I have been a busy bee painting on my Santa pins and ornaments. This time I have taken photos to show you the step-by-step process, so you can better understand why it takes so much time. In my previous post I estimated it took almost an hour. I’m here to tell you it does take a good hour to prepare one, and it’s a several day process. You’ll understand why after reading the steps it takes. 
After selecting the shells I’m going to use I start by painting them with a primer paint. The dark shells take more than one coat of paint.
Then I sketch how I see the Santa looking. I’m doing more details than I need to because of this post.
I try to use the shape, holes and textures to my advantage in creating the personalities of each Santa.
Then I start blocking in my colors of red, skin tones and white. These sometimes take two or three coats even after priming the shells.
Next comes the fun in creating their personalities by shading the rosy cheeks, designing the mustaches, putting the sparkle in the eyes and so on.
The final step in the painting process is the shadows under the mustache and wherever else I see that it is needed. When finished they are ready for a coat of clear acrylic gloss spray and pin backs. I put the pin backs on so they may be worn, but you can certainly add a hook and hang them on your tree too. My husband wears a small one on his lapel. Some guys have even used them as tie tacks. So you can see these cute little Santa’s are not just for women. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing my process in creating my Jolly Santa’s, and you understand why I’m charging $18 for each unique handcrafted pin.
Next post coming is on my Sea Shell Angels, with a new addition. Keep checking! I do appreciate all your thoughtful and encouraging comments and those of you bookmarking to follow me. God Bless You!
Recent Comments