Creative Rock Forming with Nathan Giffin

The Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes is happy to announce a new course being offered "Creative Rock Forming", taught by "master" of hand carved decorative concrete, Nathan Giffin.  Recently, Mr. Giffin held a successful Stone Class at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes, and this is what his students had to say about his course:

“Nathan not only 'perfects' the methods and techniques he teaches personally; he is passionate about seeing his client's (student’s) succeed.”  
- David Rawls, CA.

"Excellent opportunity to advance your vertical carving skill and see how other first generation carvers are doing.”
- Tom Musto
www.TommyRockInc.com

"Nathan’s class was awesome."
- Eric Kelly
www.ClevelandRockandTile.com

The Creative Rock Forming class runs from November 19th – 21st and the cost for the course including supplies is $1495.00 and lunch.  Creative Rock Forming offers the artisan endless possibilities as it can be applied to virtually any vertical surface be it interior or exterior.

Students enrolled in this course have the unique opportunity to expand their portfolio and have the potential to be the first to offer this innovative new art form of Creative Rock Forming to their clients. Be sure to register soon as spaces will fill up fast!

For more information on Nathan Giffin and Creative Rock Forming, visit the website at www.verticalartisans.com.

Divino

Wondering where you can purchase USG’s new texturing medium Divino?  Look no further.  Faux By Kathy is proud to add Divino decorative texturing medium in Deep-Tone and White Base to our product offerings.

After SALI Convention Artisans were buzzing with talk of USG’s new product Divino, and they still are.  Those who have tried it love the versatility of this creamy smooth product and they are using it on everything from walls and cabinets to the kitchen sink.    Without the need for a primer or basecoat, it’s not only easy to work with but it’s time and cost effective as well. 

Learn Faux Now

Are you eager to expand your portfolio, but don’t have the time for a traditional classroom course?  Then Learn Faux Now is the solution for you!

Learn Faux Now is excited to offer its second course, Old World Textures, this month. With detailed video instruction, step by step photos, and downloadable notes and instruction sheets, the results you will get from the course provide results equivalent to a classroom course, without the expense of travel or demands on your schedule.

Through our eLearning program you will receive the training and supplies to complete sample boards for three new techniques.  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.

Here’s what some of our students are saying about their experiences with Learn Faux Now:

• “Your format is easy to follow and execute for decorative painters of all levels. The step by step pictures and videos make it easy enough for a beginner, while the finishes are desirable portfolio builders for the seasoned decorative painter. 
   
  You thought of everything, from reminders to clean your trowel to conveying how much to mist the surface. The last page of the download, containing the product list and price per square foot was "the icing on the cake".”

• “The instructions were well written and they explained clearly what I needed to do.  You supplied a generous amount of materials, so I can actually make a sample on the larger sample boards I traditionally use or try out variations.  I enjoyed and found very useful that one video clip that had sound and you were explaining a point while working the faux. As well, I am extremely happy with the pdf documents you included; these are invaluable. All in all, you have created an excellent eLearning product that is very useful and enjoyable in expanding my portfolio... and at a reasonable price too!”

• “The class was well done and since you had a couple of weeks to take the class I was able to work at my own pace.”

Wondering what we’ll offer next?  Take a walk on the wild side with our Animal Skins course.  Why wait to expand your portfolio?  Learn Faux Now!

Mural Painting 101

Don’t miss the chance to learn from accomplished painter and mural artist Augustina Droze.  Spots are filling up fast for Augustina Droze’s Mural Painting 101.  This is an entry level class for those interested in learning the fundamentals of mural painting.  Students will walk away from the class prepared to embark upon their next mural commission with confidence and ease.

The cost for the entire four day class is $1495.00.  That cost includes both the Painting Fundamentals on November 9th as well as Mural Painting 101 from November 10th – 12th and also includes supplies for both classes.  Both the Painting Fundamentals class and the Mural Painting class may be taken independently of each other.  The cost of Painting Fundamentals on its own is $325.00, and the cost of Mural Painting 101 alone is $1170.00. 

As well as being an accomplished painter and mural artist, Ms. Droze is also the proprietor of Augustina Droze Mural Studio in Chicago.  At her studio, she creates large scale works for both private and commercial clients as well as social service organizations around the world.  Recently she has worked on the Hubbard Street Mural Project, in which 3-4 artists are chosen to paint a panel of the train embankment on Hubbard Street between Des Plaines and Ogden.  Her panel entitled “A Drop in the Pond” depicts a dragonfly on lily pads.  She has also worked with children during an 8 week program in the Chicago Public School’s homeless education program to create the mural entitled “A Garden of Hope”.

Opportunities

Want to be Artisan of the Month?

Have you ever wanted to be featured as an Artisan of the Month on our site?  Now’s your chance.  Please contact us with your portfolio and biographical information for consideration.

IDAL Heartland Chapter Garage Sale

IDAL (formerly SALI) Heartland Chapter is holding a garage sale on Saturday October 25th from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Chicago Institute of Fine Finishes. Items for sale will include ladders, stencils, unused product, and more.  To participate in the garage sale you may either man your own table and keep the proceeds, or donate your items for sale.  The proceeds of donated items will go to the IDAL Heartland Chapter.  All items donated for sale must be priced prior to drop off.  All items remaining after the garage sale will be properly disposed of by IDAL Heartland Chapter.  Please contact us for further information.

Win one of 3 classes from Learn Faux Now!

Simple contest, submit a finish or mural in black, orange or both. Get creative!

Post in gallery under LearnFauxNow contest category.

Extra prize (by TalkFaux) for overall winning submission if in halloween theme.

Winners will be announced on Halloween night.

LearnFauxNow.com offers learning new finishes in the privacy of your own studio or home, at your own pace and within your own time frame. All product and supplies provided to complete the classes.

Choose from either the all new Old World Textures or You Got Waxed class. Learn three finishes with each class.