Sponge painting is great because it is easy, fast, requires little paint and materials, and did I mention it was easy? It can be used on walls, furniture, and accessories, and can give instant facelift to dull objects.

Don’t let anyone convince you that you have to go buy an expensive sea sponge to do this. I’ve used plastic grocery bags, cloth diapers, even old clothing…(Ok, now it’s called ragging, same technique, more subtle look.) But you can use a plain old kitchen sponge, and here’s secret….tear away all hard edges of sponge, even tear chunks from center to give it an irregular appearance.

Now choose your paint, and sponge! Remember to sponge sparingly at first, you can always add more later. Also, dab paint off on your plate first, you only need a little paint on sponge, or it will be too gloppy. Practice first on a paper bag, and remember to change direction of your hand occasionally, idea is not to get a pattern going.

Try combining sponge painting with stenciling or decorative painting, tape off a border and use it just there, you can even sponge paint over glassware with new glass paints available at your craft store.

Marbelizing

There is a very simple technique to marbleizing that is popular in home decorating world today, and you won’t believe how easy it is until you try it. Simply choose two to four colors of paint within same color scheme, one light, one medium, one dark.

1. Be clear in your mind that they need medication and therapy, and project this. Encourage them to continue both. Make it clear it's now new routine.

2. There should be Guide Dogs for Depressed. If depressed loved-one or client in your life doesn't have a companion pet, give them a well-trained, easy-to-manage, older one. This is particularly important if they live alone. Specify that you will take care of dog in terms of vet care and bills, and provide a starter-kit--huge bag of dog food and container, food and water dishes, bedding, etc. In other words, make it easy for them to accept this healing gift. I have a depressed coaching client in Manhattan suffering aftermath of Nine One One who mostly talks to me about her beloved companion dog. I consider “Cody” part of healing team for this woman.

3. Make any decision you can for person. In other words, don't say "Would you like to go out for dinner tonight? Where would you like to go?" Say instead, "We're going to Bijan's tomorrow night for dinner. I'll pick you up at 7:00. Just wear your jeans." Once there, offer to order for person.