2025 Sepember Newsletter

From the Office of the President

Tips, Tricks & a Touch of Magic

Hello creative friends!

As the seasons shift and we gather our paints, brushes, and inspiration, I thought it’d be the perfect time to share a few favorite decorative painting tips and tricks to keep your art (and your workspace!) as joyful and efficient as possible:

Turn Your Brush Around- Use the handle end of your brush for perfect dots and berries. No more searching for that elusive stylus!

Baby Wipes are Your Best Friend- Great for quick clean-ups and gentle paint removal when things go off track.

Prep Like a Pro- Lightly sand between coats to keep your surface smooth and professional. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Mix Your Mediums- A little floating medium can make blending shades feel like a dream. Try it with your next flower petal!

Gesso your Stripes- When using tape for things like stripes, first paint with gesso to prevent bleeding.

Protect from Splatter- Use transparent post-it notes to protect the area when splattering for snow effect.

Use a Tooth Pick- Toothpicks create the smallest dots.

Mascara Wand- Use an old and dented mascara wand to assist in assist in getting stuck and dried on paint out of you brushes.

Use your Saran Wrap- When having to step away from painting, take a small piece of moistened shop towel on place loosely around paint brush and then wrap the tip loosely in saran wrap to keep your brush wet and prevent the paint from ruining your brush.

Organize with Style- Re-purpose mason jars, spice racks, or lazy Susan for a studio space that’s both charming and practical.

These little gems have been passed around our community over the years—often whispered between paint strokes or shared at the back table of a workshop. And that brings us to a new season of sharing…

It’s Time for New Board Elections!

Just like in painting, leadership in our chapter thrives when we pass along the right tools and techniques. As we prepare for our upcoming board elections, we invite YOU to consider taking on a role that helps our painting community shine.

Don’t worry, you won’t be starting from scratch!

Our past board members possess a wealth of knowledge and are more than happy to share all the tips, tricks, templates, and time-saving wisdom they’ve gathered during their service. From how to run a meeting smoothly to the best way to organize an event, there’s no need to reinvent the color wheel!

Whether you’re a natural-born organizer, a creative cheerleader, or someone with a heart for community, there’s a place for your talents on the board. It’s a rewarding way to give back, make connections, and help keep the traditions of decorative painting alive and well.

Interested in a Position?

Stay tuned for more details on the nomination process in the coming months—or reach out to a current board member if you’re curious now. We’d love to paint the future of this chapter with you

Until next time, keep your brushes moving and your hearts inspired.

LeeAnn Washatka, President

2025 Seminars and Paint-ins

September 19th-20th (Fri- Sat)   – Seminar canceled - teacher unavalable

October 18th (Saturday)             – Tirzah Probasco - Rosemaling Pumpkin

November 15th (Saturday)         – Rosina Lettre - Water color pen and ink

December                                   – Christmas Party

If you have suggestions for projects for 2026, please let the Board know.

Chapter Dues

It's time to pay 2025 GSDP dues ($15). Checks can be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to the GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.

Christmas Raffles

This year at our Christmas Party we will again be having a special raffle. Scottie Foster has donated a lovely Bavarian Folk art painted tray to GSDP. Scottie's painted pieces are sought after by collectors and she has several pieces in the Smithsonian's collection of painted Christmas ornaments. In 2000 Scottie was voted one of the "10 Top Talents in 2000" by the readers of Decorative Artist's Workbook Magazine! This list of 10 all-time favorite artists "celebrates 10 of the many influential, inspiring and accomplished decorative painters in the field today." 

Tickets will be on sale from now until the drawing at the party. The cost is $1.00 per ticket. You do NOT have to be present to win.

October

Harvest Tidings by JO Sonja

Teacher:         Tirzah Probasco

Cost:                $7.50

Surface:           Pumpkin – 9”x4” or surface of your choice. 

                           If you need a surface, contact Pat (801-476-9366) 

Date:                 October 18^th 10am - 3pm

Palette: Jo Sonja

Tiger Lily               Red Earth

Yellow Orange      Indian Red Oxide

Yellow Oxide         Raw Sienna

Moss Green          Olive Green

Burnt Umber          Russet

Unbleached Titanium

Prep:

Sand surface, wipe clean and then basecoat with Russet mixed with sealer. Dry completely and then transfer the pattern.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

November

Water Color Pen and Ink

Teacher:             Rosina Lettre

Cost:                    $7.50  

Surface:               Will be provided

Date:                   November 15^th 10am – 3pm

Supplies:

Water color paints - primary colors

Various sized bottle caps

Plastic paint palette

        (see below)

Paper towels

Brushes

Ink pen

Prep:

No Prep

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

Gourds

LeeAnn has found a local lady who has gourds for sale. Her name is Nan and she is in West Haven. If you are interested, you need to call her at 801-726-5816 and leave a message and she will call back as she doesn't answer unknown calls. Below are some pictures of the gourds she has.

More Painting Opportunities – Idaho Heritage Retreat

 GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.

 

 2025 August Newsletter

From the Office of the President

Hello Artists,

As we step into August, we find ourselves in a beautiful transition—a shift towards the back-to-school season and the gradual change of leaves that herald autumn. This month is not just about preparing for the new school year; it is also a wonderful opportunity to start thinking about our fall and Christmas projects.

As the air cools and the days shorten, let’s channel this transition into our artwork. August is the perfect time to begin planning those cozy fall scenes and festive holiday pieces. Whether it’s painting vibrant autumn landscapes or painting jolly ole St. Nick, now is the time to let your creativity flow and prepare for the upcoming festivities.

We also want to take a moment to reflect on the lovely tea party we held last month. It was a heartwarming gathering filled with great food, laughter, and a spirit of community. We engaged in our random acts of kindness activity by creating pins that we can wear proudly or give away to brighten someone’s day, spreading kindness wherever we go. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the event a success and for welcoming our newest member, Lyda, into our group. It was a joy to reconnect and strengthen our bonds as a community of artists.

As we embrace this month of transition, let’s inspire one another with our upcoming projects. In August, Terry will be teaching fall flowers with a bee on a gourd, October, Tirzah will be teaching a pumpkin design and Novembers class is still to be determined. December is our annual Christmas party.

For those of you who remember Candice Breen, a one time member of GSDP, we wanted to let you know that she pass away this week. Our condolence to her family.

Sadly, we had to cancel the September pysanka (egg) seminar due to the teacher being unavailable and thus there will not be a paint-in for September.

I will take advantage of September to complete some unfinished projects.

LeeAnn Washatka, President

2025 Seminars and Paint-ins

August 16th (Saturday)              – Terry Pulver - Bee Gourd

September 19th-20th (Fri- Sat)   – Seminar canceled - teacher unavalable

October 18th (Saturday)             – Tirzah Probasco - Rosemaling Pumpkin

November 15th (Saturday)         – Rosina Lettre - Water color pen and ink

December                                   – Christmas Party

If you have suggestions for projects for 2025, please let the Board know.

Chapter Dues

It's time to pay 2025 GSDP dues ($15). Checks can be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to the GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.

Christmas Raffles

This year at our Christmas Party we will again be having a special raffle. Scottie Foster has donated a lovely Bavarian Folk art painted tray to GSDP. Scottie's painted pieces are sought after by collectors and she has several pieces in the Smithsonian's collection of painted Christmas ornaments. In 2000 Scottie was voted one of the "10 Top Talents in 2000" by the readers of Decorative Artist's Workbook Magazine! This list of 10 all-time favorite artists "celebrates 10 of the many influential, inspiring and accomplished decorative painters in the field today." 

Tickets will be on sale from now until the drawing at the party. The cost is $1.00 per ticket. You do NOT have to be present to win.

August

Bee and Sunflower

Teacher            Terry Pulver

Cost:                $7.50

Surface:           Gourd or whatever you want to paint on. 

The Surface needs to be large enough to accommodate a 10''x7" pattern.

Date:                August 16^th 10am - 3pm

Palette: Déco Art

Black                             Cool Neutral

Hauser Green Dark       Cad Yellow  

Hauser Green Medium  Marigold  

Hauser Green Light       Golden Straw  

Burnt Umber                  Burnt Sienna

Titanium White

Honey Brown (or Delta Golden Brown)

Pineapple (or Delta Sunbright Yellow)

Prep:

Lightly sand surface, wipe clean and then basecoat with Honey Brown (or Golden Brown) mixed with sealer. When dry basecoat again with Honey Brown (or Golden Brown). If it does not totally cover, don't worry.  Imperfections add to the interest of the gourd. When totally dry, lightly coat with glazing medium to seal and protect the background. Dry completely and then transfer the pattern except the Bee's wings. If you have time basecoat leaves with Hauser Green Dark.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

October

Harvest Tidings by JO Sonja

Teacher          Tirzah Probasco

Cost:                $7.50

Surface:           Pumpkin – 9”x4” or surface of your choice. 

                           If you need a surface, contact Pat (801-476-9366) 

Date:                 October 18^th 10:30am - 3pm

Palette: Jo Sonja

Tiger Lily               Red Earth

Yellow Orange      Indian Red Oxide

Yellow Oxide         Raw Sienna

Moss Green          Olive Green

Burnt Umber          Russet

Unbleached Titanium

Prep:

Sand surface, wipe clean and then basecoat with Russet mixed with sealer. Dry completely and then transfer the pattern.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

More Painting Opportunities – Idaho Heritage Retreat

 GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.

 2025 July Newsletter

From the Office of the President

Dear Friends and Fellow Artists,

I hope this message finds you well and inspired. I’m excited to invite you to a special Tea Party this July, where we’ll come together to enjoy fellowship, creativity, and a meaningful new tradition—Random Acts of Kindness (RAKs) through art.

RAKs are small, hand-painted tokens of appreciation gifted to others to brighten their day and spread kindness. This uplifting movement was inspired by decorative artist Tracy Moreau, who began offering free painting patterns to encourage artists to participate. These pieces are often painted on small wood shapes and turned into pins or pendants—then gifted to strangers, friends, or anyone we wish to appreciate.

Since Tracy began this initiative, artists around the world have joined in, and Deco Art has also lent their support. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the smallest gesture can have a powerful impact.

Although we are all creators, there is something extra special about receiving a handmade piece from someone whose work we admire. During our paint-ins and events, these exchanges become moments of connection, encouragement, and joy.

Event Highlights: 

Theme: Christmas in July and Halloween Fun Tea Party

    RAK Projects:

            A holiday-themed Christmas in July pin to make

            A festive Halloween pin to make

    Tea Party Gathering – Bring a dish or treat to share and a new friend who would love to learn to paint

    Idea Exchange Table – Share or display your RAK design ideas

Whether you’re painting your first RAK or your fiftieth, this event is a perfect opportunity to participate in something meaningful while enjoying one another company.

Let’s celebrate the power of art, kindness, and community. I look forward to sharing this special day with all of you and hopefully make some new friends. See photos of projects and the tea party sign up sheet for on ideas of what to bring.

Let’s spill some tea!

LeeAnn Washatka, President

2025 Seminars and Paint-ins

July 19th (Saturday)                   – Tea Party and RAKs

(Time changed due to conflicts with Westwood Village)

August 16th (Saturday)              – Terry Pulver - Bee Gourd

September 19th-20th (Fri- Sat)   – Seminar canceled - teacher unavalable

October 18th (Saturday)             – Tirzah Probasco - Rosemaling Pumpkin

November 15th (Saturday)         – TBA

December                                   – Christmas Party

If you have suggestions for projects for 2025, please let the Board know.

Chapter Dues

It's time to pay 2025 GSDP dues ($15). Checks can be made out to Golden Spike Decorative Painters and mailed to the GSDP care of Pat Reeder at 470 W 4900 S, Washington Terrace, UT 84405.

Christmas Raffles

This year at our Christmas Party we will again be having a special raffle. Scottie Foster has donated a lovely Bavarian Folk art painted tray to GSDP. Scottie's painted pieces are sought after by collectors and she has several pieces in the Smithsonian's collection of painted Christmas ornaments. In 2000 Scottie was voted one of the "10 Top Talents in 2000" by the readers of Decorative Artist's Workbook Magazine! This list of 10 all-time favorite artists "celebrates 10 of the many influential, inspiring and accomplished decorative painters in the field today." 

Tickets will be on sale from now until the drawing at the party. The cost is $1.00 per ticket. You do NOT have to be present to win.

July

Tea Party and RAKs

Cost:                  $7.50  Members

                           $0       Guests

Surface:             Provided

Date:                  July 19^th 10am - 2pm

(Time changed due to conflicts with Westwood Village)

RAK Projects:

• A holiday-themed Christmas in July pin 

• A festive Halloween pin 

Below is a list of the paints and supplies used for RAK projects. Don't worry if you don't have everything. Bring what you have and we will provide the rest. Don't forget your tea cup. Tea always tastes better from a pretty porcelain cup than a paper cup. If you are bringing a guest, please RSVP to LeeAnn (801-391-3556) so we can make sure to have enough surfaces for everyone.

                                                                             

 Palette: Déco Art

Hauser Green Lt                Forest Green

Bahama Blue                     True Blue

Asphaltum                          Lamp Black

Tuscan Red                        Warm White

Paint Adhesion Medium 

Decoupage medium

Varnish

RAK Projects

Class supplies needed:

Paint palette, water bucket and paper towels

Paint brushes

Transfer paper and stylus

Tracing Paper

Pen and Pencil

Emery board or sanding block

Hair dryer 

                                                                             

Prep:

No prep required  

                                                                            

           

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

August

Bee and Sunflowers

Cost:                $7.50

Surface:           Gourd or whatever you want to paint on. The Surface needs to be large enough to accommodate a 10''x7" pattern.

Date:                August 16^th 10am - 3pm

Palette: Déco Art

Black                             Cool Neutral

Hauser Green Dark       Cad Yellow  

Hauser Green Medium  Marigold  

Hauser Green Light       Golden Straw  

Burnt Umber                  Burnt Sienna

Titanium White

Honey Brown (or Delta Golden Brown)

Pineapple (or Delta Sunbright Yellow)

Prep:

Lightly sand surface, wipe clean and then basecoat with Honey Brown (or Golden Brown) mixed with sealer. When dry basecoat again with Honey Brown (or Golden Brown). If it does not totally cover, don't worry.  Imperfections add to the interest of the gourd. When totally dry, lightly coat with glazing medium to seal and protect the background. Dry completely and then transfer the pattern except the Bee's wings. If you have time basecoat leaves with Hauser Green Dark.

The Paint-in will be held at the Westwood Village Clubhouse 1111 N. 2000 W., Farr West, UT).Take I-15 #346 and go north on 2000 W/UT-126 0.6 of mile. The Clubhouse is on the west side of the street with parking on the west side of the building.

More Painting Opportunities – Idaho Heritage Retreat

 GSDP 's mission is to educate the community on the traditions of decorative folk art painting and to preserve these cultural legacies for future generations. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive space to connect, create and inspire one another while fostering a vibrant community.