Books and Video by Kathy Cooper

The Weekend Crafter: Painting Floorcloths

The Weekend Crafter: Painting Floorcloths
20 Canvas Rugs to Stamp, Stencil, Sponge and Spatter in a Weekend
Lark Books, 1999
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If you can brush on a swirl of color, use a rubber stamp, or trace a stencil, you can paint a floorcloth! It's that easy! And the results will astonish you. The 20 projects - complete with step-by-step instructions and photos - feature contemporary colors and eye-catching patterns that complement a range of home decor styles. In addition to small canvas rugs, you'll find place mats, a table runner, and a window valance - each one a perfect weekend project.

Reviews

"I read this book from cover to cover. I am not a painter and have never attempted anything like this before. I wanted to be sure that I was getting all the information I needed to be prepared in painting my first floorcloth. This book is a must have for anyone that wants to start painting floorcloths. The information is very detailed with step by step instructions for many projects. I learned so much about the differences in canvas, paints, techniques, what different tools to have and what they can do. You must check out Kathy Cooper's website. It's great. She has given me the confidence and the background information to enhance my skills as a crafter and artist."

"I got this book from my local library and read it from cover to cover. It was informative, clear and made the process managable for non-painter types (like me). I had to have the book!"


The Complete Book of Floorcloths

The Complete Book of Floorcloths
Designs & Techniques for Painting Great-Looking Canvas Rugs
Lark Books, 1997
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With just a piece of canvas, some waterbased paints, a sewing machine, and a few basic painting tools, you'll be well on your way to creating an exciting new floor covering for your home. In this book you will find all the information and design inspiration you need to make your own beautiful floorcloths. Complete instructions - with illustrations and color photographs - will guide your progress, and works by 65 floorcloth artists will spark your imagination. You can explore the fascinating history of floorcloths and learn the experts' secrets for planning their designs. In addition to a wide variety of surface design techniques, you'll also find 10 floorcloth projects, each fully illustrated and described in step-by-step detail.


Reviews

"I love making my own decorations but I like to finish projects that look tasteful and as nice (or better) than anything I could buy. You can't go wrong with this book, whether you are just starting out or looking for a larger challenge. There are some easier projects as well as ones that are more difficult. You could spend years using this book and not run out of ideas. Plenty of full-color photos, step by step directions and techniques. Worth every penny you spend on this one!"

"I borrowed this book from a friend and had to buy a copy for myself. It gets your right-brain in high gear. If you're looking for the cutesy, folksy arts & crafts flowing out of China these days, forget this one. But if you like to create and like the unique, this is it. Even if you've never done a cloth before, this book will show you step by step and lead you to create a work of art!"


Video

Making Floorcloths with Kathy Cooper
a video workshop
VHS 32 minutes in stereo
Kathy Cooper, 2001
Just Released ... Order Now!

Making floorcloths is fun and easy, thanks to expert Kathy Cooper's tips and techniques. Experience her workshop as she guides you step-by-step through the process of creating a successful painted rug. You'll see examples of contemporary floorcloths, learn about the history of painted floor coverings and hear how to avoid common mistakes. Kathy's experience and insights will help you gain technical skills and confidence for the construction, design and completion of a floorcloth. A variety of colorful examples will give you creative inspiration to make your own beautiful designs.

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Reviews

"...After watching the video I'm convinced that even I can make a floorcloth! Kathy breaks it down and makes it look simple. In the 30-minute video, she discusses paints, canvasses, preparations and then proceeds to make a simple, check floorcloth. Other books I've read have so many steps before you even get to the painting that I'm discouraged to try. The video refers you to Cooper's books (The Weekend Crafter:Painting Floorcloths and The Complete Book of Floorcloths) for design ideas and advanced techniques, but it does stand on its own if you want to create a floorcloth with a basic design...."

Reprinted courtesy of Expression Magazine, 591 Camino de la Reina, San Diego, CA www.expressionartmagazine.com

In addition to Kathy's own books and video, Kathy recommends other instructional and material resources.


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