Back in August, while writing a post about customizing accessories that want to look like a watermelon, we came across an idea we loved: painting umbrellas to customize them. And we found some ideas that were so, so beautiful that we decided to save that ace up our sleeve for when bad weather arrived.
Okay, it’s true… Technically, it hasn’t arrived yet, but we can’t wait any longer! And after all, it’s only a matter of time, whether we like it or not. So we’re going to keep adding a splash of color to our clothes and accessories so gray days won’t feel quite so gray. After customizing rain boots for happily splashing through puddles, today we’re going to paint umbrellas.
You already know that what we’re really good at is sewing, but we’re also good at searching the internet to find all kinds of beautiful crafts for you. So here’s a great collection of creativity, originality, and fun in umbrella form. Take note of these 4 ways to customize and paint umbrellas: they’ll turn out so beautiful that you’ll be wishing for rain so you can show them off.
IDEAS FOR PAINTING UMBRELLAS.
1. With permanent markers.
As easy as drawing! (And just as difficult, on the other hand.) Take a look at the wonderful umbrella we found at Paper, Plate and Plane. In this case, using a clear plastic umbrella and some permanent markers, they created a wonderfully fun effect of kittens and puppies falling like rain. To make the drawings much easier, you can draw them on paper first (or print one you like), attach it to the inside, and trace it from the outside. You can work not only on plastic, but also on any fabric umbrella. Choose the design you like best… and start drawing! We’ve seen many blogs recommend Sharpie markers for their variety of colors, tip sizes, and textures.
2. With fabric paint.
This time, we focused on the variety of designs suggested by The Plaid Palette. With fabric paint, brushes, a little painter’s tape, some skill, and a few stencils (if you need them), you can create true works of art. It’s like painting a picture: you can do anything you can think of. Match the design to your favorite bag or write that phrase you love so much—the one that brightens your day; choose colors that create good contrast, and let your creativity fly without fear of making mistakes.
Painter’s tape will be very useful for making designs with lines (like in the first design in the photograph). For polka-dot patterns, you can use stencils or an object you can soak in paint and use to print with, such as a round piece of sponge or a cork.
Remember to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and let it dry for long enough. From what we’ve been able to read, it should hold up to downpours without any problems.
3. The galaxy umbrella.
Carrying this little piece of the universe over your head is easier than it seems. With a sponge, fabric paint (or acrylic paint), a brush, and painter’s tape, you can walk among stars and galaxies beneath a clear sky no matter how much it rains.
Cover the ribs with painter’s tape and dab the umbrella carelessly with the sponge. For the one shown in the photograph, from Pink Stripey Socks, you’ll need black, red, yellow, blue, and white paint, mixed beforehand on a palette. Using the sponge and a cloth, give the blotches the consistency and spread you like best, and finally, paint the little stars white so they stand out against the rest and define the overall design.
4. Action painting.
An excellent idea to do with the little ones from B-inspired mama. That said, you’ll need to do it somewhere that can get messy and wear old clothes or clothes specifically intended for this kind of activity. Remember that fabric paint is permanent and won’t wash out afterward. Mix it with water if you like (following the manufacturer’s instructions) to give it a more fluid texture and make the splattering process easier.
Action painting, whose greatest exponent is the well-known Pollock, is a technique that lets you capture pure energy, movement, action, total freedom… To do it, you have to soak the brush in paint and splatter it toward your “umbrella canvas”, making sure above all to enjoy the process (or let them enjoy it). Let spontaneity take center stage and turn your umbrella into an action space worthy of pure abstract expressionism.
There are tons of possibilities and designs. You just have to start, and you’ll see how you end up decorating every umbrella you have at home with different, original, and fun designs. Get ready to paint umbrellas and let your artistic side run free—when the weather turns bad, do it yourself. Don’t stay home!