Earlier this year, we launched Jill DiMaria’s five-part series featuring a set of five stacking Shaker boxes in her regular column, Faux Simple. Much to my delight (and after waiting nearly ten months to see the end result), I’m pleased to present Jill’s faux marble box, which completes the set. When the last package arrived and was unpacked, and the boxes were arranged one on top of another—the result was truly amazing. Unique, modern, and funky, yet strikingly sophisticated, the combination of different finishes, tied together with an eclectic mix of add-ons (including knobs, wooden cutouts, rivets, and more), is simply breathtaking. There is no doubt that these Shaker boxes, when displayed together, make quite a statement in terms of style. Even those who don’t necessarily share an appreciation for hand-painted artwork stop and comment on the beauty of this grouping.

Perhaps you are not interested in painting boxes, but don’t let that stop you from experimenting with some of these faux-finish techniques. I have an armoire that I purchased earlier this year that is in need of repair, and there’s a pretty good chance that I will use several of these finishes to give it a new life. The long winter months ahead will be a perfect time for me to plan and sketch my ideas for refinishing this substantial piece of furniture. You can use one, two, or any combination of these faux finishes and embellishments on a multitude of items, including tables, chairs, and frames—it’s your choice.

Here’s a quick recap of the Faux Simple articles that were previously featured in PaintWorks.
• Issue 160 (April 2012, page 89), Back to Basics: Spattering and Sponging
• Issue 161 (June 2012, page 71), Adding to the Basics—Aging Through Distressing, Crackling, and Antiquing
• Issue 162 (August 2012, page 88), Planning, Preparation, and Practice—Wood and Leather
• Issue 163 (October 2012, page 90), Time to Texture!

The PaintWorks staff would love to share photos of projects that were inspired by this five-part series on Facebook or on our website. Whether you have created something as small as a group of napkin rings or as large as a home décor piece, please share your creations with fellow readers and painting enthusiasts. Send photos to All American Crafts, Inc., Faux Simple, 7 Waterloo Rd., Stanhope, NJ 07874; or e-mail images to editors@paintworksmag.com. Please include your contact information (address, e-mail, and phone number) and a brief description of your painted project.

Linda R. Heller
Editor in Chief

Projects

Silent Night Plaque

Ornament Still Life

Christmas "Believe" Tray

Rooster & Milk Can Ornaments

Pantry Sweets Basket

Santa Goodie Pail

Christmas Tree Farm Plaque

Winter Wonders

Winter Scene Plate

Santa Profile

Christmas Sentiments Canvas

Santa's Bountiful Gifts

Noel's Fruit & Spice Tea

Santa Paddle

"Warm Winter Wishes" Stacking Boxes

Primitive Santa Banner

Cranberry's Gift Shop

Charlie Chalkboard

"Believe" Tote & Snowman Pin

Frosty Salt & Pepper Set

Santa Float

Features

Brushstroke Technique Guide

Art & Coffee

Create on Canvas

Faux Simple

Out & About

Where Are They Now?

Prime Your Palette

Savvy Studio

Projects

Winter Reflections by Debbie Cotton

Sunset on Hollow Farm Tote by Joan Dixon

Owl Key Cabinet by Sue Beckerton

First Snow by Gladys Neilsen

Winter Blessings Place Mat by Christine A. Watson

Jesse’s Snowman by Lynne Andrews

Jivin’ Jazz Band by Bob Pennycook

Mixed-Media Tray by Chris Haughey

A Blustery Night by Pam Gonnason

Zen Snowmen by Golda Rader

Snow Days Tin Pail by Trudy Beard

Snowie Cups Plaque and Ornaments by Terrye French and Deb Antonick

A Family of Owls by Cindy Mann-Vitale

Primitive Candlesticks by Kathryn M. Wrona

Sledding Friends by Patricia Rawlinson

Snowman Coaster Set by Betty Bowers

Winter Friends Footstool by Cheryl Nuccio

Valentine Wall Hanging by Barbara Jones

Valentine Cupcake Plate by Sandy LeFlore

Valentine Place Setting by Patti DeRenzo

The Boys in the Band by Kathi Walters

Features

Brushstroke Technique Guide:
Debby’s Majestic Snowman
by Debby Forshey-Choma

Art & Coffee:
Pine Tree Silhouettes
by Debra Henkener

Create on Canvas:
Winter Blues
by Patricia Zentz Reichenbach

Faux Simple:
Create the Look of Marble
by Jill DiMaria

Out & About:
Auction Anyone?
by Nony Housh and Gisele Pope

Where Are They Now?
Kathi Walters
by Cindy Gensamer

Prime Your Palette:
Painting and Design Tips
by Kathi Hanson

Savvy Studio
by Kathi Hanson

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