tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22491779114032868152024-03-05T20:56:36.205-08:00Murals & Faux Finishing - Tips, Advice, and IdeasMurals and Faux is full of helpful tips, advice, ideas, and pictures of faux finishes and murals.Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-45392371348653100892009-12-31T14:41:00.000-08:002009-12-31T15:04:12.145-08:00How to Antique Furniture with PaintI am sure that many of you have an old piece of furniture that could use a makeover - an armoire, a dresser, a table... You can makeover just about anything as long as you can paint it.<br /><br />I found this great article on <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5236541_transform-furniture-easy-faux-finish.html">Ehow.com</a> called <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5236541_transform-furniture-easy-faux-finish.html">How to Transform Furniture with an Easy Faux Finish</a>. Check this out! I love the aged and antiqued look of the paint finish. So, do you want to learn how to do it?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sz0p0OLqsvI/AAAAAAAACrg/Zy9bgkK985I/s1600-h/amoireSide-main_Full.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sz0p0OLqsvI/AAAAAAAACrg/Zy9bgkK985I/s400/amoireSide-main_Full.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421535503560913650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">First of all, let me say that a great way to change the look of an old furniture piece is by changing the knobs or handles. You can even use wooden knobs and just paint them with a contrasting color to whatever paint finish you plan on doing.<br /><br /><br />Now for the faux paint finish part:<br /><br /><ul><li>Prepare the surfaces for painting. For proper paint adhesion, the surface should be free of any dirt, film, or oily substances. You may want to give the surface a light sanding. This technique is especially good at masking severe damage, so perfection isn't necessary. Scratches don't matter and even major repairs will be masked by the new finish. Just be sure the piece is sound and that the surface is relatively smooth.</li></ul><ul><li>Remove all hardware and take doors off hinges. It's much easier to work with a flat piece of wood than working around hinges and knobs. Use masking tape to label each hinge so you can replace hardware in the same spot when finishes<br /></li></ul><ul><li>If you want to shield parts of the furniture <span class="iAs" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted darkgreen ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; text-decoration: none ! important; padding-bottom: 0px ! important; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;font-size:100% ! important;color:#da0000;" ><nobr style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; color: darkgreen;" id="itxt_nobr_12_0"></nobr></span>from the process such as the interior of drawers, take the time to mask those parts off with paper and/or tape. Mask off any hardware that you couldn't remove, or any surface that you want to shield from paint</li></ul><ul><li><div class="stepBg">Use drop cloths to protect the area while you are painting. Paint in a well-ventilated area free from sparks or flame. Use painting gloves, mask, etc. to protect yourself and your clothing.</div></li></ul><ul><li><div class="stepBg">Use a dark colored spray paint as the base coat and paint all surfaces. In the picture above, they used an Espresso Brown. Use one or two coats to make sure the surfaces are completely and evenly covered. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly based on instructions on can. If you want contrasting knobs with the dark color, paint them now. You can screw them on a scrap piece of wood to keep from handling them while painting.<br /></div></li></ul><ul><li><div class="stepBg">After the base coat is thoroughly dry, load the brush and apply one coat of enamel trim paint (they used a creamy tone). Allow to dry for about 15 minutes. The paint should be partially adhered, but not dry. Wipe off excess with a rag or paper towel. You want an uneven look...not solid. Allow this coat to dry completely.</div></li></ul><br /><ul><li><div class="stepBg">Brush on a second coat of the enamel paint and allow to dry completely overnight (no wiping on this step). </div></li></ul><br /><ul><li><div class="stepBg"><p>Using the coarse sandpaper sparingly and lightly, begin to sand off some of the outer paint layer. Switch to the medium and then the fine paper to sand the surfaces until you begin to see the base coat. Don't sand beyond the base coat. Let the dark color show through such as wear and use would expose it. The goal is not an even, uniform surface, but a patina that adds visual interest to the piece.</p></div></li></ul><br /><ul><li><div class="stepBg"><p>The final finish is the stain (they uses a walnut color). The stain gives the piece a beautifully aged appearance. I like to apply the stain with steel wool and then wipe off with a cloth. The longer you leave the stain before wiping, the darker the color. Be careful not to leave on too long or it will be sticky and hard to remove. If the resulting color is too dark, remove excess with clean, <a itxtdid="15267450" target="_blank" href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5236541_transform-furniture-easy-faux-finish.html#" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted darkgreen ! important; font-weight: normal ! important; font-size: 100% ! important; text-decoration: none ! important; padding-bottom: 0px ! important; color: darkgreen ! important; background-color: transparent ! important; background-image: none; padding-top: 0pt; padding-right: 0pt; padding-left: 0pt;" classname="iAs" class="iAs"><nobr style="font-weight: normal; font-size: 100%; color: darkgreen;" id="itxt_nobr_30_0"></nobr></a>dry steel wool. <span class="image"><script type="text/javascript">jQuery(document).ready(function(){ jQuery('#jsArticleStep11 span.image a:first').attr('href','http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5236541/amoireSideDrawers_Full.jpg'); })</script></span></p></div></li></ul><div class="stepBg"><p>The surface should look naturally aged and is ready to put the hardware and knobs back on. Not too hard right? I just love the look of a distressed or antiqued piece of furniture! </p></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-79412908999438815512009-10-24T10:26:00.000-07:002009-10-24T10:52:36.783-07:00Finding Ideas for Baby Nursery MuralsMy name is Dawn, I am the author of this blog. I am both a faux finish painter as well as a mural painter in the state of New York. Over the past several years, after having a few children of my own, I have really gained more of a passion for painting baby nursery murals.<br /><br />I love working with parents in coming up with one of a kind <a href="http://www.NurseryMuralsandmore.com">Nursery Mural Theme Ideas</a> for their special child's room. Yes, at times, I do get the homeowners who want something more generic such as cartoon characters, but I always enjoy when they have unique ideas where I can let my creative juices flow to come up with something that noone else has done before.<br /><br />Here are a few nursery murals that I have done in the past. Click on the pictures below to read more about how I accomplished these murals.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/2009/03/candyland-themed-mural.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SuM7ATNP4NI/AAAAAAAACpw/V7NemrsL1Gk/s400/P1030152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221654861865170" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/2008/04/ocean-paradise-mural.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SuM7BOxi5vI/AAAAAAAACqQ/jbywuuPbR4E/s400/P1000630.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221670851798770" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/2008/06/two-trees-nursery-mural.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SuM7A3u2vBI/AAAAAAAACqI/LRQdhKK9Euk/s400/two_trees_all.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221664666500114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/2008/02/nursery-rhyme-mural.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SuM7An7_GoI/AAAAAAAACqA/Za3pTnwXfQk/s400/DSC01226_sm.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221660426607234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/2008/04/nautical-themed-mural.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SuM7AVZ9DdI/AAAAAAAACp4/auumo3Zmq4c/s400/P1000690.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396221655452028370" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Having a professional mural painter come into your home is something ultra special. A mural can change the entire mood or feel of a room. And in a baby's nursery, you have lots of room for creativity. There are so many mural ideas to choose from.<br /><br />If you are looking for nursery mural ideas, be sure to check out my other blog - <a href="http://www.NurseryMuralsandmore.com">www.NurseryMuralsandMore.com</a>. I use this site as a place to gather ideas and reference pictures from artists all around the world. Everything is categorized by subject. And if you are looking for something specific and don't find that particular theme after doing a search, please contact me and I would be happy to research the topic for you.Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-33220063130006885202009-09-16T10:35:00.000-07:002009-09-16T10:38:11.185-07:00How to use Faux LusterStoneI came across this great video on How to do Faux LusterStone. Great stuff! Very easy to do!<br /><br /><p align="center"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-gwUImU2NlE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-gwUImU2NlE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object></p>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-3643934695807934912009-09-10T13:35:00.000-07:002009-09-10T14:07:32.481-07:00A Few Simple Tips to Paint a Children's Mural with No ExperienceI recently had a client contact me for a quote to come and do a mural for her twin's baby nursery. She knew exactly what she wanted - so I gave her a ballpark quote over email without seeing the space. She decided that the project was way over her budget. I made a suggestion to maybe call around to local high schools to see if there might be students in the art departments that could come and do the mural for a cheaper rate.<br /><br />She wrote me back and thanked me for the advice and said that she was going to try and attempt the mural on her own. She followed with these common questions:<br /><br /><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>What type of paint should I use for smaller items in the mural?</li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>Can I purchase paint from a craft store?</li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>What brand of paint do you prefer?</li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>How do you achieve shading in the background areas like sky and landscape?</li></ul><ul style="font-weight: bold;"><li>What color paint should I use to darken or lighten the existing paint colors?</li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sqll7I74oNI/AAAAAAAACmo/63yrpRMxgX4/s1600-h/16218973.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sqll7I74oNI/AAAAAAAACmo/63yrpRMxgX4/s400/16218973.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379943296556114130" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />These are all great questions and when I was responding to her email, I decided that it would be great to share my answers with you as well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here is what I wrote:</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">I use acrylic craft paint for smaller things within a mural and I use latex paint for larger background areas. I don’t use any specific brand. You can go with the 2 oz containers of acrylic that you would find in any craft store. Michaels carries them. Be sure to bring your reference pictures with you to the store so you can buy the exact colors that you need.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /><br />A great trick for getting images to look right on a wall without freehanding them is to use an overhead projector.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> Trace your outline on acetate and project the image onto the wall, trace with a pencil and then paint. <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> (</span></span><a style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 255);" href="http://muralsandfaux.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-paint-mural-with-little-or-no.html">Click here to read more about how this is done</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">)</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /><br />The shading colors really depend on what colors you are using. If you are doing the sky, mix the color you are using with a darker blue color. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">The biggest misconception about shading is that you add straight black to make a color darker. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">It winds up being way to dark and muddy. You want the shading to be as natural as possible. </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /><br />Another trick to bring out the shading is to also use highlights.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"> This is done by adding a small amount of what to whatever color you are using and highlight areas that are on the top or sides. Be sure to pick an imaginary light source where the light will be coming from within the mural so that you know exactly where your highlight areas should be and keep it consistent throughout the mural. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">So, there ya have it, a few simple steps to </span>paint a mural on your own without any prior experience.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So let's summarize:<br /></span><ul><li>You don't need any special brand of paints</li><li>You can purchase cheap acrylic paints from a craft store</li><li>Use latex paint for the mural background</li><li>Always use reference pictures</li><li>Use an overhead projector for an outline that is in proportion</li><li>Add shading by mixing a darker color with the original color</li><li>Add Highlights by adding a dab of white to the paint color</li><li>Pick an imaginary lightsource<br /></li></ul>I hope this helps! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. :)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">And if you are interested in finding lots of great baby nursery mural ideas, be sure to check out my other site </span><a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nurserymuralsandmore.com/">www.NurseryMuralsandMore.com</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.nurserymuralsandmore.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 274px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sqlo4j9Mq_I/AAAAAAAACmw/uD9RDPMirTY/s400/nursery_button.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379946550804655090" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-2984712161357361602009-08-01T04:49:00.000-07:002009-08-01T05:25:35.177-07:00How to Prep and Paint Finished Wood Cabinets<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SnQy80aDqdI/AAAAAAAACmg/80UkuTHQrQ0/s1600-h/painting-kitchen-cab-05.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SnQy80aDqdI/AAAAAAAACmg/80UkuTHQrQ0/s400/painting-kitchen-cab-05.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364969076546578898" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />One of my most frequently asked questions is on how to prep and paint cabinets.</span> Hiring a professional will cost you, so many homeowners are attempting to update their cabinets on their own. Though it is a tedious undertaking it CAN be done if you follow the proper steps.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Prepping is the most important part of any painting project</span>, but it is even more important when painting your kitchen or bathroom cabinets.<br /><br />Here is a great How to Video on How to Prep your Cabinets by Lowe's.<br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KVo2PorimDo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KVo2PorimDo&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></center><br />In the video, you will see that they listed several things that you will need in order to prep your cabinets properly.<br /><br />The list is as follows:<br /><ul><li>Screwdrivers</li><li>Drill with Bits</li><li>TSP for cleaning</li><li>Course & Fine Grit Sandpaper</li><li>Water bucket & Sponge</li><li>Dropcloths</li><li>Rubber Gloves</li><li>Dust Mask</li><li>Work Gloves</li><li>Safety Glasses</li><li>Ladder</li><li>Primer</li><li>5 in 1 Tool</li><li>Paint Stir Sticks</li><li>Paint Brushes</li><li>Small Roller & Roller Skins</li><li>Painter's Tape</li><li>Paint Tray<br /></li></ul><br />Now that you know what it takes to get your wood cabinets ready for painting, here is another video on <span style="font-weight: bold;">How to Paint Cabinets</span>.<br /><br /><center><object width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MAtzBVgIAUE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MAtzBVgIAUE&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></center><br /><br />Keep in mind that these video instructions are not meant for laminate cabinets only for finished wood cabinets. Good luck everyone and Happy Painting!Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-19619721025520972442009-07-16T14:33:00.000-07:002009-07-16T15:05:37.358-07:00Tips for Getting Ready to Paint a RoomMy friend Jennifer over at The Magic Brush <span style="text-decoration: underline;">(<a href="http://themagicbrushinc.blogspot.com/">www.</a></span><a href="http://themagicbrushinc.blogspot.com/">themagicbrushinc.blogspot.com</a>) wrote a post recently about her bedroom painting project. Even though she is a professional decorative painter (and a great one at that) she admits to making some mistakes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://themagicbrushinc.blogspot.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sl-j_pcS0mI/AAAAAAAACmY/vnePFsYLF8I/s400/Magic+Brush+Header+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359182395445793378" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />First she picked the color that she thought she wanted and bought a whole gallon of it instead of purchasing smaller sample size paints and testing them on the walls. Later on she decided to change the color all together. So this became a bigger project than she anticipated.<br /><br />She wrote out a few great tips on her site and I asked her if I could have permission to share them with my readers as well and she agreed. They are fairly simple, but if you follow them, you will save yourself a LOT of work in the long run.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I did change the order of Jennifer's tips. Her actual tips are in quotes, but I pulled from her ideas and did some re-wording.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Painting Tips - Getting Ready to Paint a Room</span></span><br /><br />1. "Pick your fabric first" (bedding, window treatments, etc) Go with a color that is in the fabric. Don't choose the main color, go with a color that is NOT the focal point, but would be complimentary to all the colors together.<br /><br />2. Pick your colors and then purchase sample containers of the paint. Some stores may offer 2 oz. sample containers. Otherwise just purchase a quart. Do not assume that because you love the color on the paint chip / chart, that you will like it on your walls. There are many things to take into consideration such as natural & articifical light.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sl-jRAlHFiI/AAAAAAAACmQ/9T_gM3z1a4w/s1600-h/paint-swatch.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/Sl-jRAlHFiI/AAAAAAAACmQ/9T_gM3z1a4w/s400/paint-swatch.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359181594202936866" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://writebrained.wordpress.com/2009/03/06/the-stairwell-that-ate-my-marriage-part-the-first/"><span style="font-size:78%;">www.writebrained.wordpress.com</span></a><br /></div><br />You can paint the sample colors right on the wall or I always tell my clients to take the sample color and paint the color onto a piece of foam board. You can then move the board around the room to see it in different lights and at different times of the day. This brings us to Jennifer's next tip...<br /><br />2. "Live with the color on the test spots for a few days before pulling the trigger. In retrospect...I wish I still had chosen an even "dirtier" blue. I <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">know </span>most paint seems to look <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">darker and brighter </span>once it's in an entire space. Usually if I pick a color that is a little "duller" than I want... it ends up to be perfect."<br /><br />3. "Clear out as much of the room as possible to give yourself plenty of room to work." I have to say that it sure can be frustrating working around a bunch of furniture. I have had to do this in some of my client's homes - work on one wall and then move the furniture and work on the next wall. It is a real pain in the neck. If you can avoid this by moving the furniture entirely out of the room, that is great. Otherwise try to move everything in to the center of the room. An ideal space to work in is 5-6 feet between the wall & furniture.<br /><br />4. "Give yourself plenty of time to paint the space (48 hours is NOT enough time)." I have to stress to you not to rush. Get the job done right the first time. Clean up at the end of your work time as well. It is always nice to start fresh the next day with clean tools and a work area that is tidied up. Painting should never be sloppy.<br /><br />So there ya have it. A few great tips for those of your DIY'ers who plan on painting a room in your home. If you start out doing it the RIGHT WAY, you will be so much happier with the outcome. You may even be PROUD. :)<br /><br />Happy Painting everybody!<br />DAWNPainter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-82397430874971344362009-05-29T10:51:00.000-07:002009-05-29T11:35:47.033-07:00The Bellagio Faux FinishI recently was asked a question about the Bellagio Faux Finish Technique. Because I had not yet done this particular finish, I did some research and found some great step by step videos from Expert Village. The Bellagio finish uses layers of tinted plaster that are both troweled and brushed on to give a dimensional look. You can use any color combination and even add in some metallics for added depth.<br /><br />Video #1 - Supplies needed for the Bellagio Finish<br /><br /><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/j6rxbB6FWcE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/j6rxbB6FWcE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Video #2 - Basecoating with roller<br /></div><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Re5EOVXDBlg&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Re5EOVXDBlg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Video #3 - Tinted plaster laid on with a trowel<br /></div><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kD9zKdupATs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kD9zKdupATs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">Video #4 - Adding depth with a darker color<br /></div><p align="center"><br /></p><p align="center"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/SUSeFTD8LTc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/SUSeFTD8LTc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></p><br /><br />So, there ya have it. Pretty easy right? And this finish can be done in any color. Just follow the simple steps and you are on your way to a professional looking faux finish that looks like it should be in the Bellagio!<br /><br />Here is a great example of a Bellagio finish done by an artist friend of mine named <a href="http://www.ellenleigh.com/">Ellen Leigh</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SiAomborHeI/AAAAAAAACj0/kW1rQIXaLHU/s1600-h/BellagioFauxweb.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SiAomborHeI/AAAAAAAACj0/kW1rQIXaLHU/s400/BellagioFauxweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341313798779903458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />How about this golden toned bellagio finish done by <a href="http://www.mural-magic.com/faux.html">Mural Magic?<br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mural-magic.com/faux.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SiAo3hGyDgI/AAAAAAAACj8/vDcZrKCyaAs/s400/bellagiofaux.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341314092306140674" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You can even add a layer of metallic plaster or glaze - adds depth and dimension.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tonyswallsofart.com/Faux_Finishes.html"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SiApo3bOKJI/AAAAAAAACkE/flbCUZuPCfI/s400/bellagio.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341314940111038610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.tonyswallsofart.com/Faux_Finishes.html">www.tonyswallsofart.com</a></span><br /><br /><br /></div>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-73250872353093257482009-04-25T09:56:00.000-07:002009-04-25T10:46:28.593-07:00Bathroom Mural Ideas<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNMCg6gk4I/AAAAAAAACiE/TaPEDGUPFrM/s1600-h/Manorbath.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNMCg6gk4I/AAAAAAAACiE/TaPEDGUPFrM/s400/Manorbath.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328686390188217218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.avonmanor.com/dave.html">By Murals and Masterpieces in NJ</a></span><br /></div><br />A bathroom is a really fun place to decorate. It is a room separate from everything else -a place to sit and have some peace and quiet. It is a place where you can get away and have some privacy for a few short moments (especially if you have 3 little ones like me, but more often than not - they follow me in the bathroom. LOL)<br /><br />The bathroom is one room in the home that you can really get creative with and not worry about it coordinating with adjoining rooms. Even if your color scheme in the rest of your home is more neutral and and toned down - in a bathroom, you can let your hair down and use use some color for heaven sake! There is no better way to add life to bathroom walls than a beautiful hand painted wall mural. The themes are pretty much endless.<br /><br />I have done some research on the internet (one of my favorite things to do) and I found so many great bathroom mural ideas. You are going to love these!<br /><br />This first one, I think is soooo creative and something I have never seen before - A Circus themed bathroom! How cool is that? This one was done by <a href="http://www.renegebhart.com/">Rene of Rene Gebhart Designs</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNE8HG0S2I/AAAAAAAAChM/RiXDa1jYmF4/s1600-h/Murals03.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNE8HG0S2I/AAAAAAAAChM/RiXDa1jYmF4/s400/Murals03.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328678583599909730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />And we have all seen the tropical themed bathroom. This mural was painted by <a href="http://www.robincambria.com/">Robin Cambria</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNFoWOxqWI/AAAAAAAAChU/cjARmiWRaVo/s1600-h/Tropical+Bathroom+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNFoWOxqWI/AAAAAAAAChU/cjARmiWRaVo/s400/Tropical+Bathroom+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328679343574067554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />How about this gorgeous Tuscan Style mural over the tub? If i had that in my bathroom, I don't think I would ever leave! This one was done by <a href="http://www.briggsartstudio.com/html/murals.html">Bill Briggs of Briggs Art Studio</a> out of Tennessee.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNGSN0bWQI/AAAAAAAAChk/kjafGYsIx2A/s1600-h/bathroom_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNGSN0bWQI/AAAAAAAAChk/kjafGYsIx2A/s400/bathroom_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328680062870575362" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Here is another archway / column mural overlooking the water. I love how realistic this scene looks! Mural by <a href="http://www.rickartinteriormurals.com/">www.rickartinteriormurals.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNGR1csG_I/AAAAAAAAChc/SjsHWy7P5Z4/s1600-h/Bathroom+Murals+after.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNGR1csG_I/AAAAAAAAChc/SjsHWy7P5Z4/s400/Bathroom+Murals+after.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328680056328559602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />How about a fun under the sea scene painted above the tile? I love the bright oranges & yellows in the fish. They just pop against the blue. It was done by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.psyche.co.za/htm/murals.htm">The Art of Christina Carstens</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNHbsgq9hI/AAAAAAAAChs/1PCW0dly40U/s1600-h/mural_15.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNHbsgq9hI/AAAAAAAAChs/1PCW0dly40U/s400/mural_15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328681325239662098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />I have a thing for HUGE flowers. First of all, the rust / red color is a great base color for these beautiful big flowers. The artist did an amazing job! <a href="http://www.artexpressionsltd.com/folio.asp?sec=misc&pg=7">www.artexpressionsltd.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNIh-RftbI/AAAAAAAACh0/5RMLWoNXYfA/s1600-h/03-BathroomMural-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNIh-RftbI/AAAAAAAACh0/5RMLWoNXYfA/s400/03-BathroomMural-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328682532598691250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />This one is quite original. It has an art deco feel, but also a bit whimsical. Love the colors in this bathroom - brown, gold, and sea foam green as the accent color (within the mural). <a href="http://dandishman.com/2009/02/19/bathroom-mural/">www.dandishman.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNJS3BvpFI/AAAAAAAACh8/cZHT7anXHaM/s1600-h/bathroom_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SfNJS3BvpFI/AAAAAAAACh8/cZHT7anXHaM/s400/bathroom_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328683372467168338" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well, that is all I have for now. The list goes on, but I have a 6 month old who is quite hungry. Until next time!.......<br /><br />BTW, I also have a couple other sites that you might be interested in checking out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.paintermommy.com/">Painter Mommy</a> (my Mommy fun site)<br /><a href="http://www.nurserymuralsandmore.com/">Nursery Murals and More</a> (my Nursery Murals fun site)<br /><a href="http://www.surfaceswithpaint.com/">Surfaces with Paint</a> - (my NY Painting Biz)<br /><br /></div>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-29638826139779473372009-04-18T18:26:00.000-07:002009-04-18T19:19:06.068-07:00Tips on Prepping for a Faux Paint FinishI cannot ever say it enough - Prepping is KEY when doing any type of faux paint finish. I have the tendency to OVER prep at times, but I would rather do that then run into an issue later on.<br /><br />I had a job this past week doing a plaster type finish called Old World Plaster. <a href="http://surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/2009/04/old-world-plaster-finish-in-garrison-ny.html">Click here to see pictures and read more about it</a>.<br /><br />I recorded a short video on what I do to prep before painting. I share a few simple tips to help make things easier once the finish is ready to be applied.<br /><ul><li>Dropcloths</li><li>Taping</li><li>Keeping Tools Organizes</li></ul><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Check out the video!<br /></div><br /><p align="center"><object height="364" width="445"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TVZ4zoDUb-0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TVZ4zoDUb-0&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="364" width="445"></embed></object></p><br /><br />So, let me know what you think. And feel free to share some ways that you like to prep a room before painting. I always love to hear comments!Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-62281560144324751782009-04-02T18:22:00.000-07:002009-04-02T18:53:19.828-07:00Ragging Faux Finish Technique<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SdVniZR-83I/AAAAAAAACdQ/EeHvuR80MIU/s1600-h/P1030205.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SdVniZR-83I/AAAAAAAACdQ/EeHvuR80MIU/s400/P1030205.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320272375407637362" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I just recently finished a fun faux finish job for my church. I paint for them whenever they need me too (mostly murals). But this time, they asked me to do something decorative for their new Welcome Center.<br /><br />I chose to do a classic faux paint finish called Ragging. It isn't as easy as let's say a color wash or sponging, but only because it can be hard getting the rag - JUST RIGHT. It takes some getting used to, but once you figure out how to manipulate the paint & glaze on the wall and get a rythm - you are good to go!<br /><br />I went through over 25 rags in this room. I always change the rag once it gets too soaked with paint. This can cause the finish to get muddy and blotchy. I often like to use the really socked rags to get up into the corners where the wall and ceiling meet. But otherwise a fresh crumpled rag is the best - you can really see the texture.<br /><br />With this project, I purchased bags of cotton rags from my local paint supply store, but you can also use old white T-shirts. They are the same cotton material. In the bag of rags, I actually found that their were some different thicknesses of cotton material. The best were the ones that were a bit thicker. The thin ones did not hold their shape well and didn't show much of that "ragging" texture.<br /><br />Here is an example of what the finish looks like up close:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SdVnhwbkZ5I/AAAAAAAACdA/mJtEbzY2p9M/s1600-h/P1030217.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SdVnhwbkZ5I/AAAAAAAACdA/mJtEbzY2p9M/s400/P1030217.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320272364441986962" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I was very happy with the outcome. It is a beautiful tighter finish that looks fabulous up close. And because this room will be used as a Welcome Center - I thought it would be a very welcoming look for new guests looking for more info about the church.<br /><br />The number one tip I have for anyone attempting to do any faux paint finish for the first time is to practice with your color combinations on sample boards. I like to use a material called Polystyrene. And be sure to use a good quality glaze with a long open time (meaning that it doesn't dry fast). This will allow the glaze / paint mixture to be more movable - longer. The last thing you need is to have the finish dry on you before you have the chance to blend it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SdVniIp15YI/AAAAAAAACdI/WwpZYhXNPYo/s1600-h/P1030209.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SdVniIp15YI/AAAAAAAACdI/WwpZYhXNPYo/s400/P1030209.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320272370944304514" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Feel free to share your tips and ideas on the ragging faux finish. I would love to see examples of your own work! Comment below.Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-49483510991058788902009-03-02T17:21:00.000-08:002009-03-02T20:04:18.164-08:00How to do a Tissue Paper Faux Finish<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tzinksatouchofclass.com/faux%20finishes%20and%20colored%20waxes.htm"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayH1EKIKuI/AAAAAAAACYc/T8uSBivig_4/s400/Tissue+Paper+133.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308767406482008802" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.tzinksatouchofclass.com/faux%20finishes%20and%20colored%20waxes.htm"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">www.tzinksatouchofclass.com</span></a><br /></div><br />The <span style="font-weight: bold;">tissue paper faux finish is a great finish</span> to do if you have walls with slight imperfections. Because you are actually adding a texture to the wall with the tissue paper it hides those imperfections and allows them to be a part of the beauty of the final finish.<br /><br />It is so easy to do. Here are some simple step by step instructions:<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gather your materials</span><br /><ul><li>White tissue paper</li><li>Paint</li><li>Glaze</li><li>Wallpaper Paste</li><li>Mini Roller</li><li>Painter's Tape</li><li>Drop Cloth</li><li>Paint Tray</li><li>and anything else you might need....</li></ul>2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Tape off</span> the areas that you will not be painting such as trim, ceiling, and baseboards<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Prepare the tissue paper</span> by tearing off all 4 sides of the paper so there are no straight lines. We are going for an organic ripped look on all the edges. Leave a few sheets with some straight edges for the ceiling & corner areas.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIi90-s7I/AAAAAAAACY8/2pA8gzZ5wvU/s1600-h/2.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 196px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIi90-s7I/AAAAAAAACY8/2pA8gzZ5wvU/s400/2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308768195056677810" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Then crumple the paper as much as you can and flatten out slightly. Do this to all of your paper so that you can be ready for the next step.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIiBm9ctI/AAAAAAAACYk/qeCRA1lNU2M/s1600-h/1.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 195px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIiBm9ctI/AAAAAAAACYk/qeCRA1lNU2M/s400/1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308768178891748050" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Apply the wallpaper paste</span> to a 3 foot by 3 foot section of the wall with a small roller. You can also use paint as the glue.<br /><br />5. Then the fun part - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Apply the tissue paper</span> (while the paste or paint is still wet) Start at the top corner of the ceiling and work your way down and across applying the paste and then papering until everything is done. Make sure there are no air pockets between the wall and the paper. Bubbles can cause trouble later. Start smoothing in the center and work your way out to the edges.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIjNdADpI/AAAAAAAACZE/REb0TDkKtGs/s1600-h/3.png"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 204px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIjNdADpI/AAAAAAAACZE/REb0TDkKtGs/s400/3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308768199251070610" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />6. Wait 24 hours for the paper to completely dry and then <span style="font-weight: bold;">base coat your walls</span> with whatever color you choose (2 coats)<br /><br />7. Once the paint is fully dry, <span style="font-weight: bold;">you can begin glazing</span>. You will want to use a darker glaze or even a stain and seal. Brush it on and then wash it in with a damp sponge. You may want to wash some off to reveal the color underneath. The glaze highlights the texture of the paper giving the wall a unique aged and distressed look.<br /><br />Here are a couple nice examples of the tissue paper faux finish in action. It really does add a richness with both the texture and glaze and can be done in any color you choose.<br /><br />You can also get creative by adding raised relief stencil designs as you can see in the picture at the top of the post.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hmwishes.com/faux_finishes.htm"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIiZPSuDI/AAAAAAAACY0/f066yCK9ltI/s400/Bathroom_Tissue_Paper.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308768185234929714" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.hmwishes.com/faux_finishes.htm"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.hmwishes.com</span></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://theassistant.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/tissue-paper-is-stuck-on-my-guest-bathroom-walls/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SayIifWzHSI/AAAAAAAACYs/O4wN8BXv9es/s400/bathroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308768186877025570" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://theassistant.wordpress.com/2008/04/27/tissue-paper-is-stuck-on-my-guest-bathroom-walls/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.theassistant.wordpress.com</span></a><br /></div>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-44017588951347162692009-02-17T09:26:00.003-08:002009-02-18T11:42:07.926-08:00Wet on Wet Color Wash Faux Finish<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SZxhZ9jHuxI/AAAAAAAACV8/M_4Fw-eJ22E/s1600-h/soft_green_bath_1_small.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SZxhZ9jHuxI/AAAAAAAACV8/M_4Fw-eJ22E/s400/soft_green_bath_1_small.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304221559782095634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div> As a professional faux painter, <span style="font-weight: bold;">the Color Wash is one of my favorite faux finishing techniques</span>. It is quick and easy and adds a subtle and elegant feel to walls that were previously bland and lifeless. It adds depth and dimension. It gives walls just a hint of SOMETHING as opposed to just a regular one color paint job.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A colorwash can be done with almost any combination of colors</span>. I often play with paint colors that I already have, to come up with something unique. Practicing first is very important because once the paint is on your wall it isn't always easy to get it off without starting over.<br /><br />There are a few different ways to do a colorwash and many more tools. But in this post I will be discussing the <span style="font-weight: bold;">wet on wet color wash technique</span>. This is when you start with a clean slate (boring white or beige colored walls) and you mix the glaze colors directly onto the wall and blend.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SZxhaDchA5I/AAAAAAAACWE/sHt40ZggdI4/s1600-h/soft_yellow_bath_3.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SZxhaDchA5I/AAAAAAAACWE/sHt40ZggdI4/s400/soft_yellow_bath_3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304221561365005202" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />My favorite tool to use for color washing is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000232864?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000232864">The Woolie</a>, but in the wet on wet colorwash, the best tool to use is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002N90D?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00002N90D">Soft Bristle Brush.</a><br /><br />I came across a great video on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">wet on wet color wash</span> by Faux Like a Pro. (They offer great Faux Finish Painting products, by the way). Here is a list of things that are discussed:<br /><ul><li>2 color color wash</li><li>Need long open time glaze</li><li>Wet on wet technique</li><li>5 parts glaze to 1 part paint</li><li>Use soft brush</li><li>Long Sweeping / Broad Strokes</li><li>Start with dominant color</li><li>Space between colors</li><li>Final pass is with clear glaze to blend</li><li>Blend wet glaze with bristle block brush</li></ul><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EQ98cSamw-A&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EQ98cSamw-A&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />If you are in need of Faux Finishing Tools or Great DIY Books on Faux Painting and Murals - please <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/surwitpaimurf-20">Check out my Store!</a>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-14837193107263855902009-02-14T19:12:00.000-08:002009-02-14T19:32:49.353-08:00We have a new look!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SZeMoKhyvFI/AAAAAAAACUM/TFEDNYZGELE/s1600-h/extremewebsitemakeover+ePS.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 137px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SZeMoKhyvFI/AAAAAAAACUM/TFEDNYZGELE/s400/extremewebsitemakeover+ePS.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302861707900795986" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />I finally got my act together and gave this site a much needed makeover! Let me know what you think! Comment below.<br /><br />As you can see at the top there is a navigation bar with a few things listed. They are links to my other painting related websites.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nurserymuralsandmore.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nursery Murals</span></a> - Great ideas and inspiration concerning Nursery Murals and Decor. We also offer fun giveaways. Be sure to check out the one that is going on now for a 7 piece movable mural set by Wallsy Tales. <a href="http://www.nurserymuralsandmore.com/2009/02/giveaway-wallsy-tales-movable-murals.html">Click here to enter!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.surfaceswithpaint.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Surfaces with Paint</span></a> -Do you want to see examples of my work? How about some DIY tips? This is my New York based painting biz. We specialize in Faux Paint & Plaster Finishes, Custom Stenciling, and Hand Painted Wall Murals.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.paintermommy.com/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Painter Mommy</span></a> - This site is all about what it's like to be a busy mom, artist, and entrepreneur. I share inspiration, stories, internet tips, blogging insights, fun pictures & videos, product reviews, and so much more. Be sure to stop by and subscribe via email so you can stay connected. I always love to hear the thoughts and ideas of my readers.<br /><br /><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/surwitpaimurf-20"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Murals & Faux Store</span></a> - This is my newest endeaver. For those of you looking for the perfect faux finishing tools for your next painting project. I have come up with a list of my favorites that you can purchase directly from my store. A few of the categories include: Faux Finishing Books, Tools, Paint Brushes, Acrylic Mural Paint, and Glaze & Varnishes. Please stop by - browse and BUY!<br /><br />So, there you have it folks - a New Look for a recently neglected site.<br /><br />I am hoping to post at least once a week with tips, advice, ideas, and pictures to help my readers learn and get inspired! Stay tuned everybody!<br /><br />Oh, and don't forget to check out the <a href="http://www.nurserymuralsandmore.com/2009/02/giveaway-wallsy-tales-movable-murals.html">Giveaway on my Nursery Site</a>!Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-84843992665852103462008-12-17T08:53:00.000-08:002008-12-17T13:21:36.715-08:00How to Thin Acrylic Paints<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HF6YX0?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HF6YX0"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUlr4Lv0QAI/AAAAAAAACF4/2YokNfQWOrY/s400/41gBMoQP5HL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HF6YX0" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HF6YX0?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000HF6YX0">BASICS ACRYLICS SET/6 4 oz</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000HF6YX0" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Here is a reader question about painting with acrylic paints<span style="font-style: italic;">:</span></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /><br />I have recently painted a small mural in my nursery. I just used acrylic paints as it was a small project with just a few colors. However, the colors look rather flat and heavy. Is there any way I can sand the image? or what would you suggest for me to do to lighten it up a bit, or give it more depth? ~Kerri</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hi Kerri, </span><br /><br />I would not sand the mural, unless you plan on painting the entire wall over again. But from the sound of it, if you say the paint has come out heavy and flat looking, then maybe it would be best to start over.<br /><br />When painting with acrylics, it is important to use a thinning medium - something to make the paint more fluid and moveable. I use a product called - matte medium. All you have to do is dip your brush into the medium and then into your color and it does wonders.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W5VLO?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007W5VLO">Acrylic Medium Golden Fluid Matte Medium 8 oz</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007W5VLO" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007W5VLO?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007W5VLO"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUlo5hRhoWI/AAAAAAAACFo/rwzP5uG8W5E/s400/51NB42S0XVL._SL500_AA280_.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0007W5VLO" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br />You really cannot fix the paint once it has dried. If you are truly determined not to have to start over, then you may want to wash over the mural with a few lighter versions of the colors that are already there. Be sure to use a medium to mix with the paint.<br /><br />If all else fails, start over!!<br /><br />Check out this book on:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581808046?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1581808046">New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581808046" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581808046?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1581808046"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUlq6sTTIxI/AAAAAAAACFw/aWwrxIzwYkw/s400/51nHYL3MylL._SS500_.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581808046" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-53083239414981364092008-12-14T16:39:00.000-08:002008-12-14T16:55:36.211-08:00Mural Wallpaper Cutouts & Stickers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUWq98BMUbI/AAAAAAAACE4/j3K5V5-NCjg/s1600-h/41PnPpU19OL._SS400_.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUWq98BMUbI/AAAAAAAACE4/j3K5V5-NCjg/s400/41PnPpU19OL._SS400_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279814119221645746" border="0" /></a><br />Another reader question:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-style: italic;">Hi, I am in the process of opening a day care center. I need help with decorating the walls.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 51, 0); font-style: italic;">Is there any place where the wall stickers are sold, where i can just get a ready made one in form of a wall paper?</span><br /><br />Yes, you can actually purchase them online on Amazon.com. Please click on the links below.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" id="Player_709369dc-19ef-4a41-8e5f-f7ad7f642b0c" width="400" height="150"> <param name="movie" value="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fsurwitpaimurf-20%2F8010%2F709369dc-19ef-4a41-8e5f-f7ad7f642b0c&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fsurwitpaimurf-20%2F8010%2F709369dc-19ef-4a41-8e5f-f7ad7f642b0c&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_709369dc-19ef-4a41-8e5f-f7ad7f642b0c" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_709369dc-19ef-4a41-8e5f-f7ad7f642b0c" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" align="middle" height="150"></embed></object> <noscript><a href="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fsurwitpaimurf-20%2F8010%2F709369dc-19ef-4a41-8e5f-f7ad7f642b0c&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</a></noscript><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%255Fhg%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dwallpaper%2520stickers%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Dgarden&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957">Click here for more Wallpaper Cutouts & Stickers<br /></a>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-19408571438644566772008-12-11T11:21:00.000-08:002008-12-11T11:28:27.396-08:00How to Paint (Mural) a Shingled Roof<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFhO7FGthI/AAAAAAAACEM/grenpgeBB9w/s1600-h/shingles1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 207px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFhO7FGthI/AAAAAAAACEM/grenpgeBB9w/s400/shingles1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278607147260098066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Another reader has written and asked how to paint roof shingles in a mural that they are doing.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);">I'm painting an interior wall mural and need an effect for shingles on a roof. I'm guessing a similar technique to the stone block effect using a darker color for the base coat which would be whatever you call the "mortar" area of a shingle. Then I will glaze coat a lighter color in shingle shapes? How do I get the perspective of say, three rows of 4x8" shingles?<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here are a few step by step instructions: </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Gather reference pictures</span> like the one above. All you do is go to Google Images and type in what you are looking for. A million pictures will come up.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> Choose colors going from light to medium to dark. </span>I would pick 4 to 5 different colors to work with.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Practice on a sample board.</span> This is always my number one suggestion before attempting to paint an actual wall. That way, if you make a mistake, you can figure it out before making a mess of the mural.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paint the area with the darkest color first<br /><br /></span>5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Measure the area.</span> You may need to use some perspective skills depending on how the roof is being viewed in the mural. Notice in the above picture that you are looking at the roof from the bottom, so the shingles look smaller at the top. The first picture below is one point perspective and the second picture is two point perspective. This will give you an idea on how you should be measuring.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFl0UTq0kI/AAAAAAAACEU/BM1pXCkpBZA/s1600-h/perpsective8example3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 212px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFl0UTq0kI/AAAAAAAACEU/BM1pXCkpBZA/s400/perpsective8example3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278612187733742146" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFmU0fDQZI/AAAAAAAACEc/3lFeLE5DdxE/s1600-h/2perpsective7finish.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 176px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFmU0fDQZI/AAAAAAAACEc/3lFeLE5DdxE/s400/2perpsective7finish.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5278612746127229330" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1581808550?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1581808550">The Art of Perspective: The Ultimate Guide for Artists in Every Medium</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1581808550" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tip:</span> use a watercolor pencil to mark your measurements. It will be washable on your painted surface and you can get them in any color.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Start painting the bottom shingles first.</span> You will have to layer one on top of the next. Use your medium color.<br /><br />7. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Paint in the shadows with your darkest color<br /><br /></span>8. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Paint in the highlights with your lightest color. </span></span>Remember that your light source will be coming from one direction, in this case the top of the shingle roof, especially if your imaginary sun is out.<br /><br />So, that should give you an idea of where to start. The hardest part will probably be getting the perspective right. I always have trouble with that. But once you figure that out - you should be fine. Happy Painting!!<br /></span></span><br />Be sure to check out this great book on Perspective Painting.<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823004422?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0823004422"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SUFpWGiK5zI/AAAAAAAACEk/nN0V48DeKPA/s400/51EPJSN1ZNL._SL500_AA240_.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0823004422" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-70684519876923637012008-11-28T10:41:00.001-08:002008-11-28T10:54:18.504-08:00Reader Question - Classroom Mural on Oil Painted Walls<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/STA7VaRA_II/AAAAAAAACDk/8A4bEB4kgiE/s1600-h/reader_question.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 281px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/STA7VaRA_II/AAAAAAAACDk/8A4bEB4kgiE/s400/reader_question.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273780402664832130" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">"First of all, I want to say that your paintings are awesome!!!!!! You are such an inspiration!! I teach school and love to paint. My principal has given me permission to paint on one wall in my classroom. I want to do it right.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">My problem is, the wall has been painted with oil white paint, I suppose as with all walls in a school (for protection). How should I first prep the wall before painting to make the paint stick, use kiltz or something like it? Then, what kind of paint should I use to actually paint the mural....acrylic? I know oils don't mix well with each other.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">One more.........once the mural is painted, what do I use to seal and protect it? I feel so confident with your advice! Your murals are beautiful!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0); font-style: italic;">Thanks for being there for us amateurs! Many thanks and blessings for taking your time to answer my questions....." Diana :-)</span><br /><br />____________________________________________________________________<br /><br />Hi Diana, Thanks so much for your nice comments!<br /><br />First of all, I really appreciate when people take the time to reach out and ask for help and advice. I would be happy to answer your questions for you.<br /><br />Yes, you really do need to prime the walls first before painting them. Kilz has a great primer sealer. I would do 2 coats.<br /><br />As far as your mural paints - go with anything waterbased. I use mainly acrylics and even some latex for blocking in larger areas with color. I don't use oil based paints at all because I am very sensitive to the fumes. (It gives me headaches).<br /><br />The best product to seal a mural with is a water based varnish in a flat / matte finish. Whatever you do, don't use polyurethane, even if it is water based because it will yellow if exposed to the sun. There is even a special uv resistant faux finish sealer on the market that you may want to look into. Keep in mind that you don't want to seal the mural for a good week or so. You want to mural paint to settle and dry thorougly first.<br /><br />Well, I hope that I was able to help you. I would love to see pictures of your mural when it is done. Be sure to take before and after pictures!<br /><br />Good luck and Happy Painting! DAWNPainter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-21208917478070685622008-11-15T05:13:00.000-08:002008-11-15T05:40:53.591-08:00Marble Faux Finishes in the BathroomI know that it has been quite a while since I have posted. I have been taking a bit of a break due to our new baby arriving. I now have 3 small children under the age of 4, so I have been quite busy. Thanks to all of you for you for your patience.<br /><br />I have 3 blogs now that I am managing. My plan is to post in all of them at least once a week, so please check them out and add them to your blog lists.<br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.nurserymurals.blogspot.com/">Nursery Murals and More Blog</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.surfaceswithpaint.blogspot.com/">Surfaces with Paint Blog</a><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.muralsandfaux.blogspot.com/">Murals & Faux Blog</a><br /><br />I have posted pictures of the new baby on both the Surfaces with Paint blog and the Nursery blog. Be sure to stop by and leave your comments. :)<br />____________________________________________________________________<br /><br />Now to the good stuff - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Marble Faux Finishes in the bathroom!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.eclecticwonders.net/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SR7M4f5RWII/AAAAAAAAB-s/p0187hUghsc/s400/Marbled_Bathroom_Wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268873885076510850" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.eclecticwonders.net/"><br />www.eclecticwonders.net</a><br /><br />There are an unlimited number of marbles available on the market. That also means there are an unlimited number of marble faux finishes that can be done with paint and glaze.<br /><br />Marbling (or Marbleizing) is a process of layering paint & glazes over a plain colored base coat. Many different tools can be used to manipulate the glaze such as wool, rags, cheese cloth, feathers, and even brushes.<br /><br />As you can see in real marble, the veining usually goes in a certain direction. Most marble wall finishes will follow a diagonal direction.<br /><br />Marble is a fun faux finish to do, because you can use any color and any combination of colors to match the decor of your bathroom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.chaneys.net/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SR7M4cvebSI/AAAAAAAAB-k/QHj7B7kbvGA/s400/marble3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268873884230118690" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.chaneys.net/"><br />www.chaneys.net</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.andartistry.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SR7M4GdLv_I/AAAAAAAAB-c/lccbGW5Izbs/s400/fauxfinishfour.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268873878247817202" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.andartistry.com/"><br />www.andartistry.com</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.exciting-creations.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SR7M37R5i-I/AAAAAAAAB-U/7yGrRnj6UOk/s400/FauxFinishes-bathroomRagging.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268873875247696866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.exciting-creations.com/"><br />www.exciting-creations.com</a>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-48397521289825863872008-10-19T14:25:00.000-07:002008-10-19T15:06:28.156-07:00Creating Faux Stone with Concrete<img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0376011602" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPuric87uhI/AAAAAAAABpY/sTEh-u5sDG4/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPuric87uhI/AAAAAAAABpY/sTEh-u5sDG4/s400/1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258985598260853266" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The work represented in this post was done by Nathan Giffin, owner of <a href="http://www.creativerockforming.com/index2.htm">Creative Rock Forming</a><br /><p>This artist uses a concrete material to create these beautiful faux stone finishes. He trowels it between 1 & 3" thick in order to create the deep natural crevices of real stone. He also uses what he calls hand made "skins" to texturize the surface. He uses a variety of tools such as brushes, trowels, stamps, and even some hand made tools that give the faux rock it's realistic character.</p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPus9_b06fI/AAAAAAAABpg/kn_QITfjA4c/s1600-h/2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPus9_b06fI/AAAAAAAABpg/kn_QITfjA4c/s400/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258987170885331442" border="0" /></a></p><p>Giffin uses a variety of techniques for the faux paint finishes on the concrete, such as acid stains, acrylics, water based stains, and even latex paint. He also uses different methods for applying the paint colors —brushing, spraying, sponging, and spritzing. They all give a different effect.</p><p>So, as you can see, this is not an easy task, but WOW, it is just amazing how real the stones look. Gorgeous work!</p><p><br />Check out this great resource on:<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0376011602?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0376011602"> Decorative Concrete</a><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0376011602?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0376011602"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPut2Yw-K7I/AAAAAAAABpo/DgJ5ci0eDbc/s400/51WDEFFTHGL._SL160_.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p></p>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-81555996646354023832008-10-12T14:42:00.000-07:002008-10-12T16:23:58.087-07:00How to Paint Faux Wainscoting / Beadboard<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPJvbsbu6VI/AAAAAAAABmQ/dhGR1CLwbEs/s1600-h/beadboard01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 276px; height: 230px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPJvbsbu6VI/AAAAAAAABmQ/dhGR1CLwbEs/s400/beadboard01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256386236669421906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I have always loved the historic look of beadboard paneling and wainscoting. It adds the perfect touch to a room that might be missing something. Instead of adding more furniture that can make a room look cluttered, consider adding a chair rail and doing a faux finish below it. Faux painted wainscoting may be the answer without having to spend a lot of money. You can also [paint over it later on.<br /><br />I am going to explain how you can do it yourself with only paint, glaze, and a squeegee.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Faux Painted Beadboard</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1 - Get your materials together</span><br /><ul><li>Paint (base - light beige or off white color / top coat - white)<br /></li><li>Good quality glaze with a long open time<br /></li><li>Squeegee</li><li>Utility Knife</li><li>Roller & roller skin (I like to use weinie rollers because they are much easier to maneuver)</li><li>Painter's tape<br /></li></ul> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2 - Prepare the room</span><br /><ul><li>Lay your <a href="http://muralsandfaux.blogspot.com/2008/09/dropcloths-what-are-best-to-use.html">dropcloths</a>.<br /></li><li>Touch up holes with spackle and then spot prime</li><li>Tape the area with painter's tape, so you don't get paint on your trim or moldings</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3 - Base coat </span><br /><ul><li>Paint the area below the chair rail with the beige color in satin or pearl finish paint, let dry and do a 2nd coat</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4 - Prepare the squeegee</span><br /><ul><li>Measure and mark the squeegee where you want your cuts to be</li><li>Cut out with a utility knife to look like the picture below<br /></li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPJ02yHHKrI/AAAAAAAABmY/3tokQRqOYnE/s1600-h/rxr1612_3figA_cutsqueegee_w190.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 166px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPJ02yHHKrI/AAAAAAAABmY/3tokQRqOYnE/s400/rxr1612_3figA_cutsqueegee_w190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256392199608150706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5 - Mix your Paint & Glaze</span><br /><ul><li>Use the white paint as the top coat color to mix with your glaze<br /></li><li>3 parts glaze to 1 part paint</li><li>Do not add water because this can cause the glaze to dry faster on your surface, instead use an extender if you are concerned about the open time.</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Step 6 - Apply Glaze Mixture</span><br /><ul><li>Roll on your glaze in 3- 4 foot sections<br /></li><li>Immediately roll through the glaze with your squeegee</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPKEivOfKrI/AAAAAAAABmg/azbWH-CK1yY/s1600-h/rxr1612_3figB_draggingsqueegee_w190.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 222px; height: 161px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SPKEivOfKrI/AAAAAAAABmg/azbWH-CK1yY/s400/rxr1612_3figB_draggingsqueegee_w190.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256409447422438066" border="0" /></a><ul><li>It is easier if you have 2 people working on the project so one can roll on and the other can squeegee off.</li><li>You need to work quickly</li></ul><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 7 - Clean Up</span><br /><ul><li>Remove Tape</li><li>Touch up with a small detail brush in areas where the paint may have bled through the tape.</li><li>Save the glaze in a small air tight container. Be sure to label it.</li></ul>So, that was easy enough right? Another great idea for a faux paint finish. This finish can be done in any room of the house or anywhere that already has a chair rail splitting the walls in a room.<br /><br />You also have the option of putting a coat of gloss finish sealer over the finish. This will not only protect it, but it will bring out that true gloss wainscoting paint finish.<br /><br />If you have any questions about this finish, please feel free to <a href="http://www.emailmeform.com/contact_webmaster_fid-94997.html">contact me</a>.Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-76788701100840513772008-09-30T10:27:00.000-07:002008-09-30T11:30:42.031-07:00Dropcloths - What are the best to use?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SOJnvI0cisI/AAAAAAAABko/k9VGIFx65ew/s1600-h/dropcloths.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 210px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SOJnvI0cisI/AAAAAAAABko/k9VGIFx65ew/s400/dropcloths.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251874174986390210" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Drop cloths are a must when doing any type of painting job whether straight painting, faux finishing, or even doing a mural.<br /><br />It is very important to protect your floors even before bringing in your gear. I have learned some simple tips through trial and error over my years of painting that I thought may help you understand the importance of a drop cloth.<br /><br />First, lets talk about the different drop cloth options:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Paper Dropcloths </span><br /><ul><li>Comes on a roll usually 3-4 ft wide</li><li>Good to use on hard wood floors & tile</li><li>Needs to be taped down to the floor because they move<br /></li><li>Will need to be thrown away at the end of the job</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Plastic Dropcloths</span><br /><ul><li>Good to use on furniture</li><li>Easily ripped, cut, or punctured</li><li>Not good to use on floors because paint spills stay wet on the surface and can then be tracked through the rest of the house</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Canvas Dropcloths</span><br /><ul><li>Can be used on both hard surfaces or carpeted floors</li><li>Made of recycled cotton</li><li>Can be used mulitiple times (I have had mine for several years)</li><li>The tighter the weave, the more absorbent they are (go for the more expensive, they will last longer)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Canvas Dropcloths with Backing</span><br /><ul><li>Rubberized backing on one side</li><li>Less slipping on slick surfaces</li><li>More expensive than regular canvas drop cloths</li><li>No paint can leak through, even if you spilled a whole gallon on this drop cloth</li></ul><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SOJo48ALiAI/AAAAAAAABkw/Z3Yg2JIrWhs/s1600-h/1119071447-01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SOJo48ALiAI/AAAAAAAABkw/Z3Yg2JIrWhs/s400/1119071447-01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5251875442856265730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So, in my professional opinion, if you plan on painting professionally - purchase both the regular canvas dropcloths as well as the drop cloths with the backing. If you are a homeowner and need a good drop cloth for a few small home painting projects, stick with the regular canvas drop cloths. But buy the more expensive ones with the tighter weave. If you use the cheaper canvas dropcloth to cover over carpet and accidentally tip over a gallon of paint (it happens!) the paint will definitely leak through the cloth onto your carpet. Believe me, I have had to learn this the HARD way! It is worth the extra money to have that extra protection.<br /><br />I like to use old sheets to cover furniture. I stay away from the paper & plastic drop cloths all together. If the sheets are sliding off the furniture, then use painter's tape or even safety pins to secure it.<br /><br />A COUPLE TIPS:<br /><ul><li>Tape down your drop cloths, especially when working on a slippery surface, such as hard wood or tile. I usually put a few peices of tape along the edges right on the baseboard trim. I also tape in between drop cloths so you do not trip and your ladder does not get caught on an edge when maneuvering around the room.</li></ul><ul><li>Shake out your drop cloths at the end of the job and fold them neatly to store them. This will make it so much easier for you to use them for your next job. If you are working in a home with dogs or cats, it is even more important that you clean the dropcloths between uses. You can also wash a drop cloth depending on its size. For the larger sizes go to a laundromat. </li></ul>Here are a few great dropcloth options that you can purchase online through Amazon.<br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" id="Player_25befb9d-e293-4420-bf8d-cadce46d2320" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" width="400" height="150"> <param value="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fsurwitpaimurf-20%2F8010%2F25befb9d-e293-4420-bf8d-cadce46d2320&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" name="movie"><param value="high" name="quality"><param value="#FFFFFF" name="bgcolor"><param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess"><embed quality="high" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fsurwitpaimurf-20%2F8010%2F25befb9d-e293-4420-bf8d-cadce46d2320&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_25befb9d-e293-4420-bf8d-cadce46d2320" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_25befb9d-e293-4420-bf8d-cadce46d2320" width="400" align="middle" height="150"></embed></object> <noscript><a href="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fsurwitpaimurf-20%2F8010%2F25befb9d-e293-4420-bf8d-cadce46d2320&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</a></noscript>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-66449412287159209762008-09-26T10:58:00.000-07:002008-09-26T11:18:58.791-07:00Camouflage Wall MuralsI was inspired by a fellow blogger, <a href="http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/">Tip Junkie</a>, who posts about great tips and creative ideas on all different subjects. Be sure to check it out!<br /><br />I came across one of her posts titled <a href="http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/03/boy-room-ideas.html?showComment=1206593340000">Boy Room Ideas</a>. There she had a picture of a boy's bedroom that had been painted in camouflage. So I decided to do some research and find other cool bedroom murals that had also been done in camo.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SN0jwEJWxzI/AAAAAAAABgg/fnU1j9fr1DQ/s1600-h/camo_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SN0jwEJWxzI/AAAAAAAABgg/fnU1j9fr1DQ/s400/camo_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250392049237542706" border="0" /></a><br />As seen on <a href="http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/03/boy-room-ideas.html?showComment=1206593340000">Tip Junkie</a> & <a href="http://ratemyspace.hgtv.com/SNC/ViewItem.aspx?pguid=6db6be3f-1720-4ba3-a081-999042c09b6b&itemguid=c9b2cb8a-aaff-4f67-96b5-cae16fc080bc">www.ratemyspace.hgtv.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.paintitpink.co.uk/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SN0jwIZj0RI/AAAAAAAABgo/1NiODI4Xcyo/s400/armywalls.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250392050379247890" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.paintitpink.co.uk/"><br />www.paintitpink.co.uk</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://masterstouchfaux.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/sports-mural-and-army-mural/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SN0m9KjJnwI/AAAAAAAABg4/5Ogz7E0G6YM/s400/armyroom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250395572829527810" border="0" /></a><a href="http://masterstouchfaux.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/sports-mural-and-army-mural/"><br />www.masterstouchfaux.wordpress.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nancyhadley.com/Season4.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SN0jwBJG2tI/AAAAAAAABgw/6McjWcfkNog/s400/camo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5250392048431192786" border="0" /></a><a href="http://nancyhadley.com/Season4.html"><br />www.nancyhadley.com</a><br /><br />Painting a wall in camouflage can be an easy and fun project for you and your child to do together. There are many different camouflage colors to choose from. Sit down with your child and figure out which camo they like the best and then procede to pick 3-4 colors to use in the mural. Because the shapes are simple, fluid, and organic, you can start by drawing the outline directly onto the wall with a pencil. Step 2 would be filling in the shapes with your colors. Use an artists brush to do the painting.<br /><br />If anyone has an camouflage mural pictures, please send them our way so we can post them on our blog!Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-17115769062331538662008-09-22T15:40:00.000-07:002008-09-22T16:03:44.564-07:00Sunset Wall Murals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://creationsbybecki.net/_wsn/page4.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SNgiTLlsNSI/AAAAAAAABfU/bhRRljHTig8/s400/ygaSun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983078624048418" border="0" /></a><a href="http://creationsbybecki.net/_wsn/page4.html"><br />www.creationsbybecki.net</a><br /><br />I was just sitting here at my desk with my big 8 month old pregnant belly in front of me (giving me lots of discomfort), and I imagined myself in a far away place watching the sunset. So I thought I would take this opportunity to get inspired and look for hand painted wall murals depicting sunset scenes. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.polarairbrush.com/murals.htm"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SNgiS3FG43I/AAAAAAAABfE/LLACoJ_P4kg/s400/sunsetmural.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983073118675826" border="0" /></a><br />This picture was done with an airbrush. <a href="http://www.polarairbrush.com/murals.htm">www.polarairbrush.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.artnmurals.com/Pages/murals.html"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SNgiTFx7swI/AAAAAAAABfM/B6tQ2vbdnFs/s400/sunset-wall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983077064782594" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.artnmurals.com/Pages/murals.html"><br />www.artnmurals.com</a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.darlienesbackporch.com/murals.php"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SNgiSySyc3I/AAAAAAAABe8/WeDHg--teSU/s400/murals_sunsetPalm4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5248983071833879410" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.darlienesbackporch.com/murals.php"><br />www.darlienesbackporch.com</a><br /><br />Sunsets are fairly easy to paint. It is just a matter of blending the colors from dark at the top to lighter at the horizon line. A great way to blend your colors is by using a paint medium or a water based glaze.Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-77511671473976128462008-09-08T09:39:00.000-07:002008-09-10T10:38:27.057-07:00Metallic Wall FinishesThere are a number of options you can choose if you want to do a metallic faux paint or plaster finish. I came across a site called <a href="http://paintingthetown.us/index.html">Painting The Town</a> that does beautiful painting work in North Carolina. The business is run by Marc and Sandy Savard.<br /><br />On their website they have a page dedicated to <a href="http://paintingthetown.us/metallic_finishes.html">Metallic Paint Finishes</a>. I just love some of the ideas that they have come up with.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVXdoNUxYI/AAAAAAAABbk/1rvPTgRZRmY/s1600-h/cobalt-check.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVXdoNUxYI/AAAAAAAABbk/1rvPTgRZRmY/s400/cobalt-check.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243693507663938946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVXdi_M12I/AAAAAAAABbs/ulJQaGCCH0I/s1600-h/brushed-silver-checkerboard.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVXdi_M12I/AAAAAAAABbs/ulJQaGCCH0I/s400/brushed-silver-checkerboard.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243693506262521698" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVXd3wR5KI/AAAAAAAABb0/_Oah0JKngeA/s1600-h/neutral-metallic-plaster.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVXd3wR5KI/AAAAAAAABb0/_Oah0JKngeA/s400/neutral-metallic-plaster.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243693511837082786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Check out this great book on metallic wall finishes called:<br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823020819?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0823020819">The Gilded Room: Decorating with Metallic Effects, from Metal Leaf to Powders, Pastes and Paints</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0823020819" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0823020819?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0823020819"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SMVkr3osaBI/AAAAAAAABb8/uPsMbxxepoY/s400/gilded_room.jpg" border="0" /></a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0823020819" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" /><br /><br />Modern Masters offers metallic paints and glazes. Click below to order.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=surwitpaimurf-20&o=1&p=12&l=st1&mode=tools&search=modern%20masters%20metallics&fc1=000000&lt1=&lc1=3366FF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" border="0" style="border: medium none ;" scrolling="no" width="300" frameborder="0" height="250"></iframe>Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2249177911403286815.post-32007638360702315572008-08-25T07:28:00.000-07:002008-09-10T10:39:07.991-07:00Dining Room Mural and Decorating Ideas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLPM4QznGI/AAAAAAAABXw/vFVKq6y65Ds/s1600-h/11+Dining+Room.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLPM4QznGI/AAAAAAAABXw/vFVKq6y65Ds/s400/11+Dining+Room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238477136753564770" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I found this mural on <a href="http://www.norajohnson.blogspot.com/">www.norajohnson.blogspot.com</a>. The artist painted this mural in a New York City townhouse. It is a <span style="font-size:100%;">Chinoiserie style mural which (according to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinoiserie">Wikipedia</a>) is </span>a French term, signifying "Chinese-esque" reflecting chinese artistic influences. I love the tent style ceiling and the twisting sprouting trees.<br /><br />I found the following two murals on a site called the <a href="http://www.pcad.edu/mural/muralists.html">Mural Resource Project</a> which was created by the <a href="http://www.pcad.edu/">Pennsylvania College of Art & Design</a>.<br /><br />This first room is so subtle with the soft pastel colors. It is the perfect backdrop for the ivory dining room furniture and decorative chandelier.<br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.davidbrucemichener.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLBzCiKiNI/AAAAAAAABWw/VoYgHg9S3kc/s400/soft_dining_room.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238462399182964946" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.davidbrucemichener.com/"><br /></a><a href="http://www.davidbrucemichener.com/">www.davidbrucemichener.com</a><br /><br />This dining room / kitchen mural takes you straight to Tuscany with the warm tones of color and the faux stone. I love the depth of this painting. It looks as if you are actually looking down a cobblestone walkway towards the arched entrance to the countryside. You can do a lot of dreaming while cooking & eating in this space.<br /><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aspiringdesigns.com/"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLCucVDgoI/AAAAAAAABW4/ltMTVRyr6pQ/s400/KitchenMural.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238463419719582338" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.aspiringdesigns.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br />www.AspiringDesigns.com</span></a><br /><br />Another beautiful landscape scene. I found this one on <a href="http://www.danablanchard.net/murals.html">www.danablanchard.net</a>. I love how the artist Dana Blanchard captured the reflection of the trees on the water.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLE4CxScJI/AAAAAAAABXA/4ByO9O4YHpg/s1600-h/dining_room_with_mural.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLE4CxScJI/AAAAAAAABXA/4ByO9O4YHpg/s400/dining_room_with_mural.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238465783680626834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Artist <a href="http://tramada.blogspot.com/2006/12/dining-room-mural_28.html">Don Tolman</a> was commissioned to do this mural by his mother. It depicts the changing seasons going around the room.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLIiRQbH6I/AAAAAAAABXQ/n8QihE090L4/s1600-h/IMG_9016.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLIiRQbH6I/AAAAAAAABXQ/n8QihE090L4/s400/IMG_9016.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238469807658704802" border="0" /></a><br /><br />So those are just a few creative ideas to transform a boring dining room into something fabulous! Feel free to email me with your questions. I would be happy to help you and give you some advice for your space.<br /><br />Here are a couple of resources on Dining Room Decorating.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1588166511?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1588166511"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLOWQ0Z-QI/AAAAAAAABXg/ZGD3iA1Oghg/s400/dining_living_rooms.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0609805509?ie=UTF8&tag=surwitpaimurf-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0609805509"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K2LvOMLE_mQ/SLLO7rADaVI/AAAAAAAABXo/rqmc2b4M8UQ/s400/debbie_travis_dining_room.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=surwitpaimurf-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0609805509" alt="" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important;" width="1" border="0" height="1" />Painter Mommyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18100835126351418170noreply@blogger.com0