That’s right people it is finally here!  A place for us to rest out creative little heads after a long day of blasting color allover the Twin Cities.  LULU Painting Headquarters, aka LULU & LILLY with my dearest designer gal pal Erica Cooper of YOUR Style ReDesigned. We put our wild & color hungry heads together and here is what we came up with:

{pink wall above…to be changed on the regular to showcase a fresh new color, curtain, or design…}

{above is our fab banquette style seating we had built in studio and upholstered by world famous //that’s right handsome!//Cy Winship Design.  I painted those silly zig zag floors in Sherwin Williams Floor Stain, and to the left you can see the shelves in which Erica showcases all of her designer goodies and finds for sale!} {oh oh oh and peep the magic flower cameos by Eric at FLORAL LOGIC//// TO DIE FOR!}

{above is our desks…area… LULU on the left, LILLY on the right…} P.S. All photo’s were taken by the ever so fabulous Amy Zellmer with Custom Creations Photography !

{We are located in the Historic Semple Mansion //above// with some of the Twin Cities very best business’s, including:

Paperista, Floral Logic, Brett Dorrian Artistry Studios, Posh Bridal Couture, Steam Estheticians, and many more!

our address is:

Located in the Historic Semple Mansion

LULU Painting

100 W. Franklin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55404

Please call ahead to schedule an apt in the studio: 612-275-6744

Happy Painting!

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Roman & Williams from The Scout on Vimeo.

“…sort of taboo in our society where individuality is, like, the highest most sacred thing and i pride myself on being very individualistic, but i also love to submit myself to something more important.”- Stephen Alesch”

What an inspiring video to begin the day with.  Its such a delight to be reminded of something larger than ourselves.  In this industry we are continually invited into the homes and establishments of our clients with open arms.  I catch myself getting stressed or bombarded with pressures at times and strive to find that perfect balance of a job well done and taking things to the next level of service.

This video was such a pleasant reminder that its not just walls, or rooms, or spaces, but places that invoke “feelings” .  Just like the food we put into our bodies, our sacred  spaces hold a key to reminding us or taking us somewhere outside of ourselves.

Blessings!

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Cyril and Gino Stripes Movement

These stripes were found on Apartment Therapy by my client but they are the inspiration for the focal wall!

Recently we did some fun branch like swirls with cute little dotty accents in one of her daughters rooms. Now I get the pleasure of getting my hands on the other kiddos walls. Or one focal wall that is. I’ll be doing an array of stripes, all different widths in about 7 different colors.

Here is where it gets really juicy….the colors are a total mystery.  I wont know what colors Steph has in mind until I get there Thursday to do the project!  Hip Hip Hooray for the unknown!  I’ll be sure to post a picture of the outcome!

In the meantime…Here are some other stripes for you to hype all over!

Coastal Living

I adore these colors together…so calming and playful!

Diagonal Stripes

Delish, Retro, Modern, & Chic Diagonal Stripes

Happy Painting Ya’ll!

I haven’t made my way to the legs of the table yet…but…I thought I would share this article with all of you for inspiration on how to jazz things up a bit on a console table!

Console Table Project

Kitchen Table with Cloth

LIVING ETC.

Here is the DIY instructions as copied from the article in Living Etc.

Turn an old dining table from staid to stunning with these DIY ideas

How to do it

Step 1) Paint a neutral base coat over the whole table.

Step 2) Once dry, mask out different-width stripes before filling them in with your chosen colour palette. Darker colours will need three or four coats.

Tip: to prevent colours from bleeding when the masking tape is removed, use a very fine brush to paint along the edges of the tape with the base colour.

Step 3) Make sure you paint part on the tape and part on the table for a neat seal. Carefully peel off the masking tape, then use a clear matt varnish to strengthen the finish.

Tip: why not use up old sample pots of paint for your stripes?

What you need

Stripes painted in Famille Rose, City Grey, Lagoon, Lichen, Black and Mushroom acrylic eggshell, Zoffany.

Here’s a photo of my table!

my little project!

Have a great day ya’ll! ~ lulu

Hudson Chalkboard Paint available in 24 colors

Single colored Chalkboard Paint is a thing of the past!

Now you can mix things up using one or all of the 24 various colors offered by Hudson Paints for your home, kids room, or business’s chalkboard!

The colors range all over the rainbow and with cute names like: Army boy, oil spill and star supernova!  If your looking to pick some up I’d suggest snagging it online directly from the company @ HUDSON PAINT

Its a little pricey per quart but boasts going a long way, and anyways….how much space do you really need a chalkboard on?

Chartreuse anyone?

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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

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…

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!

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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