1. This project surface came prepared with a creamy white background. Before painting, dampen a paper towel with rubbing alcohol. Wipe over entire tin surface with moistened paper towel to remove dirt and/or grease film. This will improve the adhesive properties of the enamel paints.

Painting Instructions:

1. Cabbage Rose – Refer to Flower Petals Worksheet (1011AWKSHT) to practice strokework before painting. Double load the No. 12 Flat Brush with Lemon Custard and Yellow Ochre. Blend on the palette to soften the color. Add a touch of Wicker White to the Lemon Custard side of the double loaded brush. Paint the outer skirt of “wiggle” rose petals first. Touch the surface with Wicker White towards the outside of each petal, apply pressure and begin wiggling the stroke upwards and back down as shown with the arrows on the worksheet. Continue painting the same stroke connecting petals to form the outer skirt of “wiggle” stokes for the back or first layer of rose petals.

2. Paint the bud of the rose by painting the back “C” stroke leading with Wicker White. Add the lower “U” stroke to complete the bud.

3. Add the inner skirt of rose petals to the sides of the bud continuing to paint wiggle strokes.

4. The final petals are painted using the chisel slice or comma strokes around the sides of the bud. Begin with the brush at an angle, touch, and lean on the chisel edge and pull as you lift back to the chisel edge and off the surface. Paint desired number of chisel strokes around the bud. NOTE: The design created for the sample mailbox illustrates three large cabbage roses and three small buds. Paint the desired amount of roses and rosebuds on your project.

5. Rosebuds – Refer to Flower Petals Worksheet (1011AWKSHT). Double load the No. 12 Flat Brush with Lemon Custard and Yellow Ochre. Blend on the palette. Add a touch of Wicker White to the Lemon Custard side of the brush. Begin painting each rosebud with the center painting “C” strokes keeping Wicker White to the top of each stroke. Begin on the chisel edge of the brush, apply pressure as you move the brush upwards and over in an arch shape, lift back to the chisel edge.

6. Close the bud by painting a “U” stroke in front of the stroke just painted. Again keep Wicker White to the top of the stroke.

7. Add additional “U” strokes and comma strokes to fill in a few more petals.

8. Leaves – Refer to Leaf Strokes Worksheet (1011BWKSHT) Double load the No. 12 Flat Brush with Thicket and Fresh Foliage.

9. Paint a couple large “wiggle” stroke leaves at the base of the cabbage roses. Using the chisel edge of the brush, paint the leaf stem.

10. Paint basic One Stroke leaves around the roses and rosebuds. Begin on the chisel edge of the brush, touch apply pressure, pull and lift back to a chisel edge at the tip of the leaf.

Finishing Touches –

1. Don’t forget to sign your name in the color desired with thinned paint using the No. 2 Script Liner Brush. Enjoy!

2. To cure paint, follow either the Bake Method or the Air Dry Method:

Bake Method of Curing FolkArt Enamels:

Allow your piece to dry for one hour to be sure all layers of paint have dried. Place the piece in a cool oven. Set the oven temperature to 350ºF and bake project for 30 minutes. Glass must heat gradually with the oven to avoid breakage. Do not place glass in a hot oven. After 30 minutes, turn the oven off. Let glass cool completely in oven. Do not use for 72 hours.

Air Dry Method for Curing FolkArt Enamels:

Air dry the project for 21 days before using.