Painter Girl

Back Soon

As some of you know, I have been working on my Masters in Science Ed. degree for 1 year now, in hopes to complete the program by the end of this year.  I posted my "Unofficial Transcript" to show you that so far...tah dah... I have straight A's! The course is through Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, but it is totally online, so I never have to physically go somewhere for class, other than to my laptop.  This works well with my busy schedule as I am still very much engaged with my decorative painting business, Paint It!  I also teach an afterschool science class, 2 afternoons each week, for 1 hour each class.  Why am I taking these classes?  Well, for a few reasons.  One, I found I am just really interested in science and would like to explore this field more.  Two, after teaching afterschool science classes for the past five years, I see a great need for more such programs in our schools, for all grade levels.  I would like to design and implement an art/science afterschool program. I know I would not enjoy being in a traditional classroom all day, 7 days/week.  I love the freedom of afterschool, with no tests or strict rules to follow.  The kids who sign up for my classes are there because they want to be there and really have a love for science and a lot of curiosity.

At this point, I only have one toe in the science field and all the rest of me is firmly planted in the world of decorative finishings.  There are still too many things I want to do with finishes and all the wonderful products that are constantly coming on the market to play with, to not do this full time.

Some of the courses I have taken are much more involved than others and consume every minute of any spare time I might think I have.  I'm up early, usually 6 a.m. and go to bed late, typically 1:00 a.m.  I spend anywhere from 10-20 hrs each week on homework assignments for these courses.  The courses run for 8 weeks at a time, all year round, with no break.  Two weeks ago I began a Physics course, and I'm thinking this is going to be one of the toughest courses so far. :-(  It's definitely a good 15+ hrs/wk for homework. 

I've been stressed because I know I am way behind on my posts here, but something just has to go for the moment and unfortunately trying to keep up with this blog each week is just one of the things that has to not be a priority right now.  You don't want me to blow my A average, right? 

I'm still photographing every job I've been doing and I know I have to finish up posting the Wakefield job I completed, so have lots to show you.  I just can't promise I will be able to post weekly, so I hope you will understand when I miss a week or two or maybe three.  There will be more posts coming, as I am working on some very fun projects!

Right now I have to get a grip on understanding things like V av =∆d/∆t!

Back soon........

 

                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

Stencil Giveway Contest

Oh woe is me.  I am having some technical difficulties trying to post some videos I shot to finish up the Wakefield job series posts.  But....lucky for you, my good friend and fellow blogger, Julie Krefta, over at StencilTalk has alerted me about a great contest she is holding.  You have until May 9th to enter to win a $50 gift certificate for stencils from iStencils. 

Click here http://www.stencilsearch.com/stenciltalk/ for all the details! 

Family Room: Wakefield

Monday, I showed you the Kitchen in this house, which is open into the Family Room.  I carried the background finish into this room on two walls, and did an accent wall with a Venetian Plaster.  The stenciled leaves were done only in the kitchen.

The wall on the right, is the VP wall, the left is the same multi-glazed finish that is carried into the adjacent kitchen.  New furniture and window treatments have been ordered for this room, so I will have to go back and get better photos when it is all delivered.

 

 

This Dimensional Basecoat is the first layer of the glazed walls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is rolled on and then smoothed out with a spatula.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is what it looks like while it is wet, before smoothed out with the spatula.  You have the option of how textured you want it to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a close up of the accent wall. So sorry, for another not so great picture! It really looks much better in person!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The last piece of this room is the fireplace surround.  I glazed it and added some stenciling.  I used one of my favorite stencils from Royal Design Studio, Florentine Grille.

Next up... the basement Family Room.

Kitchen: Wakefield

Here are two sample boards that were selected for this Kitchen.  I did these sample boards several years ago, but with some modification, they were the right finish for this particular job.  I thought this would be a good project to try this finish using Sherwin Williams Dimensional Basecoat.

 

 

Here is the before shot, with white walls.  The Kitchen had recently been completely remodeled in this home and the this Italian family wanted a nice, warm, Tuscan look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is another before shot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the after.  We (both me and the clients) wanted the leaves to be very soft, and faded away in areas, not as colorful and pronounced as the sample board.

 

 

 

 

 

From a distance.

 

 

 

Over the sink window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This cabinet unit marks the end of the kitchen area, which is open to the Family Room.  I continued the background finish into the family room, but ended the leaves right after this unit. 

Tomorrow, we'll take a closer look at the Sherwin Williams Dimensional Base and the finished Family Room.

 

Front Entry Hall: Wakefield

Continuing on (finally) with the recently completed projects at the Wakefield home, today we visit the Front Entry Hall. In it's previous life (left), it was a lackluster off-white.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There's not a lot of wall space because of the large opening to the living room off to the left and the stairs to the second floor, on the right.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I started out with a soft, orange/gold toned glaze.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, I used Cutting Edge Stencils, Anna Damask pattern.  This was a stencil design I had not used before, so was eager to try. What I always love about their stencils is the "topper" piece included with these all over repeat patterns, making the ceiling line much easier to stencil.  This short topper piece eliminates the experience of the larger stencil folding over and resting on your head while you attempt to stencil right up to the top of the wall.  My hair truly appreciates being glaze free!

 

 

This stencil works up quickly, as it is a one overlay.  I used a gold metallic paint, mixed with a little glaze.  Well, to be honest, I mixed it with Bella Magic, which is one of my favorite products.  I have been mixing it in with just about every product I use these days.  I may even try it in my coffee.  No, just kidding... but it does greatly improve the application of plasters when troweling and paints when stenciling.  I buy it from Kathy Carroll over at Faux by Kathy. It does not seem to be listed on her site anymore, but if you call and ask for it, they will help you.

A little side note... While I was stenciling these walls, I was very, very close to running out of the gold paint.  I kept thinning with the Bella Magic because I needed to finish these walls that day and there was no source anywhere near for the gold I was using.  By the time I finished, the jar was so clean it looked like I had washed it out! Don't do as I do.  Buy more paint than you need.  I tend to do this with gas too.  I rarely fill up until the light comes on in my car, and even then, I'll drive for quite a few miles before pulling into a gas station.  I guess I like living on the edge.

This picture really does do the finish justice, as it shows the metallic paint with it's subtle glow.  The glaze underneath is also very subdued, just giving the walls a little depth and movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are two large door openings on one side, so I wrapped the pattern around onto the face of the each opening.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, when you enter this home, you are greeted by warm and welcoming walls, vs. the previous look.  It makes you want to come in and see what else is going on in this house!

 

 

 

The Wakefield House: Powder Room

Back in the beginning of March,  I showed you a series of sample boards that were selected for various walls in this house in Wakefield, MA.  With the job now complete, I'm ready to reveal how it all turned out.  First, let me say this was just a very fun and relaxing job. The homeowners were a delight to work with, the commute not my typical Boston traffic nightmare... and a very good bakery just as I would come off the exit ramp!  What more can a girl ask for?  I have to laugh when I think back to my wardrobe during this time frame in March.  I believe I started out wearing turtlenecks, gloves and a winter coat.  The temperatures shot up into the high 80's days later and I was in a tank top!  By the time I finished the project I was back to a T shirt and sweater.  That was some insane March weather.

I'm going to feature the Powder Room today.  Here is the "before" shot.  Bad pic, but it was beigey-tan with a, gasp... wallpaper border. I hate using the "w" word.

 

 

To the right is the sample board, showing the finish.  This is a busy finish, but I like it on an accent wall or in this case, all walls in this small Powder Room.  It's done by just troweling on paint, wet on wet with the colors.  Messy, but quick and easy to do. 

 

 

And here it is done.  The room has a much warmer look now.  For this mini-makeover, the homeowners replaced the faucets, towel bar, lighting and medicine cabinet, all with deep toned fixtures

 

 

 

The interior side of this pocket door was aged, along with the door frame and baseboard.  When I saw the new artwork that was selected, I immediately knew I had the perfect stencil to coordinate, one of the Renaissance Tile Series 1 designs, from Royal Designs Studios. I hate to tell you how many years I have had this stencil, but it certainly has stood the test of time!

 

In this close up, you can see I added a little bling with some Swarovski crystals.  The homeowners tell me they love to hear their guests response when they go into this small room and pull the pocket door closed.  It's always a fun surprise!

Next up... the front hall.

Stenciled Valances

Back in March, which seems so long ago, I showed you a quick job I did for a client where I just added a few berries and changed the leaf color to an existing vine I had done years ago. 

Well, the homeowner decided to have a pair of valances made for me to stencil too.  The top was left unfinished on each, so I could insert some cardboard and not stencil onto the back.

If I didn't already have too may projects on my "to do" list, I'd consider stenciling some of these for myself!

 

Back on the Blogging Trail

Oh geesh, here it is April 1st, and I see what a lousy job I did with keeping up with my posts for the month of March!  Well, I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again... I will try to be better this month about posting on, at least... a semi-regular basis!  I do have a lot to show you, but March just got away with me with too many deadlines for jobs and homework for my ongoing science classes.

Today I spent some time, begrudingly, reformating my Facebook Page for "Paint It!", to the new, very unpleasant Timeline.  I just don't like anything about this new format, finding it way too busy visually, no matter how much you fool with it.  I'm done with it for now! I cropped and resized one of the treads from that yellow staircase I did, for my cover photo.  It's the Eastern Lattice Moroccan stencil from Royal Design Studio.  If you have not already done so, check out Melanie's revamped website, it looks fabulous and will give you a lot of inspiration!

My Escape is in for repair$. :-( 

 

 

 

 

 

I have this lovely Ford Focus as loaner until it is ready.  It is even bluer than what shows in this photo! Yikes, is all I have to say!  I'm trying not to be seen getting in and out of it, but since it is such a hideously bright blue, it's hard to NOT be seen!

I did manage to fold the back seats down though and cram in my ladder for a job!  I'm trying not to completely trash this car before I have to return it tomorrow.  The Ford folks told me I would not want to give it back, once I drove it.  I could not give this car back fast enough.  It has several blind spots and is very hard to put into gear (and it's an automatic!).  Then of course, there is the fact that it has zero room for storing much of anything.

All right.  I realize I'm being a little crabby here today, so I will end on a more pleasant note!  Look at this beautiful double tulip that was in my bunch of tulips I purchased this week! 

 

 

 

 

 

Small Changes

Recently, a client sent me this picture of some vines I had done in her kitchen quite a few years ago:

 

 

She had made some changes in her kitchen and now wanted the leaves to be green vs. their current blue-grey.  She also wanted to bring in some wine colored berries.

 

 

While I was up on my ladder working, I came upon a section where I had signed my name and dated and was surprised to learn I had done this work back in July 2000! 

 

 

This was an easy change to make, just overlaying the stencil used and adding some green, and then the berries.

 

Some off white valances are being made and I will add this same vine to those to complete her kitchen make-over.

 

My Dining Room Floor Revisited

I know I showed you my black dining room floor some time ago, but the photos were terrible and did not do it justice.  While these photos are still not the best, they are an improvement.  It's very hard to photograph black, especially with a tone on tone pattern!  The stencil used is Casablanca Allover, from Cutting Edge Stencils.  I really love having a black floor and it is very easy to keep clean.