I love your ideas Ruthie!

"I like your ideas...

I really like your ideas...

I LOVE your ideas!

I'm so excited to paint now!!"

-Kim Gerlach

Testimonial from Libby

"Thanks so much for your help! My stomach has relaxed now and I'm really excited about going forward with this project. ... My painter is a fan of yours.  When I emailed him about talking with you, he replied, 'I am glad you found Ruthie V.  She’s great!'"

- Libby 

"It feels good, it works, it's done. Thank you Ruthie!"

- Patty

Spot on Perfect!

"The color you picked was spot on perfect! It was just exactly what everyone was wanting."

- Steve Rietman

Walking into Happiness

"We love the colors. It's like walking into happiness."

- Jesse Kamphouse

Spectacular!

"I never would have suspected how good it would look. Ruthie, your direction made our home spectacular!"

- Jim & Sue Graeser

(photos coming soon) 

Helena's Color Map

My client is going to be out of town while her house is painted, so her house painter Byron Seegers suggested that she call me for help with colors. Since she's leaving, I made a color map so we're all clear about exactly where each color is going to go.

Helena's Color Map

Helena's house before...

Helena's house after

"Thank you Ruthie - we LOVE it and I am very excited to see it in real life - yay.  I think the idea for the pillars sounds great - let's go for it! Take care and we have so enjoyed working with you."

- Helena, Joel and Miss Emerson ;-)

Painting your house? Choose colors that feel good.

When it comes to where you live, the most important factor to consider is your own personal style. What colors feel comfortable to wear? What memories do you have of color? What is your skin tone? Next consider your home’s architecture, light, local climate, and the setting. What other colors (flooring, furniture, stone, wood, tile, decorations, etc) will be present? How do you want to feel in each space? A good consultant will bring all these things together to create an environment that suits both you and your home.

It’s important to surround yourself with the colors that make you feel good. Color trends may be part of your decision, but first consider what you personally feel good in.

Would you like some help with your paint project? I’m available for on-site visits, as well as online assistance. Feel free to contact me for more information. 

I Feel Happier!

"I feel a thousand times happier after talking to you about my paint colors. Thank you!"

-Dani Bates

Physical Therapist

Bellingham Pasta Co, and The Table

The Table is open for business!

Colors by Ruthie V.

http://bellinghampasta.com/thetable.html

Worth the While

"That's a great idea! I knew talking to you would be worth the while."

-Susan Wood

Magic Tape Trick

DIY Instructional: How do you paint a perfectly straight line without any bleed-through under the tape? Easy. Just paint a layer you can't see.

Is the slide show going too fast? Click to view the pictures in a separate window.

Metallic Paint

Project location: Pacific Paint & Decorating, 5060 Pacific Highway, Ferndale WA

Main walls: Benjamin Moore's Honeymoon
New accent wall: Benjamin Moore's Metallic Bronze

The new metallic picks up the bronze tones from the floor, and compliments the golden Honeymoon color of the walls. The accent wall plays with space, making this shy back wall a stunning showcase. As soon as this tiny area was painted bronze, it was the place everyone wanted to be.

Stay tuned... a mural is soon to appear!

Bellingham Spinal Care

"We love the colors! All our clients love the colors! Everyone loves the colors! It's exactly what we wanted. You're the best. Thank you Ruthie!"

 - Randy Hill & Patty

www.bellinghamspinalcare.com

Pleased with the Results

(Better photo coming soon)

"Our painter finished up the job up yesterday. Linda and I are really pleased with the way all the colors turned out. ...It looks really good, we appreciate your artistry. We'll definitely refer you to whoever we can. Thanks!"

- Worth Everett

Beautiful Home For Sale

One of the beautiful homes I had the pleasure of contributing to is up for sale. Click here to take a tour of this lovely South Hill Bay View place at 165 S Garden St, Bellingham.

 

"[Ruthie] you did such wonderful job with the colors - you would not believe how many people ask about them!"

Carol Cattle

www.carolcattle@windermere.com 

American Clay Review

It's hard to convey the tactile beauty of American Clay in a photograph, but trust me: clay makes a handsome finish. It's natural and almost like suede in visual softness. Pictured below is a bathroom wall troweled with American Clay in a subtle sage color. Though you can do careful touch ups with a trowel and a spray bottle of water, the finish is not washable. It doesn't gracefully take sticky fingers, bumps or scrapes. It does, however, help with humidity issues. The walls seem to breathe and cleanse the air. Most of all, it's gorgeously petroleum free.

If you are the type of person who makes your own healthy gourmet pasta, or takes up woodworking because you can't find a cabinet that's up to your standards, you might love working with American Clay. If you've got kids, a low budget, or demand washable surfaces, this product is not for you. 

Near Bellingham? For more information go to www.earthcraftpainting.com (earthcraftpainting@yahoo.com). Not in our area? Visit www.americanclay.com.

 

 

Finally found the color

It's not aggressive red, it's not heavy orange, it's not feminine pink, it's not dull brown. It's exactly in between. It's perfect with old fir floors, linen, oak and leather. Now I get to live in it. Hooray!

Benjamin Moore's Mayflower Red HC-49
shown in Regal matte finish

Photo Imaging Might Help You Visualize Big Change

"The photo imaging you did for us was a great time saver. It was easy for us to make a quick decision about what colors should go where because we could actually see them. We could see how the garage doors would look with an accent color, how the window trim would stand out, and how the beams would look painted dark. The online programs didn't do that. The pictures was very helpful, and we're confident about our decisions now. Thank you!"

Linda and Worth

Nailed it!

"Finished the living room today...we nailed [the color].  Looks incredible.  Thanks for the input"

-Dave & Jen

Saved Money, Saved the Day, Stunning!

"If you are considering paint colors for your living or office space, I urge you to call Ruthie V FIRST for a color consultation. You will be glad you did. Ruthie saved me hundreds of dollars in wasted paint and, more importantly, probably saved my relationships with my wife and 14 year old daughter (they can be tough to please can’t they?). You see, after purchasing our dream home my wife and I had to decide on paint colors for two bedrooms and a living room. Now my wife has a fantastic sense of style and great taste but this home presented some unique challenges. The floors in the bedrooms were a red stained concrete finish and the living room had a dramatic and very uniquely colored carpet. I am embarrassed to admit that we tried to 'do it ourselves' first and save a buck or two, even though Ruthie is a client and friend. We wound up wasting a LOT of money and many hours on paint colors that just didn't work for the spaces. Ruthie literally saved the day. She came up with stunning colors that worked perfectly and that we never would have imagined on our own. My wife and daughter are thrilled with the new colors and we are all truly 'feeling good where we live.'"

-Eric Grimstead
Center for Economic Vitality

Before....

(They're painting as we speak!)

Stripes!

Painted stripes in Nick Hartrich's hallway. More to come....

Pacific Paint and Decorating in the News

PHILIP A. DWYER | THE BELLINGHAM HERALD | JUNE 8, 2010

"Artist and color designer Ruthie V., left, works with Kara and Brandon Schutz to pick out colors for their home at the new Pacific Paint & Decorating in the Pacific Commerce Center at Suite 111, 5060 Pacific Highway in Ferndale, Friday, June 4, 2010."

Testimonial from Penny

"Ruthie V is the best ever color consultant. She really is amazing at finding colors you'll love and that look great together and that bring your spaces alive in just the way you want."

- Penny Chambers

Bellingham Pasta Co, and The Table

Discovered a new color combination for the Bellingham Pasta Co's new restaurant The Table, next to the Mt Baker Theater. It's going to be a handsome, and friendly atmosphere. Here they are in their second Bellingham Herald news story of the month! Click here to read.

"...We are almost done painting the inside and I like it a lot.  ...It goes with the wood nicely, with the Mount Baker colors and I think will fit our logo and design."

- Anna Rankin, Bellingham Pasta Co. 

Weekend Wasted

"Ruthie - Now that we're finished painting the walls with the Holly Glen color, we're not so sure it's something we can live with. Kinda dark. Color is such an important, affecting thing. I think we've learned again that we could really use your help."

How To: Paint a Wall

Top First

It's usually best to paint an area starting at the top and working down. If you're painting the ceiling, finish both coats before you paint the walls. Unless you're painting your ceiling dark and your walls light, there's no need to be careful around the edge. Allow the paint to go past the corner and down onto the wall a bit.  

Brushes

I'm using a 2.5" angled brush that was handy today. A 3" flat brush would be even better for this project, since it holds more paint and covers more area. This allows the painter to make longer smoother straighter lines, and get the brushwork done faster.  Good brushes are essential for good painting, so splurge on a good brush that's appropriate for your project and take care of it. (I'll be posting information on brush care soon.)


Cutting in is the brushing technique used to create a sharp edge. This is used where the ceiling meets the wall, around trim, etc. To do this well takes a good brush, some skill, and a fair amount of patience.

To cut in the wall color, dip your brush so the paint goes up 1/2 way up the bristles. Hold your hand so your pinkie finger touches the ceiling to help guide your hand straight. Rather than painting exactly into the corner, try painting 1/16" just under the corner.

Photo note: see that little burr above my pinkie? It's fuzz from my new roller. Cheap roller sleeves shed fuzz on the first few rows. I used a medium priced sleeve, so had a few fuzzies. Before the paint cured, I removed the little burr and dabbed paint to smooth the area. All better.

I'm using my pinkie finger to help hold my hand steady as I paint my line. I exhale slowly and make the longest solid line I can before re-loading the brush.

After I've cut in, I feather the edge. Paint dries fastest at the edges and won't make a smooth finish if you leave drips and lumps.

This shows a nice line, and good feathering.

Rollers

Choose a roller sleeve that matches your wall texture. Sleeves that are too thin won't apply enough paint, and sleeves that are too thick leave texture on smooth walls. Follow the indicators on the package. As mentioned above, cheaper roller sleeves tend to leave fuzzies, so spring for a nice one if you've got nice walls. If washed and dried thoroughly, used rollers can actually work better than new ones. If you've got a new roller, you can avoid some fuzzies by wrapping and unwrapping it with masking tape a few times, or pre-wash your roller and spinning it dry with a spinner. It won't eliminate the problem, but it will help. 

Rolling easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Apply 

2. Spread 

3. Smooth

 

Start rolling the large area while the brushwork is still wet. Some painters roll in a "W" pattern. I find that results in an uneven finish, so I roll in rows. I apply as much paint as the roller will hold and reload often, then use moderate pressure on the roller to spread it, then light pressure smooth it into the previously painted area.

Reload often. Most new painters apply paint too sparingly during this process. Get as much paint on your roller as you can and reload often.

As you spread the paint, avoid making roller marks. Roller marks are lines where the edge of the roller left a thicker line of paint. These marks can be visible once the paint is dry.

As I work, I finish each area with light rolls from bottom to top to give it a smooth architectural finish.

With a light touch, lift and blend the rolled area into the brushed area near the ceiling.

Finish one wall at a time. Never let a wet edge dry.

I use a small extendable pole with my roller even if I can reach the ceiling. The extra 4' gives me a nice amount of leverage so my arms can efficiently take on the weight of the rolling activity. Without the extension, my hands can tire before the project is done. Longer poles are great, but can be hazardous for those of us who are accident prone.

Save For Later:

Usually there are a few hours to wait before you start the second coat. Protect your roller from drying out by wrapping it up in a plastic grocery bag, then hang it from a bucket or ladder. Don't let it roller sit resting on anything. This flattens one side of the nap, and a lop sided roller is no fun to use.

Thanks to Dylan Charrier of Overlay Painting for teaching me the painting techniques of a true paint craftsman.

Testimonial from Becky Dorcas

"The exterior colors of our home ... turned out very nice and I enjoy it each time I pull in the driveway. I know that I could not have visualized how the house base color would look based on the paint sample, so I am glad you could. 

"You were also right in supporting my decision to go with the (tan) vinyl windows instead of white.  From the outside the windows go with the house nicely and provide a nice third accent color, and from the inside the trees outdoors are enhanced by the color. " 

- Becky Dorcas 

Winter 2009/2010

Color Project Featured in Sunset Magazine

American Clay Workshop

What is American Clay?
American Clay is a natural, environmentally friendly way to coat your interior walls. It is troweled on like a plaster, but only to the thickness of two credit cards. Clay is non-toxic and made in the USA, and the company offers beautiful natural mineral pigments. Clay creates a texture and depth not found with other finishes. To have it done costs about $4-$5 a square foot. To do it yourself costs about $1-$2 a square foot. It takes time and a little finesse, but it's remarkably user-friendly, and the final result has a handsome and restful feeling. If you're the type of person who would make your own sourdough bread, brew your own beer, or if you built the room you're thinking of painting/plastering, you might the type of person who would enjoy this process.

The Workshop:
I took an American Clay workshop from Rob Lewis, of Earth Craft Painting. Rob taught me how to properly apply the clay to the walls of Nick Hartrich's green building project. Nick is the Green Building guru at Sustainable Connections, and wanted to use his home to showcase environmentally considerate products and practices. His house a great project to work on.

We applied the clay directly to a painted wall. The first coat had "Mud Glue" added to the mix to help with adherence. The clay was mixed to the consistency of mashed potatoes, then scooped up and troweled on. I used trowels ordered from Ecohaus in Seattle.

This material is very user friendly. The process is slow because it's new to me, but it's pleasant, and I'm pleased with the results so far. In the pictures you can see the spotted look the clay has while it's drying. Once it's dry, the leopard spots will be replaced with a beautiful even finish.

To learn more about American Clay, visit www.americanclay.com
Or you can talk with the Seattle distributor: www.ecohaus.com
Rob Lewis is also a great source of information: www.earthcraftpainting.com

Thank you from Staci Jarvis

before

Staci's kitchen was warm from the wood tones, but it didn't match her style.

 

after

 

We decided to sacrifice the wood and paint the cabinets for a fresh look. The new counter top, tile, appliances, and paint all play supporting roles to make this kitchen feel like an inviting and productive place.

"Thank you Ruthie! You helped make my kitchen feel like MY kitchen."

- Staci Jarvis
Real Estate Professional

Testimonial from Margaret M Lyons

“Ruthie was wonderful to work with; she's bold, insightful, creative and intuitive. She helped me pick the new colors for my house's exterior and I've gotten so many compliments. She has a keen sense of color and will succeed in beautifying your space, no matter what your needs! I would hire her again in an instant for any color consultation!

Margaret M Lyons

Thank you from Dana McCarthey

“Ruthie....
It has been a marvelous experience working with you on our home. I have thoroughly enjoyed your incredible talent with your color fan deck (I can just see you as a kid with your big box of crayons) and also your charming sense of humor. Dave [the painter] put the first coat on the walls last week and I just adore all the colors. They flow fabulously from room to room so that the house feels very warm and elegant. Every time one of the workmen adds an accessory (light fixture, tile work, etc) it emphasizes the outstanding color choices. Thank you Ruthie for making our home so spectacular!”

Sincerely, Bill & Dana McCarthey

Testimonial from Byron Seegers, Seegers Painting Co.

“I often have clients who aren't sure about how they want to achieve their desired results when choosing colors. I have never hesitated to refer them to Ruthie V. Her knowledge of colors and how they work together in different environments is phenomenal and her presentation is both professional and thorough. I recently hired Ruthie to consult with respect to painting my own home and can say from my own experience that her contribution will make the end result that much better and was a great investment for us. I will definitely consult Ruthie on my next painting project and would highly recommend her to anyone seeking assistance with color choices for their painting project.”

Byron Seegers
Seegers Painting Co.

Testimonial for Matthei Place

“We are enjoying our new home very much. One of the reasons we chose this house was for its gorgeous colors. Today some staff from Cottage Living magazine* are coming to photograph Matthei Place, and we are excited to show off our new place."

Samantha Malay
Matthei Place Homeowner

*Ruthie V. designed the interior and exterior color palettes of all 14 Matthei Place homes. Matthei Place is a national award winning green building project located at 15th and Harris, and was featured in Sunset magazine February 2010.

Testimonial from Inner Wisdom Bodywork

 

“As I started picking paint colors for my office, I noticed I was picking bright bold colors that reflected big energy and tacky clash. It became clear to me that I needed the help of a professional. Ruthie V. developed a tailored consultation to meet the color needs of my business. She channeled my vision and emotion, of the love of my work, to create an ambiance of peace and tranquility in my healing studio. She surpassed my expectations, and gave me great tips on how to work with the painting contractor. It is absolute bliss to be able to go to my job and enter an oasis of health and inner peace. Thank you Ruthie V!”

Inner Wisdom Bodywork
Jessica White, LMP

Mercer Island United Methodist Church

I was asked to help Mercer UMC choose new carpet and paint colors for their basement study rooms. Each room had a lovely view of the garden, and a nicely sized space. The challenge was to see how much we could do with limited options in commercial carpet, and basic paint. No murals, no artwork, no frills, no fuss. In addition, each room needed to feel good to people of different ages, backgrounds, and tastes. The results of our work together left everyone raving.

Before

This is a nice green, and I like how the upper wall is lighter. I think it gives people "room to think."

After

 I kept the basic idea of light over dark, but warmed it up and gave it a "grown up feel" without taking out the creativity. A few pictures to hang on the wall, and this is a very inviting space for an adult study group.

Before

This meeting area (in some disarray with construction) was painted with a bright red accent wall. People often turn to read for a warm and lively statement. Instead, the effect was domineering and disjointed. The red is a beautiful red, but do you really want a gathering of people and a pretty garden view to be less important than the color of a wall?

 After

After

The room is much more inviting now that the red has been replaced with more subtle colors. Notice the window wall is painted in gold tones. This helps bring out the purple. It also relates this room to the hallway (shown below) so there is a feeling of cohesion.

Before

The cheerful bright yellow in the hall is at odds with the cranberry red, the muted carpet, and the sage green in the study room. Moving from space to space is colorful, but not pleasant.

After

Here are the paint color chips lined up with the carpet samples

so we can see how the colors will flow as people move from room to room.

 

Before

The basement hallway is to the children's classrooms was painted bright yellow. Primary yellow is frequently used in children's areas with the hope that it will "cheer things up" but it often ends up provoking an anxious and "forced happy" feeling from guests.

After

I used a softer golden yellow to give a genuine warm feeling to the hallway, and to provide a warm center from which all other rooms of pink, purple, blue, and green will branch off of. The hallway feels better already. Now the hall is ready to post colorful children's art!

Before

This is a nursery for the churches' youngest members. The sage green and pink is very sweet, but feel "weak" and not cohesive with the yellow hallway, and other classrooms.  Pink was a very important color for the child care provider.

After

I repeated the hallway colors on the window wall, and made the pink warmer and more bold. The result is warm and peaceful, but not overly pacifying. A very successful pink!

Testimonials from the Mercer UMC project:

"After the education building for our church was damaged by flood waters, our congregation retained Ruthie V. to help us escape the mundane and practical by creating a more spiritual ambiance through the use of wall paint color. The result she achieved through a painstaking study of the uses for each room is phenomenal. Each room, while unique in its own way, seamlessly flows into the hall and into the numerous other rooms. Her use of color to achieve this result has given the congregation an immeasurable return on its investment.”

“I highly recommend Ruthie V.”

Diana V. Blakney
Mercer Island UMC

 

“The trustees are very pleased with the new colors in our church school rooms and basement areas. The mix of colors and location help to make a wonderful feeling place for adults and children. A job well done!”

Skip Melberg
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Mercer Island UMC

 

“Ruthie V planned the carpet and the colors for the lower level of our church, and colors for the pastor's office. She has a wonderful eye for color that combines to make rooms look comfortable and warm. Rooms that are a joy to be in.”

Sue Ogilvie
Mercer Island UMC