Mama's takin us to the zoo tomorrow....

....and we can stay all day!

I am taking my kids to the zoo tomorrow, I think I may be more excited than they are. Their father dates a woman who is an ACTUAL ZOOKEEPER so they got to do some really cool stuff at the Denver zoo last summer, so just going as a plain old visitor is maybe beneath them now. I've always been crazy about the African animals, my favorite being the zebra.
Tomorrow is also the beginning of spring break and we are on hiatus. Not sure how much blogging I will get in this week so I wanted to do something fun 'til we meet again. In honor of my favorite zoo animal, and one of my favorite design motifs....here's some zebra print eye candy for you. You know there's good zebra print and way way way overkill on the zebra print. I find that just a smidge of zebra will do ya. Here's some visual proof. (and it doesn't have to be black and white either!)
via housebeautiful.com designer Carlton Varney

designer Krista Ewart



via caldwellflake.com

via hmbien.blogspot.com


via aboutlifestyles.info

via omniartedesign.com


OOOOh OOOh!!! It's chevron-ey Zebra! via materialgirlsblog.com

Accessorizing 101...

You ever get one of those 'wild march hares' that just makes you want to get busy. Call it Spring cleaning, call it seeing my own mess with new eyes. Whatever it was I decided to tackle the kitchen hutch that usually is such a big pile of paper and junk and ...well, see for yourself here:

This is the landing spot for mail, school work, permission slips, recipes, coupons etc. Paper is my biggest obstacle, with 4 kids in school and a home based business. My resolution for 2011 was just to get organized, and it is happening by tiny degrees.

So what started this whole project was a trip down Hobby Lobby's 90% off Home Dec. aisle, also known as the 'spray paint aisle'. I scored these two hideous fruits for 2 bucks a piece. The last time I was at Farm & Fleet I picked up a can of yellow Krylon Farm Implement spray paint, which is coincidentally the exact same color as my dining room walls.(which cracks me up) So I knew I could make these 'almost funky' fruits 'funky'.

before....


....and after. (forgive the fuzziness....the project also required a coupla glasses of Moscato)


This cake stand was a gift from my mother. I have never really found the perfect spot for it until now. The porcelain eggs with duck feet are from Pier I (several years ago). The milk carton cream and sugar set are actually from the dollar section at Michael's.




I think displays in the home should be a combination of pretty to look at and useful every day. I do use the water goblets and wine glasses daily, and occasionally the the cream and sugar set, and the egg tray. You'll notice I got rid of all the cookbooks, because seriously people, I never follow a recipe. The only recipe I ever use is the one for beer bread.
The white footed bowl actually holds photographs that come in the mail or home from school or church and need to be placed in albums. I found the wire locker basket at a yard sale years ago and have used them mainly for magazine storage. This display was starting to take on a definite egg theme (dare I say" theme"!)so I loaded the basket up with white plastic Easter eggs which I found for 77 cents a bag. (You can't see the little hand painted bird dish that is next to the egg tray.) I can't really reach the top shelf without standing on a bar stool, so it doesn't bother me that the top shelf is purely decorative.


I decided to organize the two junk drawers too. Target carries a 'junk drawer organization set' for just seven dollars.

My personal accessorizing rules are this as applied to this project.
1. Have an even mix of purely decorative objects and things you actually use.
2. Mix in a lot of white with small pops of color (the cake stand, funky fruits and pencil cup)
3. Create balance by repeating a color or 'theme' (eggs and chartreuse color)
4. Add something with a sense of humor or sense of whimsy. I love the duck feet eggs and although they are Easter decorations, I leave them out until Christmas.
5. Less is more. You don't need a bunch of stuff just to fill it up.Seriously, people... less really is more. Step away from the silk florals, okay!!! Use simple, white objects for filler, if you need a few things to beef it up. Use spray paint or items from discount stores if you have no budget. (cream/sugar set cost 2 dollars, simple white candy dish was 4 dollars at TJ Maxx)
6. Create a circular shape or a triangular shape when placing objects. This draws the eye from item to item and creates excitement.

Become a follower.....Get free faux recipes! (copper crackle recipe)

via loghome.com
Punch & Sizzle

Punch & Sizzle

A few years ago, I wrote a book featuring 20 of my 'best' finishes. I was putting on the finishing touches and finessing the look and feel when...my computer got fried and I lost much of the content of this book.( Very Long Story)
I've had oodles of requests for information about it. I'm not sure I will get it pulled together while these finishes are still relevant, so I'm offering a special deal just for followers!
You must do these two things
1. Become a follower of my blog
and
2. Email me at chicpaintcontest@gmail.com with the word 'recipe' in the subject line. If you are already a follower, just send me the email.

First up is the Crackled Copper finish for tabletops and countertops. I have applied this finish to the cashwrap in my own studio, several dining tables and an entire kitchen (countertops)

You have seen copper top tables in high end furniture stores. My design is based on a table that I spied at Arhaus.

Be sure and let me know if you have a design/style blog too!
Happy Painting!
Elizabeth

Brownies! Oh wait, no, Doilies!

I'm working in this fabulous house again. Last time I was there, I created this dining room. I learned this doily inspired technique from Liz Herrmann, of Elizabeth Designs, in the Appetite for Design Class I took this fall. This ranks up there as one of my all time favorite projects. There are four archways with the stenciled designs, and the sideswalls have a stone/strie effect which is painted pewter and gold. It's scrumptious, even more-so in real life.
I also created this bathroom for a teenaged girl, who has to be the most popular girl EVER because EVERYONE wants a bathroom just like this. I am not kidding, it has to be the most requested thing I've ever done. But since I don't do repeats, it's a one and only! I wish I knew where that awesome shower curtain was from. It was a challenge to design a wall finish to complement it, but I think we succeeded. You can't tell from the photo, but the wall finish is covered in glitter.
Yes, actual doilies were used in both of those projects (along with a ton of stencils in a variety of sizes. My favorite....the 3 piece, She Bang set, from Faux Design Studio)

So, doilies. Not usually something that conjures up good design, are they? When I think doilies, I think of brownies sprinkled with powdered sugar.
But if you are going to do brownies sprinkled with powdered sugar, why not do them like THESE!!! Oh my goodness....so hilarious. Here's the link on how to make your own,
from Nicole at Makingitlovely.com. I love love love love LOVE her blog!

via makingitlovely.com



Here's a contemporary twist on doilies....how about sewing them together to make a table runner? I love this idea and am just sick that I got rid of a slew of them in the last garage sale. Directions are here. (pssst! She has really great DIY projects, she also shows how to make that wire basket light fixture!)
via ashleyannphotography.com


Have you seen that project that has been circulating the net about how to make your own string ball light fixture, which involves a giant bouncy ball, yarn, liquid starch and patience? Well...here's a doily version that is just amazing. via inhabit.com

I know Melissa Leo got panned a lot for this outfit, but I think it's really pretty and appropriate for a woman of her age who is clearly at least half nuts. I love Melissa Leo, please do not get me wrong. I myself am a woman who is at least half nuts,so we are like this, me and Melissa. Good dress Missy!
via gettyimages
Even Lady Gaga has horned in on this 'mini trend'....but the photo is so NSFW.

Tulips!!!!

via flickr.com
Oh Hallelujah! The bulbs are poking their necks out, spring must be just around the corner. Tulips are my favorite harbingers of spring. Not so, the woodpecker who decided to peck on the siding of my house at 7 am. this morning. It was totally a sit-com hour in which the woodpecker would peck, we'd pound on the wall...we would get silence for some random amount of time (just long enough to just about fall asleep) and then he would peck again! I am soooo getting a big rubber snake. Just as soon as he finally gave up....the dogs wanted out. So much for sleepin' in on Saturday!
* footnote: fixing the woodpecker damage was kind of a bigger deal than I expected. Praying there are not termites in my house!
Hopefully the shiny reflective duct tape will keep the little bugger away!

The real inspiration for this posting was the awesome class I took this week: Allover Designs with Cynthia Davis of Wallovers. I fell in love with this Flower Power stencil and bought it for the front hallway. I'm planning on applying the design in a sparkley pearl finish on the Antique White walls. We just need a little pop where the harlequins used to be.



via wallovers.com

That's me in the middle, back row (with the oversmile) holding my tulip sample!!




I found this photo on one of my favorite blogs , a punch of color. I think this is likely a teen's bedroom. It's so crisp and fresh and slightly "Palm Beach Country Club", which is beginning to be my favorite trend.


In my search for 'tulip inspired design' I found another blog I am just obsessed with at the moment...The Lennoxx. Wow! Check out that graphic mural, so fun! I so wish my kids would keep their rooms like this. I guess it would help if their mother had set this example, eh?

Abstract Artistry for Decorative Painters...taught by ME

via etsy

I am so excited to be teaching "Abstract Artistry for Decorative Painters" (and other 'non traditional artists) at Designer Finishes Studio in Warrensburg, IL.
The class date has not been announced yet, but it will be in the month of July. (tentative start date 7/11/2011)
For the last few years I have been marketing my 'custom canvas' service to my clients, with real measurable success. It's exciting to have projects that don't involve ladders or scaffolds or even standing, and I want to share my knowledge and experiences with you, and arm you with an arsenal of techniques to create your own 'custom canvas' service.

This 3 day class will combine 'lecture time' with 'studio time'. Students will create a portfolio of techniques for their own reference and to share with clients, as well as creating one large or two small artworks to take home. I have found it incredibly helpful to have examples of the variety of techniques available when meeting with clients. This notebook will transform your creativity and design process. The cost of this class is $895.00

It is a myth that 'abstract' art is just a little paint smeared around a canvas in about 5 seconds' time. Great art invites the viewer to ask questions, and ponder. It evokes emotions and interest and conjures memories. It has depth and texture and layers and interest. It takes time and thought and planning.

With this information, students will be able to create interesting, intriquing artworks of real value.
Students will learn how to hear their own artistic voice, and no two students will leave class with the same artwork. (all photos property of Elizabeth VanHoutan/Punch & Sizzle/Chicpaint

unless otherwise noted.)

CLASS CURRICULUM (this will be a very general overview of the topics covered)

1. COMPOSITION

Rule of Thirds

Balance

Off Kilter and Skew

Hearing your own voice

Sketching vs. letting the artwork lead you

2. DEPTH

Texture and Textiles

Underpainting

3. COLOR

Because most students have had numerous exposures to color theory, this will be general review about mixing and combining colors.

4. PRODUCTS

Paints and Textures

Metal Leaf and Foils

Papers

Tools

Canvas and Boards

5. TECHNIQUES ON TOP

Glaze

Trowel

Drip

Flood

Crack

Stain

Resist

Stencil/Frisk

Bling

Collage

Stickers and Tapes

Plastic and Bubble Wrap

6. CANVAS COMPOSITIONS

diptych and tripytych

9 patch

crazy combos

7. THE BUSINESS END OF ART

Social Media and etsy

Finding Clients through traditional methods

Certificate of Authenticity

I hope you will think about joining us on this creative journey.

Cheers!

Elizabeth

Blue bottles, Vera and Tarte....my week.

via houseofturquoise.com

from Jonathan Adler: on Happy Chic colors

via Atlanta Home and Lifestyle


via House Beautiful




via quietude.blogspot.com


As my boy Jonathan Adler says, it's " The easiest, happiest solution to any sad and lonely shelf..." in his book On Happy Chic Colors. He was referring to a grouping of blue glass bottles! I have to agree, my darling JA. There's a reason blue bottles were brought to mind.....voila! what I did this week:

This week was crazy. CRAZY!!! I worked out of town, which is always hectic. But this was a commercial project, which meant navigating downtown St. Louis, parking in scary parking garage, using scary freight elevator and working in the lobby of a very fancy Accounting firm with 100s of employees, all questioning where I was going with this. And don't even get me started on the constant loop of Fox News on the flatscreen TV nearby. Fair and Balanced? Heh????

That's a photo of the project a couple of minutes before I left. It's Stuco Lux, in the colorway Azul, with a cobalt blue wax topcoat. I am quite proud of the final results. The color...well that's a perfect bottle blue for you. I didn't pick it, I can't take credit for that. I think the design of this reception area is just stunning. Good on you, Lawrence Group!!! I like the combination of the dark wood and the bright blue.

Since I feel self imposed obligation to find beautiful rooms for your viewing pleasure,here are two of my favorite blue-ies. Love bottle blue with crisp white!!! designer, James East.



and bottle blue and white and lime green! Sweet!!!!

via athome.idahostatejournal.com
Tuesday, after I had applied my basecoat, I had an entire evening to myself. I finally made it into an Anthropologie!!! I looked at everything, was in there for over an hour, but was really disciplined and only bought books. My favorite one is this one:

Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon

I love Vera and her simple, scratchy sketches. The woman lived the exact kind of life that I want to after my children are grown-- traveling the world,drawing and painting, shopping in local markets, with her beloved husband by her side. Sigh....
Anthropologie had the most amazing Vera print dress....I wanted it sooo much, but I could NOT justify spending the money when I have so many projects going on at home. Berry Months dress via effortlessanthropologie.com

I have loved Vera since I discovered her at a garage sale. I got a Christmas table runner circa 1960-something for a quarter! So glad her designs are being revived by the We Love Vera line at Anthropologie.

My other great find this week was the Tarte Natural Cheek Stain. So it was the best of 2010, so as usual, I'm a little behind, but better late than never!!!
It seems powder blush just vanishes from my face so this is a dream come true. The 'True Love' color gives me a perfectly flushed and fresh look that I really like. And it lasted all day!