Dear Friends,

I've been pondering lately an event that has had a profound impact on me.  At my son's wedding in Jackson, Mississippi, a place I haven't lived for almost 20 years, my old acquaintances were kindly congratulating me on my fine son and daughter-in-law.  As we spoke, person after person called to remembrance some little gift I had made for them at one time or another.  I was touched and humbled that these small things had been held dear by my friends through all these years.

So, I very much want to encourage you to consider the handmade and homemade gift this year, not because of economics but because of love and affection.

Warmly,

Sherry

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Paint and newsprint

Between traveling to Memphis, Tennessee for the Int'l Decorative Artisans League annual convention and then spending the past few weeks preparing two rooms and a stairwell for the Alliance Francaise showhouse, I've been quite a busy lady. Here's a glimpse at what I've been up to, as printed in the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper real estate insert, "Inside Out."

http://www.nola.com/homegarden/index.ssf/2009/08/designers_french_accents_trans.html

STENCILS OR DECORATIVE FINISHES VS. WALLPAPER

Why stencils or decorative finishes? The answers are the same whether you are a DIY type or would employ a professional decorative painter.

Infinite possibilities: Even if you tried to duplicate a finish and/or pattern, it would be impossible because of the handcrafted nature of finishes. Handcrafted. Think on this, the touch and nuances of the hand. Also the combination of pattern and colour are specific to your vision not some distant manufacturer, because even if a paper is custom made the exact same pattern is still available for duplication for someone else.

Easily reversible: Do you recall those swirly plaster finishes in the "Mediterranean" style bungalows of the 40's? They are still there. Or have you ever tried to have wallpaper removed? Even if you got all the paper off, did you get all the glue? Or did you have to have your walls refloated to make them smooth again? This could go on and on. But, with decorative finishes (that includes my stencils) all you need is paint and the world is right again. Even when in the midst of a project you can change your mind. If you're quick you only need 409 and a rag; if not, paint - the solution to all problems.

Tune in to the next blog for application tips regarding these miracle-inducing stencils and finishes of mine. And, as always, may abundant blessings above all you could ask or think be yours.

IN THE BEGINNING (or Stencil This, Paint That - Design for All)

INSTRUCTIONS

The following must be read with a collard greens and grits accent.

I have been trying to start this stencil and decorative painting blog but couldn't think of a raison d'etre' or way to start. So, I decided to just tell you the truth. The purpose is to encourage you to paint anything paint will stick to, which is just about everything but air and more obviously to encourage you to use my eminently practical and beautiful stencil line. I would also be happy for you to use my personal decorative painting services as well, because my clients are my inspiration.

I definitely have a Southern perspective (Deep South in the United States not South of France although some here in New Orleans purport to have that connection). What is a Southern point-of view? Think plantation manners and sharecropper thriftiness. And it all got started because of "fox boys" (translate from the original Southern as Faux Bois). To read that story please jog over to my official website, www.SherryHaydelLtd.com.

Please be so kind as to stay tuned for future blogs on how and why to use stencils and decorative finishes, such as how to make perfectly good ugly furniture groovy or change the perception of awkwardly configured rooms.

May abundant blessing above all you could ask or think be yours, Sherry