Archive for the ‘Classes’ Category
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 |
We’re happy to now offer Venetian Plaster with Stucco Italiano - Open Studio days at NO CHARGE to our alumni students.
Stucco Italiano Open Studio will be an ongoing networking event for our alumni students who want to exchange ideas and build their portfolios.
Any student who enrolls in one of our new classes, or has attended Aaron’s classes at either Vandelae Studios or Seattle Architectural Finishing Studio, is welcome to attend these fun networking events.
Upcoming 2009 Stucco Italiano Open Studios will be held on the following Saturdays:
- February 28th
- April 11th
- May 30th
Read more about Stucco Italiano Open Studio, then call us at 206.838.5888 or e-mail info@stuccoitaliano.us to secure your spot in the Open Studio of your choice.
Posted in Business Tips, Classes, Techniques, Tips and Tricks, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
Thursday, January 15th, 2009 |
A lot of people throw around the term “Venetian plaster,” but what does it really mean?
5 things you’ve probably heard about Venetian plaster, and why they are wrong:
1. You’ve heard: “Venetian plaster is a faux finish.”
The truth: Authentic Venetian plaster is not a faux finish. In fact, it’s the most authentic veneer wall finish you can have. When natural, lime-based venetian plaster is applied it will eventually return to it’s original state, which is lime and marble, AKA stone.
2. You’ve heard: You can buy Venetian plaster at Lowes or Home Depot.
The truth: You will find products labeled “Venetian plaster,” but they are actually composed of acrylic polymers and fillers such as gypsum and/or clay. While these synthetic Venetian plasters made by paint manufacturers may look somewhat similar to the real thing to the untrained eye, it’s been our experience that these synthetics will ultimately fade and become “tired” looking over a relatively short period of time, just like painted walls. Unlike real Venetian Plaster, synthetic Venetians are more closely related to paint than to stone, so this should come as no surprise.
3. You’ve heard: Venetian plaster can’t be applied in the shower, on exteriors, or on any surface that will get wet.
The truth: True Italian Venetian plaster is actually a wonderful choice for surfaces that will get wet. Lime plasters perform extremely well in wet climates by simply allowing any water that is absorbed into the plaster to quickly evaporate and exit the structure. That’s why they’re called Venetian plaster, because they can tolerate rising damp and canal-side applications like in the lagoons of Venice that would cause failure in acrylic and cement plasters. Traditional Moroccan lime plaster Tadelakt has been used in the Hammams (the traditional Moroccan steam baths), and in the riads of Marrakesh for centuries.
4. You’ve heard: Anyone can apply Venetian plaster in their home.
The truth: Well, it’s true that anyone can apply it. But applying it well is a different story. While we definitely aren’t saying you’ll be a pro after one day, our new PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics workshop is a good place for a beginner to start understanding the do’s and dont’s of Venetian plaster application. Also, consider hiring a skilled contractor to do the job.
5. You’ve heard: Installing Venetian plaster in your home will break the bank.
The truth: Unlike paints which must be reapplied over and over, Venetian plaster is a lifetime finish. The material is self-healing, much less likely to crack than cement finishes, and naturally mold-resistant, resulting in beautiful walls that will withstand the test of time. Green building will be a key part of America’s economic future, and authentic Venetian plasters are not only beautiful, they fit perfectly into the future of green building.
6. You’ve heard: Venetian plaster is really shiny.
The truth: OK that’s 6 things not 5 you caught me. Yes, Venetian plaster can be brought up to a natural high sheen by compressing the material as it dries. The more compression, the higher the sheen. However, natural lime plasters can also be finished to a rustic matte or satin sheen, depending on which material is used and how it is applied. The possible looks and finishes for Venetian plaster are limitless!
Got any more questions about Venetian plaster? Ask away in the comments and we’ll do our best to shed some light on the subject.
Posted in Classes, Green, Venetian Plaster | 2 Comments »
Monday, January 12th, 2009 |
INTRODUCING OUR NEW, All-in-One, Master Venetian Plaster Training, Materials, & Support Program
Let’s face it. These days, we’re all pinching pennies a little more than we have in the past. You are looking for more value than ever before when you reach into your pocketbook.
That’s why we are enhancing our classes by adding FREE material and tools to take home after class, and offering GUARANTEED, ongoing, on-the-job support for our students and customers.
Whether you are a homeowner looking for a way to economically remodel your home, or a professional artisan aspiring to be at the top of the field, we can help you succeed.
Intrigued? Learn more about our All-in-One, Master Venetian Plaster Training, Materials, & Support Program or click on an individual class title below to find out which one will work for you.
High quality is important to you, but you don’t want to pay high prices for installation. Well, pick up a trowel and plaster it yourself! This one-day class introduces beginners to the foundation of Venetian plastering… (Read more about Plaster-It-Yourself)
The beginning to intermediate artisan who recognizes the importance of using the highest quality materials and the best techniques can take his or her career to the next level by becoming certified as a Stucco Italiano Installer… (Read more about Stucco Italiano Certification)
The future of interior design is green. While your clients are increasingly demanding all-natural materials that won’t harm the environment, they don’t want to sacrifice style. During this intermediate to advanced level intensive, you will learn a wide variety of the most sought-after finishes in the field, using only the finest non-toxic lime-based plasters… (Read more about Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion)
Sometimes you want to skip the natural look and go for a bolder texture, finish, or glaze. You need the versatility of an acrylic material, and we use only the best: Golden Proceed. (Read more about Go Golden: The Proceed Line)
Upcoming Class Schedule
PIY (Plaster-It-Yourself): The Basics (1-Day Workshop)
February 21, 2009 (Sat)
April 25, 2009 (Sat)
Stucco Italiano Certification Course (3-Day Class)
February 23-25, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
April 27-29, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
Master Venetian Plaster: Total Immersion (3-Day Class
April 30-May 2, 2009 (Thurs-Sat)
Go Golden: The Proceed Line (3-Day Class)
March 18-20, 2009 (Wed-Fri)
Posted in Classes, Event, Intonachino, Marmorino, Tadelakt, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
Friday, December 12th, 2008 |
Student Jun Asano, architect and employee of Suruga Style just traveled here from Japan for his second Venetian plastering class with Aaron. During this class he got some real-world experience working on large walls, and we got some beautiful new finishes in our new conference room that Gary helped get started in October. Jun brought us some great magazines on Japanese Plaster techniques and products.
Aaron and Kay Lynn took Jun out to dinner at Via Tribunali. The Georgetown location has Stucco Italiano plaster finishes by Muse, not to mention fantastic pizza. Kay Lynn told me that the server spoke some Japanese with Jun, and was quite possibly the best server she’s ever had! I’ll have to head over there after work sometime…
Here are a couple of photos Jun sent us taken in the room he and Aaron were working on.
Looks like we’ll have our newest Stucco Italiano distributor in Japan very soon!
Posted in Classes, Event, Japan, Marmorino, Projects, Techniques, Venetian Plaster, photos | No Comments »
Sunday, December 7th, 2008 |
I’ll be up in Edmonton this Friday and Saturday at our newest distributor’s location teaching a two day Stucco Italiano certification workshop. Anyone interested email me directly aaron@stuccoitaliano.us or call the studio - 206 838 5888.
I’m bringing my flannels.
Aaron
Posted in Classes, Event, Techniques, Venetian Plaster | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 |
Subsequent to our fabulous trip to Vicenza and Venice to study under Stucco Italiano owner Giovanni Polistena, Venice reached its highest water levels since 1986 this week.
Here’s a photo Kay Lynn took in Venice during the trip:
…and here’s the same area this week, during the flood!
According to the New York Times, “Venice routinely floods several times a year, but in recent years the phenomenon has worsened. Experts say global warming is the main culprit.”
Hmmm… yet another reason to do your part to combat global warming by choosing green materials for your walls…
More photos of the flood, which is now receding, here.
Posted in Classes, Event, Green, Italy, Venetian Plaster, photos | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 |
We just got back from our Venetian plastering course in Vicenza, Italy, where we studied with Stucco Italiano manufacturer Giovanni Polistena.
We learned dozens of sophisticated and highly marketable techniques from a genuine master artisan. Gianni was a great host and remarkable teacher. We had a great time exploring the cities of Vicenza and Venice, as well as the Palladian villas of the Veneto. The villas are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are renowned across the Western world for inspiring architecture.
A student on the trip, Candie Trujillo, says:
“Thank you so much for an awesome experience!! Of course the main reason for going to Italy was to take the Stucco Italiano class and I achieved more than I thought possible. Gianni was awesome, and his knowledge was incredible. I feel very honored to have learned some of his skills, now mastering them will be quite a challenge. But just knowing I’ve learned from one of the best in his field, I feel I already have a jump start. Kay Lynn did a great job in organizing the class and keeping us informed, and her fun attitude made the trip plans go that much easier. I also was able to meet some fun and interesting people in the class and become friends with many of them and their families. We shared business ideas and trade secrets that has already helped me improve in my own business. Thank you so much Aaron for the opportunity to be taught and enlightened in the great and true art of plastering, I will gladly recommend it to anyone who is up for the challenge.”
Take a look at more photos from the Italy trip here. Hopefully we’ll make it there again next year.
Posted in Business Tips, Classes, Event, Italy, Tips and Tricks, Venetian Plaster, photos | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 |
Last week we had a round of our Venetian Plastering classes with new students from all over the country. One of the great benefits of our Stucco Italiano Certification (VP2) and Advanced (VP3) courses is the opportunity to not only perfect your techniques by working on the sample boards, but to also get the feel of working on larger surfaces, and even real walls. Scroll down to see photos of Gary helping remodel our new conference room, building his real-world Venetian plastering expertise.
Here are some photos from Venetian Plastering 2:
. . . and Venetian Plastering 3 . . .
If you’re a former student of ours and are looking to update your skills, consider taking advantage of our Portfolio Builder and Product Update Workshop next month: November 14-15. You pay for supplies only, have the chance to work on large surfaces, and learn the hottest new finishes. And of course, network with your fellow artisans as we go out to dinner Friday night!
Posted in Business Tips, Classes, Green, Intonachino, Marmorino, Stucco, Tadelakt, Techniques, Tips and Tricks, Venetian Plaster, photos | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 |
We just received a very nice card from one of our recent Venetian Plastering students, Erika Bartlett of Bartlett Custom Finishes and Murals.
“I am writing to extend my warmest thanks for my experience in the Venetian Plastering class held in late August. I learned so much from our three days working– not only from Aaron’s instruction, but also from my classmates. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone. Also, as a student with a bit less experience, I felt completely comfortable. Everyone was really approachable. I will keep in touch as to my progress. Thank you again!”
Thank you, Erika! Read more student testimonials here.
Posted in Classes, Golden Proceed, Intonachino, Marmorino, Stucco, Tadelakt, Techniques, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
Thursday, August 28th, 2008 |
Thinking of joining us in Italy this October? We are extending the payment deadline from August 31 to Monday, September 15. ***EDIT: The deadline is now extended to Tuesday, September 30. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the birthplace of Venetian plaster.
Call us at 206.838.5888 or e-mail us to reserve your spot before this small class is full.
Posted in Business Tips, Classes, Green, Intonachino, Italy, Marmorino, Projects, Stucco, Tadelakt, Techniques, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
