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CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Pine, spruce or fir? Create this adorable Christmas sign for yourself or someone else, who loves the search for the perfect tree, with a Three & Me DIY Art kit.


Follow the directions below for some techniques on painting a laser cutout design. If you need a Three & Me DIY Art Kit, see here. Also available for in-person or virtual parties and private events.


For more extensive general notes on painting wood shapes and designs see this blog post.



SUPPLIES: Use your all-inclusive DIY Art Kit, or source the following supplies below.




  • your laser cut wood shapes

  • acrylic or chalk paints in various colors

  • sponge paint brush

  • make-up wedges

  • glue (if pieces are not self-adhesive): Aleene's Turbo Tacky glue is my favorite, but superglue, wood glue and E6000 work too.

  • string

  • paper towels

  • paper plate

  • masking tape for painting small pieces



NOTES ON COLORS:


Pick a limited color palette, to make your design coherent. Too many colors can be distracting. Rather blend different shades of a smaller color group by adding white or black.

That said, there are really no rules in art, so do what pleases you!



APPLICATION NOTES:


  • Use as little paint as possible so that it doesn't run over the edges and to keep your design neat. Rather add various thin coats, than one that is too thick.

  • Blot paint onto your paper plate or paper towel to remove excess, before painting your shapes.

  • Attach smaller shapes onto an upturned piece of masking tape, so they stay in place without getting paint all over your fingers!

  • Don't be shy to layer different shades.

  • Run your semi-dry sponge wedge over edges in white for highlight or black for shadow.

  • Have fun!!!


TECHNIQUE:


Watch the clip below for technique or read instructions that follow.





Paint your board.


  • Use a sponge brush and wipe the color sparingly onto the base in even strokes.

  • do not overload the brush. Rather use multiple thin coats.

  • For wood grain to show through, use 1 thin coat and wipe off excess paint with paper towel.



  • Optional: To achieve a distressed look, paint your base and let it dry.

  • Pick a contrasting color. e.g. if your base is white, use grey or black. If your base is brown, use white.

  • You will need a DRY sponge brush or a scruffy old brush (even an old toothbrush will work).

  • Dip the tip of the dry brush into the contrasting paint.

  • Dab off excess.

  • Swipe in even strokes across your board to create faint scratchy lines.

  • Repeat if necessary with a slightly different tone.




WOOD SHAPES

  • Because letters and shapes can be so intricate and have small pieces, they will either come attached with tape or in a heat sealed bag.

  • Remove the bag or tape and set out each part.

  • Familiarize yourself with each small piece, figuring out where it goes.

  • Please note, that many are one-direction. So be sure to paint the correct side.

  • Using masking tape, attach the smallest pieces to the upturned sticky side, to make painting easier.

  • Use sponge wedges to dab color onto the wood.

  • Be sparing with paint, so that it doesn't run over the sides and into spaces.

  • Add white for highlights or black for shadows.

  • Use the head of a nail, a toothpick or a match to make dots or lines.

  • Allow pieces to dry fully before assembling.



ASSEMBLE




Apply glue sparingly. Cut the used tip off one of your makeup wedges and dab glue onto the shapes. Or use a pin to transfer glue. Or use an old paintbrush. Whichever way you apply the glue, be sure it's with a light hand, so it doesn't affect your paint job. Superglue works too... if you are good at handling it. BUT it's probably not the best choice for kids though.

  • I like Aleene's Turbo Tacky glue, but E6000, craft or wood glue work too. I'd stay away from hot glue, because you'll burn your fingers with such small shapes!

  • Have fun with it!

  • remember.... if you don't like your paint job, you can paint over it! That's the versatility of wood products.

  • Lastly, thread string through the holes and tie with double knots.

  • Optional: add embellishments like ribbons, beads or leaf sprigs to dress up your sign.

  • Hang with pride and enjoy.


I hope you delight in this Christmas Sign for many years to come!


Thank you for joining me! Please share photos of your version when you're done with tag @threeandme on social media or directly at claire@threeand.me.


Have a lovely festive season!


Warmly,

Claire

xxx





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Reviews

Created. Enjoyed. Reviewed ...

Had the most fun tonight with an amazing instructor and many wonderful friends! Three & Me out did themselves with beautiful presentation and amazing craft that I am excited to display in my home! I look forward to another opportunity to craft with Three & Me in the future!

Camas, WA

What an amazing experience! Claire is an incredible instructor and makes these projects so fun and truly easy for those like me who are not artsy! She is extremely organized and everything is so well thought out and ready in advance. I can hardly wait to take more classes in the future. I would highly recommend Three & Me!

Angela H.

Camas, WA

I just went to my first Three & Me workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Claire is a warm hostess and an excellent instructor. Making everyone feel engaged and successful. The materials are top notch and every detail is well thought out. It’s a great escape for a personal creative moment or a fun way to connect with friends and family while expressing your inner artist.

Camas, WA

Such a fun string art class tonight! Claire is a wonderful instructor and everything was so beautiful; the display, the art, the examples, the supplies, the snacks! So fun!

Camas, WA

This is truly a fun night out! Claire's instruction is helpful, humorous and fun! I love how she allowed us options to be creative and put our own twist on our projects. There is a lot of attention to detail with the set-up, supplies and refreshments which did not go unnoticed.  I can't wait for the next project!

What a fun evening! Claire has thought of every detail and guides you step by step through the whole process! She is such an encourager and makes you feel like you have just made a masterpiece! I highly recommend her classes! I can't wait to take another one!

Camas, WA

I had such a fun evening! Three & Me had everything presented beautifully and organized in a way that made it easy to follow along for those of us that aren't necessarily crafters by nature! Thank you for a fun night!

Courtney H.

Camas, WA

Thank you Claire Houlding for an incredible night! It was so much fun creating with Three & Me!

Hollen F.

Camas, WA

You all did such a great job! Claire Houlding what a fun thing you are starting in our community! Love it. So fun to be there tonight!

Jennifer B.

Camas, WA

I craft a lot at home, but doing crafts in a class with friends is so much better. THREE & ME makes it so easy to do the things I am interested in, without having to find the supplies and figure out how to do it on my own. I've just booked my next ladies night with Claire! I can't wait. 

Vancouver, WA

Tonight, a bunch of lucky ladies got to craft along side one of the very best. Claire's heart, is hands done one of the very best and those of us who were there got to create something amazing that we will proudly display in our homes. Many laughs and much fun was had by all. I highly recommend one of Three & Me classes to anyone in the area! Spread kindness around like confetti!!

Lana E.

Camas, WA

Art is not my strength. I don't have a creative bone in my body. So I came to a workshop because my friend made me... and I made something I now love. I was expecting to sit and watch, but landed up getting fully involved! My husband and kids don't believe that I made it myself. I'm coming again and I'm bringing my sister... she's even worse at crafts than me.

Alyson S.

Washougal, WA

We had such a fun girls night out making Christmas signs. Claire did a wonderful job explaining what to do and they turned out great! We are all looking forward to more events!! Thank you!

Kristine A.

Camas, WA

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