![Custom Fabric Cutting Table]()
My client KC Thomassie Designs was looking for a custom fabric cutting table to suit her needs and studio space. The studio is on a second floor with a tight, winding staircase leading up to it. Her table needed to be taken apart to get up that staircase. I came up with the idea to create a base, a top, and four “pillars” separately that would be pieced together like a puzzle. KC’s table needed to be waist high with a large top. She wanted shelves, a storage space in the top, custom spaces to fit drawers she currently owned, and casters for mobility. Together through consultations and text messages we were able to come up with a design we both agreed on.
We decided on using MDF for the main construction to cut costs. Being the table will be used indoors made MDF another reasonable option.
The four pillars were the first to be constructed. Two of the pillars were simple shelving units and the other two were constructed to fit six drawers (3 in each) that my client already owned and wanted to use for this project.
The top and the base (mirror images) were designed to fit each pillar by placing those pillars in a snug, rectangular frame. This design eliminated the need for extra hardware to assemble the table.
The top of the table was framed with 4” pine wood with a lid to give my client space to place fabric and other materials she would be using but needed to have them out of the way at the same time.
After priming and painting the the table, the pillars and each rectangular space on the top and base were marked with a corresponding colored dots to make assembly quick and easy.
The finished product measured 60” X 40” and 40” in height. After delivering the table from Gulfport, MS to New Orleans, LA we assembled the table with much delight from KC. I am thrilled to have her so happy and using her dream, custom fabric cutting table.
Picture above courtesy of KC Thomassie. Visit my dedicated page to see step by step photos from the original sketch to this finished table.
Read More
![Frottage Faux Finish]()
There are so many faux finishes. Some are over-the-top and tacky, while others are beautiful and add much dimension. But one misconception about faux finishes is that they are difficult to accomplish. Like all things it takes practice and there are finishes more complicated than others, but with practice they can be achieved with success. Some simple faux finishes for the beginner are dry-brushing, stippling, and ragging. One of my favorite simple faux finishes is called frottage. Frottage is two colors that are layered on top of one another (usually the darker on the bottom). The top layer is pulled off exposing the bottom layer in pieces. It is a fast paced technique but simple to accomplish (and fun!).
The pictures above show my process when doing a frottage faux finish on frames. Before doing anything I choose a color that will complement but not overpower the art or photograph that will be encased in the frame. After that decision is made I black out the frame and tape out the areas in which I want to remain black (Or to be painted a different color).
One of the most important elements of frottage is the paint mixture. I combine flat (matte) paint with wallpaper paste. I eyeball the combination to my own satisfaction, but I would say it is close to 50/50 - a little also goes a long way. The wallpaper paste is crucial to creating the proper and final effect.
The paste dries slightly faster than the paint which helps create the final effect. Because of that it is important to have your materials at hand and to work quickly. It also can get messy so you should make sure surfaces like tables and floors are covered and protected. Painters gloves are a must.
I brush on the paint/paste mixture in sections. Then I use crumpled up sales ads and dab the paint. The dabbing action pulls away the mixture where the paste has begun to dry. I continue to dab until I am satisfied with the finish and blend into the unpainted areas. I repeat this whole process over the frame. I use the sales ads (ones you get in the newspaper) because the paper is usually better quality and the ink does not transfer to the frame (regular newspaper print tends to tear after a bit and the ink can bleed on to the piece).
After the frame has dried I carefully pull off the tape and then touch up the frame with black and with the left over paint/paste mixture. If I decide that the frottage finish is all I am doing with no additional design then it is time to hit it with several coats of water based poly to complete it. The poly not only protects the finish and the frame but it will also make the colors of the finish separate and pop.
I love this finish because it is quick and extremely effective. The result is always beautiful. Currently I use the frottage finish for frames but I have also painted entire rooms with it. Like with all painting techniques I recommend to beginners to practice and complete test pieces before applying it. Most importantly though is to have fun with it! Experiment! What color combinations would you use? What would you "frottage"?
Read MoreRecently I had the privilege to create a custom memory box for a client. It is always a privilege to create custom work, but what made this creation more special was that this memory box is being used to hold the ashes of a departed loved one. I am truly touched that something I made will be the resting place for someone who has passed on. Also this project gave me the opportunity to partner with a wonderful New Orleans glass artist for the inlay in the lid. I hope that opportunities like this one happen again.
Read MoreYou love your artwork. You love those pictures of family, friends, and memories. So why would you put them in boring, chain store frames? Get yourself some original, one of kind frames from Lawson! We have many styles and colors. You can also order custom sizes and we'll work with you to get the design that best suits your style. Get in touch with us today or visit our Etsy Shop for frames available now!
Read More
