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!

Have a great day ya’ll! ~ 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

This girl rocks!!!!  Design student Sara Watson Decorative finished her car to DISAPPEAR!!!!  read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/8030766.stm

Have a colorful day everyone!!!!  lulu

If you were to walk through Stephs house you would notice little tastes of some of the most loved and valued colors out there in the world.  Some of my favorites being: Split Pea, Harbor Fog, Kendall Gray, and Atrium White all staples in the Industry and all demanding a certain type of client and pallet for display.

Recently Steph showed me an old bench she found at her parents house years ago.  Still with dirt worked into the cracks from being outside for one too many year.  The wood had split into cracks from too much moisture and water exposure, and there were cob webs nesting underneath the seat of it.

It was a faded….FADED green, and Steph had the perfect place for it, but it wasn’t the perfect look.  To my great delight she decided on Peacock Feather by Benjamin Moore as the color for the bench.  We then decided we would stencil the bench, to add a little more flavor, but simple tones as too not be too cutesy.

We choose a cream.. well actually she trusted me on this one… I chose a cream..picked up the bench, and brought it back to my studio to work on at my leisure.

First thing I did was sand it 100% with a fine sanding block.

I used Aura Paint which is self priming as the base, then taped off my focal stencil zoned using the Green Froggy Tape, available at any hardware store.

I rolled two coats of the cream tone into the taped off areas and let dry over night.   I chose a stencil from Wallover Stencils (I used the Maya Rose one) because I just love there detailed designs, great for all over applications or simply on there own.

I sprayed glue adhesive to the back of the stencil and placed the design over the cream.  I then simply stenciled in with the Peacock Feather paint on all three sides of the bench.

Lastly, after removing the tape I put one coat of Safe and Seal over the whole thing for a little added protection.  What a simple and fun project it was.  I loved the bench so much, I really didn’t want to give it back.  It looked lovely with our chocolate couch.  I did the right thing though…  Now its back happily at home, with its loving mom…just past that room with the silver pipes, holding lamps, and looking lovely.

Thanks for the fun project!  LULU