WO2011056571A2

WO2011056571A2 - Holiday stocking kits and bags for artists

Info

Publication number: WO2011056571A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/054094
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tran Nguyen-Bankson
Original assignee: Tran Nguyen-Bankson
Priority date: 2009-10-27
Filing date: 2010-10-26
Publication date: 2011-05-12
Also published as: WO2011056571A3

Abstract

An artistic stocking or bag including an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted or otherwise decorated. The stocking or bag can also include a pattern printed onto the outer layer, and the pattern can be visible through the paintable surface. The stocking or bag can also include a pattern printed onto the paintable surface. Also, disclosed is a kit including a canvas stocking or bag, having an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted. The paintable surface includes gesso, acrylic gesso, and/or soy-based gesso; and one or more of a color set including paints, a coloring apparatus set including paintbrushes, knives, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, and/or chalk; a color theory poster including a plurality of multi-colored color wheels and a plurality of uncolored color wheels.

Description

HOLIDAY STOCKING KITS AND BAGS FOR ARTISTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation in part of US patent application no.

12/607,023, filed October 27, 2009, incorporated herein by reference and claims the benefit of US provisional patent application no. 61/313,788, filed March 14, 2010, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0002] The following relates to decorative stockings and bags suitable as artwork, and to customizable holiday stocking kits.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Stockings have long been used as decorations and to hold small gifts to children and loved ones. Such stockings are especially related to the Christmas Holiday. Christmas stockings are available in a variety of colors, styles, shapes, and sizes. Customizable stockings, which can be decorated and personalized by the user, exist, but are plagued by many problems. The surfaces of known customizable stockings do not readily accept various types of artistic media, such as paint and inks, which often smear or run when wet, and crack when dry.

[0004] A need exists, therefore, for a customizable holiday stocking. It would be desirable to provide a stocking with a paintable surface that readily accepts artistic media and which preserves the integrity of a work of art created on the surface of the stocking. It would also be desirable to provide a kit containing such a stocking as well as other items useful to facilitate high- quality, artistic decoration thereof.

[0005] A need also exists, therefore, for a customizable gift bag as well as a customizable tote bag. It would be desirable to provide such a gift or tote bag with a paintable surface that readily accepts artistic media and which preserves the integrity of a work of art created on the surface of the bag. It would also be desirable to provide a kit containing such a bag as well as other items useful to facilitate high-quality, artistic decoration thereof.

SUMMARY

[0006] One embodiment relates to a stocking comprising an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted. The paintable surface can include a component selected from gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof. The outer layer can be constructed from a material including canvas. The outer layer can define a void accessible via an opening. The stocking can also include an inner layer, affixed to the outer layer, and lining the void. The stocking can also include one or more tie straps for hanging the stocking. The stocking can also include a pattern printed or silk screened onto the outer layer or onto the gesso coating on the outer layer; or the pattern may be woven into the outer layer. If a pattern is under the paintable surface layer the pattern is visible through the paintable surface layer.

[0007] In particular it includes an artwork stocking comprising an outer layer, wherein the outer layer has an outer surface, and a gesso coating covering at least part of the outer surface. The gesso comprises a component selected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof and the gesso coats 10 to 100%, typically 50 to 100% of the outer surface. Typically, the outer layer comprises canvas.

[0008] Another embodiment relates to a kit including the above- described stocking and one or more of a color set, a coloring apparatus set, a color theory poster, a blank template, and a completed template. The stocking can include an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted. The paintable surface can include gesso, acrylic gesso, and/or soy-based gesso. The outer layer can be made from a material including canvas. The color set can include acrylic paint, oil paint, water- based paint, pigmented gels, and/or glitter. Typically the acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint, pigmented gels contain pigment but binder is optional. More typically the acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint, pigmented gels do not contain a binder. In other words, in one embodiment the acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint, pigmented gels employed in the present invention may be free of binder or substantially free of binder, e.g., with less than 0.01 wt% binder based on overall paint composition. Unlike fabric paints which employ a binder, the present gesso coating itself has the property of the binder and therefore any pigment can optimally adhere to the surface of this gesso coating. The markers for use in the present invention are typically "pigment markers" so they work well with gesso. Such pigment markers contain pigment but binder is optional. Thus, they may have an absence of binder, since the gesso surface makes the presence of binder in the marker unnecessary. In other words, in one embodiment the markers employed in the present invention may be free of binder or substantially free of binder, e.g., with less than 0.01 wt% binder based on overall coloring composition in the marker. The coloring apparatus set can include

paintbrushes, knives, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, and/or chalk. The kit may include a blank template. The blank template can include a pattern corresponding to a pattern printed on the stocking or bag or woven into the stocking or bag. The completed template can include a pattern corresponding to a pattern printed on the stocking and a motif printed on the pattern. The kit can also include one or more of glue, stickers, iron-on decals, and pre-cut lettering. The kit may include craft paper (collage or decoupage). The kit may also include suggested motifs on separate pieces of paper. Typically the motifs can be any of a wide number of images, for example, holiday themes, animals, flowers, people, sports, abstract designs, seasons, e.g., winter, nutcrackers, ginger bread houses. Typically the motif is supplied on a poster enclosed with the kit.

[0009] A particular embodiment relates to a kit including a canvas stocking, having an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted, wherein the paintable surface includes gesso, acrylic gesso, and/or soy-based gesso; and one or more of a color set including paints; a coloring apparatus set including paint brushes, spatula, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, and/or chalk; a color theory poster including a plurality of multi-colored color wheels and a plurality of uncolored color wheels. The color theory poster can include a plurality of multi-colored color wheels and a plurality of uncolored color wheels.

[0010] Another embodiment relates to a gift bag or tote bag comprising an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the bag to be painted. The paintable surface can include a component selected from gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof. The outer layer can be constructed from a material including canvas. The outer layer can define a void accessible via an opening. The bag can also include an inner layer, affixed to the outer layer, and lining the void. The bag can also include one or more tie straps for carrying the bag. The bag can also include a pattern printed or silk screened onto the outer layer or onto the gesso coating on the outer layer; or the pattern may be woven into the outer layer. If a pattern is under the paintable surface layer the pattern is visible through the paintable surface layer.

[0011] Another embodiment relates to a kit including the above- described bag and one or more of a color set, a coloring apparatus set, a color theory poster, a blank template, and a completed template.

[0012] Many other aspects and examples will become apparent from the following disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] To further explain describe various aspects, examples, and inventive embodiments, the following figures are provided.

[0014] FIG. 1 A shows a diagram of a stocking;

[0015] FIG. 1 B shows a diagram of a cross-section of the stocking of FIG. 1A simplified to schematically show how layers are attached;

[0016] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a color set;

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a coloring apparatus set;

[0018] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a color theory poster;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a stocking; [0020] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a plurality of blank templates;

[0021] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a plurality of completed templates

[0022] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a color application set;

[0023] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the stocking of FIG. 1 A if made by a first manufacturing method and simplified to have outer layers and no inner layers; and

[0024] FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a modified version of the stocking of FIG. 1A if made by a second

manufacturing method and simplified to have outer layers and no inner layers.

[0025] FIG. 1 1 shows a modified version of the stocking of FIG. 1 B with stripes of gesso on the surface, alternating stripes of gesso with uncoated areas of canvas.

[0026] FIG. 12A shows a diagram of a gift bag.

[0027] FIG. 12B shows a diagram of a cross-section of the bag of FIG. 12A simplified and omitting handles to schematically show how layers are attached;

[0028] It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The functions described as being performed at various

components can be performed at other components, and the various components can be combined and/or separated. Other modifications can also be made.

[0030] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether or not explicitly indicated. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Numerical ranges include all values within the range. For example, a range of from 1 to 10 supports, discloses, and includes the range of from 5 to 9. Similarly, a range of at least 10 supports, discloses, and includes the range of at least 15.

[0031] FIG. 1A shows a diagram of a stocking 101 having an outer layer 102 that can be coated or provided with at least one paintable surface 103. The paintable surface 103 can be transparent, translucent, or have a solid color, such as, white. The paintable surface can coat or cover all or a part of the outer layer 102. Stocking 101 can have a front outer layer and a rear outer layer, both of which can be provided with a paintable surface 103.

Outer layer 102 can be constructed of one or more of canvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, and fabric. Front outer layer and rear outer layer can be unitary or be attached by a seam at their perimeters while defining an opening 104 by not being attached at their top edges.

[0032] FIG. 1 B shows a diagram of a cross-sectional view, along line A shown in FIG. 1A. Referring to FIG. 1 B, the outer layer 102 of stocking 101 has opposed front and rear outer layers, 108, 1 12, respectively, with front and rear paintable coatings, 109, 1 1 1 , respectively. The front outer layer 108 has the front paintable surface 109 adhering thereto. Front paintable surface 109 can be affixed, secured, or applied to front outer layer 108. For example, gesso is a paintable surface coating 109 applied to the canvas front outer layer 108 which adheres to the canvas. Front paintable surface 109 can be made integral with front outer layer 108 in the sense that once the gesso is applied the coating adheres to the canvas outer layer. As seen in FIG. 1 B the paintable surface coating 109 of gesso forms the outermost surface so paint, or other coloring, can be directly applied to the gesso of the paintable surface coating 109. As seen in FIG. 1 B there is no additional coating over the gesso of paintable surface coating 109.

[0033] Still referring to FIG. 1 B, stocking 101 can also have a rear outer layer 1 12. Rear outer layer 1 12 can be secured to front outer layer 108 at one or more seams. For example, rear outer layer 1 12 can be secured to front outer layer 108 at first seam 1 14 and/or at second seam 1 16. Rear outer layer 1 12 can be separate from or integral with front outer layer 108. Rear outer layer 1 12 can also have a rear paintable surface 1 1 1 . Rear paintable surface 1 1 1 can be affixed, secured, or applied to rear outer layer 1 12. Rear paintable surface 1 1 1 can be made integral with front outer layer 1 12 in the sense that once the gesso is applied the coating adheres to the canvas outer layer. As seen in FIG. 1 B the paintable surface coating 1 1 1 of gesso forms the outermost surface so paint, or other coloring, can be directly applied to the gesso of the paintable surface coating 1 1 1 . As seen in FIG. 1 B there is no additional coating over the gesso of paintable surface coating 1 1 1 .

[0034] Traditional artist's canvasses for use in the invention are formed of linen, cotton, polyester or cotton/polyester mix materials and my all be employed with the present invention. Linen is particularly suitable for the use of oil paint. Cotton canvas, often referred to as "cotton duck", which stretches more fully and has an even, mechanical weave, offers a more economical alternative to linen. The advent of acrylic paint has greatly increased the popularity and use of cotton duck canvas. Linen and cotton derive from two entirely different plants, the flax plant and the cotton plant. As mentioned above polyester or polyester/cotton blends are suitable as canvas. Cotton acrylic blends are also suitable as canvas. Also, other materials such as nylon, silk or polyester are suitable as canvas for use in the present invention. For example, US patent no. 4,720,406 to Dixon discloses a suitable canvas including a flexible substrate material such as open weave nylon, silk or polyester. The substrate has a surface coating of a refined animal glue which forms a translucent glaze as the painting surface. Generally the canvas is woven fabric.

[0035] At least a portion of the paintable surface 103 is coated with one or more layers of gesso. In the present invention gesso may be any of traditional gesso, acrylic gesso or soy-based gesso. Typically about 10 to 100%, more typically 50 to 100%, e.g., 90 to 100%, of the outer surface on at least one side of the stocking is coated with the gesso. Generally, about 10 to 100%, or 10 to 90%, or 10 to 50%, more typically, 50 to 100%, e.g., 90 to 100%, of the outer surface of each of the two opposed sides of the stocking is coated with the gesso. For example, one could apply the gesso as stripes 2 on the surface, alternating stripes of gesso with uncoated areas of canvas as shown in stocking 101 A of FIG. 1 1 . FIG. 1 1 shows a modified version of the stocking of FIG. 1 B with stripes 2 of gesso on the surface, alternating stripes of gesso with uncoated areas 3 of canvas.

[0036] Gesso is an art supply used as surface preparation or primer for painting with acrylic or oil paints. Gesso resembles paint but is thinner and dries hard. Typically gesso is applied with a brush and must dry before the surface can be painted. Gesso makes the surface a little stiffer and smoother. It also prevents paint from soaking into the support (canvas, paper, wood, etc.), and it gives the surface a little more texture (called "tooth"), so the paint sticks better.

[0037] Preparation varies according to intended use, but usually traditional gesso is a mixture of animal glue with powdered plaster, chalk (calcium carbonate), or gypsum. This traditional gesso was equal volumes filler or chalk dust, white pigment either from the powdered chalk or another mineral such as zinc, and animal-skin, e.g., rabbit skin, glue, which were then heated and stirred.

[0038] Acrylic gesso which may be employed as one or more layers for the paintable surface 103 of the canvas is a water-based acrylic gesso.

Acrylic gesso is suitable as a primer for oil painting and acrylics. Acrylic gesso is a combination of calcium carbonate with an acrylic polymer medium latex, a pigment and other chemicals that ensure flexibility, and ensure long archival life. The pigment is usually titanium dioxide or titanium white added as a whitening agent, thereby allowing the gesso to remain flexible enough to use on canvas. Such gesso can provide a permanent and brilliant white substrate. Acrylic gesso retains the absorbent qualities of traditional gesso but is more flexible, and therefore more easily used on canvas. An example of acrylic gesso is LIQUITEX gesso, which is an acrylic gesso, used to prepare painting surfaces for acrylic and oil paint. Acrylic gesso can be sold premixed for both sizing and priming a canvas for painting.

[0039] Although originally gesso only came in white, gesso now comes in many colors. White, black, or colored gesso may be used in the present invention. Gesso can be colored during the manufacturing process by replacing the titanium white with another pigment, such as carbon black, or by the artist directly. For example, the artist can color the gesso using

watercolor, acrylic paint, or another coloring agent, to tint the surface to be painted. Canvases with gesso already applied are available commercially. For example, colors can be added to acrylic gesso.

[0040] The paintable surface 103 can include one or more layers of soy- based gesso. Soy-based gesso is a low emitting bio-based gesso made from recycled soy content. Soy gesso can be made with bio-based dispersion technology that uses a soy ester with a modified soy-vegetable oil acrylic. The surface is similar to acrylic gesso, but is not a solid acrylic. Soy gesso is made using a thin film of a modified acrylic and the soy ester. The

penetration and adhesion of the soy ester to the substrate and the thin film of modified acrylic may have advantages in creating a surface that allows a physical bond between the gesso and the oil paint. In addition, the thinner modified acrylic film is less resistant to cracking than a solid acrylic gesso. Soy-based gesso is low emitting so it is advantageous.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1A, stocking 101 also has an opening 104. Opening 104 allows various objects to be placed within stocking 101 . FIG. 1 B also shows the opening 104 of stocking 101 . Opening 104 can extend through all or a portion of the interior of stocking 101 .

[0042] The interior of stocking 101 can optionally be provided with an inner layer 107. Inner layer 107 can be constructed of plastic, silk, cotton, wool, or any other suitable material. Inner layer 107 may be made of opposed front and pack inner layer portions 1 10, 1 13 which may be attached by one or both of seams 1 15, 1 17.

[0043] The inner layer 107 can be completely attached to the inner walls of the front outer layer 108 and the rear outer layer 1 12 to form a laminate. Inner layer 107 can merely be attached to the front outer layer 108 and to rear outer layer 1 12 about the opening or by the first seam 1 14 and/or the second seam 1 16. Inner layer 107 can also include on or more seams. For example, inner layer 107 can have a first seam 1 15 and/or a second seam 1 17. First outer layer seam 1 14 can be merged or made into a single seam with first inner layer seam 1 15. Second outer layer seam 1 16 can be merged or made into a single seam with second inner layer seam 1 17. The seam can typically be formed by thread or by adhesive.

[0044] Stocking 101 can also be provided with a first tie strap 105 and a second tie strap 106 to allow a user to hang the stocking. Instead of or in addition to tie straps one or more loops can be employed. The tie straps or loops can be constructed of one or more of canvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, and fabric.

[0045] Stocking 101 can be from about 1 to 60 inches in length "L". For example, length "L" may typically range from 10 to 18 inches. The length "L" being measured from opening 104 to the heel of the stocking. Opening 104 can be a distance of from about 1 to 36 inches long, for example, 5 to 12 inches, and can span the width "W" of stocking 101 . Width "W" can be a distance of from about 1 to 36 inches long. The distance "D" from the heel to the toe of the stocking can be from about 1 to 48 inches, for example 8 to 18 inches.

[0046] A pattern can be applied onto the paintable surface 103 or onto the outer layer 102 (not shown in FIG. 1 A or in FIG. 1 B, but see an example of a pattern on FIG. 5). When the pattern is applied to the outer layer 102 or woven into the outer layer, the paintable surface 103 overlaying the pattern can be translucent to allow the user to see the pattern.

[0047] The outer surfaces of the stocking are covered at least in part with a gesso to provide a paintable surface. Typically 10 to 100%, more typically 50 to 100% of at least one the opposed outer layers 108, 1 12 have a gesso coating, 109, 1 1 1 . More typically 10 to 100%, more typically 50 to 100% of at each of the opposed outer layers 108, 1 12 have a gesso coating, 109, 1 1 1 . Unlike shirts and ties hand painted with fabric paint the present invention provides a gesso surface. This gesso surface provides a surface upon which a detailed fine art graphic or image can be applied with paint or any of a wide variety of mediums. In contrast, the shirts and ties hand painted with fabric paint do not have such a coating and thus they use fabric paint, which is a fast drying paint, to try to control bleeding of the paint. However, this does not permit the control of paint distribution achieved by the gesso layer.

[0048] In a first method of manufacturing the art stocking of the present invention, the steps include providing front and rear canvas sheets 208, 212 (FIG. 9) having a sock-shaped silhouette; overlapping one sheet 208 with the other sheet 212; sewing the two overlapping canvas sheets together at their perimeters to form a seam 216; and then turning the resulting sewn product inside out to put the seam 216 inside and define an opening 204; and then applying gesso. This generally involves constructing the stocking and then applying gesso by hand. After applying gesso by hand then the gesso is typically sanded down to remove bubbles and fine lines to create a layer that accepts paint with high definition. The layer created by the sanding is smooth and flat. However, in the alternative, this method can be modified to involve constructing the stocking from pre-gessoed (pre-primed) gesso canvas.

When using pre-applied gesso canvas as the coated outer layer the thickness of the gesso coating is selected to avoid cracking while the product is turned inside out. When using pre-applied gesso canvas as the coated outer layer the thickness of the gesso coating is also selected to avoid having such a thick layer that it has a shape memory which would interfere with the stocking having opposed substantially flat surfaces after the product is turned inside out. If desired the gesso can be sprayed onto the canvas or applied by a brush onto the canvas or silk-screened onto the canvas. Moreover, applying gesso after sewing together the front and rear canvas sheets 208, 212 is advantageous. If one hand applies gesso to a sheet of fabric without stretching it generally buckles. Thus, canvas is commonly stretched on a frame when gesso is applied. This stretching is known as triangulation.

However, when the gesso is put on a stocking sewn from canvas sheets having a sock shaped silhouette as in claim 14 the shape keeps its form and does not buckle. Thus, it acts like it is stretched.

[0049] When the gesso is applied after sewing and being turned inside out it is apparent the gesso is not applied the edges of the front and rear canvas sheets 208, 212 folded within the stocking. Rather the gesso is applied to the outside visible surface. [0050] For example, an embodiment of this method to make a product having a canvas outer layer and a cotton inner layer (lining) is summarized in TABLE 1 .

[0051] In a second method of manufacture of a stocking 301 (FIG. 10), the front and rear canvas sheets 308, 312 with a sock-shaped silhouette are overlapped and attached at their perimeters to form a seam 316; then a border 318 is attached over the exposed perimeter to cover the exposed edges of the sock-shaped canvas sheets. Then the border 318 is attached by sewing a seam 320. This method generally involves constructing the stocking from pre-gessoed (pre-primed) gesso canvas. However, if desired this involves constructing the stocking and then applying gesso by hand. After applying gesso by hand then the gesso is typically sanded down to remove bubbles to create a layer that accepts paint with high definition. If desired the gesso can be sprayed onto the canvas or applied by a brush onto the canvas or silk-screened onto the canvas. The gesso does not need to be applied to the portions of the front and rear canvas sheets 308, 312 under the border 318.

[0052] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a color set 201 , which can include a package or box 202, holding one or more containers 203. The containers 203 can contain various colors of paint, such as acrylic paint, oil paint, water- based paint, and pigmented gels. The containers 203 can contain various colors of glitter.

[0053] Box 202 can include a sturdy piece of paper, cardboard, or plastic wrapped with a paper, cardboard, or plastic sheath. The one or more containers 203 do not need to be provided in box 202.

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a coloring apparatus set 301 , which can include a box 302 and one or more color application devices 303. The color application devices 303 can be devices used to apply a color containing substance from the color set 201 to the stocking 101 . For example, the color application devices 303 can be any of a wide variety of paintbrushes, spatulas, or popsicle sticks. For example, the paintbrushes can include one or more 5/8" flat paint brushes and/or one or more #6 round paint brushes.

[0055] The color application devices 303 can also be devices that already contain or include a color containing substance to be applied to the stocking 101 , for example, markers, felt markers, pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, and chalk. Container 302 can include a sturdy piece of paper or cardboard wrapped with plastic. The one or more paintbrushes 303 do not need to be provided in container 302. Typically the color application devices include devices which apply a colorfast permanent image, for example, permanent markers and washable paints that are waterproof after drying.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a color theory poster 401 , displaying a plurality of multi-colored color wheels 402 and a plurality of uncolored color wheels 403. The color wheels illustrated in FIG. 4 each have twelve circles, but can include fewer circles or more circles. For example, the color wheel can include from 3 to 24 colors. In multi-colored color wheels 402, each of the twelve circles displays a unique color. Other shapes can be employed. For example, the color theory poster 401 can also display color stars and/or color triangles, which can serve the same purpose as a color wheel. A color wheel is a visual representation of colors arranged according to their chromatic relationship. Primary hues are positioned equidistant from one another.

Secondary and tertiary colors are positioned between the primary colors. Line 404 connects complementary colors. Complementary colors are those colors located opposite each other on a color wheel. Line 405 connects analogous colors. Analogous colors are those colors located close together on a color wheel. Lines 406 connect tertiary colors. Tertiary colors are those colors achieved by a mixture of primary and secondary hues. Lines 407 connect secondary colors. Secondary colors are those colors achieved by a mixture of two primaries. Lines 408 connect primary colors. Primary colors are; those colors that cannot be created by mixing other colors. Based on the color theory illustrated on the poster, a user can mix paints to arrive at a variety of different colors. Mixing of paints can be done on or within uncolored color wheels 403. In certain embodiments, instructional materials can be provided to assist the user in understanding color theory. The instructional materials can be a booklet and/or audio and/or visual (AV) presentations. AV

presentations can be contained on computer readable media such as, for example, DVDs, or CDs. Other embodiments can include a card providing a web address and/or a password to allow the user to obtain instructional materials via the world wide web.

[0057] One embodiment is a kit including one or more of stocking 101 , color set 201 , coloring apparatus set 301 , and color theory poster 401 . The kit can also include one or more of glue, stickers, iron-on decals, and pre-cut lettering. The pre-cut lettering can be made from any desirable substance, for example, fabric, plastic, leather, felt, and paper. The kit can include a paper, plastic, or cardboard backing, which can be wrapped in a plastic, paper, or cardboard wrapper. The wrapper can be sealed with a strip of adhesive. [0058] FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a stocking 501 , having an outer layer

502 having a paintable surface. Outer layer 502 can be constructed from canvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, and fabric. Outer layer 502 can be provided with a pattern 503. Pattern 503 can be designed to mimic the appearance of a knit stocking. Stocking 501 can have a front outer layer and a rear outer layer, either of which or both of which can be provided with a pattern 503. Pattern

503 can also include a coded letter or number system to allow a user to "paint-by-numbers." The pattern 503 can include a "To:" and "From:" designation to allow the user to give the stocking 501 as a gift and identify the gift giver and receiver.

[0059] Stocking 501 can have an opening 504, which provides access to the interior of the stocking 501 . The interior of the stocking 501 can be lined with an interior layer. The interior layer can be constructed of plastic, silk, cotton, wool, or any other suitable material.

[0060] Stocking 501 can also be provided with a first tie strap 505 and a second tie strap 506 to allow a user to hang the stocking. Instead of or in addition to tie straps one or more loops can be employed. The tie straps or loops can be constructed of one or more of canvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, other fabric.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a plurality of blank templates 601 . The blank templates 601 can have a pattern identical to patter 503 to allow a user to practice coloring a design, motif, or message before coloring the stocking 501 . The blank template can include a coded letter or number system to allow a user to "paint-by-numbers."

[0062] FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a plurality of completed templates 701 . The completed templates 701 have a pre-colored motif 702, providing a recommendation or a guide to the user. The motif can include original artwork; a pattern; an image; alphanumerical characters; and characters from literature, mythology, television, movies, and popular culture. The user can refer to the motif 702 shown on any or all of the completed templates 701 and copy the motif 702 onto the stocking 501 . Completed templates 701 can include a coded letter or number system to allow a user to "paint-by- numbers."

[0063] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a color application set 801 , including a box 802 and one or more color application devices 803. Color application devices 803 can be paintbrushes, markers, felt markers, pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, and chalk.

[0064] One embodiment is a kit including one or more of stocking 501 , blank template 601 , completed template 701 , and one or more color application set 801 . The kit can also include one or more of glue, stickers, iron-on decals, and pre-cut lettering. The pre-cut lettering can be made from any desirable substance, for example, fabric, plastic, leather, felt, and paper. The kit can include a paper, plastic, or cardboard backing, which can be wrapped in a plastic, paper, or cardboard wrapper. The wrapper can be sealed with a strip of adhesive.

[0065] The above disclosure provides examples and aspects relating to various embodiments within the scope of claims, appended hereto or later added in accordance with applicable law. However, these examples are not limiting as to how any disclosed aspect may be implemented, as those of ordinary skill can apply these disclosures to particular situations in a variety of ways.

[0066] FIG. 12A shows a diagram of another version of the present invention in which the item is shaped like a tote bag or gift bag 401 rather than a stocking. The bag 401 having an outer layer 402 that can be coated or provided with at least one paintable surface 403. The paintable surface 403 can be transparent, translucent, or have a solid color, such as, white. The paintable surface can coat or cover all or a part of the outer layer 402.

Stocking 401 can have a front outer layer and a rear outer layer, both of which can be provided with a paintable surface 403. Outer layer 402 can be constructed of one or more of canvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, and fabric. Front outer layer and rear outer layer can be unitary or be attached by a seam at their perimeters while defining an opening 404 by not being attached at their top edges. The bag 401 also has straps 401 A attached to the respective front and back sides.

[0067] FIG. 12B shows a diagram of a cross-sectional view, along line A1 shown in FIG. 12A. Referring to FIG. 12B, the outer layer 402 of bag 401 has opposed front and rear outer layers, 408, 412, respectively, with front and rear paintable coatings, 409, 41 1 , respectively. The front outer layer 408 has the front paintable surface 409 adhering thereto. Front paintable surface 409 can be affixed, secured, or applied to front outer layer 408. For example, gesso is a paintable surface coating 409 applied to the canvas front outer layer 408 which adheres to the canvas. Front paintable surface 409 can be made integral with front outer layer 408 in the sense that once the gesso is applied the coating adheres to the canvas outer layer.

[0068] Still referring to FIG. 12B, bag 401 can also have a rear outer layer 412. Rear outer layer 412 can be secured to front outer layer 408 at one or more seams. For example, rear outer layer 412 can be secured to front outer layer 108 at first seam 414 and/or at second seam 416. Rear outer layer 412 can be separate from or integral with front outer layer 408. Rear outer layer 412 can also have a rear paintable surface 41 1 . Rear paintable surface 41 1 can be affixed, secured, or applied to rear outer layer 412. Rear paintable surface 41 1 can be made integral with front outer layer 412 in the sense that once the gesso is applied the coating adheres to the canvas outer layer. In Figs. 12A and 12B elements are numbered with a 400 series number and reflect the same element as the corresponding 100 series number of Figs. 1A and 1 B unless otherwise indicated. The bag seams may be stitched as was the stocking 101 . The stitching of bag seams, for example, 414, 416, can also be accomplished as shown for the stocking seams of Figs. 9 and 10. For example the seams can typically be formed by thread or by adhesive.

[0069] Moreover a pattern may be applied to the bag 401 in the same manner as disclosed above for stockings, see for example, Fig. 5.

[0070] The bag materials of construction, for example canvas and gesso, can be the same as described above for the stocking. At least a portion of the paintable surface 403 is coated with one or more layers of gesso. In the present invention gesso may be any of traditional gesso, acrylic gesso or soy-based gesso.

[0071] Typically about 10 to 100%, more typically 50 to 100%, e.g., 90 to 100%, of the outer surface on at least one side of the bag is coated with the gesso. Generally, about 10 to 100%, more typically, 50 to 100%, e.g., 90 to 100%, of the outer surface of each of the two opposed sides of the stocking is coated with the gesso. For example, one could apply the gesso as stripes 2 on the surface, alternating stripes of gesso with uncoated areas of canvas (not shown). Typical bag 401 sizes range from a height L1 of 8 to 24 inches and a width W1 from 8 to 24 inches.

[0072] The bag 401 may also be provided in a kit as was described for stocking 101 .

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in

considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

[0074] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with this specification and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0076] Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state "means for" performing a specified function, or "step for" performing a specific function, is not to be interpreted as a "means" or "step" clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. §1 12, sixth paragraph. In particular, the use of "step of in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §1 12, sixth paragraph.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A product comprising an artwork stocking or bag comprising:

an outer layer having an outer surface, and

a coating of gesso covering at least part of the outer surface, wherein at least a portion of the gesso is exposed to provide a paintable surface for directly applying to the gesso at least one component selected from the group consisting of acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint, and pigmented gels.

2. The product according to claim 1 , wherein the gesso comprises a

component selected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof and the gesso coats 10 to 100% of at least one of the front outer surface and the rear outer surface.

3. The product according to claim 1 , wherein the outer layer comprises canvas such that the outer surface of the outer layer comprises canvas.

4. The product according to claim 1 , wherein the outer layer defines a void accessible via an opening.

5. The product according to claim 4, further comprising an inner layer, affixed to the outer layer, and lining the void.

6. The product according to claim 1 , further comprising a pattern woven into the outer layer, wherein the pattern is visible through the paintable surface of gesso and the gesso is transparent or translucent.

7. The product according to claim 1 , further comprising a pattern printed onto the outer layer, wherein the pattern is visible through the paintable surface of gesso and the gesso is transparent or translucent.

8. The product according to claim 1 , further comprising a pattern printed directly onto the paintable gesso surface.

9. The product according to claim 1 , wherein the outer layer comprises a opposed front and rear outer layers, the front outer layer having a front outer layer perimeter and the rear outer layer having a rear outer layer perimeter;

wherein the gesso comprises a component selected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof and the gesso coats 50 to 100% of at least one of the front outer surface and the rear outer surface.

10. The product according to claim 1 , comprising the artwork stocking, wherein the outer layer comprises opposed front and rear outer layers each having a sock-shaped silhouette.

1 1 . A kit comprising the stocking or bag of claim 1 and one or more of a color set, a coloring apparatus, a blank template, a color theory poster and a completed template, wherein the paintable surface comprises a component selected from the group consisting of gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof; wherein the color set comprises a component selected from the group consisting of acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint, pigmented gels, and combinations thereof; wherein the coloring apparatus comprises a component selected from the group consisting of paintbrushes, spatulas, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, chalk, and combinations thereof.

12. The product according to claim 1 , the product made by a process

comprising the steps of:

providing a front canvas sheet and a rear canvas sheet;

overlapping the front canvas sheet and the rear canvas sheet; sewing the two overlapping canvas sheets together at their perimeters to form a seam to result in a sewn product; and

then turning the resulting sewn product inside out to put the seam inside and define an opening; and

then applying gesso.

13. The product according to claim 1 , comprising

a canvas stocking having opposed front and rear outer layers respectively comprising a front canvas sheet and a rear canvas sheet, each outer layer having an outer surface, and the coating being a paintable coating of gesso covering at least part of the outer surface, the stocking made by a process comprising the steps of:

overlapping the front and rear canvas sheets and attaching the front and rear canvas sheets at their perimeters to form a seam,

then attaching a border over the exposed perimeter to cover exposed edges of the sock-shaped canvas sheets,

then attaching the border by sewing a seam,

wherein the gesso is sprayed onto the canvas or applied by a brush onto the canvas or silk-screened onto the canvas before or after attaching the front and rear canvas sheets at their perimeters to form a seam.

14. A process for making the product of claim 1 , said product having

opposed front and rear outer layers respectively comprising a front canvas sheet and a rear canvas sheet, each outer layer having an outer surface, and the coating being a paintable coating of gesso covering at least part of the outer surface, comprising the steps of: providing the front canvas sheet and the rear canvas sheet; overlapping the front canvas sheet and the rear canvas sheet; sewing the two overlapping canvas sheets together at their perimeters to form a seam to result in a sewn product; and

then applying the gesso.

15. A process for making the product according to claim 1 , said product having opposed front and rear outer layers respectively comprising a front canvas sheet and a rear canvas sheet, each outer layer having an outer surface, and the coating being a paintable coating of gesso covering at least part of the outer surface, the process comprising the steps of:

then attaching a border over the exposed perimeter to cover exposed edges of the sock-shaped canvas sheets by forming a seam, wherein the gesso is sprayed onto the canvas or applied by a brush onto the canvas or silk-screened onto the canvas before or after attaching the front and rear canvas sheets at their perimeters.