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Inspired Effect

This client discovered that I really do mean what I say- "If you can dream it, I can paint it" This 'Inspired Painted Effect' originated with the colored layers found in the candle above. I truly enjoyed creating this look for her, using five different paint shades, blending them and gradating them together right on the wall to create this warm look that envelopes the room. What a gorgeous effect- achievable in any combination of colors for a truly unique look for any room.

Work Week-end

I took a short trip in May with a group from my church to help fix up an old camp near Saugatuck, Michigan. Of course, I was in charge of the group recruited to scrape and paint some of the staff cabins. The weather cooperated and we were able to get some, but not all of the painting needed done, working on tall ladders and scaffolding over the steep forested sand dunes that the camp was built on. There was a fairly large group of people who went along, and during our off work time there we all had a terrific experience. What an amazing group of people!

It's a beautiful camp, lovely area, and the sunsets are phenomenal! I adore sunsets, love to try to capture them in a mural or painting, so when I have the opportunity I love to photograph them as well

This Month's Recipe:

Black Bean and Corn Salad

A great make ahead salad for those busy summer week-ends, this one keeps very well, is quick to make, and the ingredients can be kept on hand to throw together in an emergency. Very flavorful, men always seem to love it, and if they like to cook, usually ask for the recipe.

1 (15 oz) can black beans- drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn- drained

2/3 cup chopped red, orange or green bell pepper

4 green onion- sliced (or 1/3 to 1/2 cup of any onion chopped)

1/4 c chopped fresh parsley (or try basil, cilantro or dill)

1/4 c chopped pecans

2 TBSP olive oil

2 TBSP soy sauce

2 TBSP fresh lemon juice (bottled will work just fine)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 TBSP Grey Poupon Mustard, German Mustard or Dijon Mustard

Combine black beans, corn, bell pepper, onions, parsley and pecans. Whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder and mustard. Pour over vegetables. Store covered in refrigerator to blend flavors.

The best way to print off the recipe, if you'd like to, is to copy and paste the recipe only onto a new document in 'Word Pad', then print it. You can also then make the font different, larger, or whatever you need to do to it, for your filing system.

Additional Services

Did you know that I am available for consultations and other types of work besides murals and faux finishes? Below is a list of some of the other things I do on request. Contact me for pricing information on any of these services.

Interior Design, space planning, color consult,

Furniture rearrangement, staging

Kitchen and bath design

Straight painting, including color and paint selection

Wallcovering removal

Garden Design and Garden Coaching

Quote of the Month:

"If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy,

if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you,

if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand,

rejoice, for your soul is alive..."

-- Eleonora Duse
–

I love quotes and have a huge collection of those that have real meaning for me as this one does. One of my favorite things to do is to include them in my fine art projects, in a collage, or as part of a painting. It's amazing how just the right words at the right time, and in the right place can make all the difference.

That's all the news for now- I hope you enjoyed my little Newsletter- You can subscribe for free below, (unsubscribe at any time). I only send out one mailing a month, I know how it is to have to go through all those e-mails every day.

See you on the Web!

Finish of the Month:

This is a fun way to finish off a small bathroom or powder room. The back ground is a simple colorwash using a soft aqua and metallic copper. Over that is a random stamping technique over the entire wall, with a border using the same stamped designs placed very close together.

Want to see the pictures larger? Click on the smaller pictures to view them in another window to see more of the detail.

Summer Sizzle Special!!!

Since everyone likes a bargain, I'm offering a 10% discount on any new project scheduled before September 21, 2008. Fall will be here before we know it, and summer will be over, so don't delay getting your project underway.

Fine art makes a very special gift! Home portraits, pet portraits, or perhaps something from my gallery can be a very memorable gift for a very special someone. There will also be a fine selection of jewelry items, some of my collage notecards, smaller paintings, keyfobs, book thongs, and more- all reasonably priced- that will make wonderful unique gifts.

Note cards- hand made, sold in sets of 4 different cards, each set is completely unique and features an Artist's Trading Card (or ATC) created using my own special collage technique. There's a different original photo and a different favorite quote on each card. Blank interiors allow for your personal note of thanks, sympathy or encouragement.

Quicklinks:

Recipe web site

I'm working on setting up an on-line recipe book with lots of great recipes, some invented here in my kitchen, some family favorites, and some that I've collected through the years. I love to try new recipes even though I really don't cook much. If you have any that you'd like to contribute, just let me know.

Want to see previous "What's New" pages? Click on the word 'Archives' to find all the previous pages.