Pinterest Projects That I Actually Completed

So everyone has them. The boring, pine knife block that holds all of your very special knives. They sit on your countertop and keep your knives, point down, at your fingertips. They are not very attractive, unless you like a solid chunk of blond wood.
As I was perusing Pinterest some time ago I found this awesome photo where someone had painted their knife block.

Source: johnnyinadress.com via Sandy on Pinterest

I immediately thought, I will be painting mine..turquoise and red. So I was on a mission this week to get several pieces of furniture painted for my Etsy store and Blacklion and a few for clients as well. I decided to throw the knife block into the mix as well. I had some turquoise chalk paint and decided that would do. Also had a stencil that fit the sides nicely.


So this is my finished product, except it didn't quite suit me. So I broke out the sandpaper and distressed it a bit.

MUCH better! What small household projects are you working on these days?








Another amazing idea I found was cleaning paint brushes. Right?! I have so many with paint dried in them. It's so hard to get it all out. You may  never use ivory soap to wash you face again when you see what it does to dried paint! Moms, don't EVER leave your baby in a bath tub with a bar of ivory soap again!! Baby might not be there when you return! Seriously!

Source: totalartsoul.com via Sandy on Pinterest

You should check out this link, but basically you put a bar of ivory soap into a container of water. It will mostly dissolve. I soaked the brushes overnight. After soaking, I used a scrub brush to comb the bristles. The results are amazing!!

After cleaning

Before soaking

I've kept the solution sitting in my work sink. I just keep adding brushes to it and letting them soak. What a great discovery! I hope this was helpful to you!

Dramatic Ceilings

I recently began uploading my portfolio to Houzz.com. Another awesome, viral website that is growing like crazy! Anyone looking for new ideas, products or professionals for anything home design related should be looking here. To increase my ranking on Houzz, I need reviews from those familiar with my work. If you are a past client, please take a moment to check it out and let me know if you would be interested in leaving a review. I would really appreciate it! Find me here  http://www.houzz.com/pro/paintingthetownus/painting-the-town-inc.
During the process, I realized I've had some wonderful opportunities to work with terrific clients on amazing projects. Ceilings in particular can be very dramatic. I'm including a few from the past that I thought you might enjoy seeing. Perhaps a little inspiration?

Mediterranean Dining Room design by Charlotte Artist And Artisan Painting the Town, Inc.

Mediterranean Kitchen design by Charlotte Artist And Artisan Painting the Town, Inc.

Mediterranean Hall design by Charlotte Artist And Artisan Painting the Town, Inc.

Mediterranean Entry design by Charlotte Artist And Artisan Painting the Town, Inc.

I am so inspired to create some new and wonderful ceilings this fall!! Will yours be next?

Clock Tower Mural

So it seems I don't get to do too many murals these days. I usually let Robin, my trusty side kick, handle them because that is her passion. She is busy this month working on an awesome huge canvas mural project. She' s doing it for the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. You can see her progress on her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CreativeBrushworks.
So completing this project was all on me (aside from the boy brawn needed from my teens to help erect scaffolding).
My client wanted something interesting to frame and camouflage the 90+" television. It's hard to make a tv that large be inconspicuous. But hopefully your eye is drawn to the mural. :)

Right! Bet you didn't even notice the television. Here are some shots of the mural in progress. Hope you enjoy! I could have spent many more days adding to and tweeking, but when it comes to murals you just have to stop when you've done everything proposed and the client is happy!

Anybody have any crazy mural ideas? Would love to complete them for you this fall!

Pins of the Week - Turquoise and Gray Color Schemes

What color schemes inspire you these days? As you know, I'm a big fan of turquoise. Not particularly fond of gray, although I hear it's the new beige. I find turquoise and gray paired together are really very soothing.

Source: bassettfurniture.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Source: simplysadiejane.com via Sandy on Pinterest

I particularly love these colors when a pop of coral or rust is added.

Source: design-seeds.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Coral, tangerine and orange painted furniture seems to be a new trend. I have a vintage piece that I need to paint. I think I may just try that. What is your opinion? Would love to hear from you!