December 2nd, 2012

Stencil Star: Lauren Gaines

Our Stencil Stars™ series  featuring artists around the world who use our stenciled designs and decorative paint techniques in unique, wonderful ways — and North Carolina artist Lauren Gaines is no exception. Her love of ornamental patterns shines through as she frequently uses our Royal Design Studio stencil patterns and Modello® masking stencils in her many fabulous design projects. 

INTRODUCING LAUREN GAINES….

Lauren has been interested in color, design and texture throughout her life.  She was first introduced to faux painting approximately 20 years ago in the age of the dreaded “sponge painting”.  She initially learned many of her skills “on the job”, as this was pre-internet age when not every bit of info could be found at the tips of googling fingers.  She began her professional studio, Designs in Paint, 17 years ago and worked with a local artisan who opened her eyes to the many possibilities of decorative painting and helped further her love of painting.  Since that time, Lauren takes an average of two decorative finishing studio workshops per year to bring cutting edge products and technologies to her market-in addition to creating and developing her own signature finishes.  Every wall and ceiling is her canvas and she showcases her passion to each of her clients.

Above: Lauren used multi-colored plasters and stenciled in the Modello™ Designs Ornamental Center stencil (OrnCen120) with stained gold leaf to beautifully finish the barrel ceiling. Below: A stylish and elegantly worn plaster finish incorporating our Fabric Damask stencil in a beautiful “faded” colorway! The Fabric Damask is one of the patterns from our popular Allover Damask Stencil Collection. Aren’t these colors divine?!?

What draws you to Stenciling?

I love the effect that both pattern and texture can have on a room.  On most of my more elaborate finishes,  I use a combination of the two.   I create a separate complementary backdrop finish before the application of traditional stencils or Modello™ Designs vinyl stencils.  I also love the ability to create custom looks and alter the patterns easily. More times than not, I will alter the original design repetition to suit the scale of the room, building a finish from the ground up. On a personal note, I actually find the process of stenciling relaxing; the repetition and rhythm focuses the mind away from the daily grind.

A striking allover wallpaper design is achieved by an incredible application of our Modello™ Designs Eastern Allover vinyl stencils (EasAll158) in a bath. Chic and unforgettable!

Please share your top Stenciling tip with us.

My top stenciling tip would be to recommend using a variety of mediums on the same stencil application.  The mix of these products creates a more complex finish overall.  I often have combinations that include metallic plasters with gilt creams, tints or full bodies plasters to my finishes.  Sometimes I will even over-glaze them, adding yet another layer of depth. I love the way the glaze captures the mediums differently.

The Florentine Damask stencil helps complete a creamy, dreamy plaster wall finish above. In the room below, the ceiling has a Modello™ Designs Ornamental Ceiling stencil pattern (OrnCen162a) and the lovely plaster walls are once again stenciled with our Florentine Damask design. Beautiful!

(Lauren cont.) I’d also be happy to share my newest “favorite find.”  After years of wishing and wanting, I located a fantastic 5-point self leveling laser from Bosch (Model # GPL5C) for use on ceiling and walls.  The $300 price tag paid for itself on my first Modello™  stencil ceiling after the purchase by shortening the installation from a few hours to mere minutes. It not only saved me time and money, but more importantly, gave me peace of mind that all my design elements were installed perfectly.

Installing a Modello stencil with the Bosch Laser

 How does Stenciling enhance your creative business?

The use of both mylar and Modello® vinyl stencils has literally revolutionized my business.  Prior to their inception,  I was fond of saying “I can’t even paint a stick figure.”  I would often refer potential clients to other decorative painters or muralists whenever someone wanted any type of ornamentation.  The now endless choices in design and scale ensures me the ability to customize every project for my clients.  The use of Modello’s transformed the industry allowing the application of otherwise “off limits” products such as glass beads and gold leaf to be used effectively in design. Furthermore the availability of the pro-series stencils, brushes and custom-made stencils has allowed me to maximize my time and profits.

With Modello™ Designs vinyl stencils, the patterns can be custom-sized to fit both the shape and size of your surface. Lauren took advantage of this option while tackling both a barrel ceiling (above) and a coffered ceiling (below). They were both stenciled with gold leaf for a luxe effect.

We hope you’ve enjoyed seeing yet another amazing Stencil Star and delving into Lauren’s beautiful work !  Please do visit her website, Designs in Paint, to find more information and projects. You can also find her on Pinterest and of course, we invite you to pin her wonderful, inspiring work.

Find more inspiring stencil and paint ideas and projects by keeping up with us on our Pinterest and Facebook page!

One Response to “Stencil Star: Lauren Gaines”

  1. Kimberly Traeger Says:

    Beautiful as always my sister! Congratulations on your feature
    Kimmy