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 »
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008
You are invited to preview this new luxury home on Gig Harbor!
When: Friday, Dec. 5; 12-5 PM
Where: 1314 115th Street Court NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Join us for a look at a beautiful new home, filled with the finest Stucco Italiano finishes created by Vlad & Sons. Click here to see more photos of the house.
About the space:
- Old world finishes - classic architecture and finishing.
- Featuring Stucco Italiano Italiano plasters.
Join us for wine and snacks, and be inspired by one of the finest homes in the area.
Let us know if you think you can make it (info@stuccoitaliano.us or 206.838.5888).
Hope to see you there!
Posted in Business Tips, Event, Green, Marmorino, Projects, Stucco, Techniques, Tips and Tricks, Venetian Plaster | 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 »
Friday, October 10th, 2008
Tadelakt is quickly becoming the favorite finish for many of our customers and their clients. The finish is known for its beautiful exotic aesthetic and its durability, especially water-resistance. In fact, Tadelakt is traditionally used in the Hammans, Moroccan steam baths.
Our friend Steve Manby up in Vancouver just did an impressive job applying Tadelakt on some columns.
Check out his photo gallery here: http://authenticplaster.jalbum.net/tadelakt%20columns/index.html
Posted in Business Tips, Green, Projects, Tadelakt, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
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 »
Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
Can’t make it to our next Venetian Plastering 1 & 2 classes (this Saturday August 16 through Wednesday, August 20)? We just announced a new round of class dates!
- Oct. 4, 2008 (Sat)
- Dec. 6, 2008 (Sat)
- Oct. 6-8, 2008 (Mon-Wed)
- Dec. 8-10, 2008 (Mon-Wed)
- Oct. 9-11, 2008 (Thurs-Sat)
Pay for supplies only.
- Sept. 12-13, 2008 (Fri-Sat)
- Nov. 14-15, 2008 (Fri-Sat)
- Jan. 23-24, 2009 (Fri-Sat)
- Nov. 19-21, 2008 (Wed-Fri)
- Jan. 12-14, 2009 (Mon-Wed)
This class is filling up fast and the deadline to sign up is August 31 (less than 3 weeks away!)
See full class calendar here. All classes located at Seattle Architectural Finishing Studio (except the trip to Italy, of course!).
Posted in Classes, Golden Proceed, Intonachino, Italy, Marmorino, Stucco, Tadelakt, Techniques, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
Monday, August 11th, 2008
Though it’s a bit early to predict the interior design trends for 2009, some are already saying that Asian culture will be a major influence.
Tamara and Alison were working on using Japanese character stencils in the last Textures & Metallics class, but unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures (though you can see plenty of shots of other great work from that class here).
Here’s one of Aaron’s samples that uses Marmorino Classic and an Asian influence:
Have you used an Eastern aesthetic in your Venetian plaster work? Send me your photos if you’d like to see them posted here.
Posted in Business Tips, Classes, Marmorino, Techniques, Tips and Tricks, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 16th, 2008
With the current state of the housing economy, you might expect people making interior design choices to choose thrift over quality.
However, many of today’s forward-thinking consumers are more interested than ever in building green and using non-toxic materials to ensure long-lasting, healthy homes.
A must-read article in The Daily Green, written in January, is holding true and proving building green is more than a passing trend.
Excellent taste is also an excellent investment, and natural, lime-based, Venetian plaster is beautiful, non-toxic, and hotter than ever.
Posted in Business Tips, Green, Intonachino, Tips and Tricks, Venetian Plaster | No Comments »
