Ornamental Plaster
There I was reading up on my blogs and I discovered?something brand new?from the Victoria Larsen stencil company.? What do I do?? I gotta blog about it!
Ms. Larsen has created new layout patterns so that?both decorative artisans and hobbyists can create those gorgeous raised plaster molding?ceilings?most of us?love.?? It’s the type of detail found in stately mansions — ornate framework around the ceiling, intricate panels or beautiful medallions around a ceiling light fixture.? This type of work (from the Thomas Gannon book, Newport Mansions – The Gilded Age):
OK, so some most of us don’t have homes?like?that, but let’s say you come upon a blah rectangular?ceiling.??Could be that?you’d like to?do something akin to that?but simpler?and still Wow!? Maybe?this:
Here’s what you do:? take the?above layout?and use?the three molds it takes:?Wall Frame, Floral Arch and the Delicate Flower.??Then using the?instructions on how to cast the plaster, take the finished cast plaster designs?and?attach them to?the?ceiling.? The materials (she estimates the cast material, Plaster of Paris, to cost?about $15)?comes out to approximately $73 + s&h.? Elbow grease not included.
She is going to be adding?more free layout patterns soon (keep checking?Victoria’s blog, Decorating with Class) so that you can use to spruce up any ceiling or wall.? You can, of course, do your preffered type of decorative painting on the cast plaster before or after the installation — or just leave it white.? (Though I would prime and paint it white for longetivity.)? Here are some of her client’s finished projects.
BTW, if you want a look at some of the country’s most detailed and traditional surfaces done, you need?to see the work of The Master of Plaster (as my local hometown paper, The Orlando Sentinel, called him).?? Joshua & Co. offers sublime work and can create designs from any time period.??The company also?helps restore the gorgeous plaster works of some the houses (castles, really) for the Newport Historical Society, including Rosecliff — which is the home first pictured at the top.? I hope you’ve enjoyed this!
Victoria Larsen
1023 days ago
Hi Regina,
Thank you for the post about the ornamental plaster patterns. I wanted to mention that the Joshua Company features the major talents of Ken Wilde, a self taught plaster master who has been featured in publications such as “Traditional Home Magazine” and who charges upward of $160,000.00 for an ornate plaster ceiling design.
Ken is the sweetest person to talk to and full of valuable information!
Adding ornamental plaster to today’s modern faux finishes serves to open the professional and DIY home owner to exciting new looks besides the opportunity of re-creating the look of Victorian plaster ceiling and wall designs.
I’m happy to answer any questions regarding cast ornamental plaster and can be reached through the website.
Thanks again!
Victoria Larsen
Regina Garay
1023 days ago
Thank you, Victoria! I look forward to finding the right client for the plaster cast work! As for Mr. Wilde — his work is incredible and I’m glad his clients appreciate that. I’ll keep checking your site for updates.