Tole Painting
Tole painting is a very popular art and craft hobby in America today, and with good reason. This style of
painting utilizes ordinary household objects as potential art. Decorative designs are commonly painted on wood, tin and other metal items.
Unfinished furniture such as chairs, tables, and chests and toy boxes are favored tole painting objects and often become family heirlooms, when
well done. Smaller items, such as coffeepots and jewelry boxes also make good candidates for the art of tole painting.
Tole painting was first practiced in the United States in the 1700's, principally in the New England states and in
Pennsylvania, by German and Scandinavian immigrants. Tole painting evolved from a similar craft, known as rosemaling, which was practiced
throughout Scandinavia and parts of Germany during the same time period. Interestingly, immigrants from Germany favored tin and metal as
their tole painting medium, while Scandinavians more often chose wood and furniture items.
The tradition of tole painting has been kept alive to this day. Although the techniques are the same as those used in the
1700's, the type and materials on which designs are painted have expanded to include just about any surface, including pottery, mirrors, ceramics
and glass. The art of tole painting also bears some similarities to calligraphy and Japanese brush strokes, where a very precise
shape is executed in a single brush stroke. The variations in designs seen in tole painted objects are attained through the arrangement of the
strokes. There are only five major brush strokes in this craft. Their names well describe their shapes: the comma,
teardrop, 'S', 'C' and half-circle strokes. The proper technique requires that the strokes be completed in a single move or stroke of the brush,
without lifting the brush from the object.
Although traditional tole painting purists insist on the use of oil paints, in popular practice, many people
today use acrylic paints for a variety of reasons. Acrylics dry faster and the layering of colors can produce interesting effects. Mastering oil
paints requires more knowledge and experience than acrylics. Acrylic painting is also much easier to clean up after when a project is
finished. The brush strokes lend themselves well to floral designs, which is perhaps one reason flowers are one of the most
popular designs with tole crafters today.
When you're first starting out, it's a good idea to practice your strokes on hardboard or some other inexpensive practice
piece. Beginners often like using purchased patterns from craft stores to get the hang of tole painting techniques. But, sooner or
later, you'll want to try your hand at your first original piece. You'll probably feel very excited to complete this first original. In fact,
much like knitting and crochet, you won't be able to stop! This is a therapeutic craft which gives pleasure, relaxation and a sense of artistic
accomplishment. You'll soon be painting an extensive number of items as gifts, and inviting friends for a painting party. Spread the word! This
craft is a lot of fun.
Tole Painting
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