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

Hello lovely Color Lovers and Paint Enthusiasts!

I have excellent news and so many exciting developments that I am just bursting with fruity colorful flavor to share with you.  Everyday we are getting closer and closer to having all the cosmetic pieces in order for LULu Wanderlust.  Just a few more small tweaks, shakes, feathers plucked and a little more organization and love on my part and I’ll be back in this beautiful Bloggy world in no time.

Isn’t busy season just wonderful in the Painting world!!!  It is always so exciting for me to see just how much I can accomplish in one month, or week, or day.  I can’t wait to share our latest projects, ideas, recipes, reviews, inspirations, wild stories, interviews and give aways with you!

A treat for you to start your Monday the right way…Stay With the Happy People

Have a productive and Colorful Day!  I’ll be seeing you real soon!

lulu

Steph’s House, Minneapolis, MN

For those of you wondering where this stencil came from that’s posted on my website… (I’ve had quite a few inquiries…)  Its actually not a stencil at all…Its a series of Decals from What is Blik. I suggest making your own stencil out of the decals  for continued use and more flexibility in color selection.You can purchase them at: http://www.whatisblik.com

for a bedroom?

and

I love this clustered look!

If I remember correctly you get about 8 of them, They are pretty intricate so if your cutting your own stencil from the design it will take some time.

enjoy!!!

lulu

This past week we were able to squeeze in a project over at a new Hip and Cozy Lounge downtown Minneapolis.  Its called Elixir and its located to the left of the Fineline Music Cafe.

I’m calling this Part 1 because I’m going to show you my dark and dusty photos from behind the scenes.  A sort of sneak preview to the venue before its all clean and fabulous.

The Grand Opening will be on May 15th, so we will hope to see you there to celebrate another great establishment by Jado Hark and his team.  I hear the menu is filled with scrumptious goodies and have a feeling I’ll soon be becoming a regular at the new place to eat downtown.

Just getting started…

Deco Palette Faux Effects

Working on one of our signature finishes, “Blue Coral”

Finishing up on a Deco Palette/Silkstone Custom finish made unique for Elixir

working on ‘Blue Coral’ Soffit

Handsome Jado in front of Faux Marble beginning stages.

Stay tuned for more pictures…or just go see the real deal on the 15th like everybody else!!!

]]> http://lulupainting.com/2009/05/elixir-part-1/feed/ 2 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-recipe/ http://lulupainting.com/2009/04/wood-icing-recipe/#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2009 16:10:58 +0000 lulu http://lulupainting.wordpress.com/?p=576

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!!!

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

Terri put together some warm and rich finishes for them and we spent the week climbing up and down 25 ft scaffolding, moving the chandeliers, and basically performing a circus act.

Here are some photo’s from this past weeks project!

Ta da!  Terri and Cindy showcase the scaffolding

Helpful hint:  to de-fuzz your new rollers.  Stick a piece of tape under your shoe and extend the tape so you have a long strip.  Then you can roll the roller up and down the tape to get all the little fuzzies off.

The main finish in progress

Accent hall final step

Close up, final product on accent hall.

Good times, my arms are still sore though.

xo LULU

]]> http://lulupainting.com/2009/03/minnesota-glazing/feed/ 1 http://lulupainting.com/2009/02/lulu-painting-feature-in-the-nta-newsletter-for-january/ http://lulupainting.com/2009/02/lulu-painting-feature-in-the-nta-newsletter-for-january/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:56:55 +0000 lulu http://lulupainting.wordpress.com/?p=317 I was featured in the January Newsletter for NTA and SALI.  K Rauworth from Paint to Pixels puts it together every month.  You can view her website at www.PAINTtoPIXELS.com.  Here is what K put together…  enjoy!  with valentines day love, LULU

K Rau