rubbing with the side of a paintstik. This will help you keep from “running off the edges” as you go back to make the image darker or add multiple colors. This was discussed in the post called Fixing Mistakes, Working with Multiple Colors. (Go to the 2nd half of the article.)
Here are a couple of block portraits that use multiple colors. We’ll be talking more about the “portrait” technique in July as we debut the new Paintstiks Patches pattern.
Correcting Mistakes
Finally, the Top Tips handout covers a simple fix for minimizing mistakes that happen to me on a regular basis. If I’m in a hurry, or just not paying attention, I often “run off the edge” of my rubbing plate and leave a mark where I did not want one. Well, I found a way to minimize (if not eliminate) these irritating little mistakes. I put masking tape over the unwanted paint, rub it real hard with my finger nail, and then lift off the paint! I may not get every little bit of paint off, but it looks a whole lot less obvious than when I started. You can read the blog entry on Fixing Mistakes for more details.
For your own personal copy of the Top Tips for Great Rubbings handout, visit the Learning Center. Click on the document title and it will be downloaded directly to your computer.
Leave a comment, win a prize?
Have a wonderful time with the Minnesota Designer’s Blog Hop. I’ll see you here on July 1! If you leave a comment on this blog on July 1, you’ll have a chance to win a Paintstik Starter Pack — that’s a copy of Paintstiks on Fabric, a set of paintstiks, and a set of rubbing plates.
The hop is a terrific idea – see you on the first!
laurie
I wil send this email to my friends in country community in Queensland, Australia. Looking forward to the events.
That’s great, Lyn. The more, the merrier! We welcome our international friends to the Blog Hop!
I hope you have a lovely trip and will look forward to your “time” on July 1st–Till tomorrow–Have fun! Just, Di
I’ve been looking for an update from you! Can’t wait to try some new techniques!
Excited about the blog hop. Can’t wait to see your project!
Such a clever new idea, to me.
I have passed it on to my newsleter friends, who sew, quilt knit and crochet. It is perfect for my pals who are enjoying stamps, paper and cloth as well.
These tips are a great help as I’m in the process of bringing Paintstiks into my shop and wanted to give helpful suggestions to prospective buyers. THe Blog hop is a great idea!
I’m glad we can help, Maureen. While all the basic instructions are in the Paintstiks on Fabric book, there are a lot of things in the Top Tips document that we have learned over time that can make you and your customers so much more successful with the paint. I’m happy to share!
Shelley,
New tips and ideas are great and a big help when teaching my classes.
Since I’m new at using Paintstiks, I would like to know if I can use them on paper, like Arches watercolor paper for the Mixed Media class I’m taking.
Hermila
Absolutely! Rubbings don’t work particularly well on paper — the paper is to rigid to dip down into the openings in rubbing plates, but the paintstiks are great for stenciling, shading, and simply drawing on paper. They should be pretty much dry in 24 hours, and you don’t need to heat set the paint on paper. Thanks for your question!
Those paintsticks add so much texture and are so very easy to use. Keep sending those tips.
Always enjoy learning new ways to use paintsticks. Love the blogs.
I am really excited to find a website to help me learn to use
paintsticks.
You found the right place, Delores. Read back through the blog and explore the Learning Center on the website for more tips and tricks.
First time I see this tequnike. i can´t wait to try it.
Paintstiks are new to me… looking forward to learning more… totally enjoying all the Blog visiting during the Blog Hop!
Wow – this is alot of great information here!!! thanks!!!
Thank you for the tips—I have purchased the paintsticks, plates and grip pad things and worked on all kinds of fabric and people just love the outcome—thank you for my ideas and tips on being successful and creative.
I’ve always wanted to try this so I hope I win.
I just love using the paintstiks, and love learning more about their use. This Blog Hop sounds wonderful. Thank you so much
Your info is so helpful….thanks so much. Please tell us about the new products your working on, I can’t wait to see them.
I have been interested in the paint sticks for some time. Thanks to this blog hop I can finally get more insight into this technique. Will definitely come back on the 1st.
Absolutely beautiful work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have almost all this stuff on a shelf–never touched it. I’ve been afraid that I’d make a mistake. I know we all make mistakes, but I can make whoppers…but if there is someway to fix them, I can do it. I’m going to try it.
Great tips! Thanks for all your inspiration. I love to play with my paintstiks. I only wish there was more time to do all the things I want.
This is a great opportunity to be creative even if you are not an artist. I just love these products. Cynthia Dixon
oh, this is the first time I have heard of paintstiks. This would be really interesting to work with. How cool it that!! I will most certainly keep visiting your blog site. This is sooo much fun. Thank you!!
I’ve been painting this morning and I’m looking for more inspiration. The paintstiks are fabulous, fun, and easy to you. Now if I could just purchase a little more imagination! Shelly, I believe you got a double dose.
I have been playing around with paint sticks and this was very interesting. I have learned a couple of things. Thanks.
Paint sticks look like they would be lots of fun to use. I’ll have to try them.
You have some good information. I am ready to try it. Thanks for the info. Carrie
This technique looks so interesting. Would love to give it a try. Thanks for the opportunity to win your give-away.
Take care!
This is very new to me!! Lots of ideas and info to read. Thanks for making all this available!! This blog hop is fun!
Thanks for sharing something so different for most quilters, it helps get us outside out comfort box.
Thanks for the unusual idea. The blog hop is fun.
those bags are beautiful, can’t wait to learn the technique and give it a try
Thanks for the information. I’ll have to try that!
Wow! This is an amazing discovery! I’ve never seen anything like it before! Thanks for the information! And enjoy your day! :0)
What beautiful results. I’ve never tried anything like this before. Always fun to learn new techniques.
Thanks for the info-It will be so fun to try something new! Susan
What an interesting idea! Loved reading your tutorial. I’ve used those sticks before to stencil on T-shirts but never thought to do it on fabric for a quilt. Might have to try it.
Thanks!
I cant wait to see your placemat. This has been a lot of fun.
Thanks for the info. and thanks for being a part of this fun blog hop.
Great to learn new techniques! Very nice tutorial. Loving this Blog Hop.
Fun technique that I haven’t seen before. Will have to give it a try.
Mary
Greetings form Eden Prairie, MN
INTERESTING!! This is something new. I’ll be looking into this :-)!!
Thanks for the tutorial and for being part of the “Great” Blog Hop.
Hey Shelly, Beautiful designs!!! You make it look so easy. Can’t wait to try it. Karen.
I’m looking forward to using the new coneflower rubbing plate! I guess I’ll check back later to see if the placemat direction is up yet! I couldn’t find it!
I love the looks of this technique and have showed many others how it works. Love it!
Wow!! What a great idea! I love the blog hop and I have used your paintsticks in a class with Jackie Patton but I never thought about rubbing a pattern with them!! I have some hand dyed (by me) fabrics that this will be a great technique to use on them to jazz them up!!
Please keep the ideas coming!!
You make it look easy
Sounds like fun. I like to try new projects. I wouldn’t want to run out and get bored!!
I love paintsticks and appreciate your tutorial, I can’t wait to start some placemats.
Loved your tutorial about rubbings. I have never tried it but after reading this I deffinitly going to. Looks like a lot of fun.
Thank you so very much for the interesting and challenging tutorial. I have been interested in fabric inks, fabric dyes, and surface quilting designs, but I have not tried this technique yet.
I’ve printed all the info out and can’t wait to get started on the placemats. I really would like to make a great looking purse out of the paintsticks. Yours are gorgeous!! Thanks for being a part of this blog hop!!
like this blog. always learning something new. now it is paint stiks
What a great technique! Love the look. I am hoping to try it this summer!
Thanks for the tutorial. I have been wanting to do something with color and fabric for a long time. I was going to try Seta color, but your tute looks interesting 🙂 Thanks for participating in the MN blog hop.
I was fortunate enough to see a segment on Quilting Arts about rubbings and I was intrigued. Thank you ever so much for sharing info. about rubbings with us. I have your blog saved in my Faves so that I can refer back for info. and resources.
Thank you for being a part of the Minnesota Designers Blog Hop and for letting us participate.
This process reminds me: many (and I mean many) years ago my mother taught me tole painting on metal and stencil painting on fabric. I still have the luncheon cloth and napkins. The colors and designs that are now available are limitless. I really like the hoiday rubbing plates. Thank you for a new (to me) technique.
Thanks for the tutorials and the placemat pattern–the information will give me the confidence to try the technique–Thanks for being part of the Hop>>>I have had the best time each day learning something new..
Thanks for this great idea. It looks like another new adventure. we are never too old to learn.
I have not tried any rubbings or painting of fabric, but enjoyed the tutorial. Thanks for the blog hop. It has been fun logging on each day, not sure what will be offered, but always something fun and new!
Such good ideas every day. Although it is July 1, you have great ideas for Christmas cards. Thanks
I have just got to try this! This is just amazing, I am looking forward to working with Paintstiks. I am sooo glad I found out about blog hop. I just need to find time to do all these wonderful projects.
This looks like fun. I have a friend who visits once a year and we do some sewing/quilting project. This looks like a good candidate for our next gettogether.
I never thought about doing this but it looks fun! I am helping a teenager learn about textile arts and we are going to make an item for his portfolio for college and I will show him this as an idea of what he can do. Thanks!
Great fun! This blog hop is wonderful. New ideas every day. I have always wanted to try the pantstiks and your place mats looks like a wonderful project to try it out on. Thanks!
Wow – this is so cool. I have seen a little bit on TV but your explanation is great – can’t wait to try it. Thank you!
Wow – this looks like SO much fun. And absolutely gorgeous. Definitely a project I would undertake with my girlies (14/17) over this summer. I think they would love creating fabric and then having me sew them each a new purse!!! Thanks sew much for participating and sharing this fabulous technique.
Never thought about using paintstiks before but you have me intrigued. Definitely need to try this. I’m participating in a round robin and this technique will fit in perfectly with my assignment this round–anything goes! I’m off to the local quilt shop to get supplies.
Thanks for participating and presenting the blog hop. Really having a great time!
Hi, I took a Paintstiks class at a Quilt Shop and loved the whole process. What fun and the items each person made were just beautiful. Thank you for sharing all of the excellent information.
Lana H.
I’ve never used Paintstiks before but after seeing your tutorial and the lovely placemat, I shall definately go out and buy some. Thanks.
Hi Shelly,
Thanks for the pretty and easy placemat pattern and the chance to win your paints. It looks like a fun project!
This looks like a fun new technique to try. I wonder how much practice it would take to get to a finished project that looks good? Thanks for sharing your techniques and being part of the blog hop. I’m saving your site on my favorites!
Hi Barb. If you want to make great rubbings right away, you’re in the right spot! The Top Tips handout contains all the secrets for making great rubbings. The tips about using the Grip-n-Grip mat and the 404 spray are things I learned AFTER the book was published. Without the spray to keep the fabric from shifting, it really does take a fair amount of practice to get nice, clean rubbings. If you spray the plates first, you’re home free.
Thanks for the great tutorial, this is something I will try!
This looks like so much fun-the finished placemats would make a great gift for a bridal shower or a housewarming gift! Thanks for the great tutorial.
I am going to find my paintstiks that I bought years ago and start experimenting. It looks like so much fun
nice tutorial! thanks! (mauh) Liz
We design cloth dolls and patterns. The paintstiks are such fun with so many options for uses. We are playing around with clothdoll face shading using the paintstiks. Of course making unusual fabric for the dolls using the “stiks” goes without saying awwwesoooommmmme.
Thanks so much for all the info and ideas you give on your blog and site. Love being able to stir the ideas into our own creative pot. barbkeeling
I have been looking at the paintsticks for some time but wanted to do some research on what all I’d need to get started. Now you have provided everything I really need to know. I love the look of your rubbings. I can’t wait to dig in!
Thanks for the pattern
Wow, I have never used a paintstick before but was interested in learning more about it. Thanks for showing us how we can use it.
wow, that is fascinating. I have not seen that done before. The colors are really bold and pretty.
I have some paintsticks and the leaf rubbing plates, but haven’t had much time to play! I love the circles plates – the rubbings give such a professional appearance without much effort.
Love to make and give away placemats- quick and easy gift.
I have always wanted to try paintstiks! I think the placemat will be a nice start for me. I have 3 small children and they would love to help me! With the tutorial I am confident they will be forever treasures. Thank you!
Looks interesting, I would give this to my mom. She’s always proud of anything I do.
I love paintsticks!!! I’m going to make the placemats and then a floorcloth. I can’t wait. If my number comes up as the winner….expect to hear a loud cheer all the way from OH.
Smiles,
Kelly Jackson
I spent the day reading your blog and home page with all wonderful information and tips. This seems like quite a learning process that you have mastered wonderfully. I’ve done hand-dyed fabrics and marbling, but not this and looks like a great technique’ that really can give a special work project the WOW.
Very interesting. I think I will give it a try!! Thank you!
Thanks for the tip. I will have to try paint sticks. Thank you
I love the rubbing plates and the “Tips” are a great help.
What beautiful creations! Your tutorials make it look so easy! I will have to try it sometime (sometime being a very loose term since I have two small children at home) – it looks like fun!
Absolutely gorgeous! I might just have to try it sometime!
Love this – started as an artist and finally migrated to quilting – totally in my realm!!!! Have already started – many thanks
Another neat idea!!!
Great tutorial and technique. I have been experimenting with different mediums on fabrics, the paint sticks look like a fun way to work with fabric.
Debbie
I’ve always wanted to try these. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway!
Your tutorials are very easy to follow. I have been interested in fabrics and particularly embellishments for doll costumes. I will certainly be trying paintsticks with my next project.
Judy
wow, never seen this before
would be pretty pleased to give it a try
The paint sticks look like they’d be fun to work with and it certainly offers a new look to fabric and projects! I’m anxious to try them and also show this process to students in Textile Art and Design! Thanks for the good tutorial!
What a beatiful project. Never tried Paintsiks before but am going to give it a try. Thanks for a great tutorial.
This blog is great – I love all the helpful tips you’ve provided. I’m teaching a Paintstiks class in a few weeks and can’t wait to share this terrific information!
The information I have found on this site have inspired me to create-thank you. I am involved in many media and the Paintstiks are a wonderfull addition to all of them
Thanks so much for the great tutorial–can’t wait to try the paintsticks and alter fabric. Maybe I can cover those odd spots that show up on my t-shirts!
Great tutorial. I am just beginning to play around with paints and foiling on fabric and really enjoy it.
This sounds like a new project for me!! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks—-
You are indeed an artist!
Thanks for the lovely idea.
glenda
I also would like to try this project thank you
this is the first I’ve heard of your technique…thanks for sharing!
I’ve not tried this medium.
Thanks for the introduction to your technique. It looks interesting.
HI THIS IS DAY 9 and we are almost done with our blog hop–by the way I wonder what you are working on next–more holiday stencils, maybe???? take care see you tomorrow–hugs, just, Di
I tried leaving a comment 3 hours ago but it isn’t posted yet so I must have done something wrong. I enjoyed your tutorial and would like to enter the draw. Thank you.
Oh boy thank you for the tutorial. I bought all the goodies for a class a couple months ago and then it was canceled. Thanks again.
just a day late…..got busy yesterday with all the shop stuff and almost forgot today also……the bloghopping is a great idea….loved visiting all the sites……have a good one…..Patti
I have a small set of the Paintsticks &rubbing plates. Can’t wait to try them out. Your tutorial has given me a starting point. Thanks
I have been posting a comment and when I look it doesn’t show up. Hopefully this time it will stay. I liked your tutorial and appreciate you showing us something new and interesting and your participation in the giveaways. Thank you.
Thanks for the great technique and information 🙂 Love the end results!
carmen in alaska
This looks fun! A little more sophisticated than when we did leaves with crayon in grade school.
Thanks Joan
Thanks for the lesson. I am going to give it a try!
I have always wondered about painting fabric. I know that Australia has been doing it and wondered where to buy the items here. Now I know! Thank you for the tutorial. Hope you caught up with your sleep!
It seems I have found this blog hop at the last hour. I probably would have stumbled on it sooner had I not been in the hospital having surgery last week. But going to give it a try to get a comment on each site 🙂 I just love the ideas and fabrics I have already found!!
P.S. Its still Friday July 3, in Washington right now 🙂
Love this idea! I use to create greeting cards and now to think about doing it on fabric is a great idea.
Thanks!
Cindy in MN
What a great tutorial you have made. Makes me want to try this too.