If you've brought a fixer-upper and would like to do some of the work yourself, there's hope if you've never so much as lifted a paintbrush. Learn how to apply Venetian plaster, create a wall mural or paint a glass vase by watching the professionals and then experimenting until you get it right. It's easy to learn decorative and faux painting techniques to help you enhance your walls and create custom home accessories.
1
Take painting and other decorative craft lessons at your local craft store. You can learn several decorative painting techniques as well as beading, sewing, and sand art skills which can help you decorate your home. Call your local Michael's, AC Moore or Hobby Lobby to inquire about available classes in your area. Your local home improvement store may also offer basic wall painting as well as a class that teaches the various faux techniques.
2
Follow a tutorial video about decorative painting techniques. One such popular title is "Donna Dewberry's One Stroke Series." Following the simple illustrations is an easy way to learn both painting and decorating skills. Apply your painting techniques to glasses, vases, trays, bookends and a myriad of other objects to create hand-crafted art as decorations for your home. You can find tutorial videos online and at your local craft store.
3
Learn decorating skills by watching do-it-yourself shows on television. HGTV, TLC and Discovery channels have several series dedicated to showing how to redecorate your home. Learn everything from how to use color in your rooms, how to paint your walls and how to tile your kitchen from professional designers and craftsmen.
4
Subscribe to decorating magazines with layouts that appeal to you. You can get many ideas from magazines that will help you hone your decorating skills through visualization and planning.
5
Visit painting and decorating websites and forums for advice on specific issues and to learn different tips and techniques that have worked for others.
6
Check with your local community colleges and trade schools that may offer lessons in painting and other decorating skills.
