DRAGONFLY COSMETIC BAG
by Margaret Riley
Find a solid, light color cosmetic bag to paint. This dragonfly will sparkle a smile on your face! Easy to create and a great gift, too!
SUPPLIES
Surface
7” x 9” (approximate size) fabric cosmetic bag
(Note: various sizes of cosmetic bags are available online. Just Google fabric cosmetic bag and pick what you want to paint on, also can be found on-line or in the cosmetic department at most mass merchants.)
Palette
DecoArt SoSoft Fabric Paint
Fuchsia DSS94
Green Apple DSS75
Indian Turquoise DSS79
Lamp Black DSS24
White DSS01
DecoArt Fabric Glitters
Clear Ice DSSFG01
Brushes (any stiff bristle brush)
No. 10/0 liner
No. 12 flat or angle
No. 4 round
Other
Conte’ `a Paris Charcoal Pencil Black 1355 No. 42
Tracing paper and pencil
Tape
DecoArt Fabric Medium
Fabric Block Printing Stamp No. 27191 by Plaid
Black Identi-Pen by Sakura
Ruler
Paper towels
Water basin
Palette or foam plate
Small piece of sponge
Scrap paper (7” x 9”)
INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Use a brush that will accommodate the area to be painted. When using the Identi-pen, be sure your paint is dry.
It is best to draw around the cosmetic bag (or do a measured size on paper) to do the center and checks before applying to the bag. Equally, make checks around the design area. Lightly mark where colors will go to be sure they come out perfectly. Paint checks in colors of choice. The design area is 4” x 6-1/4”.
Pattern Application of dragonfly
1. Trace the pattern onto tracing paper.
2. On the reverse side, retrace pattern lines with the charcoal pencil (keep a sharp point if possible).
3. Tape pattern with traced charcoal lines onto the bag.
4. Retrace design with the flat end of the charcoal pencil.
5. Carefully remove the pattern. With the Identi-Pen and starting at the bottom of the dragonfly, trace all lines. Moving upward will avoid rubbing off the charcoal lines.
6. Once lines are drawn, use your hand to rub off the charcoal pencil lines.
Background and checks
1. Alternate painting checks in Lamp Black, Indian Turquoise, and Green Apple.
2. Paint the background Fuchsia. Allow to dry completely.
3. Lay a piece of scrap paper along checked edges to keep from getting stamp design onto checks.
4. Using a sponge, tap on Lamp Black onto fabric stamp.
5. Apply stamp design where you like and as many as you desire…some partially on the background and some fully in the background. Do not stamp onto the dragonfly. An odd number is more attractive.
Dragonfly body
1. Paint body Indian Turquoise.
2. Mix one-part Lamp Black to three parts Indian Turquoise for shading color.
3. Shade between each body section, between eyes, and along each side of the body.
4. Using White, paint a highlight line along the center. Wipe out brush and soften highlight.
5. Using Fuchsia, lightly paint a horizontal stripe in the center of each section except the top two.
Dragonfly eyes and legs
1. Basecoat each in Green Apple.
2. Add a White highlight in the center of each eye.
3. Using liner brush, paint each leg Lamp Black.
Dragonfly wings
1. Using fabric medium, apply to each wing section.
2. While still wet, randomly blotch and softly add Indian Turquoise with fabric medium in the brush along with paint. Using the medium will help keep the paint thin. Repeat with Fuchsia and Green Apple. Be sure to allow the background of the cosmetic bag to shine through. Allow to dry completely.
FINISHING
1. Mix one-part Lamp Black to three parts Fuchsia for the shading color.
2. Onto background color and above each wing, lightly apply shading color and on the left side of the body to “cast a shadow”. Use liner brush to shade on the left side of each leg (not under the wing area).
3. Use the Identi-Pen to draw in lines in all the wings.
4. When wings are completely dry, apply fabric glitter. One or two coats can be applied.
Reverse side (optional)
Be creative. Add checks to match the opposite side and a stripe in the background color. Use fabric stamp to add more design appeal.
Line Drawing - Download Here
Download Original WORD File Here
If the cosmetic bag needs to be laundered, be sure to wait at least two weeks so the paint has completely dried and cured.
Contact Margaret
Design and Photos ©2021 Margaret Riley