2025 Sepember Newsletter
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.
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…
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.
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?
Until next time, keep your brushes moving and your hearts inspired.
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.
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
Teacher: Rosina Lettre
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.