The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Faux Finishing & Decorative Arts School was established in 1998, and we have successfully trained hundreds of professional faux finishers. Many well known instructors have been trained by Kathy Carroll. Our integrity and dedication to using only the “best of the best” has made us a leader in the industry. We are proud to be an online resource for all faux finishers and aspiring professionals. We will be your one-stop shop for all things faux.
We are excited that you have decided to learn, or improve your skills in, the faux finishing process. We understand that choosing the right faux finishing school is important. You have probably spent hours or even days researching faux finishing schools, faux finish classes, studios and instructors. Faux finishing classes are proliferating throughout the country. As it gains in popularity, more faux finishing schools are launched every day. How do you, the prospective student, choose the right faux finishing classes for you? We give you all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
Additionally, we’ll help you select the best faux finishing tools and supplies through shopping at FauxbyKathy.
The best news of all? We are dedicated to helping you, the professional faux finisher, find the best products, services, classes and support. |
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This year’s IDAL (International Decorative Artisans League) Convention in Memphis, Tennessee is right around the corner. If you are like most artisans, you are wondering how to make the most out of your time at the convention. Are looking for high quality, versatile finishes aimed at helping your margins in these tough times? Then we have two courses for you!
Kathy’s “Banker’s Dozen” course takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday of the convention from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. The cost of the class is $695.00 and includes lunch. In addition to the recommended basic supplies you will also need a trowel, sponge, chip brushes, and paper plates. During this exciting intermediate class you will learn 12 top selling finishes geared to improve your profit margins. The assortment finishes will utilize many mediums and even include a number of furniture finishes.
The second of Kathy’s course offerings is the “Finest Nine”. The “Finest Nine” course will be held on Thursday from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm and Friday from 8:00 am – noon. The cost for the class is $525.00 and includes lunch. In addition to the recommended basic supplies you will also need a trowel, sponge, chip brushes, and paper plates. In this class you will create nine finishes aimed at helping you meet your client’s budget. Using a variety of mediums, these finishes are sure to show off your talent and versatility and win over your clients.
If you are unable to attend the IDAL convention or are interested in more learning opportunities, check our list of Upcoming Courses. We are always adding new courses to our line up. Don’t see something that fits your schedule? Consider arranging for a Private Session, or learn at your own pace using our unique learnfauxnow.com courses. Remember, your imagination is your only limitation.
For more information on Kathy’s class offerings, please contact us at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes.
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When the owner of a local antique store in Deer Park contacted Jenna for assistance in making an antique buffet table more marketable, she rose to the challenge. Jenna DeFalco, the owner of Inspired Design Decorative Painting in South Elgin, Illinois, met the owner of the antique store at an open house that she participated in with an interior decorator. At the open house she was showcasing items that demonstrated how decorative painting could be used as an option to reinvent existing furniture rather than purchasing new furnishings. Her concepts won over this client, and she was contracted to transform the buffet’s worn finish into the work of art that is pictured here.
She began working on the piece with the utmost care, cleaning it gently with a denatured alcohol. She then followed that with a light sanding using 120-grit sandpaper. Jenna expressed that sanding the piece before applying product is a very important step in the refinishing process. “When working with an antique piece you have to make sure that you remove any waxy build up that may be there from cleaning products that have been used. Sanding also adds a tooth to allow the finish to adhere to.”
Her goal when finishing the piece was to make it modern while still remaining true to the historical style of the piece. When asked about her inspiration she replied, “I liked the hardware, that was the inspiration.” The buffet is adorned with several finishes making it versatile enough to fit into any décor. The reptile skin top was created using Perfetto Portofino, Golden Brand Smooth Transparent Glazing Texture, and a topcoat. She says of Golden Brand’s product that it is “great for furniture pieces.” She also applied Bella Cera acrylic wax, tinted black, using a rubbing technique to the original finish so that the beauty of the original veneer was preserved and visible. On the doors of the cabinet she applied a Modello using gold leaf and a tinted wax to provide a antique feel to the finish. She also incorporated metallic elements into the stencil design to give it a more dimensional quality. The feet of the piece were painted an antique gold and glazed to compliment the other elements of the piece as well as improve their heavily worn appearance.
The products used to finish this piece are available through the store at fauxbykathy.com. For more information on the piece or for information about Inspired Design Decorative Painting, contact Jenna DeFalco at 847-977-4607. |
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 You may be asking why you should attend the IDAL Convention. This year the 24th Annual International Decorative Artisans League Convention will be held from July 20th through the 25th in beautiful Memphis, Tennessee. Make sure you take some time to see what this city has to offer. With attractions such as Graceland, museums, five star restaurants, and musical entertainment, Memphis has it all. Those who have attended the IDAL (formerly SALI) convention in the past know what a great experience it is. The convention provides opportunities to learn and connect with other artisans that you cannot get any other place.
Whether you are just starting out or have been in the business for years, the IDAL convention has something for you. A total of 89 classes showcasing the latest and greatest techniques in the industry will be offered over the 5 days of convention. At the convention, classes are offered for every experience level from beginner to advanced, making it an ideal place for all to learn. Come and be inspired by industry veterans, and leave with the skills to better market yourself. Impress prospective and existing clients with your newly updated portfolio. You will also have the opportunity to experience new products both in the classroom and through demonstrations at the expo.
The IDAL Convention also offers numerous opportunities to expand your professional network. From the welcome reception through the awards reception and banquet, you will have the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Make sure to leave yourself time to check out this years Philanthropic Mural Project for the Wings Cancer Foundation. All are welcome to participate in the completion of the mural, and as always it is for an excellent cause.
Classes will fill up fast, so make your reservations today. With so many opportunities for inspiration in one venue, this is the must attend event of the summer. Don’t miss out! For more information about the convention, including a list of classes, please visit the IDAL website www.decorativeartisans.org.
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Learn Old World Textures in your own time, at your own pace with Learn Faux Now. Expand and enhance your portfolio with three Old World Textures in the comfort of your own studio.
The three new Faux and Decorative Finishes that you will learn through this course will be:
Plato Pittura – a cracked, peeling paint finish
Pompeii Crackle – with a great old world feel, this finish is perfect for columns, furniture, and walls. This is a very predictable finish. Once you’ve mastered it, you always know what you’re going to get.
Tuscan Oasis – this European inspired finish is completed with a final touch of Liberon Wax
Visit www.learnfauxnow.com today to order this course, and to see what others are saying about their successes with our online courses. After ordering your course your supply kit and instructions for log-in will be mailed directly to you. After you register your password, it will be active 24 hours a day for 14 days allowing you to complete the course in your own time.
Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, Faux Finish and Faux Painting School is an independent school for faux and decorative painting technique instruction in mid-America. Lead by Kathy Carroll, the decorative painting classes and faux painting workshops are designed for all levels of experience–beginner, DIYer, and professional faux painters. CIFF carries a wide array of professional decorative, faux finish and Venetian plaster products and tools.
For new classes, see our workshop schedule. Check out Learn Faux Now, the Web’s first faux finishing technique training classes where you can work in your home at your own pace with products and boards included.
What Faux Finish Classes Do We Offer?
What classes are offered in 2008?
View 2008 Class Calendar
Accommodations & Attractions
When You Get Here..
Faux Finish Student Testimonials
Faux Finishing Lingo.. What's that?
How to Choose a Faux Finish School
20 Questions you MUST ask a Prospective Faux Finishing School |
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Want to hire a talented and qualified faux finish professional? Learn what you need to ask to make sure that your prospective Faux Finish Artisan is properly trained and will give you the best quality faux painting work.
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 What is certification in faux finishing? Every faux finishing school in the country will offer a Certificate upon completion of a professional faux finish class. A "certificate of completion", however, does not a Certified Faux Finisher make!
Certification or Mastery Programs in faux finishing, currently available in Europe only, take years of undying devotion. Unfortunately, “certification” in the United States, no matter how attractively packaged, is just a faux finish school certificate. It does not make one a “Certified Decorative Painter”.
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