June 23rd, 2008

Cool Creative Weekend

Well, there was record breaking heat here in San Diego again this weekend! As we don’t have air conditioning in our house (didn’t used to need it here by the ocean!) I spent the weekend in the studio with the thermostat set at a semi-comfie 78. Well, it beats 101! Actually, I was going to be there anyway as I have a new class, Boho Modern, starting this week and wanted to work on some last minute ideas. Nothing like a deadline to spark some creativity!!! I actually LOVE being in my studio on the weekend. No distractions, no phone calls. I didn’t even turn on any music. Sometimes it’s good to listen to the thoughts in your OWN head, you know? There were more hits than misses. I tried a couple of different versions of an embroidery-ish theme.

Modello custom stencils

Neutral can be nice and tone on tone looks are always classy-and easy to decorate around. I love the subtle textural quality of this. It actually is all smooth when you rub your hand across. This funky floral motifs are originally from a series of old printer’s ornaments.

Modello custom stencils

I was playing around a lot with metallic foils that I got from my friend Gary Lord. These are applied to a bed of gold size, like metal leaf, except that they come on big rolls and in yummy colors like celedon green, blue and plum. I love the way the eggplant glaze settled in around all the little peacock feathers and makes these guys POP!

Modello custom stencils

I found this old sample board painted with this unusual (for me) coral color. It must have been left over from some long ago project. I’ve had these blank boards laying around for up to 8 years! I thought it might be cool to combine these funky modish flowers with some embedded lace.

Modello custom stencils

I transferred some metallic foil first; Candy Apple Red and Orchid. It wasn’t super dramatic but adds a nice little sparkle. The color of the plaster I pushed through the lace was actually a dark brown. The antique gold mica glaze I applied over it turned it more green. At first I wasn’t too sure about it, but one is really starting to grow on me!

Modello custom stencils

Another finish with an embroidered look. This time on a metallic stria finish.

Modello custom stencils

I’ve had these jars of large mica flakes sitting around for some time and wasn’t sure what to do with them. Hmmm. What would happen if I stirred some into a glaze? This!

MIca-Flakes-Detail.jpg

I call this one blue steel. More metallic foils! This one incorporates a hologram foil as well which gives you some really crazy color shifts as you view it from different angles. I like patterns like this classic modern allover one, that divide the space in half. It has a nice symmetry and balance don’t you think?

Modello custom stencils

Well, I’m off to clean up the studio. I hope you weekend was equally fun and productive! BTW, the next Boho Modern class is scheduled for December….

8 Responses to “Cool Creative Weekend”

  1. Karen Jorgenson Says:

    On the embroidered samples, how are you getting the edge to look like an outline?

  2. Bonnie May Says:

    I think all the samples are very pretty, I am drawn to the “embroidered” look. Something new to me anyway, haven’t noticed that technique before. I haven’t ordered my new Modello catalog as of yet, maybe it’s in there.

  3. Melanie Says:

    Glad you like! That is in the way the Modello pattern is weeded. Outline first, then the middles. So MANY fun things you can do.

  4. Lindy Says:

    ABSOLUTELY amazing, Melanie!!!!

    I so wish I lived in the area so that I could take classes from the master. You continue to come up with the most beautiful work. LOVE IT!

  5. Heather Bruno-Sears Says:

    A big “oooooooooh, yeah!!!!!!!” from New York! I can’t wait for the December class!

  6. Melanie Says:

    Looking forward to having your here Heather! Would love to see you all here, LOL.

  7. becky Says:

    Very “yummy”-my music was off today as well-really enjoyed it. Maybe I should not have thrown away all those old boards I did today while moving my studio?

  8. Gina Says:

    I like the blue and gold, looks so Egyptian, classic but then very modern. Gina from Germany

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