Would you like a peek into the process of painting a nursery?  Oh yes, I thought you would like that!  Well come on!

Last week I had the pleasure of creating a happy, magical space for a highly anticipated new little one set to arrive next week! Baby number 4 for this charming family-and I am happy to say this is the 6th room I’ve painted for them!

First things first–I always do lots of sketches for my clients. I take notes on all their ideas and thoughts and then I get to work playing with those ideas.  Then we either meet in person or I send them the images via email.  (I actually only do that with repeat clients-new clients are in person–I like to meet people and see the rooms in real life)  Then once we have images that are approved we pick a date.  The client usually gives me a deposit of half up front and I mark off the time on the calendar.

When the big day arrives I bring lots of stuff with me.  Drop cloths, plastic, my rubbermaid tub full of paint, paper towels, tape measure, brushes, step ladder, chalk, my lunch.  Here is the basic set up~

(I did those clouds 2 years ago~)

After I spread the drop cloths out I like to hang up my reference images and my sketches.  I also take some measurements.  I measured the length and height of the wall where the crib will be, and I also measured the area above the changing table.

Next I start sketching! I use either water color pencils or chalk to draw out the designs.  That way if its not right it can easily be removed with the swipe of a wet paper towel.  WORD of ADVISE–always check the chalk before you start sketching full on–some paints (like flat for example) want to hang on to that chalk.  I always recommend eggshell or satin paint to my clients. I usually check the chalk in a corner–very low and inconspicuous. If it comes off easy peasy then you are ready to go.

Before I do anything else I holler at my client to come have a quick look and make sure they are happy with the way things look.  If not its easy enough to make changes at this point–but much more difficult later.  I like to plan the sketching for when the client is home  so we can be sure everything is perfect. Happy client? Then proceed to the next step!

I fill up my water and get my paints out–I use a pallet for detail painting but for covering large areas I use plastic containers with lids.  That way I can mix up as much as I need for more than one day. Also if you have to make changes you’ll have the color already mixed and not have to FREAK out.  I like cottage cheese, sour cream, or cool whip containers the best. I also like to put a little dab on the top to identify it.

This is where the fun really begins-I start base coating the characters –fleshing out their little characteristics.

At this point I will sometimes check in with the client, or if I’m quite sure they will love it then I just keep happily painting away.  This is a good time to get your iPod out and listen to a good audio book or music too.  I liked this one and also this one too.

Often times when painting for children you will have little helpers that want to see what you are doing~

Word of ADVISE about little ones:  they get very inspired by seeing someone paint in their room or their sibling’s rooms.  They might want to paint too!  And that’s totally awesome–as long as its on PAPER.  Once a little one was so excited about all the art going on that he took his crayons, after I had gone for the day, and proceeded to “color” the ottoman of the very nice chair in the family room. Oh goodness.  Another time a little artist took some black paint and got crazy with it all over the wall!  I learned–now I ALWAYS put my paints in the rubbermaid container and close it up. I also  check with my clients to see where they would like me to store the paints while I am gone, and I also always mention that the paints are for ME to use on the walls, not on anything else.  You’d be surprised how inspired they get!  I’ve had some lovely pictures to bring home that kiddos have drawn and painted for me.

I also attach my keys to my purse (except in that pic from set up above!):

Once when I was meeting with a client I set my keys on the table and proceeded to forget all about them-meanwhile the 2 year old found them endlessly fascinating and my client and I ended up searching for them for at least half an hour!  Little one had toddled off with them.  Be alert, be aware, and be so kind to those little budding artists.

This project took 2 days to complete.  I can’t wait to go back in a few weeks and get some pics of the final room with the furniture and everything all finished.  Glad you could come along!