Madeline Faiella™ Designs

Paint your shoes for fun and fashion

Hi again.  I know, I know...I am such a slow blogger.  I mentioned the shoes I painted previously.  I think they're actually on this blog already but I'm pulling them up again. 

 

 

So now, I've been painting heels.  If you know me at all, you know I am a heels and spikes kind of gal but these were a super comfy run around pair that I loved.  I just saw them as a canvas, and like my friends all say, "if you stand still long enough, I might paint something on you"!  This really was a fun project and wearing them out brought a lot of attention to the shoes.

Here's what did to paint these. I used Earth Safe Finishes paints which are one of the only true non-toxic, no VOC paints, so there's no chance of contaminating your little tosies. 

I did these freehand but just sketch something out and get a pair of shoes that you like and go for it. If you can't sketch, find a design that you like. Even a simple geometric design will work nicely.

Clean the shoes so there's no grease or dirt on the surface where you will paint and begin creating your own custom painted shoes.

If you have questions contact me.  I'll be happy to help!

$2.00 movies?

A friend of mine showed me these two little movie tickets. They were so cool I decided to make a pair of earrings out of them.

I made a frame of Kato Polymer clay and put the tickets in the frames. Then I poured a bit of Earth Safe Finishes EcoPoxy over them.

Aren't they cool? My friend can't believe he was going to throw these vintage tickets away. Oh and $2.00 for a movie? Definitely vintage! :-)

Why buy when you can redo?

    These metal file cabinets were so dull that I decided to do something with them.  They live in my studio and I wanted something inspiring, bright,and fun while still functional.  So I took them from this:

 

      TO THIS:

 

    Now they serve as a place to store things before but there's that added touch of Asian Spice.  They now serve as pieces where I can place my mannequins, a couple of candles, some artwork and a small lamp.  It looks much better in the space and I can still hide away my painting supplies and files.  Little dragonflies and some foliage dress up the bright Chinese Red color!  Delicious!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY CHANUKAH everyone! Whatever you celebrate, I wish you the very best for the New Year with much health and success!!!.

THANK YOU NORMAN ROCKWELL

Not too long ago I attended a Norman Rockwell exhibit at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art. Something reminded me of that this morning and I found myself smiling. It was exhilarating to stand in the open area with these outstanding original paintings around me.

It was surprising to see how large some of the pieces are because all through my childhood and adult life, I'd been seeing magazine covers and smaller paintings in print, and for some reason I didn't give thought to what the size of the original art might be.  I've certainly seen, done and imagined large art but I just don't know why it didn't cross my mind in this situation.

In the immediate instant it was a different aspect and I was engulfed in Rockwell's talent and expression. Each piece spoke to me and there I was just gazing at his work.

They had a wall of all the magazine covers that he did; not that was impressive as well. Mr. Rockwell's body of work - or at least what was at the museum, is amazing.

A true artist, he managed to enmesh humor and daily life in his pieces. They are so real I felt I could communicate with them.

If you ever have the opportunity to see a Norman Rockwell Exhibit, I suggest you take advantage of it and take that stroll down memory lane with one of the great artists of our time.

THANK YOU NORMAN ROCKWELL

NANCY BURKHART OF ESF - RISING TO THE TOP

READ ARTICLE WRITTEN ON VENTURA COUNTY AT www.vcstar.com

ARTICLE BY

By Diana Marcketta Correspondent

Posted January 8, 2010 at midnight vcstar.com  

 Photo by Joseph A. Garcia

Jessica Arellano, left, with her daughter, Lilly, watches her mother, Nancy Burkhart, close a can of their Generation Green paint, which is nontoxic and has no volatile organic compounds. 
****************************************************************************************

Nancy Burkhart had endured enough.

Her fingers were dry and cracked from years of working with toxic paints in her crafting and paint businesses.

She worried that her young grandchildren were unknowingly inhaling noxious gases released from the paints. Although toxins — such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, Texanol and butoxyethanol — have been reduced in latex paints through legislation in the past few years, paints in general still release odors and toxins for a period of time after application.

So, the grandmother of four concocted a formula to create a toxic-free paint called Earth Safe Finishes. Burkhart, a single grandmother in her early 60s, launched the product online and ships from her garage in the Santa Rosa Valley.

“I wanted to take things another step,” said Burkhart, who had produced low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints for her previous company, Terra Bella Finishes. “I knew there was a way to do it. I just had to keep at it.”

Earth Safe Finishes has an acrylic base, but the paints, varnishes and finishes — 28 in all — have been manufactured in such a way that no volatile organic compound gases are released.

“We don’t live in the dark ages anymore,” Burkhart said.

She also has created glazes, shimmers, textures, crackles, decoupages, colorants, fabric magic, sealers and stains.

The products range from $4.49 to $17.99 for most items. A one-gallon bucket of paint runs $49, comparable with low-VOC paints found on retail shelves.

“It costs more than regular VOC paints, but you are paying for the quality of the product and for its results,” Burkhart said.

In less than a year since launching Earth Safe Finishes, Burkhart has developed a following among more than 200 crafters and hobbyists on Facebook and on her own Web site — the sole means of distribution.

Burkhart recalled a heartening experience of providing interior paint for a new home for a family in Idaho. Three members had been diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity — a chronic condition that causes a litany of health problems, including allergies, fibromyalgia, nose bleeds and sinus infections.

“Earth Safe Finishes is the only product that didn’t make me sick,” said Debbie O’Neal of May, Idaho. O’Neal found Burkhart’s product on the Internet after many searches.

Burkhart and her partner — daughter Jessica Arellano — now are even shipping products abroad, regularly sending a pallet of paints to an artist in Lima, Peru.

Although Burkhart has yet to receive certification as a “green” product in Europe, Eurofins US certifies the products as “green” in the United States. Eurofins US is an independent certification company in Des Moines, Iowa. The company tests products for volatile organic compounds and toxic ingredients, such as formaldehyde, ammonia, acetone, lead arsenic, cadmium, phthalates and heavy metals.

Several certification companies, including Eurofins US, Green Seal, Green Guard and U.S. Green Building Council, charge customers fees to ensure that so-called “green” products qualify as chemically and environmentally safe under standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

“It’s one step at a time,” Burkhart said. “There is a cost to test every product.”

She credits her success to the support she receives from other entrepreneurial women and from local agencies, such as the Ventura County SCORE group, comprised of retired executives who provide counseling to small businesses, and the Ventura County Small Business Development Corp.

“I still don’t know how to write a business plan, but I know I have a great product,” Burkhart said. “I take something valuable away from every meeting and every class I go to, and that makes it worth it to me.”

A support system is often crucial to a growing business.

“Nancy’s company’s mission is simple: provide environmentally safe products of quality. We at SCORE, hopefully, play a part by providing some help and guidance with her business model,” said Michael Scotto, chairman of SCORE Ventura County Chapter. “Nancy is bright and enthusiastic and has developed a product line that will take the company deep into the future to meet the environmentally friendly marketplace.”

The green industry nationally is expected to surge. Green building is expected to increase by $38 billion by 2010, five times more than today, according to the National Association of Homebuilders.

And even though the company is in its fledgling stage, Burkhart and Earth Safe Finishes was chosen earlier this year as a finalist for Green Entrepreneur of the Year by New York-based clothing company Eileen Fisher.

She also will be featured in a coming book profiling successful “green” women in the world written by “FUEL” documentary film producer, Rebecca Harrell Tickell. The film was the Sundance winner for Best Documentary Audience Award.

 

TAKE AN ONLINE CLASS WITH ANN BUTLER

http://creativeworkshops.ning.com/  FOLLOW THIS LINK  AND ENJOY ONE OF THE MOST CREATIVE, LIVELY, AND COLORFUL DESIGNERS IN THE INDUSTRY!!!!! 

 

CHECK IT OUT!!!! CHECK HER OUT!!!!

Inspired at Home Blog Talk Radio Double Giveaway!

Today is the last day to ENTER!
Double the Giveaway!
Double the fun!
We've just added a second giveaway to this Sunday's show!

We've just added the Earth Safe Finishes Fabric Magic kit as a second giveaway on this Sunday's Inspired at Home Radio show!

MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME WORKSHOP!!!

Laura Bray, katydid designs presents:

The Multiple Streams of Income Online Course!

This ecourse will be filled with lessons on everything from deciding which revenue opportunities to pursue, to creating a plan to ensure that you take

action and successfully market your business choices.   

The class starts on September 7.  Sign up today!

 

Laura is a great inspiration and I'm certain these classes will be great!

 

Experts are:

Tara Reed; Priscilla Burris; Claudine Helmuth; Kelly Snelling and me, Madeline Faiella AND Laura is adding more experts as the date comes closer.

 

Lots of payment options.  Do stop by - I'm sure you won't be dissapointed.

 

Laura Bray

46 Northern Pine Loop
Aliso Viejo, California 92656
(949) 533-8296

laura@katydid-designs.com

www.katydid-designs.com

IT'S BLOG TALK

LISTEN TO ME AUGUST 2, AT 7:00 P.M., EST

Please listen while we discuss Earth Safe Finishes, it's products and statement, and the Earth Safe Finishes Gazette and my role as editor.  Earth Safe Finishes is a wonderful product but it's also a GREAT COMPANY run by a Mother - Daughter team and a SLEW (is the a word?) of great support staff.  Wonderful people that support the cause, the products and each other.  Please listen and YOU MIGHT WIN ESF's Perfect Paint Starter Kit!!!!!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/inspiredathome

 

 

 

INTERVIEW WITH TIFFANY WINDSOR - 8.2.2009

What fun this will be!  I am going to be interviewed by the talented Tiffany Windsor on blogtalk radio.  I hope you will make time to stop by and listen.  The topic is the Newsletter for which I am Editor for Earth Safe Finishes Products, the no VOC line of paints and finishes that are sweeping the industry!

 

 

 

I HOPE THAT YOU WILL STOP BY!!! 

OH YES YOU CAN!!!!

For those of you who think you have to use smelly paints to create something awesome you are so incorrect.  you can create beautiful artwork with Earth Safe Finishes  products and - BECAUSE IT'S SAFE -  YOU can work longer.

Take a look at the product line and come back to learn more. We are just starting this so I need to get photos up for you and during our time together, I will begin to show you how to take your art into a THE SAFE ZONE!

 

NOW, WOULD I PAINT THESE FOR SOMEONE IF THEY WEREN'T SAFE!!!

Head on over to http://artofgreenfinearts.blogspot.com/ and check out Art of Green Fine Arts.  You'll find some interesting news, produts, tips and more.

 

NEW! NEW! NEW!

CHA, CHA, CHA!!!  It was new to me and when I was willing to give the CHA CHA bracelet a go this is what I came up with.

I made the pink beads of Kato Poly Clay and the rest of the piece is a combination of pearls, Swarovski Crystal baubles and various beads and bead caps, eye pins and wire.  The base of the bracelet is an expandable bracelet with little loops that allow you to wrap wires or jump rings through them.

Wrap, did I say wrap?  Oh, I wrapped alright.  This piece took a good number of hours but the results are worth it!  I purchased everything from Fire Mountain Gems.

You can see this piece in the gallery at Fire Mountain Gems online at:

http://www.firemountaingems.com/galleryofdesigns/snapshots_design_gallery.asp?docid=8B2J&WT.cg_s=Customer+Snapshots&sact=search

To shop for jewelry please visit www.madelinefaiella.com or contact me directly.   Custom work is available.

Ok - Just added Feedburner

I just added Feedburner and now I'm trying to configure the display box so that half of it is not cut off.  Hey, at least I'm giving it a try.  Once I get this all down I'll be flyin'....of course, then I have to find the time!!!!

 

 

BACK FROM CHA- LEARN ABOUT EARTH SAFE FINISHES.

CHA was very interesting on many levels.  Smaller than we are used to but it's quality and not quantity.  Some just didn't come with their entourage and I’m sure that’s due to the economy, yet those that were there did buy, connect, and talk shop. 

 

 

The L&D and Designer Display sections displayed fabulous talent, desire, and healthy ambition as they always do.  It’s a treat to have that much talent under one roof.

 

Thanks to Jan Mollet Evans who hosted a gala of fun for us in the hotel that was sponsored by Pentel.  It was such fun to play with products and learn of some of the new lines they have.  I adored the new pens and the wet / dry chalk.  Great stuff. http://pentel.com

 

 

Stencils!!! The Crafters Workshop knocked my socks off!  Contemporary and run by two great people who just want to make a better product for the consumer.  Believe me when I tell you that we jumped for joy I’m not kidding http://thecraftersworkshop.com.  I saw these at the PENTEL get together and we were misting them with color.  WOW!!!  Great fun.  Great results.

 

 

Flower Soft is a new product that consists of colored sprinkles that you design with.  Add dimension, color, definition, and more to your projects.  I was really taken by this product and I didn’t think I would be at all interested.  This product is 1) Acid Free; 2) Ideal for card making, scrapbooking or just general hobby and crafts; 3) Simple for use by all age; and 4) its 3 D effects are “outstanding” (no pun intended). I recommend taking a look at it.  http://www.flower-soft.com.  There are a lot of application possibilities with this one.

 

 

Ok, this is real cool product.  I had seen it out there but never in person.  Of course, you know me, now I am doing a piece of fine art with it.  Well, I envision what I’m doing.  I’ll have to post it for you when I’m done!  Paverpol... what they were doing with tee shirts was just so amazing my creative juices were flowing down my chin.  LOVE IT!!!  http://www.paverpol.com  Harden many types of materials including fabric, paper, leather and more and create beautiful pieces.  Christa Light, who is the US iimporter, is a delight. 

Walnut Hollow!!! WOW! Great new tools and fun things to work with.  Walnut Hollow is another company who never ceases to amaze me.  They have a metal working kit out now that is a lot of fun and will offer you a ton of creative opportunities.  You can do so much with it that you are only limited by creative and time.  They also have new wood pieces and metals to go with the new tools and … well head over to the website and see what’s going on.  I highly recommend it.

 

 

http://www.walnuthollow.com  Earth Safe Finishes and Walnut Hollow joined forces and had a great workshop.  With Barbara Matthiessen and Rebekah Meir instructing, it was a sure fire project and it was really beautiful!  There are some photos here of both the projects and the classes. 

 

 

JUST PART OF THE CLASS AND THE COOL RAKU PROJECT

THAT BARBARA MATTHEISSEN AND REBEKAH MEIR PUT TOGETHER

WITH ESF AND WALNU HOLLOW!!! THE CLASS WAS COMPLETELY FULL!!!
 

 

 

HERE'S NANCY AT THE BOOTH DURING A CALM MOMENT

 

 

 

  

HERE IS NANCY AND ANN BUTLER.

TWO OF THE STRONGEST PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY TODAY.

OH, AND MY FRIENDS TOO!!!

 

 

ALL THE PROJECTS THAT YOU SEE HERE ARE CREATED

FROM USED AND/OR RECYLED OR REFURBISHED ITEMS

INCLUDING CLOTHES, PLATES, PAPER AND FORMICA CHIPS

USING EARTH SAFE FINISHES!!!

 

Oh no you didn’t!!!!  I will not be without things to do because DIYBangles has the most outstanding wood bangles and beads that are made from milk wood.  Believe me when I tell you they are like buttahhhhhh!!!  You will have to get your hands on one of these to feel the richness of the wood Smooth and ready to paint, stamp, embellish, or add fabric or clay(s).  They also have other products you might be interested in so check it out at http://www.diybangles.com 

 

Amaco had a great butterfly competition and I went over to vote.  It was wonderful to see the beauty that came of Friendly Plastic.  They were just great.  http://www.amaco.com

Of course I was smitten with The Purple Cows.  I mean for the hugs alone I’ll ask you to take a look at their site and see what’s up.  I mean really, a big purple cow gave me a hug.  You know how I adore hugs!!!  http://www.purplecows.net  They have a myriad of wonderful products for your home and crafting and more.

Terry “O” came by Earth Safe Finishes to Film Nancy Burkhart; GREAT JOB NANCY.  We know you will take over the cameras from now on.  Jessica, you did it with style too!!!

 

 

WHO CAN LEAVE OUT When Creativity Knocks ( http://www.whencreativityknocks.com  ) with Ana and Megan Araujo who move from one place to the next filming great segments for viewing on their website.  It’s awesome.  We saw a lot of them because they were at the Earth Safe Finishes booth filming for quite a while.  It was great to see them in action and fun to get behind the behind the sceners.  lol lol lol   There we were behind the camera men taking our own photos and hoping not to trip on a cord.  It was a lot of fun and this is a duo that will make you smile. Their presence at the show was truly ECO GREEN from one end of the booth to the other.

 

 

The products are low and no-VOC (non-toxic) and run across the board from paper to walls to exteriors.  From fine art to crafts and kids crafts.  From canvas and wood to marine.  Yes, yachts are being varnished and after a couple of years they are STILL good to go. Countertops and more are good with the marine varnish and baby furniture is safe for children and the environment. 

 

 

A mother and daughter team, Nancy Burkhart and her daughter, Jessica, manufacture IN THE USA this environmentally friendly line of products that's being used by faux painters, artists, designers, stampers, paper artists, scrapbookers, boaters, and interior renovations.  Unbelievable and I love it.

 

 

ESF has great one application coverage.  The line includes, texture mediums (rough and smooth), gels and glazes, matte and satin varnishes, marine varnish, extender, brush and hand cleaner, colorants that can be used to dye fabric without any heat setting.  Imagine that!  No heat setting and safe enough for baby clothes.  Just add a little colorant to water, dip in the fabric and there you go.  The colorants are so concentrated that they are in eye dropper type bottle and they go a long way. 

 

There is also wax, gesso and gouache.  Feel like doing encaustic paintings? Try the wax; works wonders.  In addition there are Shimmer Opulence colors in translucent and opaque.   These are jewel colors that work on anything.

 

 

There is a huge advantage to this product line; Generation Green can be intermixes mixed with any one product in the line.  They are all interchangeable and work well with each other.  You can get just the color you desire without fear of reaction.

 

 

Finally, you can apply directly to almost any surface from paper to canvas and metal to wood and more without having to prepare the surface.  If you want to gesso something, ESF carries that too!

I will give you all the information you might like so that you can learn more about this product line.  I am a multi medium artist and I love this stuff!!!!

 

 

They were, have been, and are, a great GREEN PRESENCE.  We really do need a better phrase for all of this but this was certainly a booth that was ECO FRIENDLY - green from every aspect.  From the products themselves to the labels that are recycled, the bottles and containers too and even the booth that was a used booth to all the sample projects that were ALL RECYCLED, this was one of the only booths there was truly green.  We had a blast and we were thrilled to see so many people come by.

 

 

 

 

YOU ARE INVITED TO A SALE.....

I have two big sales coming up.  One of them will be mainly jewelry items and the other will be a combination of art, jewelry, and home decor.  I do look forward to making holiday sales and new contacts.

Follow up will be crucial and making it easy for the client will be the most important item on my list.  I have decided on my layout for the table in both events and although they will vary, they will be aimed at creating a brand. 

It's exciting and daunting at the same time but oh so worth it.

The first sale is private to about 250 people.  I can't do anything about that because I would love to invite you, however, the second sale is in the lobby of the National Bank Building at 200 East Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301.  You are most welcome.

You will see Madeline Faiella Designs as you walk into the lobby.  Twenty percent of my earnings will immediately go to Juvenile Diabetes. 

Thanks

Madeline

TOTALLY CREATIVE MAGAZINE - HELPING THE INDUSTRY ONE PROJECT AT A TIME!!!

There's a great new magazine/e-zine out that's a fresh new input to the creative industry.  TOTALLY CREATIVE  is a magazine for crafters by crafters.  Subscriptions are ripe for the taking and all it takes is heading over to Totally Creative. 

Whether you enjoy working with polymer clay, paper, paint of all types, embroidery, felting, quilting, wire work and more.  TOTALLY CREATIVEis more than just a magazine, it's a concerted effort of many talented and skillful designers to do their part in helping to build the craft industry back up to a bubbling roar!

Crafting happens on all levels and today, when you are looking for things to do at home with the kids or you are looking for help with a project for yourself, TOTALLY CREATIVE is just the magazine for you.

Take a look, subscribe and CREATE!  Tell your family and friends.  With the first issue already in the past, the holiday issue is ready!  What fun for the holidays and it's the perfect time to begin your gift making!

Enjoy Totally Creative and be TOTALLY SATISFIED!

Madeline

 

The Uphill Climb...

I have talked to so many artists and designers who share a similar issue. They tell me they sometimes feel as though they are moving uphill. Simply said, you probably are but it's not just creatives who are become overwhelmed or dismayed, it’s and inevitable struggle that hits all of us one time or other. There are always going to be uphill battles however persistence is key.

If your muse is resting trying to get the strings back on the bag o’ tricks isn't if it were that easy to become successful, then everyone would have the same level of success. Success means something different to each and every person. There are groups of people who believe that success is only being a multi-millionaire or driving a new car and to you - IT MAY BE SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT. 

Despite the naysayers keep at what you are doing and make the uphill climb with grace.

Some people start their businesses in their garages and others in their living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms. Some just take over the whole house to get the job done. The key is to believe in yourself and do what you feel is the right thing for YOU.

Learn all you can about what it is you want to do and be open to change. Work hard and keep positive if not all the time, most of the time. It really does make a difference.  If you need to take a few months off from what you are doing, believe that there is a good reason for the time off and there is probably something out there for you to learn which can be applied when you come off your mini hiatus.

When the uphill climb has you losing your breath take some time off it's energizing and motivating.

Good luck!

Madeline

Orphan Works Bill

The controversy over this Bill is nothing short of outrageous and with some of the greatest people in the industry supporting its opposition we can only hope for its ultimate demise! There are so many other issues that need attention and warrant the time, effort(s) and fortitude that went into the alteration requests to a Bill that was (rightfully) shot down before. For all the updated information and the oportunity to sign a petition to vote down this Bill, please go to http://www.owoh.org/. 

Please, sign the petition and write the appropriate letters to help show that you care about the copyrighs of everyone in the visual arts. This is a Bill that could adversely effect hundreds of thousands artists of all types. We are all hoping for a positive outcome.

Thank you.

Madeline