At Large In Europe

It's good to be back home again!!!!

I have been "at large" in Europe for quite some time. It's good to be back; but I am beginning to miss my children, my home, my friends and lots more. BTW the "missing part" is not in a specific order.

Before I left, friends kept asking me "are you coming back"?  Never did I give it much thought, but I kind of wondered? Somehow, my friends knew more then I did. I have such great friends!!!

So, I am battling my demons: To stay here or to come home? I did not realize how many European things I missed; neither was I particularly grateful about the American cool ways and things. Can I get the "BEST" of my two worlds? Possibly!!! I am working on it!!!!!

So, here is what I missed from my European heritage:

Christmas Markets...... and  the scent of the obligatory Christmas roasted almonds (can't eat any, because according to European standards 139lbs borders on obesity) I am on a diet!!!

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Question - How to apply a finish to a stucco wall???

author of Time Crafted 8/30/2010 9:35:44 PM

I have a question (see me raising my hand high?!)!!

How to deal with California highly textured walls and getting a clean edge! 

Okay, that's more of a frustrated statement/topic than a question, but hope you get where I'm going.

I see so many cool paint treatments and just know they would be a nightmare with my current painting knowledge base; our lovely textured walls (not just the bumpy kind, but the kind where you can look at them and see shapes in all the raised  depressed areas that are highly visible...even with matte paint).

Thanks! :

Heidi's Reply

Hello Karen,

I assume that your wall is "stucco" thus absorbent, unless it's painted with eggshell sheen paint.

If that is the case you need to prime your walls first. Then you would apply your eggshell paint finish.The eggshell paint finish will provide a non-absorbent surface, which is necessary for any type of glazing  In your case I would suggest  a color wash or a dry brush technique. Both will give you a subtle glow of all highs and lows.

Dry Brush Technique

Color wash followed by dry brush technique

 Painting a straight, clean and crisp "edge" on a textured wall can be a challenge. Here is a trick I often use. I seal my painters tape with varnish. Just paint varnish on the edge of the tape.You must use the same sheen of varnish as your paint. (satin paint, satin varnish).The varnish runs under the tape thus sealing any spaces. After the varnish is dry you can begin to paint. Once everything is dry remove your tape and you will have a  a very crisp edge.

Dry brush Technique: 

  

Steps.

• Using a 4" chip brush, load the brush with a small amount of paint.. On a palette (newspaper, cardboard) deposit most of the paint, so you only  have a small amount on the brush, thus dry brush.
• Move the brush rapidly across the surface. Any direction is required.
• Brush should be barely filled with paint
• Use a very light touch

By the way, I have my aspiring faux finishers close their eyes and talk to me when they are applying the paint. This relieves the anxiety and intimidation of the brush.


Color Wash Technique: I found a video which might be helpful to you 

I hope this blog is helpful. Thanks for asking.

Happy Painting

 

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Color Me Turquoise

A few days ago, I posted some insights about the new trendy colors. As an decorative artist and an interior design buff, I always try to be ahead of schedule. Being raised in the fashion industry, I take my color inspirations exactly from that industry. Colors are very important to me, I have many "favorites" all depending on my feelings and energy at the time..



The color Turquoise:
I never considered turquoise one of my favorites.. However, recently I seem to be drawn to this calming and soothing color. Turquoise, a semi-precious stone, also known as "sky stone" was  a piece of jewelry I could do without. Turquoise as an interior  color,  has become one of my favorites. Now I have an excuse to hunt for   turquoise accessories.

Look at this - these  colors together are absolutely GORGEOUS

I love the symbolism and history of every color.  I would like to share some of these beliefs and myths. Following what I have discovered  about  this semi-precious stone from Turkey.

  A  mix of blue, green and aqua, this "cool" color: represents

water and sky, thus "sky stone". It is believed that turquoise represents

• Youth
• Communication
• Generosity
• Love
• Healing
• Emotion
• Feelings 
• Creativity

and it is a color of feeling and creative expression  rather than rational thought (seems to be the right color for me, need I  say more?)

For your inspiration  I collected a few images that you might like and appreciate. Maybe you even feel inspired to use this soothing color in your home.

Courtesy of Drake Design Associates

Courtesy Of Girl World Decor

 Let me know what you think

 

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Through My Crystal Ball... Not really!!

Color Me Happy!

Courtesy of  Living In Color

 I was MIA for the last few weeks. Simply, because I am in the midst of  that awful  "writers block" My brain seems to be on overload,  having  difficulties to focus on what I would like to say.


In my personal life  "stay in the here and now" is working; however, in my business life that would spell failure. I have to look into the future, create reasonable forecasts and lastly be aware of any new trends. 2010 is flying by and almost gone. Looking into my crystal ball, or more accurately, doing some on-line research, I discovered some of the new interior color palettes and interior trends.. It seems that we are ready for

• Renewal
• Optimistic Outlook
• Global interest
• Simplicity
• Escape
• Balance

Although it's impossible for us to constantly change our interior color palette, it is possible to add some colorful sparkles of the trendy color palettes.  Here are some color splashes  I absolutely love. Of course, I will be scouting stores to catch some of these colorful accessories and I will weave them into my interior spaces. Maybe you can do the same.


Happy hunting, 


xoxo

 Heidi .. Plays with Paints

 

Tomato red

Sunny Coral

Verde de Gris

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CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate - Helping Children

I consider myself being blessed; consequently the time comes when I am ready to give back to society.

In progress

A few days ago, a "CASA",  fund raising project needed an emergency volunteer to faux finish one of the seven playhouses. These darling playhouses will be auctioned/raffled off this week end. I offered my help and was graciously accepted to do a faux finish on the outside of the playhouse. The contractor Tony Chao, interior designer Laureen Wilder, and I decided on a very distressed finish. Lots of peeled paint layers, evidence of the long existence of that old western restaurant. In sweltering heat, heat index 110, Tony and Jimmy the contractors, Laureen and hubby Joe, Mary Hanson and Moe Sturm, the muralists, and I were able to complete the painting touches on this ever so cute playhouse.

Mary, painting the signage

Our team had lots of fun, put in hard and exhausting hours and sincerely hope that we were able to help a little bit that "CASA"can continue to exist helping children in need.

Three Beauties ready to play

Early on A Saturday Morning



August 1, 2010

All the the challenges have been overcome, we can relax, have fun at the Western Night party and be proud that we were able to help CASA. I love to think that my participation will make a difference to a child needing help.Although I don't have all the houses to show here are a few examples. 

Heidi, completing the "distressed" look

The General Store- Lots of Trompe l'oeil

Sold for $3000.00 Thank you so much to the new owners.

The theater sold for $5000.00 A warm "Thank you" to the buyer

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Budget Face Lift For Your Kitchen Cabinets....

Yesterday, I explained the proper preparation for an unique kitchen face lift on a budget.

Today, I will let you know how to proceed to get a really cool French Country look ( you may call it anything you would like). The hot trend of the last few years is to get rid of dated oak cabinets and design your cabinets to be more like furniture. With a fast and simple glaze you are able to achieve that $60.000 look for $ 60.00.

Freshly painted Cabinet Doors

 Supplies Needed

                                4" double Chip Brush ( Home Depot)

    MinWax natural floor  wax

                                Artist oil color ( Raw umber, yellow oxide                                             and burnt umber)
                     You may substitute with Universal Tint
           

Rags

I like to use wax, because it is easy to manipulate, doesn't dry very fast, and it has a long shelve life.


Three Steps and VOILÂ -  A French Kitchen

Mix the wax with the artist oil colors or the tint to a warm brown.

Dip your chip brush lightly into the Mineral Spirits and then into the wax and spread the mixture onto the surface. Soften and even out. Let cure for a few minutes ( you could do 5 additional doors)

Dip your rag light in  Mineral Spirits and take off some glaze.

I prefer to leave most of glaze in the crevices.

Happy Painting!!

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Behr Paint and Primer in One - does it really work?

Yesterday,  I explained how to paint/prep kitchen cabinets for application of a French  Country look glaze. My passion, playing with paint, got hold of me,  feeling compelled to try a new product."Behr Premium Plus, Paint and Primer In One". Maybe you have seen the TV commercials. 

I was quite disappointed applying the coating. It just didn't work  the way I am used to. I did not prime the surfaces, simply because the primer is supposed to be in the paint. Maybe it is or maybe it is not. All I know it seemed to peel off very easily. even after the 2nd coat. I followed  the instructions to a "T". For my next project I am going back to my favorite primer Zinsser, Bulls Eye 1.2.3..

1.2.3 followed by 2 top coats - and it sticks!!. The moral of this post: Sometimes it is best to leave things the way they are.!!

This is why I like 1.2.3. Primer. It never has failed me. No sanding necessary so it's a time saver. It even works on mirrors and other glossy surfaces.  It's just a great product, and I guess you get what you pay for.

Happy Painting!!

PR: wait...  I: wait...  L: wait...  LD: wait...  I: wait... wait...  Rank: wait...  Traffic: wait...  Price: wait...  C: wait...

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