Ramona, the best!

Today's eye candy is courtesy of talented Kansas City Artist, Ramona Sheely.  A local manufacturer of PVC Tile asked Ramona to create some art for their offices thinking she would go the route of canvas art.

Well, Ramona's mind is beyond the ordinary. What better medium to use then the very PVC Tile that the company makes! And these are the "samples" she showed the clients:

The clients were blown away. I would show you the happy expressions on the faces of the whole family, but I don't have consent to use their images. But I can tell you that they looked like this:

Who wouldn't jump for joy?  Now they are the proud owners of art that is beautiful and personal.  Great job Ramona! 

Ramona's work is also in the Dakotas, Montana, and Wyoming. Let's hope her next piece is in Overland Park, Kansas....

on this wall in my house!

Aloha, Namaste, and Ciao!

There are times when the English language is limiting. While "Hello" sounds bright and full of promise, "Good-Bye" has the ring of sadness and some how a more permanent ending. Other cultures have solved this problem by giving us wonderful words that express simply the complexity of human interactions. Aloha means both hello and good-bye but the word is also used to express affection, peace, love, and compassion. Namaste is used as a greeting but also a gesture of gratitude and respect. And Ciao? It is derived from a Venetian phrase that literally means "I am your slave" but now is said in the spirit of a promise of good will among friends and family members.

So Aloha, Namaste, and Ciao to Lindsay and Ashley!

Please help us welcome Lindsay Folsom. Lindsay has worked in the Kansas City area for many years both as an independent finisher and as a subcontractor with other area decorative painters.She has taken several Surfaces' classes and worked with many of the FE products prior to her employment at the studio. Lindsay is married and the mother to 3 small children.  She has already worked with me on several classes including Designer Walls I, a week of cabinetry, and ReNew, ReUSe, ReCycle. 

Ashley will be off on her new adventure the middle of September-busy getting ready for the arrival of Baby Calvin in Mid October. I know many of you are the recipients of Ashley's help (and patience) over the past 5 years and would like to express your best wishes. We invite you to join us for a Baby Sprinkle!

A Baby Sprinkle on

Friday, September 9th

between 3pm-5pm at Surfaces

Drop by for snacks and to share Congratulations with Ashley.



It has been a time of transitions at Surfaces and change is not always easy. But we look forward to working with Lindsay and seeing Ashley become a mom.

So, I will leave it with a parting quote from Seneca or the band, Semisonic (depending on whether you like you deep thoughts from dead ancient philosophers or one hit wonder bands)

"Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end."

Oh, What a Beautiful Show House!

It is a stormy day in Kansas City. The rain is needed but a gloomy way to start the week. So let's treat ourselves to some eye candy and visit the great state of Oklahoma!

Among the waving wheat and sweeping wind, is the 2011 Oklahoma Symphony Show House and Gardens. This lovely multi acre home is located in the heart of Nichols Hill, one of the oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods in Oklahoma City.  Let's allow the Show House Co-Chairs to set the stage: "Step into a breathtaking world created by Oklahoma's finest Interior and Exterior Designers whose skill and expertise has transformed this stunning property into an outstanding showplace. The hard work and creativity of the designers is evident in every detail."  Hyperbole? Not if you see the wonderful work in the home by Decorative Artist, Deb Johnson.

Deb is the owner of Paint Inspirations. Her husband Steve joined the business a few years ago. The duo have quickly become sought after finishers in both Oklahoma and Illinois, where Deb and Steve have completed numerous commercial and residential projects. She is an enthusiastic class member and is always thinking of ways to tweak a finish and make it her own.  The evidence of this skill is apparent in the following rooms Deb designed and completed for the show home.

Steve has embraced the cabinetry side of faux finishing and his skills are also featured in the home.

Let's take a tour courtesy of Paint Inspirations shall we?

Deb kicked off the show home with the Peacock Paradise Powder Bath with layers of cerulean blue and sea greens. The stencil detail is Royal Design Studio  Floral Medallion Set B.

WOW. Welcome to the Platinum and Pearls Belladonna Bath.  This is the ladies lounge of the home. And men wonder why we go to the bathroom in groups.  I would invite my girls and have ladies night out in this room-the tub would hold lots of ice and champagne-and we could just admire Deb and Steve's work.

They did the stunning focal wall behind the tub and the surrounding walls. I think this shows that silver is a neutral and may be warm and elegant. The following are close-up photos of the two finishes.

Ashley worked with Deb on these designs and Deb did a great job of taking a sample board and translating it to the actual room. I respect an artist that gets me thinking while I preview the pictures, "Where can I put these finishes in my home?"

Steve gets a chance to shine with his amazing cabinetry transformation. I know he would've made a fantastic sports announcer but I think these cabinets show his finishing skills hit a home run!



Steve did an interpretation of a finish I taught in a cabinet class and I like his finish better!

In the above picture check out the "peacock" inspired finish above the fireplace.

This is a close-up of another bath with a cabinet finish by Steve and walls by Deb.

The wide shot of the Guest House Bath.  I love the use of the bronze, gold, and silver metallic.  The effect is soothing and sophisticated and makes this small space luxurious.  Your eye really goes to that pop of color in the artwork.

Deb applied the stencil over the existing string cloth in the Guest House Bedroom.

You know they like your work when the show home committee trusts you to do the kitchen cabinets.  Steve and Deb finished the island and the walls.

What an impressive project.  But here is something else equally impressive. Deb sent me the show house book with her rooms marked but she also carefully noted the rooms completed by other Oklahoma finishers that I also know.  It was gracious of Deb and I always enjoy seeing the work of friends.

Thanks Deb and Steve for sharing your wonderful work in the Oklahoma City Symphony Show Home.  If I were a potential client and Paint Inspirations by Deb gave me a job proposal I would be just like Ado Annie:

"I'm Just a Girl That Can't Say No!"