August 15th, 2007
Sample Sampler
When I wrote earlier on this blog about the amazing examples of Sgraffito that can be seen on facades around Florence I was amazed at the level of detail and craftsmanship. After attempting this technique at Kathy Carroll’s place in Chicago for a sample for our Italy project at Alison’s Florence studio I am completely humbled and ever more awestruck!
I kid you not, it took over an hour to scratch out the small amount of design you see on each of these boards. Each! The lime plasters were applied over a Travertino basecoat. While still wet, we stenciled the design lightly to provide the pattern and then removed it in those areas to reveal the basecoat using a sharp pick and clay carving tools. I DO like the effect of the one on the right where we did the Sgraffito technique on the lower half and used the stencil to emboss the plaster on the upper part. I am certain we will take the easy way out on this and to a “faux” sgraffito finish using a Modello masking pattern for the positive/negative effect!
This one is just stenciled. A pretty look as well!
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August 17th, 2007 at 9:58 am
Beee-uuu-tiful!!!
August 18th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Melanie, those are so beautiful! I’m so excited to use the new plasters and I can’t wait to go to Italy with all of you. It really is sneaking up on us fast! 8 weeks to go!! Can you believe it?
As always, stunning pieces!
Susan
August 18th, 2007 at 11:31 am
No I can’t believe it and Gary, Alison and and I have lots of details to wrap up!!! I am REALLY looking forward to it as well. Bella Italia!