Traveled to Morocco with a gorgeous and talented group of Peacock Painter Ladies…and stayed at the ever so beautiful Peacock Pavilions.

and this little LULU helped Melanie Royals and the other Peacock Painters complete this masterpiece, one teeny tiny embroidered “ish” stencil at a time…

This little LULU also slept in the following sweetly stenciled Peacock Pavilions room. 

Lastly, this little LULU fell in love… with the colors, patterns, people, and places that danced through Marrakesh by her side, in front of her, and above! Oh did they ever inspire her so…

but more on these joyous folks some other day…(Maryam and her tales…oh this and oh that…makes me gush just thinking about her)

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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

I was getting all excited about one of my best friends beautiful poetry the other day…  I decided I want to paint my favorite poem by her entitled “HOME” on one of  the walls in my kitchen…or maybe on the wall that I face in my office.  Its a beautiful poem… She is a beautiful writer.  Once I get a hard copy I will be sure to share it with all of you!

Its about Home, and Love, and Nesting and Ruffling your feathers… It always makes me warm and fuzzy when I read it.

This got me poking around on-line, and I noticed some pretty rocking decals for decent prices on Urban Outfitters.  Here’s a better idea though… Find the ones you like and then make stencils.. way more freedom and much more cost effective.

Here are a few of my favs…

Who doesn’t love trees?

cute idea to spruce up some furniture.  Add a little interest.  Art is not only for your walls!

Darling little blue birds…

Spread your wings and fly!!!

All can be found at urbanoutfitters.com

]]> http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/decals-stencils-from-urban-outfitters/feed/ 1 http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/paper-bag-deco-finish/ http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/paper-bag-deco-finish/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:51:21 +0000 lulu http://lulupainting.wordpress.com/?p=580

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!

http://www.frontdoor.com/Sell/10-Things-That-Make-Buyers-Bite/64

I’m smitten with the Entry way photo.  I can’t begin to tell you how many entryway transformations my team and I have done.  This serves as a multipurpose change.  If you’re trying to sell or not, your entry way  is one of the first ways you can welcome folks into your home.  I’d really love to see people painting their front doors a little more artistically.  Perhaps some Damask stenciling, or flavorful artwork.  Why not?

An entry should say: “WELCOME” !!!  This is most easily achieved with something as simple as glorious, magical PAINT!!!  Check out how these folks added some good welcoming vibes to their entry way with some little fluffy clouds…

P.S.  We adore painting clouds…so if you’re in the market for some dreamy ceilings… do call!!!

with painty love, lulu

Please visit us at www.wallovers.com

GO MODERN Looking for a great accent wall behind a couch or bed? Our Roundabout design is a huge hit in all sorts of color combinations. Shown here over Modern Masters Metal Effects paint.

Wallovers stencils are easy to use!
You’ll be a damask professional after one job. Just stencil the center portion of the design and then move the stencil using the outer registration marks. The designs will piece together like a puzzle. Then use the Wallover’s “Topper” , a pre-cut, self-adhesive stencil to finish off the ceiling line! You’ll have your customers asking… “where are the seams!!!

COMING SOON

The “Allover Brush” by Wallovers. A 1 1/2 inch stencil brush that covers fast for large allover patterns. Keep an eye out for this new brush

She lists the simple directions below:

3. To add a pattern to the tiles, use a stencil or freehand a design. With a stencil, use a foam roller to apply the paint. To freehand a design, use artist’s brushes.

4. Protect your masterpiece by applying a coat of polyurethane over the entire painted area, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will seal the paint and protect it from the normal wear and tear of a high traffic area such as a kitchen.

You can watch the video HOW TO @: http://www.hgtv.com/paint-over-with-jennifer-bertrand/show/index.html

This is something that I am just desperate to do in my bathroom upstairs.  They currently have a dated accent tile sporadically throughout and are surrounded by off white tiles. I want to paint over them with a crisp white paint…Maybe Benjamin Moore’s White Dove, and then do a black Bohemian Gothica  style stencil with really sharp clean lines…very minimally.  Of coarse I have to wait until I buy the place to get my hands on those tiles but someday this day will come!

Happy Tile and Backsplash Painting to you!

LULU

If you do not know who Melany Royals is, I hope that you will take the time to look over her impressive self via her websites or online blog.  This gal is the queen of the stenciling world and has achieved so many beautiful finishes in her career already.  Her finishes and style are a constant inspiration to myself and every single female and decorative painter that I know of.

She is hosting another trip to Morocco with an intimate group of students to study stencil, paint, and culture, all while taking in the joys of each other and the colorful environment Morocco has to offer.  This will be her 3rd trip this year, and unfortunately from what I hear it may be HER LAST….

(Some of the designs students will be incorporating this trip)

If you have the means to make this trip happen on such short notice I suggest you jump on it, and take advantage of this amazingly colorful and educational opportunity.

(Melany and her team on there last trip!)

Please review her Blog and the trips info listed below, as well as Melany’s website for stencil ideas or more info on Melany…. hmmm  I think I’m feeling the need for another interview!!!!

Blog: http://designamour.com/2009/01/02/last-call-for-marrakech/

Her website: http://royaldesignstudio.com/

Trip info and pricing: http://www.modellodesigns.com/general.asp?idno=535163

(Again, Melany and one of her students working in Morocco!)

Happy Color full  New Year to you all!

LULU