Fauxology: Studying the Visual Magic of Faux Finishing and Interior Design (brought to you by Garay Artisans)

Hello! Just a quick note to let you know that my brother Jason and I will be at the new Benjamin Moore store opening this afternoon from 1 pm - 4 pm. Benjamin Moore wanted to provide their customers with a complimentary introduction to the faux products from both their own line and Modern Masters. You will have a chance to play with the products, receive a ton of information and see samples produced right in front of your eyes. There will also be plenty of food and games for children (as well as Radio Disney). Should be a good time for all!

Address: 1061 South Sun Drive, Lake Mary, FL, 32746. Phone: (407) 328-0908. If you are on I-4 East, take the Lake Mary Boulevard exit (98). Make a right and go to the Greenwood intersection (right past Target). Make a right and go to Sun Drive. Make a right and you will see all the hoopla happening right there on your right. We hope to see you there….

On a personal note, I just want to send out a message of love and support to anyone and everyone affected by the fires in Southern California.  Our thoughts are with you.

Hi, everyone! I’ve put together the Garay Artisans Top 10 Faux Products. This list contains materials we’ve come to appreciate and use often.  Some are more functional and some are just plain gorgeous. All of them are featured prominently in many of our commissions. The following contains the first half of the list and next week we’ll post the remaining five. Please note that the Top 10 Products are in no particular order…

1) LusterStone by Faux Effects - Quite simply, brilliant. I do believe it is their most popular product and deservedly so. It is a shimmery plaster that is both versatile in its application and in its available colors (I counted 42). Modern Masters has a similar product called ShimmerStone and Adicolor has OroStone.

2) Modello Designs - For me, this product has transformed the stenciling world and by doing so, the faux finishing industry. Gone are the days when we had to work with mylar stencils for particularly tough areas (i.e., ceilings, arches) or for very detailed patterns and designs. (I can’t tell you how happy I am to not have to cut another design out of mylar with a stencil burner. I used to dread setting up that whole system.) Melanie Royals developed a one-time use stencil that could be made in custom sizes and either in a negative or positive pattern. Perfection.

3) Venetian Plaster - I get a lot of requests for this finish and a lot of questions, too. Venetian Plaster is a labor-intensive process (with diva-like qualities sometimes) but you can’t take away its stunning beauty in person. This is the finish I traveled to Italy to receive advanced classes in. In fact, we recently had a client who actually used their formal dining room just so that they could sit and enjoy the finish — what a compliment!? I personally prefer the products from Safra since they glide on like butter, whether synthetic or lime-based.  I have heard great things about Dimensions Plaster and Oikos and most DIYers find the Modern Masters version easy to use.

4) Schaibin by Sepp Leaf - Gold leaf shimmer…or aluminum or copper. Schaibin is large irregular sheets of leaf metal that can be used in many ways: to “gild” a stencil design, create a first-rate finish or use it underneath other faux products for a peek of what I call “high-res metallic”.  Gold Leaf is traditionally used for gilding (see an example here) but schaibin is the same product in a more versatile format. It is a bit messy but for some applications, it is the perfect touch.

5) Metallic Foil - This product has started a whole new love affair for me and metallic finishes. The copper foil is stunning for a hammered copper finish on a rangehood and the hologram foil is amazing with our snakeskin finish. Can’t even begin to tell you how yummy the pewter foil is and don’t even get me started on the gold. It also comes in an array of colors. This product is used similarly to gold leaf and schaibin but it doesn’t leave a whole lot of mess behind to clean up and is easier to use. I get mine locally from the Sarasota School of Faux and Architectural Finishing but I know that it is also sold by the amazing Gary Lord at his studio, Prismatic Painting.

I did not include glaze in this list since it is the one product faux finishing is really based upon — so I thought that it would have Honorable Mention status.  Next week, I’ll post the remaining five faux products…please feel free to comment and let me know if you agree with this part of the list. Have a great day!

Many of you may remember the original Meet the Floggers post. To recap, we were called in by a wonderful hotel renovation company for a woodgraining consult. The hotel restaurant was a steakhouse and their cabinetry was glossy white — could we recreate the wood in the hotel lobby right over this glossy white? A big yes! It was a fantastic project and everyone was pleased with the results. As promised, below are some of the Before, During and After shots.

Picking the samples to match the lobby wood, Taping up the Restaurant 

Bar Area, Before & After

First Room, Before & After

Entrance, Before & After

Third Room, During & After

Hope you enjoyed these! BTW, I’ve been meaning to post the Portofino Hotel pics of the recently renovated Mamma Della’s restaurant (another great commission) — but we haven’t been able to jaunt on over to get final pics. That project called for Distressed Marmorino ceilings, a really nice finish. I’ll post those soon!

I wasn’t going to write a post today since I have some proposals to work on and get out, but something happened and I thought I would mention it. I have a lot of clients whose homes are under construction and I recently met with one who is an out of town commission. She is a dear client but was having a bad day because there were delays yet again — and anyone who has had a home built or renovated can relate, I’m sure. She was frustrated because one of the trades were running behind, which ergo, affected the Garay Artisans start date. Her dreams of having a home by the end of the year were slowly fading (and she’s been waiting a loooooooooooong time).

I saw my client having a meltdown and I felt it was my “girl duty” to not let that happen. I told her that I usually built in a cushion time when it comes to construction (100% true) and that despite the delays, we would get done in time. She didn’t realize this and was ecstatic. Most custom construction companies really do care about their clients and their timeline — sometimes, things are just out of everyone’s control. She came to the realization that?maybe she shouldn’t let this affect her so much — she told me she literally would lose her appetite or just couldn’t sleep at night. We talked about how it’s not a good way to live — and so comes the reason for my post.

I’ve noticed that a lot of my female clients put themselves last a lot. I’ve noticed that I do that, too. (Don’t even get me started on my big inability to say “no” sometimes when I should — only to kick myself later). My business, as much as I love it, leaves very little free time to enjoy an afternoon tea, a trip to get a massage or to even meet my friend’s new dog. I also notice that most of my female clients run around like crazy: jobs, hectic schedules — and add children to the mix? A recipe for a highly intelligent, organized woman but not one with a lot of time to do the things that make life a little happier. (I don’t have children but I sometimes think my business is a very spoiled child with a lot of attention given to it.)

So, I’m just reminding all of you out there who read my blog to literally stop and take a look around and do something for yourself this week — make sure you are not last on your own list. Trust me, I need this reminder too! If you can help a fellow hectic person feel a little happier by just having them stop and breathe deeply or by saying something complimentary or something that will ease their mind a bit, take the moment to do so. It feels wonderful to make someone happier…and just maybe it might even be yourself.

Well…sorry to digress from my usual faux/decorative painting/interior design format for a post but I did feel I had to mention this. We will now return to our regularly scheduled programming… 

So, I know it’s a little early to talk about Thanksgiving but I’m seriously happy. The hubster and I are going to Atlanta for the 4-day Thanksgiving weekend! (Thanksgiving is usually the holiday we sorta nicely ditch the families and go gallivanting around on fun mini-vacations. One tip: Vegas — truly fun during Thanksgiving. Dinner-you-didn’t-have-to-cook and a show?? Priceless.)

Now, why does going to Atlanta make me happy? Well, since you asked, I’ll tell ya. I’ve been wanting to go to The High (Atlanta’s art museum) ever since they announced their three-year deal with the Louvre in Paris. For three years, the Louvre will send over selected masterpieces to be viewed by the American public. The High is the only museum that has this honor (its been dubbed Louvre Atlanta) and once the three years are up, that’s it. Even though I’ve visited Atlanta several times (faux school, plaster school, sporting events, concerts not playing in Florida, etc.), I’ve never had the time to make it to the High. Now, Year One is gone (sob!) and the pressure is building for me since they are now on Year Two. The theme for this year is The Louvre and the Ancient World. One of the key pieces of this exhibit is a sculpture entitled The Tiber. It is a 7-ton, 10-foot long marble piece depicting a river god (for the Tiber River) and it is said to have inspired Michelangelo. It used to be paired up with another sculpture depicting the river god for the Nile but they were separated — that piece currently resides in the Vatican. It’s amazing that these works of art can be seen and appreciated in America. It’s definitely not to be a deterrent for visiting Paris and seeing the Louvre in person but it’s a beautiful opportunity to have close by. (My hubby says I have to go see the Georgia Aquarium with him in exchange for the museum, but I think we’ll both enjoy ourselves.) I’ll be posting pics that’s for sure.

Here in Orlando, the Museum of Art has some wonderful exhibits as well. I truly wish I could go more often than I do. They have two exhibits currently that I’d like to see: Points of View and Puerto Rican Art. The Points of View exhibit has some great works from artists such as Ansel Adams, Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol. (In fact, it looks as though they have an edition of Mr. Warhol’s famous Marilyn Monroe screenprint.) The Puerto Rican Art exhibit features almost 60 paintings by notable Puerto Rican artists — I mostly love their lush, passionate colors.  Both those exhibits look to close at the end of this month, so I guess I’d better get a move-on, no?

I met Valerie Cuzzola, the current President of Florida’s Golden Palette, a few years ago when I joined the organization. I really got to know her when I served as Vice President in 2003-2004 and I saw how much love and effort she puts forth in creating a haven for artists and hobbyists to learn and network. All the current officers work hard as well to ensure that good friendships are created and the ridiculously affordable classes offered every month for members are well-thought out and offer quality information and introductions to new products. They even have a great newsletter every month chock full of great information and pictures! I turned to Valerie tointroduce you (my faithful blog readers) to an organization that is, I believe, vital to our local artisan community.

Tell us a little about Florida’s Golden Palette (FGP) and its philosophy. It all starts with the Stencil Artisan’s League, Inc. (SALI), an organization that began in 1984 to bring together artists not just stencillers but also faux artists and muralists — of every skill level to learn from each other and to honor old world techniques while embracing and refining “new world” artistic expressions. FGP is the Florida chapter of SALI, which started in June of 2000 and has been going strong ever since. In January 2008, we are starting our new chapter. We have grown so much and are so spread out in Florida that we need to reach those that can not drive the 2 or 3 hours (i.e., Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, Orlando) to get to one of our meetings, which we hold in a different city every time. This will result in more members for each chapter as well as SALI national.

What is FGP’s philosophy? I believe that FGP represents all artists. We are a chapter that has:
1. members that are just starting out in business.
2. members that are hobbyist.
3. members that are professionals, full and part time.
We all share our so-called faux secrets, give advice and help each other when we are in a jam.

Where do you see interior design and/or faux finishing heading in the future? I see and read that design is going back to a more relaxed atmosphere using warmer colors, using more of the bright colors in the decorations and addressing and painting the fifth wall, ceilings. Murals also have softer, more muted colors. One of the newer concepts is decorative-finished concrete floors with a few area rugs, which is a great cosmopolitan look.

What are some misconceptions about decorative painting and/or faux finishing that you or the members encounter?? Well, we still get “oh that sponge painting stuff” from years ago that really did look like a sponge dipped in paint. Decorative painting has evolved to express a much more elegant feel. Darker colors are being used more and more in small spaces. The old wives tale that dark colors in a small room makes it look smaller is just not true.  The right dark colors can make a room look larger and also add warmth.

What are some of the most current hot decorative finishing styles you see the members creating? Lots and lots of texture. Metallics. Also, the one-time-use stencils that you can order or have locally made.

Please describe your monthly meetings and classes. We usually have a 30 - 45 minute chapter meeting followed by a class. The classes can range from stenciling, faux painting, color theory, a 2-day mural class and anything in between. The classes are taught by members or we may bring in a special renowned guest. We meet once a month on the second Saturday of every month. The only two exceptions are in July when most of us go to the yearly SALI convention and in December, when we have a wonderful Christmas get-together.

What are some of the member’s favorite finishes, color combinations and/or products to work with? I think each member has their own favorites. Some love and only do murals. Others like the simple one color faux. There are those that absolutely love the textures nothing like getting out the trowel and slathering product on the walls. Oh, can’t forget the ones that would rather work from home and do beautiful hand painted furniture.

What has been the most positive and/or fulfilling project the FGP has worked on? We have worked on so many fulfilling projects. Two of my favorites:
1.The Russell House: “Grandma Russell” died in 2003 and the daughters and other family members are now running the Orlando home, which does not have government funding and survive only on donations. It was started by the Russell family in Orlando more than 50 years ago. She started caring for children who were mentally challenged and did not have anyone to take care of them. She still has the first child that she took in and the family has grown to 20 something!
2. The Children’s Home (”The Hope House”): A place where children stay when they are in between foster homes. Children arrive at the Hope House with their few personal belongings in paper bags. We supplied these kids with huge canvas duffel bags and taught them how to personalize them with stencils.

Any design and/or finishing books or videos that you recommend for us to read?? I read any faux book I can get my hands on. Even if there is nothing in there at the time I can use, it seems that something always comes up on a project that I can go back to one of books and find the answer. I’m not a muralist but from watching faux videos on murals, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and done some wonderful kids murals. One of my favorites is by Charlene Clesceri. It’s a step by step video and has been a staple in my library.

What design and/or finishing advice would you offer our blog readers? Play, Play, Play!!! Get out in your garage and practice, practice, practice. Practice on a wall in your spare room or any wall in your house. If you don’t like it…….it’s only paint. JUST DO IT!!!!! Join your local SALI chapter.

Thank you for your insights, Valerie! Both the Florida’s Golden Palette and Stencil Artisan’s League, Inc. (SALI) are very good about listening and anticipating their member’s needs and continually adapting and steering the organizations to reflect changes. This is what makes an organization valuable to its members one that can grow and evolve with the times, design styles and their member’s increasingly savvy and developing tastes. I myself have been remiss in attending the monthly meetings but have made it a point for myself in the upcoming year to reacquaint myself with this wonderful organization. If you have any creative bones in your body itching to get out, I urge you to attend a meeting and class and see how this organization can help your artistry can take flight. It’s an amazing group of people and I hope to see you there!

(Please note that this profile will also be available as an archive in our Message Forum.)

Today was an excellent day. I taught a special class and it was so much fun! It was a custom class specifically tailored for a client of mine. When we originally met at her lovely home (which was under construction), she explained that she very much wanted me to do the Garay Artisans magic on some areas but….since I taught classes, would I teach her how to do finishes of her own along with some color guidance? It was an intriguing idea…and I thought, why not? So we came up with a plan for her home — together we picked out the areas where she need a professional touch and decided on the ones she could tackle herself. I would also provide color guidance so that she wasn’t out there on her own surrounded by hundreds of paint options. We agreed on a price fair for both of us and we were off and running!

It’s pure joy for me to do this type of work and to see her enthusiasm to learn the?finishes she picked was really gratifying. You see, she wanted to learn not because of budgetary reasons (although it helps) but mostly because she wanted to feel the accomplishment of designing her home and to have a creative outlet for herself. (It’s funny, because I have some clients who when they see all the effort that goes into their creations, say “You could not pay me enough to do all this work!” or “There is no way you’d catch me on a scaffold like that, don’t you get scared?” or the famous “Wow, I had no idea it was like this…”).

One of our newer team members also came along to help and learn a bit as well. You should have seen the three of us drooling over the colors for one of the finishes — we mixed LusterStone’s Terracotta, Mandarin Red and Cantaloupe colors together.(LusterStone is a shimmery plaster made by Faux Effects.) Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Here’s a shot of that combo (over gold leaf) on my teaching easel and with the ladies working on their board.

I taught the class at her still-under-construction-but-almost-done home. It was the perfect environment since we were able to immediately see what all the colors would look in their proposed environment. Can’t beat that!

So, I’m tired and about to watch some of my TiVo’d programs (love that TiVo) but I thought I’d share this great experience with you. Please remember that if you’d like to receive the Garay Artisans newsletter (chock full of tips, pictures and updates), please e-mail Suzanne@GarayArtisans.com and let her know you’d like to be put on the mailing list.

Until the next post!

I’m seeing that some folks are registering in our Message Forum (from places like South Africa, wow!) and that some are using the Help area to get tips for tackling their projects!  In case you’d like to get a refresher on accessing it, click here. We love interacting with those who come to our website it’s so much fun to be part of the online community.

Speaking of keeping in touch, here at Garay Artisans we do have a monthly newsletter that is put together by my sister and office executive extraordinaire, Suzanne. There are tips, pictures, articles and a little bit of what’s going on in the Garay Artisans world. We are going to be adding finish recipes in the near future and some other goodies. If you’d like to receive the monthly newsletter, please e-mail Suzanne@GarayArtisans.com with the subject line Add E-mail to Newsletter and let us know which e-mail address you’d like to us to use. Then, Voila! You are in the know! (Don’t worry we do not sell e-mails to anyone. It’ll be held strictly in confidence for the newsletter.)

Until the next post, be well!