If you are painting on jars, you can prepare your surface by washing the jar, completely removing all labels and glue, then giving the jar a rinse in white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Allow the first coat of base coat to dry COMPLETELY before attempting second coat!

Base coat surface with 2-3 coats of Green Isle. Trace pattern onto base-coated surface.

Paint snowman body with Antique White and float edges with Trail Tan. Paint scarf with Periwinkle Blue and float edges with Navy Blue. Paint star with Straw and shade edges with 14K Gold.

Paint buttons with Mendocino Red and shade left side of each button with Black Cherry. Paint arms on using a liner brush with Autumn Brown.

Paint patches with Straw and shade with Trail Tan. Using a dry scruffy brush, dip into Mauve and blot excess paint off onto a paper towel. Dab on cheeks. Dot eyes on with black Micron craft pen.

Use black Micron craft pen to add stitches and brown Micron craft pen to add stitches around the patches. Use white paint pen to write "snow place like home". Splatter completed painting with White using an old toothbrush.

Sign your work! Spray completed project with 2-3 coats of acrylic spray sealer (matte) according to directions on can.

Helpful Terms:

Float: Technique used for applying shading or highlighting. Also known as "sideloading." A flat or angular brush is usually used with one side loaded with paint and the other side loaded with water or extender.

Splatter: A technique that involves flicking the paint off the hairs of a bristle brush or toothbrush with your nail to achieve a "speckled" or "fly-specked" appearance.

Shade: A color mixed with black.

Other helpful terms are available at Tole Expressions.

About the Author
Amanda Formaro is the crafty, entrepreneurial mother of four children. Besides being a freelance crafter, she is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com Magazine. Sign up for her free crafting newsletter, Creativity Corner, by filling out the form on left side of this article.

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