How to paint Ikat Chevron

Okay, friends, now that you've followed the step by step instructions for making your chevron pattern, here's the fun part, paint! This is where you get to see your work come to life.

In our project I painted the entire beadboard grey first, then I went back and added the black and gold.

Here is the key to achieving an ikat look...don't over think it! Remember, it's supposed to look blurry and not perfect. That, my friends, is why anyone can achieve this look. You just have to give yourself permission to complete a project without perfection. I know this may be hard for some of you uber talented folks out there!

Moving on...I used a cheap-o foam brush to paint inside each chevron.

Here's the evidence that I'm not a perfectionist, my dirty brush. You can buy these at any craft store like Hobby Lobby or Micheals. I love having these on hand at all times. I can't tell you how many times I've found a purpose for them.

 Paint the inside of the chevron solid. 

While it's still wet, hold the brush straight up and down then bring it just outside the edge of the painted area. Make a tiny little stroke back towards the solid painted area. Then repeat this action a gazillion more times as you make your way down the entire edge. I found by holding the brush handle as close to the foam as possible, it gave me more control over the movements. Quick movements and not thinking too much about it, once again, is key!

Below shows a progression of the strokes. You can start thick or spread them out and go back to fill in. 

Here's another look at this painting process when applied on top of beadboard. I love how the stripes of the board add a whole other dimension to the painting without even trying!

Okay, I've never claimed to be a teacher of any sort, so is it clear as mud? You're just going to have to take my word for it, that it's really easy and actually lots of fun. Something you don't have to over think and it turns out really cool!

Ready to get the ball rolling on your own home? Contact me!

Linking to The Shabby Nest.

How to make a Chevron Pattern

 Happy Monday, friends! I hope you've beat the hustle and bustle of the Christmas frenzy and you're relaxing this week instead of running around like a chicken with its head cut off. A big thank you to those of you who left a nice comment on the reveal post. You guys are so kind and supportive!

On the agenda for today: How to make the chevron pattern
                       Tomorrow: How to paint the ikat chevron

I hope you aren't disappointed when I break it all down. I don't have any major secrets to share, but I do think you'll be pleasantly surprised when you see how easy it is!

 It all started with a regular 8 1/2 x 11 piece of cardstock and a paper cutter.

 I eyeballed the width I wanted the chevron to be. Mine turned out to be 2 and 3/4 inches wide and I was able to cut 3 sections out of 1 piece of paper.

I cut tons, then started laying them out to decide the "pitch" or how sharp the angles would be. Once I was happy with the look, I taped the edges together to create one long zig-zag.

 Using painter's tape, I adhered it to the beadboard and began to trace the pattern with a pencil.

 I used a ruler to draw a straight line to show where the point of each chevron would be placed as I moved the pattern down the wall. This helped keep the pattern organized and straight. Nothing worse than an unorganized chevron...talk about making ya dizzy!

Once you have all the lines drawn, it starts to look a little confusing. Make sure you write the color of paint you intend to use inside the appropriate chevron. I used the initial of each paint color and literally wrote it multiple times in each section. It began to look like a giant paint by number when all was said and done.

Totally doable, right? I mean, if you can cut, trace and tape then you've got this project licked! So simple. I didn't even have to bust out the math skills. Thank goodness. Remember my entryway stripes? Not gonna lie, there were tears shed during that painting process! 

That's it for today, friends. Stop back by tomorrow and I'll break down how to get the ikat (blurry) look. It'll probably be my shortest post yet...it's that easy!

If you'd like help creating something fun and different in your own home, contact me, so we can get started!

**Gift certificates available for design services. What a perfect Christmas gift!**