The above picture is of a linen swing coat/jacket that I got at the thrift store probably 5 years or so ago. I liked the off white and black graphic print. It was great on it's own, but I wanted to add some of my own personality. I knew what I wanted to do (paint red poppies) but since I don't feel total confidence painting, it took me awhile to get all my info and courage together.
First I asked some help from a on-line art group I belong too (Quiltart) about possible paint to use. I knew I wanted the off white and black graphic from the coat/jacket to show through the poppies. The choices suggested were Dye-an-flow and setacolor paints which are transparent. I purchased both and did a test sample. Another important factor was that I wanted to make sure the coat/jacket remained soft and supple. The above strips show my test samples. I used Sharpie Paint Pens to do the black lettering. This strip had already been washed and dried. I did heat set the paints. I decided to go with the Dye-na-flow paints. I thought that red color was richer.
Next I had to cut a stencil, which I had never done before. I actually haven't used stencils much in my creative life. So this required a lot thinking on my part. I am surprised my brain didn't explode !
After I had decided on the poppy pattern and size of the poppy I wanted to use, and with the stencil cut, I printed out the poppy pattern and fussy cut them. I pinned them on the coat to check the placement. I actually left them the paper poppies on the coat and pinned the stencil on top of the paper poppy and the removed the paper pattern before I started painting each poppy. After painting each poppy, I used a heat gun (carefully) to dry the paint on both the top of the coat and the lining.
This is my finished swing coat/jacket and I am very happy with how this turned out. After this picture was taken, I did go back and add three half poppies to fill in some larger space that I thought needed some color.
Now my swing coat/jacket has my stamp on it. For me it has pizzaz. I can't wait to wear it. And if anyone is wondering, I will probably wear it with those polka dot leggings.
