The Tribune

By Teri M. Bethel

What you first need to know about painting on fabric is that it is fun and it is forgiving. There is no rocket science involved here so you can relax and enjoy the ride. Once you have the basic techniques under your belt you can apply them to many other surfaces.

That is probably why this art is so well loved. It does not restrict you or force you to play one set of rules. With fabric painting you can be as basic and plain as you like or as elaborate as your imagination would allow you to venture.

Students who take painting classes often learn these techniques in a short period of time and produce incredible designs. Those enrolled in online classes tend to watch a series of videos before jumping in and boy do they jump in. They also produce incredible designs. In fact, online students tend to be a little more advanced given the time they have to view the techniques.

The bottom line, fabric painting is easy to apply. It is something that can be done by young and old students; those who have art experience and those who have absolutely none. The playing field is level.

So now you know that no experience is required. But did you know that you really don’t require any fancy tools or toxic paints that take forever to dry? No, fabric painting requires fabric paint and paint brushes. Sure you can invest in more gadgets but with the use of basic techniques you can be up and running with as little as one brush and three to four containers of paint.

And about those pesky little mistakes you were afraid to make; since you are now the commander of the brush, you can either paint over the booboo or make it look intentional. So there you have it, fabric painting is fun and of course forgiving. Why not give it a try.

• Teri M. Bethel is a texture painting & handbag instructor. She is the designer of Teri Monique Handbags, a line of custom made art purses for ladies. For more insights visit us at: http://www.paintwithtexture.com Tel: 242-676-4474