A simple little hand-painted harlequin tea pot is still worthy of a story. Especially when the tea pot belongs to a repeat client of mine.
My client has asked that I create a teapot that coordinates with her beloved hand-painted grandfather clock that she purchased from me. You can see that project HERE.
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The Design Plan
Having the grandfather clock as the inspiration for this piece made choosing the color palette easy! I chose black, white, pink, coral, aqua and blue.
The only request was to include black and white harlequin, pinks and gold....which is a given for almost all my projects....so that was easy!
Prepping the Teapot for Paint
All of my tea service pieces are always primed with two coats of Slick Stick for proper adhesion that will hold up to everyday use.
It's very easy to use by just simply following the directions on the jar. My only extra recommendation is to apply it in a stippling motion vs. a brushed on technique.
I followed the slick stick with a single coat of Fluff over the entire pot.
Supplies Used
Posh Pigments - Antique Gold
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Hand-Painted Harlequin Tea Pot Design
Creating the Harlequin Pattern
Using a pencil, I drew out my harlequin design on the lower portion of the pot. I just eyeballed this process vs measuring or using tape.
PRO TIP: It is very important when working in a circle and using just two colors of paint in a pattern that you are sure to create an even number of spaces so your alternating color pattern remains in tact.
I marked my harlequin pattern with B's for all my black diamonds to help me stay on track when painting the pattern. Using a 1/4" angled brush I then filled in each diamond marked with a B with Caviar.
PRO TIP: I also want to mention this washable pencil! It is a lifesaver for those of us that love to draw out our patterns. Your mistakes or exposed pencil lines will simply wipe away with a damp cloth! It is a real game changer!
Adding Color to the Tea Pot Body
I painted the lid on the pot in a circular black and white checkered pattern.
The combination of pink and coral is a favorite of mine and is also a color combo that is featured on the grandfather clock. I achieved this by painting a base coat of Flamingo on the main body of the pot.
Once dry I began to blend in the deep pink of Peony over the Flamingo using spritzed water as a carrier for the blend. I then used a microfiber cloth to blot off the excess paint leaving a beautiful mottled look of both colors.
The handle and the spout were painted in a single coat of The Gulf.
Once dry, I used a small brush to add the powerful Cobalt Blue to specific areas... again... spritzing with water and blotting back with a microfiber rag for this gorgeous washed blue look.
I really wasn't liking the hard line between the black and white patterns and the colorful body....so I decided to add a decoratively painted edge. Using my oil based white marker.....I added a scalloped edge to the upper and lower area of the coral body.
I absolutely love this detail!
Floral Design Transfer
I really wanted to add a floral feature to the body of the little tea pot but I didn't want to overpower it with more color. So I chose the see through outlined florals of the Buds & Branches design transfer.
I simply chose a few florals and an adorable butterfly....and applied them per the directions on the tube.
It was exactly what this tea pot needed!
More Tea Set Designs!! Click on any photo below for full blog details and photos...
Gold Accents!
Now to bring it all home with the requested gold finish! I chose Posh Pigments in Antique Gold to mix with Top Coat in Gloss.....stirred well....and painted the feet and finial of the tea pot!
Adding the Finishing Details
The very last detail added was the Honky Tonk Red polka dots to the harlequin pattern.
The grandfather clock has very small added details of bold red as well so I felt this was very fitting. I used a pencil eraser to paint little dots to each harlequin intersection. This is a fun way to add dots!
And at the very last minute, I decided the white scalloped edges needed a row of tiny gold dots over every curve.
I used a tiny little dotting tool that I found on Amazon.....I actually bought a set that offers multiple sizes. But to be honest, I've used the tip end of a paint brush handle for years and it works just as well!
Once completely dry....I applied two coats of Top Coat Satin for the protective finish!
The Finished Look: Little Harlequin Tea Pot
I am really happy with this finished harlequin tea pot....even though it's my very first tea pot that didn't belong to a full set including a tray and other serving pieces!
I think it's perfectly capable of stealing the show all on its own!
This was a VERY quick recap but certainly enough to get you started! I have a full 2-hour class that will guide you step-by-step through the entire process for a successfully painted tea set that you can be proud of!!! Get it here.
It is less than $30 and you'll get a full supply list and lifetime access so you can be a tea set-making MACHINE!!!
More Inspiration: Hand Painted Tea Sets!!
I LOVE painting tea sets! I have painted many many different styles over the years and I'd like to share some of my favorites with you!
Sweet Tooth Tea Set - good enough to eat!
Whimsical Tea Set - Alice in Wonderland whimsical fun
Mickey's Tea Set - Who's Team Disney?
Queen of Heart Tea Set - whimsically unique and never boring
Steam Pump Tea Set - edgy and bold...and very different from my signature style
Itty Bitty Tea Set - see the smallest ever hand painted tea set
If you like this whimsical style of decor, be sure to visit my Whimsical Home Decor Ideas blog with over a dozen fun DIY decor ideas for your home.
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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