Tole Painting Designers & Sources
jule...@intr.net
affiliated with any companies, just a "craft-a-holic" as my husband calls it. I've been tole painting for 6 years, before
that, several years of Oil, and a miserably failed attempt at watercolor. These are some of my opinions. Anybody
have something to add? I could stand to learn more too.
Here's a list of some designers and some of their pattern books, they cover not
only tole, but mixed media, such as Pen&Ink with tole (my absolute favorite!) or watercolor or watered
acrylic washes. These designers usually advertise their latest
designs in the Tole magazines. I have a hard time finding them in my local
craft shops. As a general sources for books & supplies (which I have been
extremely satisfied with) are:
The Artist's Club, 5750 N.E. Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213 (800)845-6507
(They sell books & supplies less than retail. I order most everything from Artist's Club)
Viking Wood Crafts, 1317 8th St, S.E., Waseca, MN 56093 (507)835-8043
(they carry exceptional quality often hard to find painting objects etc...)
Kathi Walters has a series of books (about 30 pages each) entitled "Pipsqueaks."
(She also has many others). They contain the most darling detailed Pen&Ink+
Country Designs. She is by far my absolute Favorite designer. Her design books
are nicely laid out with spelt out paint color names (not just the initials
which drive me crazy). Her general directions are 1 page long, not really
geared to the absolute beginner, although the techniques can be done by a
beginner. As a matter of fact, it was one of Kathi's books, and an afternoon
with a dear friend that got me hooked! The individual project directions are
quite clear. FABULOUS inspiration to practice pen & Ink. I hope to take a class
from her some day at a convention or something.
Pipka has the world's best "Old World SANTA" designs. Her pictures and patterns
are clear, but the word descriptions leave a bit to be desired. (I'm being
picky here, I own almost every single one of her books). A must have.
Again, the general instruction page is probably not enough for a beginner, but
WOW something to look forward to!
Juliet Martin has beautiful tole painting christmas designs (also about 30
pages) entitled "Christmas Elegance." Her books are also beautiful. The
patterns are not as "crisp" as they could be, but they are very good.
Darcie Hunter also does pen & Ink things using very similar techniques as Kathi
Walters. Her designs are simpler with less detail. Her series of books is
called "Country Folk," again, I have them all!
Jean Meyers & Shirley Wilson have hundreds of books. One series includes
"Blackberry Summer," and has precious teddy bears. Their books are primarily
tole, and don't use Pen & Ink. (They have however started carrying Rubber
Stamps... this is really going to be the death of my checking account.) They
have their own mail order company: (I've been pleased with their service.)
LadyBug Art Center, 1901 East Bennett, Springfield, MO 65804 (417) 883-4708.
One final one I just have to mention is Cheri. Her "Cute as a Button" series is
just that. Very stylized angels, and people with chubby legs and arms, happy
faces and 2 tiny dots for eyes. The Pen & Ink is typically Dash Dot lines. Her
style is definately country.