Have I mentioned How Much I love my Tools?

This is not a paid post- I just have to shout out for the tools that make my work easier, better, tidier (is that a word?).

I already used Shur-Line‘s mini rag rollers for my decorative painting business before Hosting Fresh Coat then becoming Shur-Line’s spokesperson (2007-2010; a great run!) and a huge fan of their brushes and teflon coated trays. My favorite brushes are 1 1/2″ square and angle. (Thank you, Paul and Shur-Line team)

And I can’t live without Fits-All Paint Can Spout (see the yellow and blue plastic thingies at the back of the counter?). I’ve used these for years to keep paint cans clean which keeps the paint fresh longer and the mess to a minimum. LOVE these things!

These and more fav tools have helped me paint things like this dresser for the DIY videos I produced last Summer…

and later this landscape in my living room.

These stripes on my piano…

This painting that just sold yesterday (yea!)

Decorative finishes, like this one, from my decorative painting days…

And this cute little night stand I’m taking with me to my Art reception at Kaffeehaus this Saturday in San Mateo from 6-9. (hope to see you all there)

Feels great to have the tools and the team that makes everything I do easier and more fun.

Sneak Peak: this Saturday’s art and pop-up show

Final preparations are underway…

Val is preparing some nice little hors d’oeuvres and selected a lovely vino for a complimentary bite and beverage. (more drinks and food are available for purchase after that)

And I’m putting final touches on the pillows and things to accompany my art. Here’s just a glimpse of what will be at the show…

See you there:

Kaffeehaus

92 East 3rd Avenue, San Mateo

Saturday May 18th 6-9pm

Art Show turns Pop-up Shop

I’ve been on a mad dash getting ready these past few days, for my art show at Kaffeehaus in San Mateo.

Val, the owner, invited me to add more art to the walls…

and then I went with friend and photographer, Sarah Deragon, to the Alameda Flea Market and found some treasures…

Like this chair from the DEA’s office in Los Angeles…

And this cute little nightstand…

So, I just had to add them to my list of things to do and see how I can transform them with my paintings (can’t wait to show you!). That’s right, I’m creating a pop-up shop complete with the art, pillows and furniture.

Somehow it always gets done (right, Lane and Mom?!) and the best part is that when all is said and done, enjoying the event with friends and family makes it all worth while.

It’s true, there have been several unashamed announcements and invitations about this show, so thank you for indulging my excitement and for the positive responses already flooding in.

See you there!

Power walk: architecture in the morning

The more I get out and walk, but more I love morning light. Here are some shots from a recent walk.

Oh! Before we start, I have to shout out to Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People for her ‘iphoneography 101′ class! Her info and guidance was like a sweet salve on this frustrated photographer’s iphone. Thank you, Sarah!

Okay, here we go…

YARN BOMB! (signs San Mateo is becoming hip)

On a recent power walk, I noticed this…

Do you see it?

And a couple of blocks, or so, up the street- there it is again.

And again!

Yarn Bomb! I’ve seen this in Europe, but San Mateo? really?

Wait- there’s more!

A lot more…

I’m re-naming this street Tube Sock Alley- we’ll see if it holds up… get it? holds up?

Wait- how’d they’d cover this PARKING sign?!

San Mateo has officially been bombed and I love it! It’s more friendly, easier to clean up, and always makes me smile. Can you say that about graffiti?

Here are more incredible attacks, including my personal favorite- the tank covered in a blanket with a pompon on the end of the barrel AND the accompanying article by the Twilight Taggers about how to do it! Seriously, could you really raise weapons against humanity with a pink cozy on your weapon? I see a whole new kind of revolution coming on and I love it! Have a great weekend, everyone.