“Florentine Plaster”

The incredible Florentine plaster is an easy, yet gorgeous faux finish technique. Still, after about twenty years, one of the best sellers. FP looks like a multi layer technique, but is not. Production is fast, easy and can not be compared to other textured techniques, due to inexpensive application. Contemporary, modern or electic, take your pick, Florentine Plaster will always be the "talk of the party"

“Croco”

An exquisite crocodile leather look alike faux finish. Designed and created for a famous baseball player. The king size bed, custom made to highlight this faux wall finish. Mediums used: Water Putty, Olive oil, gift-wrap etc.

“Grandeur”

(`granjər,`granˌdyo͝or/) noun: splendor and impressiveness, especially of appearance or style. The dictionary says it all. This grandiose faux finish was created with MM metallic plaster, gold powder and assorted MM metallics.

“There's No Crying in Baseball”

An extremely fast and effective wall glazing finish resembling a baseball. Created with paint only.

“Tuscany”

I found this beautiful faux finish in Florence, Italy in the Orsini Palace.

Welcome to My Home

Hello and Welcome!! My name is Heidi and one of my passion is faux painting. However, there are otherpasions and I live them daily. Take your pick. Interior design, decorating on the shabby side, gardening, herbs, fashion, culture and and last but not least "Style". In my world, the day should have 48 hours and more.

I am here to share some of my adventures with you, because I love to share and teach. I hope that you come by often and stay a while. Thank you for sharing your time with me.

Monday, July 26, 2010

CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate - Helping Children

10:49 AM   , ,   7 comments

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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Friday, July 23, 2010

Budget Face Lift For Your Kitchen Cabinets....

1:45 PM   ,   3 comments

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?

      9:26 AM   ,   1 comment

      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!!



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      Thursday, July 22, 2010

      6 steps to new kitchen cabinets......

      3:18 PM   ,   No comments

      Ever thought about new  kitchen cabinets, but the budget just was not there? Well, here you can have your dream come true.... brand new stylish cabinets like out of Better Homes and Gardens.

       

       
      Remove doors, hardware and drawer fronts







      Clean with water-ammonia solution
      Let dry
      Sand lightly. Dust


        


      Wash with any liquid sander. (I happen to like ESP)
      Let dry for 90 minutes











      With a Whiz roller (cigar roller) apply  a water based primer.
      I used Behr paint and primer, in order to save time.
      Apply 2 coats. If you use regular paint, apply one coat of primer and 2 coats of paint.



      ....and here is your new door

      Happy Painting !!










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