Outdoor Projects

Tammi Latham of Matilda Jane Originals created this fun mural on the side of a garage.

This project was done using stencils from several sources including L.A. Stencilworks and Nature's Vignettes. The background was done with latex house paints and the entire mural was sealed.

Merilee Sawusch of Merilee's Murals, Etc. was commissioned to paint these window wells for a client. They were difficult to photograph, but I think you can see some of the details and the view her client sees when looking out. Merilee used Plaid mural elements for part of the flowers and leaves. Backgrounds and some details were painted with porch and floor paint. Patio Paints were also used for this project.

Quite a few years ago, I painted the doors on this garden shed for a client. I just took this photo last week and was quite surprised to see how well the paint has held up, through at least five New England winters! I vaguely remember what paints I used, but I'm guessing it was a combination of craft acrylics,
Patio Paints, and latex interior house paints. I did seal everything with several coats of a water based polyurethane. For this project, I pulled out all the garden stencils I could find in my stash. I can see I used stencils from Dressler Stencils, Lynn Brehm Designs, The Mad Stencilist, and Royal Design Studio, to name a few! This was a very fun project and I am now talking with the homeowner about stenciling some flowers onto her Adirondack chairs. She reports that she loves looking out of her kitchen window at this cheery scene in the dead of Winter!

Chris Inanc of New York is not only a great friend of mine, but also one very talented lady when it comes to painting on stone surfaces. Chris does all of her pavers and signs freehand, but you could certainly use stencils if you are not as confident as Chris when it comes to freehand painting. I recommend using DecoArt
Patio Paints for this type of project, since this paint is made to endure the elements and can be used on stone/cement surfaces.

Here Chris pays tribute to pets who have passed away:

This painted slate sign hangs on a stable door.

This house number would be a great idea for a house warming gift!

And lastly, this idea has inspired me to grab a rock or two and paint them for my Dad and Grandmother's graves... hopefully by Memorial Day!

Chris says that the painted rocks should be used inside only because they chip very easily. She recommends using pavers for outside use as they hold up much, much better!

Beautiful work, Chris. Thanks so much for sharing!

Living in New England, our window for being able to paint outside is a pretty short time frame! Well, that window is now here, so I thought I'd devout the next several posts to stenciled projects that can be done outdoors.

The complete instructions for stenciling this slate stepping stone can be found on the DIY Network. Directions and stencil are provided by Jan Dressler, Dressler Stencils.