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Archive for July, 2009

Green Days: Color Lusting

Okay color lovers! Its about time for another spotlight & this time we are running our bare feet in the grass, picking flowers, sea glass, and maybe even having a shot or two (not that kind naughty brains, I’m talking about wheat grass)!  This color is always most abundant this time of year..

Green Fabric Samples
Green Fabric Samples

How are you seeing GREEN this year?

Thinking in summery shades of green makes me envision cool grass drizzling with morning dew, sunflower stems, sea glass on the beach in Old Orchard, Maine, or the plethora of vegetables that grace every table at the Farmers Market here in Minneapolis.  I most enjoy how sometimes grass can take on a whole new life of color and appear to have notes of  lime and yellow sprinkled within it .    Summertime is when mint and basil grow abundantly, unless my boyfriend Jacob gets his hands on the plants :( Its a time when you can enjoy Mojito’s with your girlfriends  and for some strange reason wheat grass shots  magically taste delicious!

Actually, as I type this I’m eating a freshly grown cucumber from my friends garden.  Its ripe with so many delicious shades of green melting from a rich outside skin of a spruce  to a inner world of pastel filled melon!  I can’t help but sprinkle some champagne vinegar, sea salt and pepper and begin to nom nom as we digest through the healing colors that are without a doubt the essence of summer!

SUMMER TIME GREENS

Summertime makes me think of  living at my grandparents house in Norway.  They had a beautiful view of the sky at night and you could catch the stars shooting over Norway Lake from their driveway. Sometimes I would just sit on the hood of  my Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra and stare at the sky for hours.  My grandfather was a dedicated mower so the air would always smell of freshly cut grass.

PAINT.COLOR.INSPIRE

This year however, I’m loving summer greens that are slightly muted with blues that lean towards turquoise and soft gold or matte metallic gold.  Maybe its that the brighter combination seems almost too energetic or active for my current mellow mood or maybe these hues just appeal to my love of more sophisticated schemes.  Nature-based greens are a tranquil and refreshing and plus green makes a perfect ground color for balancing cool blues and and warm yellows or golds.  This gorgeous combination has been a seen on the runway and is perfectly Boho chic. ”
-Kate Smith

Kate Smith from Sensational COLOR
Kate Smith from Sensational COLORColor Expert Kate Smith from Sensational Color says:
Green and Blue Pillows by Kate Smith
Green and Blue Pillows by Kate Smith“Fresh, grassy green is always one of my favorites for summer especially when combined with navy blue and white.  Plus when you add an accent of bright yellow, crisp green, navy and white combination it instantly says summer.


Green is a color that we can pull directly from nature!

It is a symbol of freshness and harmony among other things. I personally think of green as a very healing color taking cues from the magical powers of green tea and poets like Thoreau who chronicled the extraordinary powers of spending some time immersed in nature.

Green is a color of unity and peace.

Green is the most restful color on the human eye…a perfect color for a Yoga Studio, Home Office or babies room!  Now shall we enjoy some beauties…

Beautiful Yellowy Green Walls
Beautiful Yellowy Green Walls

Love this mixture of split pea meets avocado above? Why not give Benjamin Moore  in winding vines 532 in a glossy Satin Sheen a try!

Yummy Grassy Green Trim
Yummy Grassy Green Trim

Here is another great idea from Country Living mag! Why not put the color green on your trim? This leaves you the flexibility to decorate eclectically without being overbearing or too Bright… and how cute is that armoir with the Damask fabric??????
Melany Royals Peacock Stencil
Melany Royals Peacock Stencil

AYIYI Melany Royals is magic! I love her peacock stencil fit with rich greens, dense browns and water like blues!

A super special thanks and welcome to Kate from Sensational Color for being our newest member of the Color Lusting Series! She also has a dynamite post about blues and greens that I think you will enjoy!

  • Blue and Green @ Sensational Color
  • ALL ABOUT THE COLOR GREEN
  • Also don’t forget to check out Drew’s latest color creations at the Minneapolis Institute of Fine Finishes Pera and his latest creation Jalapeno.

    Jalapeno was a major hit at Hirshfield’s design Center. Jalapeno looks super Hot in a Venetian plaster and also in a iridescent Moire.

HOTNESS at the IDAL 2009 Convention

Flower Power Wallovers Stencil

Flower Power Wallovers Stencil

For those of you fabulous painters out there with busy lives and even busier schedules that could not make this years IDAL Memphis convention but really REALLY wanted to… NEVER FEAR…  LULU and her Patina Designs Painting Posse are hear to give you the scoop on all the hot happenings of this years convention…

Above is a new stencil from Wallovers … Its one of their latest creations and it was flying off their shelves like wild fire… I even bought one myself. If you feel like staying ahead of the game then pick one up yourself…They only cost $48.00!  At the convention Wallovers was having a special that if you spent $100 on stencils you would get their handy dandy Allover Brush for FREE!  I bet if you ask them nicely they will hook you up with the same special because those gals are so sweet and kind!

Foiling Around

Foiling Around

Next up…Innovative Stencil Guru Melany Royals is delighting our senses through a new series of affordable Virtual Workshops.  YES folks… this means you can have Melany right there in your very own home now without having to travel to California!  Registration starts: 7/27/09  and for only $150 you can get 6 beautiful finishes that incorporate foils with Royal Design Studios Stencils and Modello Decorative Masking Patterns.  I am beyond thrilled that last night at the auction, one of my partners Terri Roberts one a FREE Virtual workshop so the three of us will be crowding around the computer to enjoy that on October 1st!

WhiteKitchen

Architectural Enhancements

The artist  du jour was without a doubt Cindee from Minnesota’s own Architectural Enhancements.  Us Patina gals know Cindee quite well, and it brought the biggest smiles to our faces to see how well the decorative Industry was responding to Cindee’s booth at the Expo.  There were times when it felt like everyone in the expo center was huddled around Cindee’s booth watching in awe as she turned concrete into elaborate stone fireplaces or counter tops!  We have a whole library of finishes that we offer from training with Cindee in Annandale.  Decorative Concrete is on the up and up and as finishers we need to stay ahead of the trends.

Donna Phelps said something in class Tuesday that really struck a nerve with Terri and I.  She mentioned that the trends are leaning towards regular paint contractors doing simple plaster and glazing techniques.  As finishers we need to really show just how capable we are at the finer parts of the industry, the specialty finishes that no contractor with a trowel or sponge could replicate or dare to try.

Tribal Wall Tattoo

Tribal Wall Tattoo

Next up:  everyone was in awe of  WALL TATTOOS… I wish I could find their website right now…but am having a heck of a time.  I’ll swing by their booth later today and more of the skinny for you!

Totem Coatings Marble

Totem Coatings Marble

And last but certainly not least, if you have a hankering for hunky Italian Stallion men and lime based plasters TOTEM COATINGS is the place for you!  I had the pleasure of monitoring Joe Greco’s class on Tuesday and these Eco- lime plasters are Beautiful, easy to work with and most importantly Affordable!!!!  But here is the biggest and best secret of all that we at the convention were privy to know.  Joe has a talented finisher on his staff named Rose and she has perfected the craft of marbling using lime based plasters… YES, you heard that right.  I saw board after board of what this master painter has created and I am telling you now…. I have never, EVER, seen a marble board that even compares to hers EVER.  Want to be the best marble finisher in your neck of the woods?  Then go to Toronto and take a class with Rose at Totem Coatings!!!  I can’t wait to get up there and learn this brilliant technique myself!

There you have it folks…. I really hope to see all of you next year at Portland Oregon’s IDAL convention 2010!  and if not…you can always come back here and I’ll give you the skinny again!  MUAH painty people!  lulu

Darling DIY Damasks

Sweet Damask...so soft...so sweet

Sweet Damask...so soft...so sweet

Inspiration in Color and a little History too…

Junebug Weddings

Junebug Weddings

Damask Stencils sure are GRAND in just about any shape or form!   I find myself constantly drawn to fabrics or wallpapers as inspiration for new stencil recipes.  I love Damask stencils in particular because that they have a beautiful visual flexibility to really make a statement, be it elegant and tranquil or freshly funky and fun, they run the gamut style wise of creating a wonderful feeling…and you can cater them to your comfort and color liking.  I especially enjoy these designs when paired with the certain artists who always seem to take creativity and design to the next level.  Dare I say it ..AHEM …Melany Royals anyone?

Designer Stencils

Designer Stencils

Damask came to life originally in Florence, Italy in the early 1400’s. The methods were epically intricate with silk and praised for the showing of a reversed satin design.  At that time, creating these detailed pieces was a top secret and anyone who was caught sharing the secret recipe was beheaded.  GAWLS..  Perhaps I should stop writing…You guys wont behead me…right?…right?  RIGHT!

Damask Wall Decor

Damask Wall Decor

Damasks later became mainstream in the 20th century…no more heads were lost.  They began by making a statement in the textile linens industry but later becoming so popular that they because a staple for Victorian decorating.  “Typically, in wall decor, a damask describes an all over pattern that completely covers the wall with an offset repeat of the same design. A wallpaper effect.”  Victoria Larsen

Beautiful Grays and Whites

Beautiful Grays and Whites

I love a nice clean tone on tone Damask, but like I said I’m really drawn to some radical and funky finishes because of how striking a Damask can make the color.  Try this DIY video on How to Damask Stencil your walls for those of you wanting to give it a go!  would you rather read some instructions vs.  watching a video?  Creative Evolution has a lovely step by step article  for you newbies!

Now… shall we look at some rocking Damasks or what?

Yummy Bold Blue and White

Yummy Bold Blue and White

Does it get any better that a bright color with clean white Damask? YUMMY!

Daring elements in Damask design

Daring elements in Damask design

Damask does not have to be the Victorian style which it most comfortable with… Look how this designer made a Damask by using a really clean allover oval shape.  Or below, how suddenly paisley takes stage with this allover design?  Are we getting inspired yet?

oh paisley

oh paisley

Yes Please!  I would LOVE some pink paisley goodness in my kitchen or office.  Why you may ask? Because I am a total color nut…and colors always seem to have a way of putting the biggest smile on my face!

What are your favorite Damasks?  What do your clients seem to love if your a finisher? Do they tend to play it safe, or do you get the occasional bold color loving client?

Are you working on any new samples now?  Questions, Questions people!!!   I’m currently working on a bumble bee stencil, (think colors black and white only with elements of white for pop) . Where is your favorite place to order allover Damask Stencils?  I prefer Melany Royals or WALLOVERS!!!!

Hope you are all having a beautiful week…and to learn about some of the beautiful things that YOU are doing with Damask Stencils.  Happy Painting!  lulu

Blueberry Hill

Blueberry Stencil Damask
Blueberry Stencil Damask

Oh no…this post will not be about the fabulous Fats Domino tune…although it would be quite worthy if it were. Love that Jam!!! Instead this post is going to be about a beautiful color….one that penetrates taste buds this time of year…BLUEberry!

Is there a color deck out there with all foodie goodness  colors?  If not there absolutely should be.  I find myself enamored with discovering the precise colors of delicious and exquisite fruits and vegetables, or of bold and beautiful flowers blooming in my neighborhood.

Blue is the color of the ocean and of the sky.  It represents a vastness associated  with stability, strength, guidance, and peace.  Its a color that can be beneficial to both the human mind and the human body by actually slowing down one’s metabolism with its calming wax and wane effects.

The color Blueberry makes me so happy…It reminds me of a piece that was done on actress Zoey Deschanel in Domino Magazine (tear) before they passed.  She had these brave blues in her living space…very cozy, very delicious, very country rockabilly retro mama’s cooking in the kitchen cute!  Or as I like to think of them a very ripe and yummy blueberry… what do you think of her blue?

Zoey Deschanel Beautiful abode

Zoey Deschanel Beautiful abode

A rich blue like summertime blueberries is representative of both power and knowledge… It is a serious color, that can be paired down with  pastels to create a more playful nature.  It can also be very masculine.  I personally love a rich blue with crisp whites or cucumber or cantaloupe  shades.

I asked local Designer Erica Copper of YOUR STYLE REDESIGNED what she thought about a shade like BLUEBERRIES and she had  some wonderful insights into this color!

“A rich deep blue like that reminds me of a deep ocean… strong, yet calming at the same time. I love to combine an intense blue similar to Blueberries with very natural colors… this both relax the color and gives it a certain presence.   I also enjoy a dark blue with  natural shades of linen, creamy whites, and some spicy brown accents to prevent it from getting too boring.”

I also believe that rich colors need textured contrasts to enhance it even more, so I make sure to add some wonderful texture to the room…such as some natural woven shades on the windows, some rustic wood benches or tables, and some hearty baskets for storage. I also add a bit of soft texture to balance all of the rough… with a few cashmere blankets, airy linen sheers on the windows, or soft linen pillows.   I believe that the perfect room blends both wonderful color and texture.” -Erica Cooper

Now that we are all jazzed up about all things BLUEberry let us enjoy some blueberry flavored walls and rooms shall we?

Yummy Color with clean accents

Yummy Color with clean accents

Ooooh I just love clean whites with a rich color like BLUEberry!

Blue & White

Blue & White

What a statement for a dining room…A great way to set the mood for some intellectual dining conversations or colorful meals!

Yummy Blue Dining Rooms from a fellow Alicia's Blog

Yummy Blue Dining Rooms from a fellow Alicia's Blog

Here is a beautiful punch of a strong blue with RED accents!  OH JOY!!!!

Blue and RED

Blue and RED

Want to try some Blues berries out as a color for your own walls?  Here are some fun suggestions from my color book for you!!!

Try:

Benjamin Moore Patriot Blue 2064-20

Pratt & Lambert Blueberry Myrtille 1208-3

or

Benjamin Moore California Blue 2060-20

Have some Rich Blues you would love to share?  PLEASE DO!!!!!  I love hearing about the colors you are just smitten with at the moment!

Happy Blueberry Painting Folks!

lulu