Color Buzz

Friday Project Series: How to Paint a Sky Mural

by Veronique Habermann

 Winter is almost over! March is the month of escape--the month when I really want to spend more time outside. I recently painted this mural for a client of mine who spends hours in her windowless home office. There are many ways to bring the outdoors in, but I find this technique of painting a sky on your wall is really easy. The results are soft, with a dream-like quality. It's all about layering. 

Friday Project Series: Antiquing Side Tables Using Paint

A recent client of ours had in her possession two old side tables that she absolutely loved. The tables were in need of a face lift, but the problem we faced was that they had been subjected to several coats of paint overtime, so if we applied a new coat, the result still would not produce a fresh look unless we stripped each coat first. Stripping paint is a very long process, so I decided to give them an antique look by using the "antiquing" method. There are many ways to antique furniture, but I found a real simple and rewarding way to do this is by using a water-based paint. Here is what you will need:

-A quart of Valspar paint in woodland misty morning eggshell finish.

-A sample size of Valspar semi sweet (sample sizes only come in satin and that is fine)

-3’’ and 2” chip brushes

-Soft absorbent rags

-A container of water

How to:

  
 
-Apply a coat of woodland misty morning paint on the clean tables and let them dry overnight. 

-Dip your 2’’ brush in semi sweet paint and wipe your brush on one of the rags, there should be very little paint left on your brush

-Apply softly to one area at a time of the table, making sure more paint gets in the grooved areas and corners of the table.

-Before the dark paint dries, dip a clean rag in water and squeeze. The rag should be barely wet, then wipe the paint off leaving just enough to get an antique look.

-Repeat in all areas of the table and don’t be afraid to experiment. If you leave too much paint you can always go back with the light paint. If you take to much dark paint off you can always add more.

What piece of furniture will you be antiquing? We would love for you to share your end result with us!

Also, check out the video below to see the process from start to finish. 

Friday Project Series: Create a "Faux" Headboard for Under $20

In the midst of winter, most of us like to consider a cozy bedroom the favorite part of the house. For today’s Friday Project Series, we’ll share an inexpensive way to add a little luxury to your homey retreat.

What you need:

- One can of Valspar brilliant metal spray paint in brilliant gold

- Sample size of Valspar Lincoln Cottage Black in satin (sample sizes are $3 at Lowe’s, and are an amazing way to experiment with colors)

- Sample size of Valspar Dove White

- Downloadable template 

- Mylar paper (can be found at most art stores)

- Pencil

- A 4’’ paintbrush

- A small art brush

- A sponge 

- 1’’ or 2’’ wide blue tape

- A used credit card

- An exacto knife or box cutter

- A “bubble” ruler

- Plastic drop cloth

- Water

- A pan for mixing paint 

Here’s how to begin: 

Before removing your bed, determine the placement of where the headboard should be. Make small pencil marks on the wall and then remove the bed.

With the help of the bubble ruler, trace the outlines of the headboard on the wall.

Place tape on the outside of the rectangle drawn on the wall and use a used credit card to burnish the side of the tape. This step is really important to keep the paint from “bleeding” under the tape and will help to create sharp, neat lines.

   
 
Cut the top left corner of your template according to dotted line (A). Place it against the top left corner of your taped rectangle, and while using a pencil, draw along the template. Tape this area, using little pieces of tape to follow the curves of the design. Repeat this step on the top right of the rectangle by using the reverse side of the template. Don’t forget to burnish those areas too.

Now you can start painting. For this finish, I used both the black and the white. At first I used a method called a wash. To do this, I alternated dipping my brush between the black and the white, adding water on my brush, creating darker and lighter areas on the wall.

For the subsequent coats, I used a looser version of a technique called “linen weave”. Once again, alternating paint (which by now is getting more grey in my pan), I used vertical and horizontal strokes, letting some areas with more obvious brush strokes and some smoother areas). This creates a very pleasing effect of dimension to the painted area, almost like fabric.

Once the paint is dried (it is better to wait a few hours) you can begin taping in preparation for the gold stripe. Using the 1’’ blue tape, tape the inside of the painted rectangle. Stop before the scalloped corners, as you will use the template to help with taping those areas. Using the bubble ruler, trace a couple marks, a quarter of an inch away from hedge of tape. Tape alongside those marks. Keep in mind that this will be the final stripe painted, so readjust the tape if it appears uneven.

To tape top corners, use the ruler and place a mark an inch away from top point, in a perpendicular manner, then use template A and draw along the edges. Then repeat, drawing a point a quarter inch away, draw along side of the template again, then tape around the drawn line. Again, make sure the line that is taped is visually pleasing; you can always rearrange the tape if needed.

  
 
Because this is a bedroom, I chose to spray the Brilliant Metal Gold in a pan outside and dipped my small brush in the little puddle of spray paint. It dries quickly, so you have to act fast. I love the quick drying part when it comes to painting the stripe, it really doesn’t bleed and the gold color is fantastic.

To paint the corner circle details, use the template provided, part B and C. Copy B and C on a piece of Mylar paper. Using an exacto knife, cut out (B) and(C). (Click on the link provided to view template View this photo)

Apply your stencil on the corners after you have removed all tape, and stencil (B) and (C) using the drawn placement indications. Turn the stencil around once the paint is dried and repeat process on other side.

If you do try this at home, we’d love to see pictures of the final result. We just might feature your home in an upcoming post! 

Check out the video below to experience the project from start to finish and view see finished product!  

Friday Project Series: Handmade Valentine’s Day Cards

By Veronique Linnett


Nothing is sweeter than homemade Valentine’s day cards. They are much more personal that a store-bought item! (except for maybe a diamond, come to think of it…)

For this Friday Project Series, we’d like to demonstrate how you can make the perfect Valentine’s Day cards using Valspar paint. This splatter-friendly project would be great to do with your kids. Just make sure you use a big drop cloth!

Here’s what you’ll need:

Valspar Paint
     -La Fonda Fireberry
     -Pink Burst
     -Grand Hotel Geranium
     -Warm Pink
Pinking shears
Red satin ribbon
Glue
Water
2’’ chip paintbrush
Drop cloth
White card stock
White paper
Hair dryer

To begin:

 

- Once the space is covered with a drop cloth, alternatively dip your brush in assorted shades, then splatter on the white paper.
- Once you have reached a look you like, let the paint dry. If needed, use a hair dryer to move the process along. 
- Lightly draw heart shapes on the splattered paper with a pencil to help with the cutting.
- Cut out hearts using pinking shears.
- Fold a the card stock and glue hearts on the front of a blank card.
- Glue a few inches of red ribbon on each side of the card for added detail.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday Project Series: Super Bowl Colors

We are hours away from one of our country’s biggest view-fest. Watching the Super Bowl together has always been a ritual in my family. Sadly, our Washington Redskins lost their chance of playing this Sunday months and months ago.  Now the big question is who to root for?

Some years, for me, it really does come down to who has the best team colors. The AFC Indianapolis Colts definitely have an ‘old school’ look with their blue and white.  It’s all business with them.  The NFC Saints, on the other hand, kick it up with their shimmering gold, black and white, to evoke the angelical forces, no doubt. When these teams take the field, the mixed palette might look somewhat off-putting – ascetically speaking.  Although, it can’t look worse than the colors of the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Stealers –talk about clashing colors.

For this Friday Project Series, we thought about the many aspects that make a great Super Bowl party. Of course, the greatest contributor to any of these events is passion.  Passion for the teams, the sport, the commercials, the food and (hopefully) the close game; it all builds an exciting energy. 

We came up with a simple and easy way to add a little color to your Super Bowl bash:  

 

First, you’ll need to gather white paper products.  If possible, try to find paperware made of recycled material (and then recycle after the party!). 

For the cups:

Make a stencil of the team’s logo.    

Colts:

 

Saints:

 

 

Stencil in the team colors onto the cup.

 

Print some of your favorite team player’s numbers on the back so everyone can remember which cup is theirs.

 

You can do this with table cloths, napkins, etc.  Once you have your stencils made, the sky’s the limit.

Here are the Valspar Colors we used:

Colts: 

                                

                      Anthem White 7006-24                     Vivid Blue 4006-10

If you are to use these colors in your home, try using Vivid Blue as an accent wall. This could be great in a bedroom.  Bring in some warm/green beiges to balance the blue. Try Lunar Tide or Bayou Shade.

Saints:

                                 
 
                   Dark Kettle Black 4011-2                Fairmont Suite Gold 3003-8

Also, Valspar makes a gorgeous line of metallics.  When using these lively colors together in a home you’re going to make a bold statement. We previously wrote a post about black rooms, you should take a look (Paint it Black).  Bring in accents of white and gold and amaze your friends.

Have a great time watching the game (even if you just check in for the commercials).  Either way, it’s a great day to bring friends and family together and get into the spirit.

Friday Project Series - The Color Wash Technique

By Veronique Linnett
 
Since Ann, Michele and I were in Los Angeles this week doing a makeover for the “Love, Our Style” contest winner, I would like to share a technique we used called a color wash. It is a fantastic and easy painting technique which works especially well when using bold colors. In this case, we used two shades of earthy and sunny oranges to highlight a central column in the apartment. The use of two shades or sometime even three shades, create depth and texture to the wall, giving the impression that the wall is lit from within.

What you will need:

        
Cinnamon Cake 3010-6     Orange Glaze 3009-6

- Two shades that would work great together, one lighter one darker.
- 4'' Chip brush
- Three plastic buckets
- Water
- Aluminum pie or cake pan
- Blue painter’s tape

How to:
  

1) Carefully tape around the area you want to paint.
2) Dispense each shade of paint into a separate plastic bucket and use the 3rd bucket for water.
3) Dip your brush in the water, then in each shade of paint to add to your cake pan, leaving the colors separate in the pan.
4) Then proceed to paint the wall dipping your brush alternately between your two shades and the water.
5) You can blend the colors more or less depending of the amount of color contrast you want.
6) When paint is dry, you can go back in the same manner over painted area. The more coats, the smoother the effect.

For the full effect, check out our video demonstrating the color wash technique: 

Friday Project Series: Stay Organized with Chalkboard Paint

By Veronique Linnett


As a single mom, one of my top priorities this year is getting more organized. Nothing is more frustrating than needless errands to pick up something I forgot to pick up the day before. I’ve tried keeping shopping lists, but I often misplace them. To solve this problem, I decided to add a chalkboard in my kitchen where I and my teenage son can track the items we need from the store.

To create this simple and usable item, you’ll need the following: 

 - Valspar chalkboard paint
- a paint brush
- blue painter’s tape
- a level (bubble) ruler
- a used credit card

Follow these simple steps to create the kitchen chalkboard:

- Determine the area you want your chalk board to cover.

- Trace a rectangle on the wall with the bubble ruler to make sure it is straight.  

 - Tape along your tracing.

- Using a used credit, apply pressure along the side of the tape that will be painted to seal the edges.

- Apply paint with the brush, making sure you smooth out brush strokes.

- Add additional coats as needed. 

- Once dry, peel tape off gently.

- Wait 24 hours before writing on your new chalkboard.

You can watch the process from start to finish here:

Friday Project Series: Jewelry Display

By Megan Leblond

I can not stop singing praises for Valspar's Brillant Metals Collection! After painting my den in a metallic, I am moving on to other smaller projects throughout the house so I can incorporate the look even more.

One project I’d like to share is an elegant jewelry display made from an old ornate frame or inexpensive current model, or purchase some over-the-top crown molding (they will make the cuts for you) from your local home renovation store. 

To create a beautiful jewelry display, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose some colorful images for this collage project.

 

2. Collect a picture frame, fabrics, papers, ribbons, hooks, decorative nails, picture frame and cork board. You can also use silk flower elements in your jewelry display—something small that could hold a ring or earrings.

If you would like your display to have plush aspects purchase some batting and pins to attach 'pillowed' sections.

 

3. Purchase tester pints from the Brilliant Metals Valspar collection.

4. Paint the picture frame with the metallic paint. Affix the cork board to the back of the frame.

5. Paint any of the cork board that you would like to show through.

6. Cut and collage fabrics, images, and papers onto the cork.

7. Use a hot glue gun or tacky glue to create a backdrop for your jewelry display. Affix the papers and fabrics to a thin cork board available at your craft store. This way you may poke earrings or nails easily into your design.

8. Create plush sections by pinning or nailing fabric covered batting in place.  Upholstery nails work beautifully and are decorative.

9. Layout an interesting pattern. I have chosen the woman's basket for a ring tie, and her sleeve for a hanging heart pendant—I’ve been told I wear my heart on my sleeve many times!

 

10. Add fine nails, ribbons and hooks for your jewelry.

 

Voila! You have created a beautiful showcase of your collection that will be pleasing to you and interesting to others. Being able to view your collection will make it easier to more creative with it when you are creating looks with your wardrobe.

Getting Color Organized

January is National Get Organized Month. We are going to roll up our sleeves and take on organizing with the help of color. 

Being organized is like having great posture. Everything seems to line up and run smoothly.  Like good posture, you have to work at it and keep adjusting, but the payoff is tremendous! A well-run home, efficient use of time, breathing room - who doesn’t want that?

As a member of the “Right Side of the Brain” club, organization doesn’t come easily to me. Every now and then I catch glimpses as to how life could be, and boy, does it look great.

Veronique did an amazing thing by putting so much of what we do at the studio on Google Calendar. She gave each task a color so we just have to glance at the screen to know what projects are coming up and who is involved. I highly recommend it to anyone with a busy schedule.
 
Color can also be a great tool for visually organizing your home. We will be rolling out some projects of our own over the next several weeks, but in the meantime, here are some sites and blogs we came across that we found inspirational:
 
From Colorlovers

Friday Project Series: Frosty Christmas Eve Luminaries

By Veronique Habermann  

 

There is a growing Christmas Eve trend in my neighborhood surpasses my expectation each year. When it first began, only a few houses lined their property with luminaries on that special night. More recently, I have been surprised and enchanted to see the snowball effect it has created as more and more families participate each year.

 

Last year, in particular, it seems that I was able to drive back from my family Christmas dinner through a mile of uninterrupted light-bordered streets. It was magic. My little nephew was with me in the car and he looked awestruck looking out his window. I told him that it was Santa’s landing strip! I love the community spirit of this tradition, and I hope it is a trend that will be here to stay.

 

If you’d like to make luminaries this year, you will need:

 

-         Brown paper lunch bags

-         Tea light candles

-         Rice or sand

-         An exacto knife

-         Leftover white paint (We use Valspar’s Dove White)

-         A paint brush

-         Water

-         Pencil

-         Templates (you can download HERE)

-         A drop cloth

 1. 2.

 3. 4.

Paint each bag with the white paint and water. As you paint every side of the bag over the drop cloth, it creates unevenness, which is good—a very cool, frosty and organic look. It is a very quick process.

 

When the bags are dry, insert a piece of cardboard and draw a letter from a word you want to spell or a holiday shape (You can even use this template). Then carefully use exacto knife to cut out the shape.

 

Place a handful of rice or sand at bottom of bag.

 

Once the bag is upright, I like to roll top of bags to give them a little more body.

 

Insert a candle, line bags outside, wait for dawn and lit them up. You can reuse the same luminaries year after years.

 

Happy holidays and enjoy!