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.
About Me
- Sherry Haydel Ltd
- New Orleans, LA, United States
- After acquiring two degrees in the sciences, I realized what I really wanted to do was design – beautiful, practical design. One thing I did learn in science was how to research. I read all available literature on decorative finishes, developed my own techniques that had no rules and soon discovered that the creative process has no limits. From faux bois to decorative finishes, design is now my cornerstone and my career. I’ve worked throughout the nation on everything from the Eudora Welty Library to the Historic New Orleans Collection Museum to transatlantic yachts. I’ve lectured at universities, museums and on television, garnered numerous awards and seen my work published in national magazines. In applying decorative finishes, I create surroundings for my clients that give them pause, often using design to solve problems and leave behind beauty. The furnishings I design are custom, one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces that speak of the cultures where I have lived, both here in the United States and abroad.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)