Decorative painting and how to do it

2 October 1998

Decorative painting and how to do it

THE art of painting china, glass and metal to a professional standard is described in a colourful new craft book by Judy Balchin*.

Ms Balchin has been a collector of decorative china and glassware for many years, seeking out items in antique and junk shops. Now, with the discovery of a whole range of paints that dont require firing in a kiln, she has learnt how to create beautiful objects from cheap, plain and mismatched items that might otherwise be discarded.

She uses these to great effect and there are many lovely examples of her work throughout the book, with foolproof instructions and templates so that the reader can recreate some of her designs on terracotta pots, glass objects, tiles and tea sets.

The designs are bold and modern and the colours bright. Water-based porcelain paints can be used for sponging, freestyle one-stroke painting, outlining, stencilling, stamping and masking techniques while the more transparent glass paints are used for creating stained glass designs, dribbling, splattering and sponging. Some items are embellished with beads for a bit of extra sparkle.

Craft lovers will find this book irresistible! MP

*Decorative Painting on Glass, Ceramics & Metal by Judy Balchin, Search Press (£8.95) Credit card orders Freephone (0800-146860).