In our folk art nutcracker ornament series, we're bringing some of our favorite designs from Jo Sonja's 50 year treasury of whimsical design. We will be continuing to add more designs to this collection, both historical and new, as we go along. Also look for other new series coming soon! They do paint fast and, oh, such fun!
Another wonderful outlet for our creative journey, each ornament is done out of mdf and laser cut with intricate detail. The patterns are etched on the surface for ease of painting. If you prefer to not use the etching, it can be painted over with Gesso or Texture paste and then the pattern can be applied - as you prefer.
The Nutcracker, written by ETA Hoffman has brought so many fond memories to all of us. The ballet by Tchaikovsky changes the story a little bit but adds the dance of the snow flakes, the dolls and Sugar Plum fairy. The design for The Nutcracker Prince and the Mouse King was taken from our pattern packet, JP3164. If you have that packet already, you may just purchase the ornament blanks, by selecting it from the options above.
Unpainted ornament:
The Mouse King ornament is about 5 1/2" wide by 4" tall.
Mediums:
Painting medium of choice
Retarder Medium
Clear Glaze Medium
Texture Paste (optional)
Paints:
Jo Sonja’s Artist’s Colors
Purple Madder
Amethyst
Red Violet
Napthol Red Light
Geranium (opaque red)
Orange
Gold Oxide
Marigold (opaque yellow)
Turners Yellow
Blue Violet
Pacific Blue
Brown Earth
Carbon Black
Bisque (Skin Tone Base)
Nimbus Grey
Brilliant Violet
Unbleached Titanium
Titanium White
Rich and/or Pale Gold
Pearl White
Brushes:
Jo Sonja's Sure Touch
#2-3 rounds, #2,4,6 filbert - Basic painting.
#1-2 short liner - Fine details.
#8 Oval Dry Brush - Dry Brushing highlights
3/8” Oval Wash - Use to base larger areas, glazes or apply Retarder Medium.
3/4” mop - Brush out Retarder or glaze
1/2” Oval Wash - Wonderful to varnish cut-outs