Jean Hansen Publications
Theorems Make Timely Gifts
by Diane Greco for Jean Hansen Publications
The days are getting shorter, the kids are back to school, and Christmas is just around the corner. Whether
you are a novice student, an advanced stenciler, or a teacher always in search of new class projects, this gift
guide is for you. Using Jean Hansen's highly detailed theorem stencils on a variety of surfaces can help you
create distinctive gifts for everyone on your list-without breaking your budget.
Greeting Cards
These heavyweight Strathmore Greeting Cards with matching envelopes are gifts in themselves when
adorned with any of Jean's St. Nicks or her other Christmas designs. the 5x7 packaging on these smaller
designs make them a perfect fit for all of the standard mats and frames that are available on the market today.
Slip in a packet of mulling spices of a potpourri sachet for that special teacher, favorite bus driver,
or longtime hairdresser. And of course, these cards make great gift certificate presentations for those hard to
buy for people on your list.
Wine Sacks
Tired of giving that same old bottle of bubbly in those foil gift bags? Make it extra special this year
with a muslin wine sack. Again these look great with any of the St. Nick designs in the 8x10 size. They're
also wonderful gift bags for homemade goodies from your own kitchen such as flavored vinegars, canned
preserves, brandied fruits, or Christmas cookies.
Fabulous on Fabric
There is no end to the possibilities for gift ideas when you walk into a fabric store with Jean's
Christmas stencils. There are any number of fabrics out there that coodinate or complement these designs
For the Jingle Bell Stocking and Tree Skirt we found a jingle bell fabric on a hunter green background. For
the table runner we picked up the colors of the pointsettia in red and green calico. All of these items were
quilted to give added dimension.
Don't hesitate to use textured, colored or patterned fabrics for your background. Texture can enhance
your finished theorem -Santa Bear looks great on flannel, the Partridge in a Pear Tree is elegant on antique
raw silk, The St. Nicks are super on a rough textured homespun fabric or fiddlers cloth. Try putting any of
these designs on dark or patterned fabrics by making your own no-sew appliques. First stencil the design on bleached or unbleached muslin. then use" Wonder Under "or "Heat N'Bond "to fuse the design to your background
fabric. This is a great technique for adding your own special touch to children's clothes especially plaids
.and prints.
Magnificent Mats
Mat Board is a wonderful surface for Theorem Painting and Jean's new Lily of the Valley for Mats
and Frames is specifically designed for placement on a precut picture mat. This is a perfect way to mat and
frame poetry, calligraphy, certificates, and wedding invitations. Look for a lot of Jean's new Theorem designs
specifically for mats and frames.
Paper Mache Trays and Boxes
These creative containers are available at most craft and fabric stores, and can make the memory
of your own homemade treats last longer when they can use these decorative accessories year after
year. Simply base coat the unfinished box or tray with White or Ivory acrylic paint, use a darker color for a contrasting band on the rim and then stencil away. The stacking boxes come in all shapes and sizes,and
some the shapes even come in nesting sets of three..Besides the tree for Christmas, there are hearts for Valentine's Day, and egg shaped boxes and baskets for easter. the round, oval, octagonal, and star shapes can be used all year round if faux finished in colors to match the home's decor. Fill each box with homemade baked goods, or faux finished paper mache ornaments and then stack and tie with a wire ribbon.
Creations in Canvas
Creations in Canvas by the Dallee Book Co. has a wide range of canvas gift items in very affordable price ranges. Their three ring notebook makes a great Christmas Memory Album. Coodinate a receipe file with a coupon holder. Since most of Jean's designs are available in 5x7 and 8x10 ~ you can be sure that the stencil
will fit the project. In fact most of the designs can be special ordered in large 18x24 format which is
perfect for the pre-cut canvas floorcloths by Tara. The Tara precut canvas placemats is also another
wonderful surface and make wonderful gifts.
Wonderful on Wood
If your budget allows for an extra special project for that extra special someone, beautifully made bentwood boxes. They have a wide variety of shapes and sizes and are quite a good value considering their quality of construction. The Partridge and Pear Tree, for example, stenciled right on the raw wood, then lightly antiqued with a transparent wash of Asphaltum looks great! This technique gives the finished piece the look of inlaid wood. A larger oval box stenciled with the Morning glories makes a beautiful bride's box when personalized with the couples names and wedding date.
Sensational Slate
Welcome Slates always make a great gift and can be personalized with the recipients name and /or
address. We now stock a complete line of shapes as well as the tradtional antique slate shingles.
Velour Board
Of course everyone of Jean's kits comes with a piece of Velour Board which gives you one surface
medium to start with. The Velour Board, like Watercolor Paper, can be cut to fit any standard size mat or frame. With no preparation or finishing time, this is the quickie of quick gifts. Many of Jean's designs can be finished and in a frame in under two hours. We are especially fond of Sudberry's Finished Trays and Mirrors
(originally designed for needle work) they are an outstanding product to compliment your Theorem painting.
This is just a small sampling of options that are available to you in terms of surfaces., and as you can see the possibilities for gift giving are endless. You can get the most mileage out of those stencils by varying your
surface according to price range for each gift.
Good Luck - and Happy Theorem painting!
