tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88153871231114790702024-03-13T09:33:14.599-07:00Victoria Larsen's Decorating with ClassVictoria Larsen is a professional wall stencil designer, ornamental plaster mold manufacturer and home decorating specialist here to offer you great hints, tips and ideas for creating the home of your dreams on a budget.Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-71961628253454009962014-12-17T06:11:00.004-08:002014-12-17T06:11:49.967-08:00Faux Wood Grain Is Easy When You Stencil It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>I can't help but to feature our faux wood grain stencils because customer Lynn Beacham turned her plain doors in to fabulous wood grained 6 panel doors with a bit of stain, some imagination and our faux wood grain stencils.</b><br />
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<b>Check it out!</b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b22cSfGjCz0/VJGO8fuFQEI/AAAAAAAAAYA/O6OjyQbCTdk/s1600/Closet%2B7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b22cSfGjCz0/VJGO8fuFQEI/AAAAAAAAAYA/O6OjyQbCTdk/s1600/Closet%2B7.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.hometalk.com/6171485/a-dramatic-door-makeover-with-fake-wood-grain-stencil" target="_blank">See how it was done Here</a></div>
Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-3582149864364887932014-11-12T07:30:00.000-08:002014-11-12T07:30:10.274-08:00How to Paint Your Linoleum Floor and Design with Stencils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbbearIR7k/VGN6TfLPgrI/AAAAAAAAAW0/e97H2qP8Huw/s1600/Kitchen_Floor_B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbbearIR7k/VGN6TfLPgrI/AAAAAAAAAW0/e97H2qP8Huw/s320/Kitchen_Floor_B4.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
<b>The last project with my kitchen re-decorating was to do something about that awful, white linoleum floor! </b><br />
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<b>I cleaned it to "squeaky", then primed it with Zinsser's Premium Pro Primer.</b><br />
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<b>I decided that I not only wanted a soft faux finish, but that I wanted to create a design on the floor by taping off sections and doing them in different shades of the same paint colors.</b><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-VLa7X_qhk/VGN6-P3ZmCI/AAAAAAAAAW8/fJj9YzcJTDY/s1600/Paint_floor_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I-VLa7X_qhk/VGN6-P3ZmCI/AAAAAAAAAW8/fJj9YzcJTDY/s320/Paint_floor_1.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I sponge painted cream and medium brown paints over the taped off rectangle in the center of the floor, blending, blending and more blending, with the light color being the most predominate.</b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhyVv3MTfgM/VGN7AljCLtI/AAAAAAAAAXE/ot8Nx2cmXQU/s1600/Paint_Floor_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LhyVv3MTfgM/VGN7AljCLtI/AAAAAAAAAXE/ot8Nx2cmXQU/s320/Paint_Floor_2.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I then protected the inner frame with tape and did the same sponging on the rest of the floor, this time using the darker color as the predominate color. Blending really well is what gives the faux finish it's softness.</b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KSU3vRu8BI/VGN7DpRbqUI/AAAAAAAAAXM/DufU5aQoj_g/s1600/Stencil_Design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3KSU3vRu8BI/VGN7DpRbqUI/AAAAAAAAAXM/DufU5aQoj_g/s320/Stencil_Design.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<b>I wanted a specific looking border for my kitchen. So I sat down in front of an old movie and drew this design as my "theme".</b></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzY-9AC3x6s/VGN7GevOM6I/AAAAAAAAAXU/yM8-EnCB23w/s1600/Stencil_Floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JzY-9AC3x6s/VGN7GevOM6I/AAAAAAAAAXU/yM8-EnCB23w/s320/Stencil_Floor.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Once I cut the stencil, I used it with brown acrylic paint just inside the inner frame I sponged on the floor.</b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Df3ma0XiLfY/VGN7I6ODR2I/AAAAAAAAAXc/1ACylpgaAMI/s1600/Stenciled_Floor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Df3ma0XiLfY/VGN7I6ODR2I/AAAAAAAAAXc/1ACylpgaAMI/s320/Stenciled_Floor.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div>
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<b>Yes indeed! That was exactly the look I was after!</b><br />
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<b>4 coats of clear, non-yellowing polyurethane for floors and the paint job was now sealed and ready for traffic!</b><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8XATnHBYFUY/VGN8jKhLYqI/AAAAAAAAAXo/SsJiIWXH2Ec/s1600/kitchen_make_over_after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8XATnHBYFUY/VGN8jKhLYqI/AAAAAAAAAXo/SsJiIWXH2Ec/s320/kitchen_make_over_after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkmoVDW-yZg/VGN8pV1eQ7I/AAAAAAAAAXw/C9wvGEIjbR8/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkmoVDW-yZg/VGN8pV1eQ7I/AAAAAAAAAXw/C9wvGEIjbR8/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>I'm just thrilled with how the whole kitchen came out. </b><br />
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<b>Next post, I'll show you how I did the back splash with the same stencil design!</b><br />
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<b>Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for beautiful stencil designs you can use to give your kitchen a fresh, updated design.</b><br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-60818726817034968222014-11-08T06:12:00.002-08:002014-11-08T06:12:48.715-08:00How to Faux Finish Your Formica Counter Tops to Look Like Granite<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>The inside of my home was pretty plain when I moved in and I've been dying to do something about it! Now, come on.....I'm a stencil designer... I can't even force myself to have a plain home for too long! Because I took all spring and summer to improve my yard and gardens, it took until now to begin to work on the inside.</b><br />
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<b>I began in my kitchen. This was a room I didn't want to even hang out in! Blah and boring!</b><br />
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<b>I started out with the cabinets, staining them to a luscious dark coffee color. That change alone changed the feel of the room, giving it a much more elegant feel.</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFOxhDD0aSU/VFvsQNhqnJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/9Gb0lvE8TfY/s1600/kitchen%2Bb4%2Bsml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFOxhDD0aSU/VFvsQNhqnJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/9Gb0lvE8TfY/s1600/kitchen%2Bb4%2Bsml.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QjF9jBKYyzo/VF4jS3iR_KI/AAAAAAAAAWk/vMOXDAeAHM8/s1600/cabinets%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QjF9jBKYyzo/VF4jS3iR_KI/AAAAAAAAAWk/vMOXDAeAHM8/s1600/cabinets%2Bafter.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Do you see those plain counter tops? They needed a new color and textural view. I made mine look like real granite with just primer, paint and varnish!</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNE6IsdWEGs/VFvtamxFjrI/AAAAAAAAAV4/6ZYy0_j_jBg/s1600/faux_granite_black_mistake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNE6IsdWEGs/VFvtamxFjrI/AAAAAAAAAV4/6ZYy0_j_jBg/s1600/faux_granite_black_mistake.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>It's easy to do. Click the link to see the detailed, step by step!</b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1B4OBL9v_vg/VF4jHKQEjqI/AAAAAAAAAWc/0BUH2FwnyIQ/s1600/kitchen_make_over_525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1B4OBL9v_vg/VF4jHKQEjqI/AAAAAAAAAWc/0BUH2FwnyIQ/s1600/kitchen_make_over_525.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://victorialarsen.com/decorating_ideas_painted_formica.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Paint Formica Counter Tops</span></b></a></div>
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-59133375474152705202014-11-06T14:06:00.000-08:002014-11-06T14:06:51.498-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There's something about a plain kitchen that just makes you want to stay out of it! And I had no desire to be in mine.<br />
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It was just so boring!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFOxhDD0aSU/VFvsQNhqnJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/9Gb0lvE8TfY/s1600/kitchen%2Bb4%2Bsml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFOxhDD0aSU/VFvsQNhqnJI/AAAAAAAAAVY/9Gb0lvE8TfY/s1600/kitchen%2Bb4%2Bsml.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
But I had a vision in mind.... Deep, richly colored cabinets, granite counter tops, a beautiful floor and stenciling. (What else? I'm a stencil designer! Gotta have stencils!).<br />
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The first order of business was to stain those light cabinets. They needed re-finishing anyway. Even though they are only 6 years old, the varnish had begun to come off the doors.<br />
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I tried a new product I really like: <a href="http://www.minwax.com/how-to-finish-wood/change-stain-color-with-polyshades/" target="_blank">Minwax Polyshades</a>. The thing I loved about it was that the product not only stains but also seals with polyurethane at the same time! Any time I can save a step, I'm thrilled!<br />
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All I had to do was lightly scuff the surface with sand paper. No stripping needed (another thing I loved!).<br />
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I didn't even remove the doors to apply this wonderful finish.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gef7EkxROcs/VFvwT5Rk8iI/AAAAAAAAAWM/GvIiZmstULw/s1600/cabinets%2Bafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gef7EkxROcs/VFvwT5Rk8iI/AAAAAAAAAWM/GvIiZmstULw/s1600/cabinets%2Bafter.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This change alone just thrilled me! Ah, but more, much more was yet to come!</div>
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for beautiful stencils and plaster molds, plus tons of decorating ideas and tip to help you make your home a more pleasant place to live</div>
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-74872546088998430522014-11-02T07:46:00.003-08:002014-11-02T07:46:42.153-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've always been a person who sees the possibilities, rather than "what is". And this home has tons of possibilities!<br />
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I began transforming my new home in the desert of New Mexico by planting, planting, planting! The inside of the house is plain, but that's something I could live with while I created a more pleasant place in which to live.<br />
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Over this past spring and summer, I learned a lot about how different gardening in New Mexico is versus other areas of the country.<br />
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Here, the soil simply sucks the life right out of every plant you place in the ground. So the learning curve was incredible! But I did succeed!<br />
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Starting with basically nothing, I started "painting" the yards with plants and lawn.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpQ2bIEDQ1s/VFZO1tCihMI/AAAAAAAAAUo/BF46CbJsAx4/s1600/FrontofHouseSml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lpQ2bIEDQ1s/VFZO1tCihMI/AAAAAAAAAUo/BF46CbJsAx4/s1600/FrontofHouseSml.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And the back yard (where I like to hang out) was even worse!<br />
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But even that barren scene became something much more lush with a lot of seed and a privacy wall that I had a blast creating with the branch stencil from our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/plaster_stencil_aspen_tree.html" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Aspen Tree Stencil Set</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N_MzD63PxY/VFZRBgbJNMI/AAAAAAAAAVA/C97rC2z4TBo/s1600/privacy_wall_done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5N_MzD63PxY/VFZRBgbJNMI/AAAAAAAAAVA/C97rC2z4TBo/s1600/privacy_wall_done.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The summer proved to be very productive and finally, I could relax and start to create a beautiful home on the inside!<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for lots of interior decorating ideas and the products to help make them possible.<br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-60193887671099617232014-10-21T06:06:00.001-07:002014-10-21T06:06:23.941-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Life has changed considerably over the past year. I sold my home in the high mountains of Northern Idaho and moved to the high desert of New Mexico to be closer to my family.</b><br />
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<b>Starting fresh in a new home has given me the opportunity to start over with my decorating and make this new home an extension of "Me" and what I see as beautiful.</b><br />
<b>Take this journey with me as I transform this desert "diamond in the rough" in to my oasis in the desert.</b><br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-73924608272566381642014-05-06T20:24:00.001-07:002014-05-06T20:24:20.237-07:00Creating Ornamental Designs on Furniture is Easy with Molds and Water Putty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I love hand carved furniture and cabinetry. The beautiful patterns that protrude and catch the light. They look so "high end" and the intense beauty just makes me gasp for breath!<br />
But have you ever priced the stuff? Yikes!<br />
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Though I do <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Stenciling</a> to create ornamental raised designs on furniture and cabinets all the time, I do love the look of much more high profile designs on some items.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AigqhOWImgE/U2mleGoD_rI/AAAAAAAAAUA/OxIAPVXcpGM/s1600/Stenciled-table-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AigqhOWImgE/U2mleGoD_rI/AAAAAAAAAUA/OxIAPVXcpGM/s1600/Stenciled-table-cropped.jpg" height="320" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank"><b>Raised plaster stenciling </b></a></div>
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Besides wanting to create those luscious Hollywood movie set ceilings and walls of ornamental plaster, that's one of the reasons I dove head first in to making <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">molds for plaster</a>.<br />
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Photo shows the artwork of Beth Savoie using our plaster molds on a head and foot board for a bed.</div>
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Finding just the right product to create a "hard as nails" casting from these molds was sometimes daunting. I wanted it to be easy, to be fast like plaster and to create a rock hard ornamental piece to attach to cabinetry and furniture. Bake-able clay and self hardening clay works fine but I like to try new things.<br />
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Alas, <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_41340-1789-DRHWP1_0_" target="_blank">Durhams Hard Water Putty</a> was discovered. I'd heard of this product before but never tried it until now. It's fabulous! You can pre-tint the putty with craft paints or dry pigments which is very cool, and you can mix it to different consistencies for different projects.<br />
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It comes in powder form in small, medium and large quantities and is readily available at your local hardware store. Now how convenient is that?<br />
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So when your next project includes adding ornamental beauty to your kitchen or bath cabinets, re-doing your headboard or adding the look of hand carves ornaments to your Armour, do give <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_41340-1789-DRHWP1_0_" target="_blank">Durham's Water Putty</a> a try.<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for hundreds of painting stencils, raised plaster stencils and plaster molds for beautiful interiors.<br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-9583664175192613282013-08-02T14:58:00.000-07:002013-08-02T14:58:55.456-07:00Victoria Larsen's Plaster Molds Get Attention from Glo Magazine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've always loved it when our products get featured in a major publication!<br />
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Glo Magazine included us in their "<a href="http://glo.msn.com/living/decorative-diys-that-will-instantly-change-your-rooms-9442.gallery#!stackState=3__%2Fliving%2Fdecorative-diys-that-will-instantly-change-your-rooms-9442.gallery%3FphotoId%3D159663" target="_blank">DIY's That Instantly Change a Room</a>" article!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNcIa2FLVzE/Ufwoh6CpMuI/AAAAAAAAATQ/dd8Hx8uJYVo/s1600/159663_Original.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FNcIa2FLVzE/Ufwoh6CpMuI/AAAAAAAAATQ/dd8Hx8uJYVo/s320/159663_Original.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
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It's easy and a lot of fun to create plaster wall art using our <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">Plaster Molds</a>.<br />
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For instance, choose a medallion mold and cast it in plaster of paris.<br />
Create a wall hook by simply unfolding a paper clip. Bend it in the the shape of a "U".<br />
Crimp the ends to create hooks then insert those ends in to the wet plaster leaving about 1/2" of the closed end of your hook protruding from the wet plaster. Once dry, this will serve as your wall hook.<br />
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Once the piece is totally dry, prime the piece and then paint it a pale color. Wall paint or craft paints are perfect for this.<br />
Mix a deeper shade of the same color with translucent wall glaze and paint the piece with this mixture.<br />
Now, using a dry terry towel, wipe off all the excess, leaving the darker paint in the recesses of the design.<br />
This brings out the beauty of the piece.<br />
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Hang groups of different pieces on the wall to create a collage of ornamental plaster.<br />
It's beautiful!<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for more great ideas plus tons of plaster stencils, painting stencils and plaster molds to help you create the beautiful home you've always dreamed of. <br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-978206929099132422013-07-05T10:43:00.001-07:002013-07-05T10:43:35.179-07:00Decorating Your Windows Isn't Only About Draperies and Curtains. Introducing Etched Glass Elements<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When we think of decorating our windows, our minds instinctively swirl around curtains, draperies, valances, tie backs and window bling such as tassels and hardware.<br />
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Now, open your mind to something new and exciting: <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Etched%20Glass/Etched_Glass_Vinyl_Home.htm" target="_blank">Etched Glass Window Elements</a>.<br />
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If you've ever investigated having glass "etched" with a design, you already know it can be
incredibly expensive. But isn't that the case with most "high end" decorating? Not always. Now you can get the look of real etched glass
for a fraction of the price with highly durable, realistic look etched
glass vinyl elements. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQDXPnpk0II/Udb_msm8wkI/AAAAAAAAASY/mJ8h-8oWzL4/s1600/G4_Aspen_Tree_Glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQDXPnpk0II/Udb_msm8wkI/AAAAAAAAASY/mJ8h-8oWzL4/s320/G4_Aspen_Tree_Glass.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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This vinyl material is high quality, impervious to high heat and extreme cold (trust
me, I know, because my own windows are done and I live in extreme
climate!). It's washable, has a 10 year life but yet can be removed with
a razor blade at any time.<br />
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It doesn't lift, it doesn't peel and is easy to apply with a simple credit card or small squeegee. <br />
Simply clean your window, then apply the design to the glass and use a credit card or squeegee to smooth the design to help the adhesive attach firmly to the glass.<br />
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Now, gently peel back the backing paper to reveal the design on the window. Wha La! It's just that simple.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yh6pEvPf7vs/Udb_yRhTTRI/AAAAAAAAASo/xfodGDwr7rE/s1600/Installation12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yh6pEvPf7vs/Udb_yRhTTRI/AAAAAAAAASo/xfodGDwr7rE/s320/Installation12.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Why are <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Etched%20Glass/Etched_Glass_Vinyl_Home.htm" target="_blank">Etched Glass Elements</a> different from any other etched glass vinyl design? Because they are not created to cover an entire window, but to simply add a bit of "design" to it. Just enough to add "beauty" without detracting from the vision outside. And the designs are truly different and exciting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Etched%20Glass/Etched_Glass_Vinyl_Home.htm" target="_blank">Etched Glass Window Elements</a> range from life-sized <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Etched%20Glass/Etched_Glass_Vinyl_G4.htm" target="_blank">Aspen Tree Designs</a>, to elegant designs, to modern, contemporary designs. Small, medium and large sizes are available for varying window sizes, so you can get just the look you crave.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-eN3hSLrbk/Udb_4Q-HVPI/AAAAAAAAASw/eE0DKnjj4AM/s1600/G1-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5-eN3hSLrbk/Udb_4Q-HVPI/AAAAAAAAASw/eE0DKnjj4AM/s320/G1-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Etched glass elements aren't only for windows and glass doors, but consider using them on shower doors, glass tables and mirrors as well.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQsU7K1HRWo/UdcBnQykeMI/AAAAAAAAATA/DAcZO6YZYXw/s1600/Etched+Glass+Maple+Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PQsU7K1HRWo/UdcBnQykeMI/AAAAAAAAATA/DAcZO6YZYXw/s320/Etched+Glass+Maple+Leaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Personally, I'm considering putting one of these elements on the front of my stainless steel dishwasher front. I just thought it would look so cool!<br />
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So the next time you're gazing out your window, think of how much more beautiful it would look with an Etched Glass Window Element.<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for more great decorating ideas, instruction and inspiration. <br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-38282198664035810412013-06-30T17:23:00.001-07:002013-06-30T17:23:38.429-07:00Create Your Own Removable Wallpaper. Great for Apartment or Rental Decorating!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes we are just in situations where we don't want to, or can't add permanency to our decorating. For instance, adding Raised Plaster Stenciling to walls or ceilings or putting up your favorite wallpaper stencil or rolled wallpaper. Well, here's the answer and it's easy!<br />
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Whether you are wanting the look of soft wallpaper patterns, a mural, embossed designs with plaster stenciling or brilliant flowers on your walls, the easy answer is DIY wallpaper out of canvas.<br />
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That's right! You can get large rolls of canvas on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=canvas+roll&_lncat=0&_arm=1&_armm=94&_ruu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2FWholesale-Lots-%2F52524%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3Dcanvas%2Broll%26_arr%3D1&_armi=Wholesale+Lots" target="_blank">Ebay</a> for very reasonable prices.<br />
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Protect your flooring with a drop cloth then un-roll the canvas on to the floor. The great thing is that it's easy to work on when it's on the floor.<br />
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Now, prime, paint, <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Decorating%20Projects/Pages/faux_finish_decorating_projects.htm" target="_blank">faux finish</a>, <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Stencil%20Home/stencils_1_new.htm" target="_blank">stencil</a>, do<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank"> raised plaster stenciling</a>, do anything you want to it! Anything you can do to a wall, you can do to canvas instead.<br />
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Now comes the even easier part! Putting it up on the wall.<br />
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Now, this little trick works SO well that you will just not believe it. What will you use as removable adhesive? Joint compound!<br />
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I'm the absolute queen of joint compound, and years ago, I painted a ceiling mural on canvas. I evenly spread joint compound over the ceiling, stuck the canvas to it, smoothed it out using a wallpaper brush (beginning in the center and working my way out to the edges. Wha La! What a fabulous adhesive!<br />
That was 5 years ago and it's still there.<br />
But I did a test first. Could I remove it?<br />
Yes.<br />
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I allowed the canvas to stay in place for 4 months. I then lifted one edge and pulled the canvas just slightly away from the wall to test the adhesion. It began to peel away quite easily. I smiled.<br />
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Where it became a little difficult, I sprayed a light spray of water between the canvas and the wall. With a plastic scraper, I began prying the canvas from the wall, repeatedly spraying and prying as needed until the entire canvas fell to the floor. Victory!<br />
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A bucket of warm water and a large sponge completed the job as I watched the residual joint compound melt away like old frosting on a cake knife.<br />
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The cool thing about joint compound is this:<br />
1. It's water soluble so removal is easy.<br />
2. It won't damage or discolor the wall.<br />
3. Residual compound simply washes away with no tell tale signs of it's presence.<br />
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Joint compound is appreciated even by finish carpenters who recently posted that they were using joint compound to adhere moldings to ceilings. How clever!<br />
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Best of all, you can roll that canvas up and take it with you to your next home.<br />
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So the next time you think you "can't" decorate because you live in an apartment or rental, think again!</div>
Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-65026228504991352822013-06-29T11:03:00.000-07:002013-06-29T11:03:27.556-07:00Add Super Style To A Plain Rug With Medallion Stencils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's covered my deck for two summers and by golly, I was sick of how plain this rug was!<br />
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Besides that, an unfortunate spill had discolored the rug right in the center. I had to do something about this. I hate throwing out something that is completely usable. That's such a waste in my book and it's rare that I do it....I'd rather RE-do it!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoFwNGHBT7w/Uc8coNdIA3I/AAAAAAAAARI/dusH7_wNq58/s525/Rug-before-Sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AoFwNGHBT7w/Uc8coNdIA3I/AAAAAAAAARI/dusH7_wNq58/s320/Rug-before-Sml.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I grabbed our new <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Victorian/Amour_Medallion_Stencil.htm" target="_blank">Amour Medallion Stencil</a> and went to work. But my first order of business was to make sure the rug was clean as a whistle, so do vacuum or shampoo your rug first if needed.<br />
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Add a little fabric medium (available at your local craft or fabric store) to acrylic paint. Fabric medium helps craft paints to adhere to the fabric, but also keeps them pliable so they don't flake off over time.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEiJ1E3Nnwk/Uc8cu0AQrEI/AAAAAAAAARQ/3lv7FwIoPEI/s525/How-to-stencil-sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEiJ1E3Nnwk/Uc8cu0AQrEI/AAAAAAAAARQ/3lv7FwIoPEI/s320/How-to-stencil-sml.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Tape the stencil to the rug. I used a 1" stencil brush and stenciled the medallion in brown first, using a swirling motion (rather than dabbing up and down) to create a solid pattern.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aE5HQAHOZkM/Uc8c8eXe4oI/AAAAAAAAARY/eMsIkIjf4oU/s1600/Layer-Stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aE5HQAHOZkM/Uc8c8eXe4oI/AAAAAAAAARY/eMsIkIjf4oU/s320/Layer-Stencil.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
Once the first repeat was complete, I overlapped the stencil over the previous medallion and this time, stenciled it in black for extreme contrast.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0qpk-fQLRA/Uc8dCzAOodI/AAAAAAAAARg/56nC1vEQ0ig/s525/Layered-Stencil-Medallions-Sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0qpk-fQLRA/Uc8dCzAOodI/AAAAAAAAARg/56nC1vEQ0ig/s320/Layered-Stencil-Medallions-Sml.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
Overlapping is cool! I love the look.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mum-G-gLKuQ/Uc8dIiTl-aI/AAAAAAAAARo/gy8Y9WgDPjk/s525/Tripple-Medallions-Stencil-Sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mum-G-gLKuQ/Uc8dIiTl-aI/AAAAAAAAARo/gy8Y9WgDPjk/s320/Tripple-Medallions-Stencil-Sml.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
Continue to add medallions to your rug. Some overlapped and some singular. Some half off the edge of the rug and some not. It's fun to decide just where you will place the next medallion.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HYLzbVqhAo/Uc8dOnrewrI/AAAAAAAAARw/G4RCK7XCxck/s525/Stenciled-Rug-Interior-Sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="93" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0HYLzbVqhAo/Uc8dOnrewrI/AAAAAAAAARw/G4RCK7XCxck/s320/Stenciled-Rug-Interior-Sml.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCWgy8bWgPY/Uc8eyMXtlRI/AAAAAAAAASA/JOte5ic4Vyk/s525/Stenciled-Rug-Sml.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kCWgy8bWgPY/Uc8eyMXtlRI/AAAAAAAAASA/JOte5ic4Vyk/s320/Stenciled-Rug-Sml.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Not only did I quite effectively hide the nasty discoloration, but my rug is worth of indoor or outdoor use to add a bit of style and fun to my home.<br />
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Consider using the same medallion stencil to place mats or large napkins and it makes an absolutely striking wall treatment!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5yyF5s66FA/Uc8fSnxGlQI/AAAAAAAAASI/fO51obLMtOo/s1012/Amour-Medallion-Wallpaper-Stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i5yyF5s66FA/Uc8fSnxGlQI/AAAAAAAAASI/fO51obLMtOo/s320/Amour-Medallion-Wallpaper-Stencil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for a large variety of <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Stencil%20Home/stencils_1_new.htm" target="_blank">Painting Stencils</a>, <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Stencils</a> and <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">Ornamental Plaster Molds</a> to help you create a beautiful home!</div>
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-6637687543045704572013-06-24T13:21:00.000-07:002013-06-24T13:21:14.886-07:00Selling Your Decorated Home; Is There Anything to Fear?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm in the process of selling my stencil and plaster decorated home in the high mountains of Northern Idaho.<br />
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Naturally, there are <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank">raised plaster stencil designs</a> all over the house. <br />
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Since I realize (and was told by my agent) that my style or ornamental plaster decorating is not for everyone, I felt just a little nervous as the first showings were scheduled.<br />
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When potential buyers walk in to my home, they are immediately greeted by my<br />
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<a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_aspen%20tree_1.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Aspen Trees</a> on the walls. A glorious statement to "forest living".<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhn80LhcLAQ/Ucimlol153I/AAAAAAAAAQo/0wmZWaHRul0/s1600/Aspen-Tree-Stencil-Idaho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhn80LhcLAQ/Ucimlol153I/AAAAAAAAAQo/0wmZWaHRul0/s320/Aspen-Tree-Stencil-Idaho.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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In the master bedroom, they find my <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Decorating%20Projects/Pages/Decorating%20with%20Cast%20Plaster%20Ornaments/Plaster_Mold_Victoria_Ceiling_Frame.htm" target="_blank">ornamental plaster ceiling frame</a> and<br />
<a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Decorating%20Projects/Pages/Decorating%20with%20Cast%20Plaster%20Ornaments/Plaster_Mold_Victoria_Wall_Frames.htm" target="_blank">Victorian plaster wall frames</a> that were created using my line of plaster molds and stencils.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niE9hjAkrIs/UcinKUkYLGI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Pz6V4NOsxGQ/s1600/Plaster-Ceiling-Medallion-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-niE9hjAkrIs/UcinKUkYLGI/AAAAAAAAAQw/Pz6V4NOsxGQ/s320/Plaster-Ceiling-Medallion-S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the bathrooms, they find <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/plaster%20stencils/plaster_floral_%20frieze_1.htm" target="_blank">raised plaster stenciling</a> on the doors of the cabinets and scattered over the walls.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKh7eeUunuo/Ucina9mIJjI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/zeICC3Hm4-k/s1600/Cupboards+After+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKh7eeUunuo/Ucina9mIJjI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/zeICC3Hm4-k/s320/Cupboards+After+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I wished I could be a fly on the wall to hear their comments.<br />
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And then one day I was. I was asked to stay as a second showing to one set of buyers was conducted. I sat quietly in my office as I overheard my real estate agent tell the buyers agent that any decorating could be painted over or even removed (I cringed!). And then, I heard him say: "Heck no! These are artsy folks...they're diggin' it!". I loved hearing that.<br />
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Have I yet to receive an offer? No. (It's only been shown 6 times) But it's not because of my decorating. It has to do with location, home lay out and other issues that each buyer faces with their home buying decision making.<br />
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In fact, I'm wondering if it isn't the decorating that keep them lingering as long as they do.<br />
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So rest your fears my friends. It may be that when you go to sell the home that you have put your personal style on, you just might find it actually helps it to sell!<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for a complete line of Raised Plaster Stencils and Plaster Molds and so many decorating ideas that YOU can do with our products<br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-85721275246130331052013-02-05T08:22:00.000-08:002013-02-05T08:22:19.562-08:00An Amazing Cabinet Make Over With Stencils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I hated them!!!!! I mean, truly hated them....those nasty, ugly barn wood cabinets in my master bath. The rest of my home is elegant; decorated in traditional style with lots of corbels, soft materials, restful colors. So this thing had to GO!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLbsZFLFA9A/UREsVDe75ZI/AAAAAAAAAPE/sGZm9451JZM/s1600/Cabinets_Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLbsZFLFA9A/UREsVDe75ZI/AAAAAAAAAPE/sGZm9451JZM/s320/Cabinets_Before.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Now, you know me...I refuse to simply go buy new when something old is
still in good shape. These cabinets were custom made, with heavy, thick
wood, sturdy construction and in excellent shape. I can't just tear them
out!<br />
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My plan was to create 1/4" oak inserts for each of the doors and drawers; My dilemma was that the barn wood was seriously glued in which prevented the panels from seating properly. Trusty claw hammer to the rescue!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0KZNiL3zNc/UREsY0pJk7I/AAAAAAAAAPM/bH5hvX2Bd3w/s1600/Chipping_Barn_Wood_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0KZNiL3zNc/UREsY0pJk7I/AAAAAAAAAPM/bH5hvX2Bd3w/s320/Chipping_Barn_Wood_S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Panels were cut, sanded and inserted just fine.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QXyKTYiGk0/UREsbG2cuWI/AAAAAAAAAPU/FBXs4hEt8J8/s1600/Oak_inserts_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QXyKTYiGk0/UREsbG2cuWI/AAAAAAAAAPU/FBXs4hEt8J8/s320/Oak_inserts_S.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The entire vanity was then sanded down, primed and painted rich brown on the doors and drawer inserts and I used cream colored cabinet paint for the rest of the cabinet.<br />
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I then used our <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Victorian/Elegance_Wallpaper_Stencil.htm" target="_blank">Elegance Wallpaper Stencil</a> to repeat the vine over the cabinet doors, drawers and sides. Using a roller with metallic gold paint made that project quick and easy! When stenciling with a roller, just be sure to roll off all excess paint on to newspaper or a paper towel before beginning. This helps to prevent paint bleed up under the stencil openings.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQB52C6J9Fc/UREssE1cIuI/AAAAAAAAAP0/wUPohCAGjjc/s1600/Stencil_with_roller_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iQB52C6J9Fc/UREssE1cIuI/AAAAAAAAAP0/wUPohCAGjjc/s320/Stencil_with_roller_S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehIFGihEHeM/UREsxpnCDlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/H38cRqxYFAo/s1600/Stenciled-cabinet-panel_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ehIFGihEHeM/UREsxpnCDlI/AAAAAAAAAQE/H38cRqxYFAo/s320/Stenciled-cabinet-panel_S.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I added a repeated leaf border from our <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Furniture/Furniture_Borders_4_Stencil.htm" target="_blank">Furniture Stencil Borders #4 Stencil Set</a> to the front trim. That was a cute addition!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raZ6cuWD2yU/UREstfzJ1OI/AAAAAAAAAP8/XDjmJdjbZbs/s1600/Stencil-border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-raZ6cuWD2yU/UREstfzJ1OI/AAAAAAAAAP8/XDjmJdjbZbs/s320/Stencil-border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I decided to add even more beauty to the cabinet so I cast a plaster medallion from our<br />
<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/Pages/plaster_Ornate_Round_mold_1.htm" target="_blank">Ornate Plaster Medallion mold</a>. I painted it the same gold and attached it to the front of the center door.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dUDakxRrDBA/UREsjMlPujI/AAAAAAAAAPk/oWxpZ-gTmcg/s1600/Cabinet+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dUDakxRrDBA/UREsjMlPujI/AAAAAAAAAPk/oWxpZ-gTmcg/s320/Cabinet+Detail.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
A coat of satin varnish was all that was needed to finish the project. Now the master bath has taken on the same elegant look as the rest of my home and finally, finally, my major decorating projects are done!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cd1Ox1a-KGU/UREsfWoidBI/AAAAAAAAAPc/fhKlEIIUtlI/s1600/Cabinet_After_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cd1Ox1a-KGU/UREsfWoidBI/AAAAAAAAAPc/fhKlEIIUtlI/s320/Cabinet_After_S.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
So what is stopping you? I know you have a list of things you'd like to do to give your home more personality, creating a prettier space. Get out that list, plan to start something this weekend and then feel the satisfaction of your efforts when it's done.<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for decorating projects, stencils and ornamental plaster molds to help you create the home of your dreams.<br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-85313317347065230892013-01-04T10:37:00.002-08:002013-01-04T10:37:40.077-08:00Fashion Stencils Create Awesome Designs on Jeans<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The thing about someone like me who loves to decorate is that we decorate everything! And I mean anything and everything!<br />
In this instance, that includes clothing. Jeans in particular! Jeans with designs on them has become a new fashion trend and I've been watching those designs get more and more elaborate an sassy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBxm4YK9rlE/UOcfUqIE7MI/AAAAAAAAAN0/1aTCJoJN-Yw/s1600/Fashion_Stencil_4S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IBxm4YK9rlE/UOcfUqIE7MI/AAAAAAAAAN0/1aTCJoJN-Yw/s320/Fashion_Stencil_4S.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2c9d2DfT2RE/UOcfYVM2aUI/AAAAAAAAAN8/P200T7WiSzQ/s1600/Clothing_Stencil_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2c9d2DfT2RE/UOcfYVM2aUI/AAAAAAAAAN8/P200T7WiSzQ/s320/Clothing_Stencil_5.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wC31ylXQFBc/UOcfbnOdCLI/AAAAAAAAAOE/-uVgbHySWQQ/s1600/Stenciled_Jeans_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wC31ylXQFBc/UOcfbnOdCLI/AAAAAAAAAOE/-uVgbHySWQQ/s320/Stenciled_Jeans_6.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdo7yPAYZrA/UOcfht2R91I/AAAAAAAAAOM/orleAiomgDY/s1600/Fashion_Stencil_7S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdo7yPAYZrA/UOcfht2R91I/AAAAAAAAAOM/orleAiomgDY/s320/Fashion_Stencil_7S.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHnOUbGidYE/UOcfkNw7qRI/AAAAAAAAAOc/OuBz3lB6MhI/s1600/Stenciled_Jeans_8_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHnOUbGidYE/UOcfkNw7qRI/AAAAAAAAAOc/OuBz3lB6MhI/s320/Stenciled_Jeans_8_S.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CofXcDBmvdM/UOcfpAyS4iI/AAAAAAAAAOk/ib5D5LWVdwo/s1600/Fashion_Stencil_10S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CofXcDBmvdM/UOcfpAyS4iI/AAAAAAAAAOk/ib5D5LWVdwo/s320/Fashion_Stencil_10S.jpg" width="123" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5ey-1aAJQA/UOcft6ANlwI/AAAAAAAAAOs/5-tjACv8ef8/s1600/Fashion_Stencil_11_FrntS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L5ey-1aAJQA/UOcft6ANlwI/AAAAAAAAAOs/5-tjACv8ef8/s320/Fashion_Stencil_11_FrntS.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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I thought they were way too cute, so I developed my own designs for clothing. Now I'm decked with glam everywhere I go and I can't count the number of times I've been stopped by someone asking "Where did you get the cute jeans?".<br />
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These designs are now produced in my new line of "<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Fashion_Stencils/attitude_fashion_stencils_home.htm" target="_blank">Attitude Fashion Stencils</a>". Ranging from sweet to outrageous, there's something for everyone!<br />
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<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Fashion_Stencils/How-to-stencil-clothing.htm" target="_blank">Stenciling clothing is easy</a>! Click the link to see how.<br />
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Now, once your stenciling is done, glam your jeans even further by gluing on sparkly gems!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34BA08Y-_po/UOcfh2n9YHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/0jo5T1vAw1w/s1600/Fashion_Stencil_7_Pocket_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-34BA08Y-_po/UOcfh2n9YHI/AAAAAAAAAOU/0jo5T1vAw1w/s320/Fashion_Stencil_7_Pocket_S.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
Mind you, this new line of fashion stencils isn't just for jeans! Dress up that plain little black dress, down the front or sleeves of a jacket, on the back of a coat or ski set....dress up your work out clothes and how about that plain robe you have been sick of?<br />
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And then? (You know me!)...use that design on walls, furniture, cabinetry and more! <br />
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14 new designs on the website at <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Stencils/Fashion_Stencils/attitude_fashion_stencils_home.htm" target="_blank">Attitude Stencils.</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/" target="_blank">http://www.victorialarsen.com </a><br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-43093620443773137202013-01-03T07:28:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:28:48.234-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Kathy Van Gough</b></span>, a talented artist and friend to our business for many years had the insight to develop a new product line for her business. <a href="http://www.vangoghchalkpaintcollection.com/explore-the-collection/" target="_blank">The Van Gough line of Chalk Paint</a>.<br />
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I'd heard of chalk paint before but had never tried it until now. All I can say is WOW! What an easy paint to work with! It slides on like butter on warm bread, the coverage is spectacular, the bonding superb, the colors are delicious and her beeswax sealer is to die for!<br />
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Chalk paint was one of the first forms of paint man ever developed and why it was ever replaced with anything else is beyond my reasoning.<br />
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Chalk paint has seen a resurgence of popularity over the years and faux finish artists all over the world swear by it's performance. I now see why.<br />
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A favorite application is on furniture because of it's bonding capabilities and Kathy's <a href="http://www.vangoghchalkpaintcollection.com/van-gogh-chalk-paint/" target="_blank">color line</a> is modern and beautiful.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djts8gA35AI/UOWel0sJF3I/AAAAAAAAANU/pmblB3afJPc/s1600/van-Gogh-Chalk-Paint-Collection1-300x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Djts8gA35AI/UOWel0sJF3I/AAAAAAAAANU/pmblB3afJPc/s1600/van-Gogh-Chalk-Paint-Collection1-300x250.jpg" /></a></div>
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I personally fell in love with her tinted beeswax sealer. This product is a fabulous alternative to varnish. Not only does it thoroughly seal your painted surface, but you can use it as (what I call) a "detail rub" for raised plaster stenciling.<br />
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Rubbing a deeply tinted beeswax over your raised stenciling does two things at once. It seals the surface and the design but also brings out the intricate detail of a raised plaster stencil design. I used her <a href="http://www.vangoghchalkpaintcollection.com/beeswax/" target="_blank">French Caffeine Beeswax</a> and am now HOOKED!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXY2uVS0zKI/UOWfkGB1q0I/AAAAAAAAANg/lJzW5Ow_0ms/s1600/Preston_Medallion_Plaster_Stencil_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yXY2uVS0zKI/UOWfkGB1q0I/AAAAAAAAANg/lJzW5Ow_0ms/s320/Preston_Medallion_Plaster_Stencil_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here I used it over our new <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/Plaster_Stencil_Preston_Medallion.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Preston Frieze Stencil</a>. See that bit of shine? That's the beeswax as it has sealed the surface. See all that dark detail? That's the tint of the beeswax. LOVE this stuff!<br />
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So if you are thinking about throwing out that old table, re-doing your cabinets or thinking about a new wall treatment, visit <a href="http://www.vangoghchalkpaintcollection.com/" target="_blank">The Van Gough Chalk Paint </a>website and check out the gallery for fabulous ideas. Then visit our website at <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Larsen Stencils</a> for the designs you crave to make your project truly beautiful.</div>
Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-7489287356753923202012-09-25T08:42:00.002-07:002012-09-25T08:42:39.672-07:00Free Stencil Contest at Stencilsearch.com<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Here's your chance to win a full set of our Furniture Border Stencils!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>We all love stuff for FREE right? And this give away is a whopper!</b></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IfG6wlEOVc/UGHOHarJH-I/AAAAAAAAAMo/G4gOS2plmoA/s1600/Border_Stencils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1IfG6wlEOVc/UGHOHarJH-I/AAAAAAAAAMo/G4gOS2plmoA/s320/Border_Stencils.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
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<b>Furniture Borders #1 Painting Stencil</b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZvB-9x-QPg/UGHOZCSDtSI/AAAAAAAAAMw/f1gTruAURfU/s1600/Furniture_Borders_2_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZvB-9x-QPg/UGHOZCSDtSI/AAAAAAAAAMw/f1gTruAURfU/s320/Furniture_Borders_2_S.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<b>Furniture Borders #2 Painting Stencil</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzBYcyvqotY/UGHOu20oa7I/AAAAAAAAAM4/uSmCL3EZmxY/s1600/Plaster_Stencil_Tremont_Borders_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bzBYcyvqotY/UGHOu20oa7I/AAAAAAAAAM4/uSmCL3EZmxY/s320/Plaster_Stencil_Tremont_Borders_s.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<b>Raised Plaster Tremont Furniture Borders Stencil</b></div>
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Simply visit <a href="http://stencilsearch.com/">Stencilsearch.com</a><a href="http://www.stencilsearch.com/" target="_blank">http://www.stencilsearch.com</a> to see our new article:<br />
<a href="http://www.stencilsearch.com/stencil-designers/furniture-stenciling/" target="_blank">Turn Any Tired, Old Furniture Piece into a Decorative Piece of Usable Art with Paint and Stencils</a> and then follow the instructions to enter the contest.<br />
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In this article, I show you how to turn your throw away furniture pieces in to treasures you wouldn't even THINK of throwing away!<br />
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And visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for Great <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/Decorating%20Projects/Pages/decorating_projects_1.htm" target="_blank">Decorating Ideas</a> with Stencils and plaster Molds, A huge selection of Stencils and the most beautiful line of Plaster Molds on the planet!<br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-11467843833019462052012-09-24T16:28:00.002-07:002012-09-24T16:29:33.529-07:00A Venetian Column Edge Plaster Mold for Home or Faux Finish Business<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Oh how I love days there I find unique things to make my home or yard more beautiful. (Or to show to you). Today was one of those days and it popped up right before my eyes, begging me to take a look!</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arzvN0817t8/UGDoiube3kI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/SECvkSoowWY/s1600/Concrete+Column+Mold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arzvN0817t8/UGDoiube3kI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/SECvkSoowWY/s1600/Concrete+Column+Mold.jpg" /></a></b></div>
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<b>There it was! A venetian column edge plaster/concrete mold. My mind began picturing it's uses. Both in the Faux Finish Industry and for every home owner I know.</b><br />
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<b>Whether you are a faux finish artist doing a room for a client, or a budding interior artist in your own home, imagine these uses for this spectacular mold:</b><br />
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<b>1. You've painted a gorgeous Italian wall mural. (Or even have just a simple stenciled design on a wall). Now, cast this mold to create a wall to wall, 3-D floor element to stand in front of your mural. Not only will it make the mural recede and create depth within the mural design, it will also add an extra architectural element to the room (and a lot more profit in to your sale since you just added an extra service!).</b><br />
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<b>2. Cast two sets of them, separate them by about 2 feet in front of your sofa and then cover with glass for a fabulous coffee table! </b><br />
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<b>3. Surround your plain front porch with them to create an old world entrance to your home.(I'd use concrete for this, then drill holes with a concrete bit and screw in to the floor boards to hold it good and tight).</b><br />
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<b>4. Edge all the flower beds in your front yard (Wow, how elegant would that make your curb appeal?).</b><br />
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<b>Cast this mold, then once the plaster is dry, take a hammer to one edge of it. Let it break as it will.</b><br />
<b>Tah Dah!...an "antique" looking, "broken" plaster piece to use as a decorating element on top of a large sofa or occassional table or buffet. Could you possibly have picked it up at a salvage yard in Paris on your last trip?</b><br />
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<b>Buy this mold from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CVYIWA/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=httphomest0d0-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B003CVYIWA&adid=1KHK7QVGGGJMG6P0TCE2&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Fhomesteadsurvival.blogspot.com%2F2012%2F09%2Fcreative-homemade-concreting-garden.html" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. And I'd love to see pictures of what you wind up doing with it!</b><br />
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<b>Now, what ideas can you come up with? Post them here on the blog and share with us all.</b><br />
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<b>Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for more fabulous ideas for turning your home in to a home that delights you, plus all the stencils and plaster molds you could need to accomplish the task.</b><br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-75235462312067801992012-09-19T13:52:00.002-07:002012-09-19T13:52:30.580-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are certain people that I've come across in my industry that are just creatively wonderful and on top of it, terribly sweet! Pro artist Suzanne Rende is one of those people.<br />
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Her visions come to life with our plaster molds and she had learned that using just one or two<br />
<a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">plaster molds</a> can create large, plaster ceiling medallions that she applies to the ceilings and walls of her customers homes.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQWzSmxbF5o/UFosscsjFgI/AAAAAAAAALo/Upo3OvbeVpo/s1600/Plaster-Mould-Medallion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQWzSmxbF5o/UFosscsjFgI/AAAAAAAAALo/Upo3OvbeVpo/s1600/Plaster-Mould-Medallion.jpg" /></a></div>
Suzanne used our Crowned Acanthus Plaster Mold and Small Floral Medallion plaster mold in a circular formation to create this very ornate medallion. Painting each piece with gold metallic paint before installation made the finishing process quick and easy.<br />
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In this unusual yet quite dramatic medallion, she used our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/plaster%20molds/pages/plaster%20small%20cartouche%20mold_1.htm" target="_blank">Small Cartouche mold</a> on the ends and a combination of our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/plaster%20molds/pages/plaster_left_and_right_scroll_molds_1.htm" target="_blank">Left and Right Scrolls mold</a> with our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/plaster%20molds/pages/plaster_left_and_right_acanthus_scrolls_mold_1.htm" target="_blank">Large Acanthus scroll Mold</a>. Imagine how you could paint the inside of the medallion with any paint color to coordinate a room project.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wekmr5qpBV4/UFotslQ0MoI/AAAAAAAAAL4/zJVZsxFoRz4/s1600/securedownload+%287%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wekmr5qpBV4/UFotslQ0MoI/AAAAAAAAAL4/zJVZsxFoRz4/s1600/securedownload+%287%29.jpg" /></a></div>
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Now this is a girl who shows off imagination when she casts many of our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/plaster%20molds/pages/plaster_realistic%20roses%202%20on%201_1.htm" target="_blank">2 on 1 realistic roses mold</a> and with a cake decorating bag and more plaster, she pipes little branches extending from the flowers around a fixture to create a very feminine design.<br />
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Suzanne is amazing and delights me every time she sends me photos of her handi-work.<br />
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Now, take some delight in creating your own ornamental plaster ceiling designs.<br />
<a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Decorating%20Projects/Pages/mold_plaster_how_to_cast_a_mold.htm" target="_blank">Casting Plaster is EASY</a> and it's CHEAP! <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">Plaster molds</a> are easy to work with and durable. We even offer <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/Mold%20Patterns/Plaster_Mold_Patterns_Home.htm" target="_blank">FREE Ornamental Plaster Patterns</a> using our plaster molds that make it a cinch for you to create quite elaborate designs without having to come up with a design for yourself.<br />
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So whether your are doing it for a client, or for your own home, you have absolutely no limitations to everything you can do with them. And Suzanne Rende is the positive proof!<br />
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Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-43024208334148614792012-09-10T12:29:00.000-07:002012-09-10T12:29:16.075-07:00Decorative Plaster isn't just for Victorian Decorating<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p66VWTdMmMg/UE453en4cCI/AAAAAAAAAKo/H3ycVCMhTSQ/s1600/woolworth_mansion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p66VWTdMmMg/UE453en4cCI/AAAAAAAAAKo/H3ycVCMhTSQ/s320/woolworth_mansion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Decorative plaster has been around since Egyptian times and has truly never gone out of style. Mansions such as the <a href="http://search.yahoo.com/r/_ylt=A0oG7ttWOU5QtEEASLVXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB2bXUyZnBpBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2FjMgR2dGlkA01TWTAwNl8xMjc-/SIG=13slc9010/EXP=1347332566/**http%3a//images.search.yahoo.com/search/images%3f_adv_prop=image%26fr=ytff1-yff13%26va=Woolworth%2bmansion" target="_blank">Woolworth Mansion</a> recently featured in the news and stately homes all over the world sometimes use ornamental plaster extensively on walls and ceilings to add beauty to expansive spaces.<br />
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I personally have used ornamental plaster in my own large home and enjoy it's delicate elegance on a daily basis.<br />
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But though ornamental plaster decorating found it's US popularity in Victorian Era decorating, it has also crossed over in to today's modern decorating as well.<br />
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Ornamental plaster is actually very easy to create. It simply involves <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Decorating%20Projects/Pages/mold_plaster_how_to_cast_a_mold.htm" target="_blank">casting plaster molds</a>, then arranging the cast plaster pieces in to frames, medallions, frieze and border designs on both vertical and overhead horizontal surfaces.<br />
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The beauty of ornamental plaster in today's world, is that it can be used in our own homes, or incorporated in to our Faux Finish businesses to decorate everything from furniture to vases.<br />
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Case in point is Beth Savoie who recently emailed me about using our Ornamental Cabbage Rose Plaster Mold to decorate a bed head and foot board.<br />
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Beth is in the business of re-finishing and selling furniture. She found that our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">plaster molds</a> came in quite handy when creating a new finish for an old piece. The results are incredible! And combining <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Stencil designs</a> with plaster molds gives her options she might not normally have for her one of a kind, truly beautiful pieces.<br />
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Visit her website at <a href="http://www.savoiestyle.com/">http://www.savoiestyle.com/</a> and enjoy her designs and maybe purchase a piece for your own home.<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for inspiration, stencils and plaster molds to make a more beautiful home, a more creative life.<br />
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</div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-74795643254476384392012-08-30T16:29:00.000-07:002012-08-30T16:29:10.032-07:00How to Create an Elegant Home with the Right Inspiration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If you haven't noticed by now, I'm a "Traditional Elegant" lover. I decorate my home in Traditional style, I crave it, I live it, I breathe it. You can see that style in my <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/" target="_blank">stencil designs</a>, in the photos of how I've decorated my own home, in how I do stenciling or faux finishing projects and in the types of things I speak of in this blog.<br />
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Traditional decorating is timeless. It never, ever goes out of style. It's "high end" looking (even if it doesn't come with the high end price tag). It's the "appearance" I'm looking for. Not being able to say I paid a gazillion dollars for it. In fact, it's much more fun (and shocking to those listening to me) to say I did it myself!<br />
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My favorite program used to be "America's Castles". I taped every episode and have watched them over and over. But the program went off the air (much to my disappointment) quite some time ago.<br />
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But alas! I've found a replacement! It's HGTV's "<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/beautiful-homes/show/index.html" target="_blank">Beautiful Homes</a>". This program features high end homes and mansions with my style of decorating. From the furnishings to the wall finishes, I am entranced at each episode. <br />
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I view each room and my mind instantly goes in to a mode of how I could create those finishes, that room arrangement, that furniture by doing more inexpensive make-overs of what I might already own (beg, borrow or steal...teasing of course!).<br />
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That's what this blog is all about. Taking the most modest home and turning it in to something beautifully elegant, serene and comfortable. Doing it yourself with little tips and tricks, a staple or two, a few yards of higher end upholstery material, some faux finishing and thrift store finds. Yes, some stenciling in there to make the job a little easier.<br />
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So visit the site, get some ideas, watch the show.....see what I'm talking about and then follow me and let me give you some ideas of "how to do it".<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for elegant stencils, plaster molds for high end ceilings and walls and more inspiration than you thought possible.<br />
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Life is short; Live elegantly<br />
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</div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-73101526347555415262012-08-29T10:10:00.000-07:002012-08-29T10:10:45.888-07:00New Stainless Steel Paint Turns Give Any Appliance an Upgrade<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I really love it (especially in this down economy) when companies come out with products that give us a less expensive alternative to upgrade the appearance of our homes.<br />
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Liquid Stainless Steel is a product that allows you to upgrade the look of any appliance by giving it a new stainless steel painted finish. Check out their website~ Very cool!<br />
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<a href="http://www.liquidstainlesssteel.com/index.html">http://www.liquidstainlesssteel.com/index.html</a><br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> for oodles of stencils, plaster molds and ideas to help you turn your own home in to an elegant place to live.</div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-63342498594137170062012-08-20T12:58:00.000-07:002012-08-20T12:58:24.751-07:00Exciting Faux Finish Products Websites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The sometimes the disappointing thing in the Faux Finish industry is that many product manufacturers require training and even certification to use their products.<br />
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Oh, how I've drooled over their sites....those luscious counter top products that when applied, look like real marble, the specialty concretes and sealants and floor products! Then only to find out that I have to sign up for a $900.00 class in order to even purchase and try them! I drop my head and leave the site.<br />
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Of course, there are products that you would be absolutely FOOLISH not to learn to use the right way. Especially if you are in the service end of the Faux Finish business. They are so specialized that if you don't know what you are doing, you're setting yourself up for failure.<br />
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For me, I'm a busy manufacturer and designer who doesn't have time to take every course on the planet to try their products (and boy, they are sometimes expensive as well!). So whenever possible, I feature companies that let we novices, we non-pro faux finishers, we DIYers try and use professional products without training.<br />
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Two such sites are <a href="http://woodicing.com/">WoodIcing.com</a> and <a href="http://fauxmerchant.com/">FauxMerchant.com</a><br />
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Rose Wilde at the Wood Icing Company created a product that gives you the ability to create strong, durable surfaces with a product that is not only easy to use, but one we LOVE with our Raised Plaster Stencils for furniture and cabinetry. You don't need a class or certification to try and use this wonderful medium to create stunning textured surfaces.<br />
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<a href="http://fauxmerchant.com/">FauxMerchant.com</a> is a fun site that will whet your whistle when it comes to a smorgasbord of faux finish products. From specialty counter top products, Pro paints and art supplies such as Bas Relief Clays, this site has much to offer! I've got my eye on the <a href="http://fauxmerchant.com/designcrete.aspx" target="_blank">Design Crete</a> line of products. Yeah, I have faux finished every counter top in all of my bathrooms, but I'm now wanting to try my hand at something brand new and exciting!<br />
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So kudos to those of you who offer the rest of us products that we can play with, create dreams with, learn with. You Rock!<br />
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If you know of other companies that you would like to mention, please post in the comments section. We'd love to hear!<br />
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Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for beautiful stencils, ornamental plaster molds, and ideas to dream upon~</div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-5153680826843511382012-08-08T16:14:00.000-07:002012-08-08T16:14:30.417-07:00How to Stencil Raised Designs on Furniture: The Finished Table<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>For heaven's sake! Just as I get a moment to breathe and finish my table project, I'm once again bombarded with scads of orders and new project invitations and again it got put on hold. But finally, it's finished! Varnish and all.</b><br />
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</b> <b>As I showed in my last post on this stenciling project, I had added the raised designs to the round sides of the table with our <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/Plaster_Stencil_Tremont_Borders.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Tremont Borders Stencil Set</a> and then had fun adding a bit more to the design using a cake decorating bag to create additional dots and curved lines.</b><br />
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</b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LZsW_AWMM/UCLvttOrg3I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/2ILphKx525E/s1600/Plaster-Stenciling-done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_LZsW_AWMM/UCLvttOrg3I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/2ILphKx525E/s320/Plaster-Stenciling-done.jpg" width="320" /></b></a></div><b><br />
</b> <b>I then painted the entire table, designs and all, jet black. I LOVE black furniture! It's regal, seems mysterious somehow and shows off a design in a spectacular way. I use black as the accent color in my living room in rugs, pillows and occasional tables. It looks very high end as the anchor color to the soft golds I use in everything else. </b><br />
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</b> <b>Because the designs from the Raised Plaster Stencil protruded from the surface, it was super easy to paint just the design with an artist brush and metallic paint. In fact, it's totally fun!</b><br />
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</b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coSC89ByT34/UCLwc4N264I/AAAAAAAAAKI/oCy4DKWl7AU/s1600/Stenciling-a-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coSC89ByT34/UCLwc4N264I/AAAAAAAAAKI/oCy4DKWl7AU/s320/Stenciling-a-table.jpg" width="240" /></b></a></div><b><br />
</b> <b>I decided that the top of the table needed something spectacular, so I added our Alana Medallion Raised Plaster Stencil design with multi colors of paint. Soft brown, pale green a hint of pink and the same gold I used for the raised design created a lovely addition to my table design.</b><br />
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</b> <b>I finished off the table by doing just some of the trim in the same gold paint color that I used for the raised design. It's easy to go just a bit "nuts" when adding more gold trim so it's important to keep balance and simplicity in mind when ultimately designing your piece. For instance, I could have painted the entire table leg in gold paint. But the result would have taken this project from "elegant" to "gaudy". </b><br />
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</b> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WVC6agBwP2A/UCLwyDWUl0I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/m9RynFO3jeo/s1600/Stenciled-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WVC6agBwP2A/UCLwyDWUl0I/AAAAAAAAAKQ/m9RynFO3jeo/s320/Stenciled-table.jpg" width="240" /></b></a></div><b><br />
</b> <b>The final table project thrills the bajeebaz out of me since I now have an occasional table for my love seat in my living room (and I'm giving a party in two weeks so it will come in quite handy!)</b><br />
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</b> <b>Visit the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for elegant stencils, ornamental plaster molds and oodles of ideas and inspiration!</b><br />
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</div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-60289042267621514042012-07-28T08:13:00.000-07:002012-07-28T08:13:59.922-07:00Decorating With Class Doesn't Mean Spending A Lot of Money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>Two things for you today....</b><br />
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<b>Firstly, I'm having a stencil giveaway contest. Help me name my new Raised Plaster Stencil Design and if we choose the name you come up with, we send you that large, beautiful stencil for FREE! (US residents only) Simply like our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Larsen-Home-Decor-Stencils-and-Ornamental-Plaster-Molds/116667038372583?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> and then post your suggested name. The contest ends later today so hurry!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kWFLuF_pbA/UBP8fx8sy9I/AAAAAAAAAJY/ViOaPtvX4Fo/s1600/Plaster_Stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kWFLuF_pbA/UBP8fx8sy9I/AAAAAAAAAJY/ViOaPtvX4Fo/s320/Plaster_Stencil.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><b><br />
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<b>I also wanted to share a train of thought with you:</b><br />
<b>Decorating with Class doesn't mean you need to dash out and spend a lot of money. It's truly about taste, about placement and colors, about the quality you can find.</b><br />
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<b>I love thrift stores, garage sales, salvage shops and consignment stores and I've been decorating my home with many of the treasures from these places for decades.</b><br />
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<b>The music studio in my home in the mountains is an enormous space with a concrete floor. I faux finished the floor to slab flagstone a few years ago which covered the "football field" green that it had been painted previously.</b><br />
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<b>All I had since I moved in was a hodge podge of throw rugs to cover what I could of the floor. I'd spent all my time decorating the upstairs main floor for the past year but now it's time to get busy on this floor as well.</b><br />
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<b>Yesterday, I stopped at the first country yard sale I've seen since I've actually lived here. An old couple who had decided to consolidate were the sweetest folks I thought I'd ever met. Everything I picked up had a price tag, but they would quote me much less than what was posted. "You're a neighbor" they would say.... A neighbor? I'm 5 miles up the road! Gotta love this place for the sweetness of the people.</b><br />
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<b>Well, there it was...on the floor, all rolled up tight: A very large area rug in GREAT shape!!!! On the back was the Belgium manufacturer. No, it actually wasn't made in China!</b><br />
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<b>$25.00???? They surely must be kidding! This was in GREAT shape! I asked: "$25.00? Are you sure?????" (Knowing what I had found). They said, "Make it $20.00". I about fell over. They wouldn't let me talk them out of it (and trust me, I tried).</b><br />
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<b>Since they were being so generous, I bought more items just to make up the difference. They were delighted!</b><br />
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<b>I took the rug home and found no stains, no tears, no wear! Didn't they ever walk on this thing?</b><br />
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<b>I shampooed the dickens out of it and placed it in the music studio (since I've been doing a mega cleaning in there this weekend anyway, it was the perfect time to clean that as well).</b><br />
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<b>Yes, I had been planning to decorate in more subdued colors, but with a find like this, my colors will now change to accommodate this incredible find...and it will be beautiful!</b><br />
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<b>The hunt for high quality, little used pieces for your home can be tedious. But if you hold out and wait for the perfect addition, the hunt becomes fun... a "mission" of sorts. And when you find it, when you find that piece that's worth much more than what you paid (because you didn't buy it new), you feel like the goddess of bargain decorating.</b><br />
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<b>Now, remember that round table I'm working on? The one I just finished priming and that will get painted black with gold raised designs? It's going to fit perfectly in this room because the carpet also has black. Tah Dah! This was simply meant to be!</b><br />
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<b>Vist the <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/">VictoriaLarsen.com</a> website for exciting stencil designs, new <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_stencils_home_new.htm" target="_blank">Raised Plaster Stencils</a> made just for <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Stencils/plaster_Cabinet_Stencils_Home.htm" target="_blank">furniture</a> and cabinetry and <a href="http://victorialarsen.com/Plaster%20Molds/plaster_molds_home.htm" target="_blank">ornamental plaster molds</a> for exquisite interiors.</b><br />
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</div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8815387123111479070.post-56468295392526671052012-07-26T11:56:00.000-07:002012-07-26T11:56:36.412-07:00Win This FREE Large Raised Plaster Stencil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>It's one of our newest designs and I decided to have a contest to help me name it!</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FvvTP_revg/UBGSd_rueqI/AAAAAAAAAJM/t0q_JqMigSk/s1600/Plaster_Stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8FvvTP_revg/UBGSd_rueqI/AAAAAAAAAJM/t0q_JqMigSk/s320/Plaster_Stencil.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<b>Simply go to Facebook, like my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Victoria-Larsen-Home-Decor-Stencils-and-Ornamental-Plaster-Molds/116667038372583?ref=hl" target="_blank">facebook page</a> and then post your name idea for this stencil.</b><br />
<b>The winner will be decided on Saturday. I will then contact the winner for their name and shipping address and they get this free, large and brand spanking new medallion stencil design.</b><br />
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<b>Use this stencil to create ornate medallions on doors, large furniture pieces or as a random, all over wallpaper pattern on walls.</b><br />
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<b>Best of luck to you all!</b><br />
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<b>Visit the <a href="http://www.victorialarsen.com/" target="_blank">VictoriaLarsen.com </a>stencil website for great stencils, plaster molds and home decorating ideas that YOU can do!</b></div>Victoria Larsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06656664024790640279noreply@blogger.com0