Faux Like A Pro Goes Greener with ECOglaze

Many of you know that I run my own business, Chucka Stone Designs, as a professional Wall Artist installing specialty faux treatments using products such as paints, glazes and plasters. Wall finishing gained a bad rep after the ragging and sponging techniques of the 80’s and 90’s went out of fashion, but there are worlds of options for cool finishes aside from those old school ones that I couldn’t even begin to list them all here! I love my job and enjoy beautifying someone’s living or working environment but as a Greenie I have frequently asked myself, how do I justify working with paint?

For a long time I was conflicted about my abilities because some of the best materials presented potential environmental hazards such as harmful off gassing. So to ensure I was still being as environmentally responsible as possible I off set by reusing materials and searching out the most eco friendly selections on the market. So you can imagine my elation when just last week I read about one of my favorite suppliers, Faux Like A Pro, having introduced a brand new glaze to the market called ECOglaze.

The product is a water based, low-VOC glaze that is non-toxic and presents no odor. When they say low-VOC, the glaze presents at 200g per liter. As compared to their original low-VOC, water based glazing option, at only 150g per liter but which presents an odor and can be toxic, the new ECOglaze is a clear winner.

I have sent a request out to the company to get a little bit of additional information as to the difference between the two options, and if I receive a sample of ECOglaze to give it a go I will definitely be posting a follow up review here. But for now I just wanted to give a shout to one of my favorite faux products providers and say how excited I am to be back out there again, especially seeing innovative materials such as this so I can present even healthier options to my clients!

Thanks for keeping a solid eye on the planet Faux Like A Pro! ♥love♥

It Is Time to get In the Tiny Garden!

Well almost. But it is certainly time to get things ready. Here in the Boston area the days are getting longer and warmer and that brings up all kinds of thoughts about Farmer’s Markets with fresh produce as well as vibrantly colored flowers like crocus and daffodil pushing their way toward the sun to welcome back its warmth. In the next couple weeks the snow might even melt back enough to begin turning soil for planting our own yumminess. For those who enjoy it, there is nothing quite like getting their hands (and knees!) dirty to sow their harvest.

But what about those of us who live in apartment buildings? Are we shunned from the gardening world simply because we have nothing more than a balcony or patio? The answer is no! Not only can it be fun but it might even look better than the neighbor’s back yard garden when all is said and done.

Flower pots with some soil can be gorgeous and plentiful in limited outdoor spaces. Consider using many different sizes, stagger in groupings of odd numbers and vary the color and type of plant grown in them to bring great interest to the space. Bring in small tables to house smaller pots, place larger ones in the back. Have fun with it!

If your outdoor space is very plain in general why not paint the outside of the pots a vibrant color or pattern? Old kitchen sponges that are too gross to wash dishes with can be great stamping devices. Wet the sponge and wring out the excess water then use a couple different sizes and several paints in similar colors or tones to create depth in the finish. This looks especially wonderful (and holds up great) on terracotta pots. On plastic a top coat would be beneficial to ensure the look lasts.

Why not check craigslist, freecycle, yard sales or even the local newspaper to see if there is anyone looking to get rid of a small bistro table and chairs? Those old sofa pillows that are about ready to kick the bucket make great outdoor cushions when using a water resistant fabric to cover them such as vinyl. Check with fabric stores or online for remnants that will be less expensive, or free depending where they are located.

In our situation we have an even greater challenge -- our balcony is north facing so we get just about zero sun. This year we are planning to plant produce but shade loving plants like some lettuce, scallions and broccoli. Doing research about your specific climate and conditions is key to a successful growing season.

For those with no outdoor space, a window sill is a great spot for a lovely planter. Or get creative! Install an L bracket shelf system directly under a window that gets a lot of sun and place some sun loving plant filled pots on top to enjoy.

An apartment can be just as fun for a gardener as a large outdoor space if the residents use their creativity in approaching the spring growing season.

What are your tips for growing plants in small spaces?