How to Paint Plaid – Plaid Snowman Christmas Decor for Handmade Holidays 2016

Walnut Hollow and DecoArt provided product to me to write this post. This blog runs on Starbuck's chili mochas so when you click on the affiliate links in this post and buy the awesome stuff we linked to, the shop pays us coin to keep the latte power on. All opinions in this post are 100% my own.

Painting plaid sounds easy but if you have ever tried it and ended up with a checker board that's NOT plaid, then you know it's kinda challenging. Today I am sharing how to paint plaid with a technique that looks great, even if you mess it up. Say what?! We're gonna make a shabby plaid snowman that's awesome mantle decor using a Walnut Hollow Rustic Snowman. PLUS, lay him down to sleep on your dining room table and BAM – it becomes a snowman shaped tray or charger that you can arrange food, candles, floral centerpieces, and more on. A smart practical DIY project is coming right up today, on the Just JP blog…

It's also day 2 of the 6th annual Handmade Holidays Blog Hop! Today is all about holiday decor. From ornaments to garlands to tree decor, you'll find the most amazing ideas from over 40 of your favorite bloggers and craft companies on today's leg of the hop. But first, did you catch yesterday's gift ideas on the Handmade Holidays Hop? if not, start here:

Handmade Holiday Hop Day 1 – Gift Ideas

We're also giving away 11 different prizes worth over $50 each to 11 winners on the hop!! Be sure to use the widget at the end of this post to enter to win. And make sure you scroll all the way down the page to see the hop list so you can continue on to see more inspiring holiday decor ideas.

How to paint plaid – and make a plaid snowman

Last year (I know, bad blogger!) I got this super cute pallet style snowman from Walnut Hollow. I loved how cute it was and I wanted to do something really special with it. Finally, this year, I took the plunge and painted him!

The plaid trend is huge for Christmas this year so I knew I wanted to do a take on plaid but NOT the traditional green and red plaid.  I decided to go with grey, white, and red. The beauty of painting the snowman is that when the trends change again next year, I can paint the snowman a totally different color to match the trends.

Here's what you'll need to make this project:

Supplies:

• Walnut Hollow Rustic Pallet Snowman
• DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics – Titanium White and Dark Grey Value 3
• DecoArt Americana Multi-Surface Stain – Lipstick
• DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paint – Cool White
• DecoArt Americana Decor Chalky Finish Paint – Romance
• Heather Red Wool Felt (optional to make scarf)
• masking tape

Tools:

• foam brush
• paint brush
• sandpaper or electric sander
• paint palette
• cup with water
• scissors

The trick to getting a plaid look is to water down the paint. I LOVE DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics because they keep a vibrant color but can be watered down to look translucent, which is exactly what we need to make a plaid pattern. Watch this video to see how to create the look of plaid on any wood project:

I hope you enjoyed that fun snowman! I have no idea what colors I'll paint him next year but keeping it simple this year means I can keep on customizing the snowman easily year after year. What color would you paint this snowman?

Follow the links in the list below to continue on the hop – be sure to visit every blog and leave a comment! You never know what amazing ideas await 🙂

I owe a big big big thank you to the hop sponsors who help make this hop possibly every year. I am so grateful for their support and really honored to share their amazing products with you. Check out each sponsor using the links below:

• Clearsnap
• Hydrangea Hippo etsy shop
• Hepp’s Salt Co.
• The Twinery
• Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L
• Stencil1
• Buttons Galore & More
• DecoArt, Inc.
• Walnut Hollow
• Graphic 45
• Iron Orchid Designs

And finally, before you hit the road to blog hop land, be sure to enter our giveaway for ELEVEN prizes, all pictured above!!! Use the handy dandy widget below – there are lots of ways to enter and you have a few days to complete all the tasks to get the most entries possible. And as always, we bloggers really appreciate you pinning and sharing our content with your friends and commenting on our blogs. That is the fuel that keeps us going!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by today. What's your favorite holiday decoration? Let me know in the comments section!