Danger: Barefoot Painting

This is what happens when you decide to close a five gallon pail of
plaster by standing on it! I must admit I laughed so hard I almost
lost it! I guess I should be thankful I chose not to put on my brand
new tennis shoes since I was working in Che's office! Hope you get a
chuckle. Have you ever done anything like this?

Ufauxrea

What a whirlwind summer we have had here at The Painted Lady. I thought July was eventful, but so far it looks like August is going to be quite a whirlwind! For the first time since I started my business a year and a half ago, I am booked a month in advance! For decorative artists who have been in the business a while it is not unusual to be booked six or eight weeks out. But this is such a milestone for me! I have even had to arrange for a couple of helpers. Yes, I admit it... I am giddy with delight! Enough about me...

In July, Memphis was host the the annual IDAL convention. Founded in 1984, the International Decorative Artisans League (IDAL) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the art of stenciling and related decorative painting. Membership provides opportunities for artistic and professional growth through: education, certification, public awareness, and networking. Wow! It was awesome! I was able to meet some of the industry leaders I admire, take classes on some cool techniques and learn about a ton of new and "new to me" products available to decorative artisans. I played with products and came home with over 20 new sample boards!

I met so many amazingly talented individuals and found so much inspiration that I haven't been able to sleep. I plan on getting in the studio and playing around with some new finishes, but am struggling to find the time! There are so many ideas floating around in my head, yet I don't have time to make them. I promise that I will share all the creations from IDAL as soom as Che's camera comes back from being repaired.

Bloggy friends, I have missed you dearly... Stay tuned and I will share with you the latest trends for walls and my take on them!

gv

Retail Therapy and Power Tools!

What a crazy week it has been! Our house is a disaster since our hot water heater exploded last week and well, the kids are driving me crazy! Yes, I said it. It is that time of the summer when they fight and complain of boredom and generally make me want to run away and join the circus.

Seeing that I have no acrobatic skills, the circus is not really a viable option for me. So I did what any self respecting mom would do... Retail Therapy! Yep, I went shopping and looking for something to inspire me. Where did I go? Why HOB LOB of course. I saw the cutest frame literally as I was about to give up and go visit my friend "Margarita" across the street.

Some people call it a light bulb moment. In our house it is a "Phineas and Ferb" moment. If you know the show, then you know the line, "Ferb, I know what we're going to do today!". Yep, in the middle of HOB LOB I knew what I was going to do!

Drum roll please.......

I made my very own picture frame. It is a little off, but many would say that it's creator is too! Har de har har!

Anywhoo, I have had this idea in my mind for a while and couldn't quite figure out how to make it work without a router. Thank you to the frame made in China!

The photos make it look whiter than it actually is, but I love it. I used my favorite Melanie Royals stencil from Royal Design Studio. For those of you who are not familiar with Melanie Royals, you need to check her out! This woman is crazy talented! She is a faux finisher and also designs stencils and modellos. If you want some wonderful inspiration, check out her blog www.designamour.com and either of her websites above.

Well, this post has been much longer that intended and Che is on his way home so I gotta wrap it up. I've missed ya bloggy world and promise to keep you posted on the demolition and remodel of our little home in the burbs!

P.S. No time for spellcheck or grammar check so forgive all the errors!!!!!

Happy painting!