DIY Network

Rollershade Murals From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-205

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Convert window shades into a piece of art. Figure A This rollershade mural creates the illusion of looking outside. If you don't live near the ocean, bring the sand-and-sea view to your room with this rollershade mural.

Materials:

Rollershade (with or without texture)
Paint tray and roller
Bristle brush (inexpensive)
Gesso
Midrange blue acrylic paint
Black acrylic paint
Toothbrush
Pencil (white)
Assorted acrylic paints for planets (depending on decor)
Circle templates in a variety of sizes (can use plastic container lids, etc.)
Paintbrushes
Glow-in-the-dark or luminescent paint

1. Prime the surface with gesso. Priming the surface is of utmost importance. In order for acrylic paint to adhere to the rollershade surface; priming with gesso (which can be found at any art-supply store) is recommended. This gives the surface a smooth, clean, waterproof finish.

2. Create the background. Once the gesso has dried, you're ready to create the background. Randomly squirt both the blue and the black paint into paint tray. Roll the paint roller in the paint and apply it directly to the rollershade, covering the entire surface. With the inexpensive bristle brush, blend the colors together using a "pounce and swirl" motion. The black in combination with the midrange blue creates a "deep space" look and also adds dimension to the surface.

3. "Splatter paint" the surface of the rollershade. Dilute gesso with water until it's the consistency of whole milk. Dip toothbrush into the gesso, shake off excess and, using your thumb and forefinger, "splatter paint" (figure A) the entire surface of the rollershade. This creates the stars in the galaxy, and the splatters can vary in size. Don't worry if you get a few blobs!

4. Add the planets. When the background surface has dried, you're ready to add planets in a variety of sizes. Smaller planets in darker shades combined with larger planets in brighter shades provide the illusion of depth. Using the white pencil, trace around the circle templates to outline the planets.

5. Fill in the planet shapes. Once again using gesso, fill in the planet shapes you've drawn.

6. Paint the planets. It's helpful first to determine which side your "light source" is coming from, then to maintain that continuity throughout your piece. Use darker paint around the circumference of the circle, graduating to lighter colors toward the core. Remember to paint the smaller planets a bit darker.

7. Add glow-in-the-dark paint. Add glow-in-the-dark touches to some of the splattered stars, and maybe a few hints to the planets.

Products: Available at craft, art-supply and/or discount stores nationwide.

RESOURCES :
The Window Book: A Complete Guide to Window Dressing Inside and Out
Model: 0517159570
Author: Vinny Lee
(September, 1996)

Random House Value

Window Dressing
Model: 0887509614
Author: Don Bailey
(March, 1994)

Oberon Press

GUESTS :
Sandra Zottoli
Phone: 949-716-4413
Email: szdstudio@aol.com