Leslie was getting settled after just having moved to Arizona, while as planning her daughter’s bridal shower in New York! A member of the bridal party volunteered to do the bridal shower bottle calligraphy for the DIY table centerpieces. The theme for the shower was roses and rose wine, and the color palette was a beautiful range of pink and blush tones.
The Challenge
Unfortunately, the person who was supposed to paint the bottles backed out. The couple’s initials and a rose illustration were still missing from each wooden wine bottle-shaped cutout! Leslie needed fast, quality work that enhanced the event she was planning. She trusted me to quickly paint, seal, and prepare the bottles for transport to New York from Tucson.
After everything that happened during her cross-country move, Leslie was so grateful to have this one task taken off of her plate!
Inspiration
Leslie painted the bottles prior to bringing them to my studio. She also brought all of the Folk Art paints used so the bottles would match one another. I loved the colors they chose, and I loved coordinating the colors for each bottle!
Tools and Design
This was a simple design of the couple’s initials and a quick rose outline. I made two mockups for Leslie to choose from. Once she decided, I used the bottes to make a template for placing the design. This way, all the bottles would match and the design would be visible above any other parts of the table centerpieces.
Since the bottles were already painted and I had the original paint, all I needed to do was transfer the design to each bottle. Working on my living room floor while watching a movie, I carefully transferred the design to each wooden bottle using a white Saral Paper (not an affiliate link).
Harvest Crittenden introduced me to Saral paper this year at the IAMPETH conference. I didn’t know why she was so specific about this paper until she revealed that it’s erasable!! This is my new favorite tool!
I used masking tape to hold my template in place and a Staedler lead holder to trace the design.
Painting the Bridal Shower Bottle Calligraphy
I used my finest-point paintbrush for the lettering and lining (not pictured). Even if the brush point is fine, the thickness of the paint can still make an unpleasant line.
I used a matte paint medium and distilled water to adjust the consistency of the paint for a smoother flow.
When choosing colors to use for the design on each bottle, I kept the color contrast as high as possible. Apart from making the design large enough to be visible, this was the second most important choice I made. Contrast makes the design MUCH easier to see!
Rather than dipping in between three separate colors for each bottle, I rotated through the bottles using the color I had at hand.
I alternated each color between the initials, the rose illustration, and the horizontal lines representing the label.
The fine brush I used appears in this photo.
In the end, I painted the initials and roses onto 6 bottle cutouts. Leslie also asked me to paint a pink bow onto the white bottle. This was the one that guests were going to sign with their well wishes.
I enjoyed the opportunity to mix paints and build up layers on this beautiful bow!
Sealing the Bottles
Although I alloed these bottles to dry overnight, I was still apprehensive about sealing them with Mod Podge. I didn’t want to ruin the bridal shower bottle calligraphy! I laid out newspaper ads to protect my work surface and arranged paint cones to elevate the bottles form the newspaper.
Then, I stirred the Mod Podge and used a tongue depressor to scoop a small amount of the Mod Podge onto a bottle. Leslie provided sponge-tipped applicators and I dampened one with water to spread the Mod Podge over the bottles.
Working with one bottle at a time, I made sure there were no air bubbles on the front surface. I also smoothed any unsightly blobs at the edges of the bottle where the Mod Podge dripped down the sides. I stood the bottles up to dry overnight.
Packaging
All that was left to do was re-wrap the bottles in the protective materials they came in and place them back in their big bin.
I have specific areas in my studio to keep client work away form claws, paws, and fur, but sometimes the shop kitties get their moment!
My Favorite Part
My favorite part of this project was the challenge of using the fine brush. It’s a sign painting brush with long bristles. With these brushes, you have to learn how to move and use them, trusting them and your skills to make the shapes they’re designed for. This is slow, careful work, and when it’s right, it’s a beautiful thing!
Let Me Do the Lettering
If you don’t want to learn hand lettering or calligraphy for your next event, I may be able to help. Click the image to see available event services. You can also click below to fill out my contact form!
