Painting with Paint Sticks

Lavish Leaf: As fast, fun and easy as coloring with crayons, Paint Sticks add extra pizzazz. To up the excitement another notch, machine quilt around the leaf shapes with shiny thread.

If instant gratification appeals to you, there are a huge variety of pre-cut stencils available at your local quilt shop. Just tape one to your fabric and get started!

My favorite paints for stenciling are Shiva brand Paint Sticks. Easy to use, they are shaped like over-sized crayons and have about the same consistency. Amazingly, they can replicate the look of air brushing without your having to invest in or bother with special equipment. Paint sticks applied to silk or cotton are easy, permanent and leave a very soft hand.

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