The project was a total creative blast from start to finish. Owner Tahne Stillwell was yet another one of our “Perfect Clients”.  She had a vision and trusted in our creative ability from day one so the marriage of two was enjoyable for all of us involved every step of the way.

Among the installation of: color selection, Copper Patina “drip” finishes, painting the ceiling, trim, doors, and walls, a custom exterior sign, and 3 custom stencils painted over exposed brick we also were commissioned to do an original Marilyn Monroe mural.  I know I know, We were totally psyched to get to work on it.  Tahne 100%  had us at “Marilyn”.

Below is the original “inspiration” photo we found of Marilyn online.

My creative architect Steve put the above photo on photo-shop and created this “custom image” for our client to be the mural.  It’s formatted to look like a layered stencil.

That was really the hardest part of this project.  Interior Designer Peg Malanaphy from Interiors of Stillwater and the salon owner Tahne Stillwell had already selected colors for us, so the next step was to paint.  We did the mural in layers using Sherwin Williams interior wall paint in 4 different sheen’s.  Here’s a few pictures of the mural in progress:

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You can see that the last and final layer that we added was a custom yellow stenciled using a Cutting Edge Stencil called Aladdin.  We did the stencil to frame out her BEAUTIFUL face.  Here is a picture of the finished wall of our very beautiful and flirty gal.  Note the gorgeous Patina finish and colors that Peg installed and picked out.

For Booking appointments at VIVA VOCE SALON:

“I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best.”
— Marilyn Monroe

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Enter The Code Shown

Have a lady friend that’s getting married this year?

Well…take your eyes away from the zebra sheets and bring them over to the cute little blue painting of a dress on the built-in, just to the right of the pin board.  I saw this and thought!  ‘When my best girlfriends get married I’m going to make a sweet little painting of their wedding gowns for them to keep as a reminder of how beautiful it is’

It could be smaller….more abstract…colorful…who knows… but so many wedding gowns just sit in closets, or worse basements and go forgotten except for a few choice photos displayed in your home.  This would be an original way to always remember a special day, with a little help from an artistic friend naturally!

xo lulu

cozy kitchen

Sometimes its long after its already grabbed so many others.  I know that the movie  500 Days of SUMMER has been out for a while now, but I really just can’t seem to get enough of all the eye, ear, and brain candy that is placed perfectly throughout this film.

Peep this chalkboard wall

lovely moments

The thing that most grabbed at me was  one of the main characters ‘Tom’s ‘ masculine chalkboard infused bedroom.  The beauty of this part of the film is that his room has one full wall that has been painted with chalkboard paint, but continues to change at various times throughout the film.  For you artsy folk out there, its worth watching just to take a ganders at this chalkboard wall.

Here are some other gems with chalk to get you all inspired…

I'm calling this the mustache look! & I love it

I feel like chalkboard paint is such a fun way to spice things up for the artistically minded DIYer or homeowner.  Give a sense of creative freedom to the owner.  How fun would it be to erase your doodles, or to let your kids run rampant fingers of chalk all over one of your walls?

kids can finally play!

I hope that you’ll watch it, and enjoy it just as much as I did.

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

Inspiration in Color and a little History too…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This morning I struck a gold mind.  Actually I struck a golden paper mill!!!  I was lucky enough to stumble across ellynelly, a mother daughter team that makes to order an array of  BIG, BEAUTIFUL, & BOLD wall designs.  These wall graphics are made suitable for walls, windows, doors, mirrors and furniture.  Here is what I love about these graphics most,  they are crisp and clean and can add that extra punch to a room that may be lacking its 37 pieces of  flair.  Yeah, I just said flair…

Joanna Quits Flair style

It gets better…ellynelly uses tree friendly paper for printing that is made from 50% cotton fiber and 30% post consumer waste and even more again the paper is also made using 100% wind energy!!!  WOOT WOOT, good work ladies!

Oh and here is a little more goodness for you… for a limited time they are offering a FREE PRINT with the purchase of any two!!!

You do want to express yourself don’t you?  Well then, Let us see your flair!  Which is your favorite or perhaps you have favorites? They are all so yummy to me, but here are a few of the wall designs that have me salivating the most!!!

Crossword wall Graphic by ellynelly

For more topics like this visit: Blik Iron Vines or Interactive Wallpaper

]]> http://lulupainting.com/2009/06/pattern-your-life-w-ellynelly/feed/ 9 http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/5-colours-to-cheer-up-your-space-this-spring/ http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/5-colours-to-cheer-up-your-space-this-spring/#comments Wed, 22 Apr 2009 01:39:43 +0000 lulu http://lulupainting.wordpress.com/?p=670 Spring is here and is currently in full effect.  Aside from all the cleaning and organizing a good way to make your space refreshed and renewed for a lively summer is to add a fresh coat of some cheerful hues to your walls.

Here’s a few shades that I’m buzzing over this Spring!

Orange:

This vibrant color is just bursting with energy and warmth.  Its a combination of both yellow and red so it holds elements of beauty and celebration!

WEST ELM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hitbyabus

YELLOW:

This is the official color of the year 2009 as launched by Pantone.  Hindus in India wear Yellow to celebrate the festival of Spring and to holistic healers Yellow is the color of peace.  This energizing color is surely going to be livening up homes and spaces more this year than ever before.

Keith Scott Morton

countryliving.com

CORAL

This cozy color brings a big ol smile to my face every time I walk into a room filled with it.  Like Red this is the color of beauty.  I personally believe this is the joyous color, one that invokes a room full of giddy laughs and lullabies.

apartmenttherapy.com

cottageliving.com

Purple/Violet:

Purple is a royal color, fit for any season it suggests refinement along with grace, elegance, and something a little different and special from other colors.  I double dog dare you to paint one of your rooms purple and then enjoy the energy that bursts out of it.

http://www.gaitainteriors.com/blog/?cat=23

apartmenttherapy.com

and last but not least…

TURQUOISE:

Turquoise is a real crowd pleaser and mood enhancer…Its sweetly feminine with a lively sophistication that’s strong enough for men but delicate enough for women.  It stems from the colors of water…think beach…think swimming…think vacation.  Now deck your walls with rich colors that make you think  of these wonderful things every day.

http://peacockfeatherevents.blogspot.com/2008_09_28_archive.html

http://prettylittlethingsforhome.blogspot.com/2008/07/rooms-that-just-get-me.html

Now get to work!  Don’t just wait for summer to come and brighten up your world with sunshine and open airy windows.  Your home should be filled with love and joy.  It should be filled with all things that make you smile and inspire you or make you happy.  Enjoy yourself by enjoying your space with some lovable cheery colours!!

colorful hugs. lulu

]]> http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/5-colours-to-cheer-up-your-space-this-spring/feed/ 2 http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/wood-icing/ http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/wood-icing/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:06:18 +0000 lulu http://lulupainting.wordpress.com/?p=625

Here is a beautiful Wood Icing Crackle finish by:

Artist, Kay Perret
Dancing Brush Painting
Puyallup, Wa 98371
253-921-2832
kayperret@dancingbrushpainting.com

I’ll be teaching a Wood Icing class at the Minneapolis Institute of Fine Finishes on May 7th and 8th.  Class costs $199.00 you can call Jean @ 612.374.0221 to register!

Hope to see you there!

lulu

YES YOU CAN deck your walls out with paper bags if you so choose!!!  Here is one of the many paper bag finishes offer at  Patina Designs.  Terri created a leather look by crumpling up the paper, then treating it like wall paper to adhere to the walls.  Finally, Terri glazed and added some metallic stencils in a random pattern for more DRAMA!!!!

Yay for going Green!

Silhouette & Cork

Tools:

Wood Icing Textura Paste
tape
black paint
silhouette stencil
Stain and Seal Van Dyke Brown
chip brush
rag
plastic bag
a putty knife

1.) Paint door black and allow to dry

2.) Tape off the areas that you want the black to shine through and apply the silhouette insert where you want it.

3.) Spread the texura base over the entire area and then place plastic over the wet product and pull off to leave peaks and craters.  Make sure to remove the tape immediately.   Pull out your silhouette stencil.

4.) Allow to dry over night and then sand down so the product has smooth edges.  Remove Dust.

5.) Apply stain using a chip brush and then wipe off remaining stain with the rag.

6.) Seal the door after it has dried with c500

All of these products are available at the Plaster Center!!!

This Terri’s famous Coffee Grounds Plaster Recipe.  I think you’ll find it quite easy,  and hopefully enjoy yourself when your resorting back to your inner child.  This recipe gives you permission to play with your food once  again…

Here is what you will need:

A trowel
Veniciano Lime Based Plaster
coffee beans
stir stick
coffee bean grinder or blender
coffee maker
sugar and cream to taste

1.) Grind up your coffee beans for your morning pot of coffee.  After brewing remove the coffee grinds and and grind them a second time in the blender or coffee grinder

2.) Pour yourself a cup of coffee, mix cream and sugar and enjoy

3.) Run the grinds through the coffee maker again..Remember to empty the pot so as not to overfill.

4.) Grind for a third time, and re-run through the coffee maker again.  You are breaking up the beans with heat and moisture.  The more you grind and boil them, the more of that natural coffee colorant is going to seep out to help color the plaster.  The beans should be soft and paste-like.

5.) Mix the grounds into your plaster and stir till completely mixed in.

6.) Use your stir stick to load your trowel and and put your trowel on your first coat onto the walls.  This is your base coat so do not worry about making it perfect.

7.) After plaster dries, trowel on second coat with desired technique.  Remember to push hard on the beans to break up even more pigment to get a nice rich color.

enjoy the aroma while it lasts…it goes away once the plaster dries!!!