Spring? Where are you??

If you're like me, you are going batty trying to endure the last vestiges of this epic winter. Mother nature is such a tease! Apparently she's giving us one more wallop tonight. Oy vey! To hopefully encourage the coming of spring, I've shared a bit of warmth and light with few past projects that I did that are nature inspired. There are many more in my portfolio.

Enjoy!

Sun through the Trees

garden door

Garden Doorway (mural on canvas)

Safari Bedroom

Safari Bedroom

Straughan Environmental

Straughan Environmental

Straughan Environmental

Straughan Environmental

Straughan Environmental

Straughan Environmental

Straughan Environmental

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Main Street Ellicott City (prints available)

Airplane Bathroom

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Girl's Bedroom

MD State Police Dept of Corrections Training Facility Mural

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Modern Chinoiserie Mural

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Gilding Class with Annie Lemarie!

In conjunction with our local chapter of the International Decorative Artisans League (IDAL), the Greater Maryland Decorative Artisans (GMDA) will be hosting a gilding class with Annie Lemarie of Main Street Arts!Link to GMDA's blog: http://greatermarylanddecorativeartisans.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/two-gilding-classes-by-annie-lemaire/

Description:

Basic Gilding                Thursday, March 6th,  9am to 1pm (4 hours)

$155 for GMDA members, $165 for non-members

Learn the basics of gilding!  Using 23K gold leaf, we will learn to handle, cut, pick up and apply genuine leaf.  We will also explore types of applications using 23K, composition leaf, copper leaf and aluminum leaf.  Learn how to seal, tint and tone leaf.  Class samples will include gold on carved molding, leafing through a stencil, and production applications such as rolling gold and working with roll leaf (two different things!). We will work on a “sales” board, laying different kinds of leaf for using to upsell your gilding projects.

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Architectural Gilding

Glass Gilding           Friday, March 7, 9am-4pm (7 hours)

$250 for GMDA members, $260 non-members

Verre Eglomise is a technique of gilding and painting the reverse side of glass.  In this class, you will learn the basics of applying real 23K gold leaf to glass and creating designs with the leaf. We will discuss traditional techniques for backing and creating backgrounds and layered images.  In this class, however, we will be using more modern techniques to create stunning backgrounds for your patterns.  Students will create their own work of art, and there will be opportunity to play with additional pieces as you wish.  Previous gilding experience is helpful, but not necessary.  Please bring a favorite stencil or pattern, with a fairly simple design (please, nothing too intricate), suitable for use on an 8 x 10 piece and a mop brush (no larger than a #10). There will be other designs available.  If you already have gilding tools, please bring them, otherwise you may use studio tools.

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Verre Eglomise

Annie Lemarie has been in the decorative finishing industry since 1980. She works, primarily to the trade, with a wide variety of media and techniques.  The business has evolved to include conservation and restoration of architectural painted finishes, frames and works of art.  She also consults with contractors and homeowners regarding historic paint and decoration. Clients include trade customers, private homeowners, the National Park Service, the Smithsonian, the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. She has been an instructor for the Decorative Painting Apprenticeship Program and IDAL. She is a past president of Habitat for Humanity of Washington County (MD), former member of the International Decorative Artisans League (IDAL) board, and is currently a Trustee with the Society of Gilders. Her studio is in her historic home in Sharpsburg, Maryland.

The classes will be held at Dee Cunningham’s Studio, 8602A Frederick Road, Ellicott City, MD

Please Pay before February 28th!

Mail a check (made out to GMDA) to Cathy Rinn (10607 Montrose Ave, #3, Bethesda MD. 20814) or contact Cathy ( cathrinn@msn.com ) and she will send you an email with a  Pay Pal invoice to pay with your credit card ( you do not need a pay pal account to do this).

Making an Entrance

Recently I was asked by one of my lovely designer friends, Wendy Appleby of Your Home By Wendy, to add a little punch to this foyer.

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The architecture had real potential and just needed something to warm up the walls.

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The finish brings continuity to the living room and dining room which has a similar color scheme. There wasn't a medallion over the chandelier. Inspired by some of my recent projects we decided on a scrolling ironwork motif that ties in the finish on the fixture.

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The door is a beautiful carved mahogany masterpiece. With a little faux bois on the trim it now fits in the space rather than sticking out.

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And here were my helpers for the job! Eddie (the dog) and Mr. Squinkers (the ferret)

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As always, thanks to the clients and to Wendy for the opportunity.

One Step Closer

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A few years ago I traveled to Atlanta to be a spectator at the annual "Salon." Salon is "a gathering of dedicated decorative painters from around the world coming together to exhibit their work and discuss old and new techniques, products, and information in the field."   Every year it is hosted by a different member in that person's country. Since Atlanta, it has been hosted in Hamburg, Germany and last year it was in Tokyo. This year's Salon will be in Seattle.  I was curious about the group so when I heard that it was going to be relatively close to me I decided to check it out.

When I visited Salon in Atlanta I was amazed at the breadth of talent that was on display. Members traveled from across the globe to in order to come together in the name of decorative art. Members have expertise in the traditional decorative arts such as faux marbre (marbleizing) faux bois (woodgraining), gilding, trompe l'oeil, and ornamentation.

group panel salon 2011

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Unlike other groups, to become a member, you have to be juried in. I decided that I would apply for membership but was sure that I wouldn't be accepted because this group is the best of the best! Well, I submitted my portfolio to this year's host and was accepted to participate! I was floored! Participation in this event has been on my list of professional goals for a few years now. The next step is to plan and paint a panel that will be exhibited along side my mentors and peers.  Talk about setting the bar high!

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Spotlight: Urban Threads

Urban Threads Home Decor is a drapery and bedding boutique owned by Interior Designer Jane O’Donoghue so you know their stuff will be awesome! I have had the privilege of knowing Jane through local Decorator show houses and can attest to their impeccable style. Jane O'Donoghue opened Urban Threads first in Ellicott City and now have just relocated to a great space in The Shops At Kenilworth, right next to Trader Joes.

"Urban Threads specialize in ready-made products that are unique, affordable, and designer based, offering beautiful and unusual items for your home. Our bedding is mostly washable and varies in style from elegant to bohemian. Our drapery panels are fabulous linen, silk, burlap and embroidered."

"What makes Urban Threads different from other stores is that it is owned and operated by myself. I am an interior decorator and have often shopped retail for my design projects. From the sheer frustration of not finding affordable design oriented items, the idea of Urban Threads was born. We assist with any project or design dilemma that you might have in your home. We love to throw pillows around with drapery panels and duvets, creating a look that is uniquely yours. Even if you are only looking to change out your sofa pillows for the season, you’re sure to find something to refresh your room."

"Local shoppers are yearning for some great resources for home interiors and our merchandise and our price points match the style and pocket book of our local customers. We also have savvy and sophisticated women here that are exposed to great style from Pinterest and HGTV and they are looking for a place to buy those products, where they can see them, touch them, and where they can get great ideas."

They also have a few of my art pieces and some pillows made with LS Home Fabrics! You’ve got to check them out! Tell them I sent you ;)

www.urbanthreadshome.com

The Shops at Kenilworth 800 Kenilworth Dr. #854 Towson, MD 21204
(410) 769-8485

Monday -Saturday

10am-6pm

Sunday

12pm-4pm