How to Paint Folk Art Cabinets

 “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

- William Morris


After my last newsletter I got a bunch of questions about the cabinets I hand painted in the studio.  


My design was inspired by traditional folk art painted furniture like this cabinet from Scandinavia.  I especially love how symmetrical and balanced their designs are.

First I installed the cabinets and stained the wood.  Then...

I created stencils out of nice stiff paper and...

parts of an old organ I found at an antique store.


I traced the stencils onto the cabinets with pencil then filled in with black paint.  I carefully measured each point so that I would have perfect symmetry.  (My neighborhood has lots of crows and cats that inspired this panel!)


I also created some stencil designs in color on the pantry door.


This is the only cabinet I painted asymmetrically.  I was inspired by British folk designs like this one...



To finish the cabinets I put a layer of polyurethane on to protect them from stains.


Want to explore the studio in person?  

Visit us:
First Fridays from 6-9pm
Saturdays from 10am-4pm

Located at 1116 E. North Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

New Murals at The Studio Alchemy Gallery

 “The beginning is always today.” - Mary Wollstonecraft

Have you ever dreamed of painting murals on your walls?  During this quiet year I filled every nook and cranny of my art studio with paintings. 


When I bought the studio in 2019 it needed major renovations.  There were holes in the floors!  This historic house was built sometime before 1890.  

We had to replace major support beams.  This is what the kitchen looked like after demolition:


You, my friends, are the first to get a sneak peek at these before and after photos.... 




Want to explore the studio in person?  Now that I am vaccinated I'm reopening the studio. 

Visit us:
First Fridays from 6-9pm
Saturdays from 10am-4pm

Located at 1116 E. North Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46202