Awm! I've made it to the Newsletter! ❤️❤️ Super proud moment! But also you've forgot to mention that your tips were crucial for my window to happen, otherwise I would have been there with only a tiny paintbrush 🙌 So yeah folks, save those tips carefully!
Haha that's so nice of you Bia! Your window really upped the game. I'm going to do Nomad again this year so am looking closely at how you managed to do such a lovely one. Did you also paint on the outside of the glass?
How exciting!! I can't wait to see your new window! And yes I did, but only because I needed to finish everything before the launch - that was on the same day!
I think it is best if you can avoid doing that, especially in a very wet season, as it might get removed.
Fab Ruby 👌 As someone who’s done a lot of windows I would add that flat colour is impossible unless you get vynls printed so go for texture dots and spots. Looped squiggles make a nice knitting pattern and mini rollers and acrylic can be fun. Also scraping into dried paint with wooden cutlery is very pleasing and can give a nice crisp edge
I can’t think of a single circumstance in which I’d find myself window painting or needing these tips, but I LOVED reading about your process and am amazed by the preparation that goes into such a feat. Lovely. I’m sure many illustrators/artists will treasure your guidance here. 😌
Ahh thank you so much Erika! Sorry if this has become a very specific thread, I'll make it more general in future but really glad that you enjoyed reading it!
Oh, no need to change your approach at all! I was actually trying to emphasize that *even* as a non-artist person, this was riveting and I loved it. Sorry if that wasn’t more clear!! 🤩
Your windows are fab and such fun! I also loved seeing the other examples you featured. I adore your use of props in the windows! I've been thinking about props loads since reading about Jacqueline Colley's amazing 'Under the Sea' themed wedding: https://jacquelinecolley.co.uk/blogs/wedding/tips-for-a-hand-made-wedding
I love these windows! It's so nice to be allowed such a big canvas. I quickly learned that prep was everything. The most useful tip I learned was printing out text back to front onto paper so I could stick it outside and trace it inside – that suddenly made any fonts look really professional (very rare for me!)
Wow! Your windows look fantastic Ruby! Thank you so much for all the detail. Details are the most interesting bits! Good to know that posca will slide off under acrylic and that tip for slowing acrylic drying time. Looking forward to seeing your next window paintings!
Ahhh, thanks for featuring my window lovely Ruby!! It was thanks to you that I did a practice window first! I am a lot slower than you and my windows took me at least a whole day. My first took me two days. Eek!! My other tip would be to download an audiobook. I downloaded Demon Copperfield (Barbara Kingsolver. Deffo recommend, I’ve been enjoying it!).
The props are a great idea, I would definitely do that next time!
Can’t wait to see your next windows - they will be brill!! Xxx
Ooo that's a great idea re the audiobook. I think that would be calming! I found lots of visitors wanted to stop and chat, perhaps headphones would help me stay in the zone!
Do you ever do windows in other places? I’m a school librarian and I have lots of windows that I would love to decorate in something longer lasting than posters!
Such a great read! I paint windows for my work in a health food shop and do displays. I use posca pens but was always worried about how difficult using acrylic paint would be to take off at the end of the display… can you share your experience with this? I’m keen to try it now!
It's not difficult Amy! You can scrape most of it off. Having said that the booksellers always clean the window but I have asked them and they say it's fine!
I'd never thought about the artist having to paint the details first! That sounds very tricky so from now on I'll admire painted windows even more than I do already! x
Awm! I've made it to the Newsletter! ❤️❤️ Super proud moment! But also you've forgot to mention that your tips were crucial for my window to happen, otherwise I would have been there with only a tiny paintbrush 🙌 So yeah folks, save those tips carefully!
Haha that's so nice of you Bia! Your window really upped the game. I'm going to do Nomad again this year so am looking closely at how you managed to do such a lovely one. Did you also paint on the outside of the glass?
How exciting!! I can't wait to see your new window! And yes I did, but only because I needed to finish everything before the launch - that was on the same day!
I think it is best if you can avoid doing that, especially in a very wet season, as it might get removed.
it looks really lovely with the extra depth. Do you know how well it stayed on?
Fab Ruby 👌 As someone who’s done a lot of windows I would add that flat colour is impossible unless you get vynls printed so go for texture dots and spots. Looped squiggles make a nice knitting pattern and mini rollers and acrylic can be fun. Also scraping into dried paint with wooden cutlery is very pleasing and can give a nice crisp edge
These are brilliant tips, thank you Sam!
I can’t think of a single circumstance in which I’d find myself window painting or needing these tips, but I LOVED reading about your process and am amazed by the preparation that goes into such a feat. Lovely. I’m sure many illustrators/artists will treasure your guidance here. 😌
Ahh thank you so much Erika! Sorry if this has become a very specific thread, I'll make it more general in future but really glad that you enjoyed reading it!
Oh, no need to change your approach at all! I was actually trying to emphasize that *even* as a non-artist person, this was riveting and I loved it. Sorry if that wasn’t more clear!! 🤩
You did, Erika, you’re lovely! I just wanted to acknowledge that it was extreme nerdery on my part!
This is so fun! That's something I've always wanted to try my hand at.
You can decorate your windows at home, some streets do this and everyone gets involved, I think Jane Porter's street for instance!
Yeah I liked the layering look and it is easier to add extra details too
I've heard it stayed well. But it was during Summer on those very dry days
I think that's very interesting. I really like the look of it. I might try too!
Your windows are fab and such fun! I also loved seeing the other examples you featured. I adore your use of props in the windows! I've been thinking about props loads since reading about Jacqueline Colley's amazing 'Under the Sea' themed wedding: https://jacquelinecolley.co.uk/blogs/wedding/tips-for-a-hand-made-wedding
Wow these are amazing, thanks so much for sharing. I really need to get into prop making mode, I love the giant fish!
I love these windows! It's so nice to be allowed such a big canvas. I quickly learned that prep was everything. The most useful tip I learned was printing out text back to front onto paper so I could stick it outside and trace it inside – that suddenly made any fonts look really professional (very rare for me!)
Yes you're right, it is a treat, if a little intimidating! At least with paper stuck to the outside you can get a bit of privacy!
Wow! Your windows look fantastic Ruby! Thank you so much for all the detail. Details are the most interesting bits! Good to know that posca will slide off under acrylic and that tip for slowing acrylic drying time. Looking forward to seeing your next window paintings!
Thanks so much Nanette, that's so kind of you! Definitely worth practicing with the Posca/paint combo. Some people seem to make it work!
amazing tips and window ! and all the other artists', too.thsnk you for sharing
Thanks Chris!
Ahhh, thanks for featuring my window lovely Ruby!! It was thanks to you that I did a practice window first! I am a lot slower than you and my windows took me at least a whole day. My first took me two days. Eek!! My other tip would be to download an audiobook. I downloaded Demon Copperfield (Barbara Kingsolver. Deffo recommend, I’ve been enjoying it!).
The props are a great idea, I would definitely do that next time!
Can’t wait to see your next windows - they will be brill!! Xxx
Ooo that's a great idea re the audiobook. I think that would be calming! I found lots of visitors wanted to stop and chat, perhaps headphones would help me stay in the zone!
Awww I'm saving this for hopefully one day when I get to paint a window 😄
Do Clare and I'm sure you will!
Do you ever do windows in other places? I’m a school librarian and I have lots of windows that I would love to decorate in something longer lasting than posters!
Hi Mairi
I would love to decorate a school library window if it is easily accessible from London and not too enormous!
That’s amazing. We’re in Oxfordshire so not far from the Big Smoke! I’d need to chat to the head about it hence my asking ☺️
Such a great read! I paint windows for my work in a health food shop and do displays. I use posca pens but was always worried about how difficult using acrylic paint would be to take off at the end of the display… can you share your experience with this? I’m keen to try it now!
Xx
It's not difficult Amy! You can scrape most of it off. Having said that the booksellers always clean the window but I have asked them and they say it's fine!
I’m really glad my post was helpful - thanks for the mention! Your windows are beautiful and I specially love the tins and packets ❤️
Ah Jane thank you, yours was incredibly helpful to me!
I'd never thought about the artist having to paint the details first! That sounds very tricky so from now on I'll admire painted windows even more than I do already! x
Ahh that's nice Jess! It is a tricky job but everso rewarding!