What is decorative painting? The Society of Decorative Painters defines Decorative Painting as a diverse art form that utilizes a variety of techniques and media to decorate functional and nonfunctional surfaces. Contemporary decorative painting is a teachable art form because of the systematic method that is employed. The use of either pre-drawn or freehand designs allows a high degree of success without academic training or inherent drawing ability. Approached with creativity, discipline and craftsmanship, contemporary decorative painting offers opportunities for artistic self-expression and creative satisfaction.     The scope of contemporary decorative painting is boundless, incorporating styles and techniques of the past, adapting these to the trends and materials of the present, while at the same time developing the decorative art heritage of the future. Tole painting is the term that has been used historically for decorative painting on tin surfaces, especially in New England and by the Pennsylvania Germans.      I began decorative painting in 1987, in a class taught by Pat Welch, in the Springfield, Mass. area. After many years of working the craft show circuit and continuing classes with Pat (a wonderful teacher!) my family and I moved to the Northern New Hampshire area. My education now consists of several classes every fall at New England Traditions in Providence, RI. In 2000, an Adult Education program was started in my community and I began teaching beginner classes in Whitefield, NH. My classes are now held in several locations and I am also available for custom work in the New Hampshire and Vermont area.

Love the colors of fall? Then you'll love my new grouping of furniture and accessories. Second place winner in the 3-D Art catagory in the Littleton Art Show this past September. Autumn Leaves is available at WrenOvation in Bethlehem, Old Mill Studio in Whitefield, and a new location: Carol & Co. in Littleton. Interested in a custom size, or piece? Contact me with specifications and we'll see what we can do. Click here for more information

Northeast Home Inspirations - our exhibit at the White Mountain Flower, Home & Garden Show This past May, three of us from Northeast Home Inspirations, a WREN Affinity Group, exhibited at the White Mountain Flower, Home & Garden Show> I brought along several of my Trailing Leaves accessories, plus my portfolio. The response to our display and our work was very postive and it was a wonderful experience. The other members attending with me will be Ann Walker, of Maine Custom Tile, with her custom, hand-painted tiles. Working with your woodworker or cabinet maker, Ann's tiles and visual design assistance make your kitchen, bath or fireplace functional and artful. Jess Martinelli of Sugar Hill Antiques will also be there, with some of her Early American and Chinese furniture and furnishings, keeping the garden theme in mind. Jess will also be carrying used furniture that I've painted in her delightful shop, starting this summer. She finds it, I paint it! Currently I am painting a set of stacking tables for her, along with a Martha Washington sewing cabinet.

Upcoming Growing 4-H Artists Workshop! Are you a member of 4-H interested in learning to paint? On Friday evening, December 3rd, join me for our first "bring an adult" workshop geared towards a child and an adult friend or family member. Cost will be $5/pair and we will complete this adorable snowman to use as a pin or ornament. I have held several workshops at both the county and state level in New Hampshire that take teen and adult leaders through the decorative painting process. In October 2003, Betsy Edwards and I presented a "hands-on" workshop at the Regional Leader training held in Cromwell, CT. Also, I am usuallly on the agenda for New Hampshire State Leader training in November. Currently, I have been asked to serve on a new Junior Artist Task force for the Society of Decorative Painters. If you have ideas and success stories, I would love to hear them! For more information, or to see about having a decorative painter in your area teach your county, please feel free to contact me.

Member of the following organizations:   Society of Decorative Painters (SDP) White Mountain Decorative Painting Guild (WMDPG) Woman's Rural Entreprenurial Network (WREN) Northeast Home Inspirations - a WREN Affinity Group of Home Decor Specialists Partners in Growth - a WREN Affinity Group of Professional Instructors Newsletters of upcoming classes are sent out 3 or 4 times a year. Please contact me with your name & address if you're interested in recieving one.