Mini 1x1 Barn Quilt Workshops - Participant Info

What to Expect

We are going to have a lot of fun! In this 3-hour workshop, you will focus on:

• drawing your grid and barn quilt design on a 12 inch x 12 inch (1x1) aluminum composite sign board using a provided template; then

• taping off sections and painting using a sponge dabbing technique.

Don't worry if you aren't done at the end of the workshop; you will be allowed to take small portions of your paint colors home, along with some clips/sponges and some tape, to complete the project at your leisure. 

Select a Barn Quilt Design & Colors

To maximize your time at the workshop, please preview and choose a barn quilt design to create from the instructor's set of mni 1x1 barn quilt design templates in advance of the workshop. By doing this...

1. You will have time to consider carefully if the design is the right one for you (this primarily has to do with the complexity of the design and what you are comfortable with drawing/taping/painting). The designs in my mini 1x1 standard set are suitable for a small barn quilt and are sorted by level of difficulty (1-4).  

2. This will also give you time to select your colors. I will have a variety of colors available for you to select from at no extra cost. You will be able to mix/lighten colors.  If you wish to use your own custom colors, you will need to purchase those yourself (and at your own expense) at a paint store or Lowes Hardware prior to the workshop. Be sure to purchase a durable outdoor-quality paint. I use the sample sizes by Sherwin Williams (Interior/Exterior; available in Satin sheen only, which is my preferred sheen; approximately $7 each).  Valspar Duramax is another good option (approximately $26 per quart).

Special Considerations

Are you going to hang your barn quilt outdoors? While using outdoor-quality paint (like Valspar Duramax or Sherwin-Williams/HGTV Home Interior/Exterior) is a good start, it is also recommended to apply a couple of coats of Spar urethane using a clean sponge roller for extra protection. This should be done after allowing your paint to fully dry for a few days. 

Note regarding spar urethane and the color white: Spar urethane will result in any bright whites taking on a cream-colored hue. If you are using a substantial amount of white and/or you really want the white to remain bright white, then I recommend using Polycrylic and be sure to use the highest quality outdoor paint possible Polycrylic doesn't have the same degree of UV protection that Spar Urethane does, but it also doesn't darken your colors to any degree.

Hanging your barn quilt: Please note that hardware (screws, anchors, etc.) to hang your barn quilt is NOT provided, since different mounting surfaces require different hardware. We will discuss this further in class and address your specific needs.

What to Bring

All supplies, unless you are bringing your own custom paint colors, are provided. Be sure to wear clothes that you won't mind getting some paint on (aprons are available). Feel free to bring snacks and beverages. 

Preview a Demo

Watch your instructor paint an original design entitled "Barn Cats".  This short hyperlapse video demonstrates the taping and painting portions of the process.