Erecta-Rack 5-Level Kit with Custom Carry Bag

We had a fantastic Giveaway during our recent Deets post on the amazing Erecta-Rack system.  The Erecta-Rack is a portable, stackable system that you can easily build to hold cabinetry pieces, trim, doors and it comes in both 5-Level and 10-Level systems.  It is easy to disassemble when finished and also fits nicely in the custom bag for transport. Among a few other options, readers were asked to share which projects they would use the system with and there were lots of inspired ideas! One Reader was picked via Random to receive their own 5-Level system with a custom bag valued at $142.95. Without further ado, the Winner is…

Based on number of eligible entries. Winning entry generated by Random.org

Kelly Duhon

Dallas, TX-based Kelly Duhon runs her dynamic faux finishing company, The Painter Chicks, with partner Shanna Buckland.  Together they have over 25 years experience in decorative painting and specialize in custom furniture, cabinet refinishing, stenciling and old world finishes, among other techniques.  You can also keep up with them via their Facebook fan page, too!  Congratulations, Kelly!

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I do want to say “Thank You!” to all who left a wonderful comment on the post and also to Curt Scadden of Erecta-Rack for facilitating the wonderful Giveaway.  There will be more opportunities to win products and other great giveaways so be on the lookout — have a wonderful day!

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The Deets is a series that takes a product out on the market and provides fast details: What It Is, What It Does and Where to Get It. Today we talk about Erecta-Rack™, a company that produces a wonderful racking system for your cabinet, trim and door projects.  Topcoat Review ran a Blog Shootout Competion last summer and yours truly won an Erecta-Rack system.  We have used it successfully for several decorative commissions and we love it!  Let’s find out more — and also be sure to see the details on the beautiful Giveaway!

What It Is: Erecta-Rack is a portable, stackable system that you can easily build to hold cabinetry pieces, trim, doors — and in our case sometimes, mirrors and samples.  It comes in 5-Level and 10-Level systems.  For both, you insert the cross bars into the support blocks and the system is ready to go!  It is easy to disassemble when finished and fits nicely in the custom bag for transport. A 5-Level Erecta-Rack system is approximately 18.5 inches tall and a 10-Level is approximately 36 inches.

The entire system fits in the custom carry bag, which is roughly the size of a golf bag. It makes it easy to transport by yourself and fit in a work vehicle, too.

What It Does: The system holds and protects cabinetry, doors and trim during the finishing phases and is especially useful if working in an ongoing remodel or construction area.  It increases productivity by adding precious space during finishing layers, ensuring that you can get that much more of your project done.  A stable 10-Level system can hold 500 pounds and because it is modular, it can be adjusted to hold long stocks of trim and other pieces.  Their site has a nicely detailed FAQ area.

Where To Get It: The Erecta-Rack system is available for online purchase and internationally.  The system can be purchased in levels of 5 (so, custom to your particular space needs) and ranges from $117.95 to $251.95.

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I know Erecta-Rack helps painters tremendously as well as artists and finishers.  Within our company, we’ve used it to hold trim, cabinetry, mirrors and samples.  We can be in tight quarters in projects and it adds great drying space in a compact area.   It can also be used in a studio during a project or workshop and a big plus is that it is portable enough to carry around.  The Blogging Painters blog interviewed the co-owner of the system, Curt Scadden, and he mentions that they are working on several upgrades and accessories that will expand Erecta-Rack to appeal to an even wider range of painting and finishing techniques.  I do have to say that every time I talk to them, they are very interested in the feedback from their users and I truly feel that they use it to enhance the end experience — love that in a company. Now, about that giveaway…

G  I  V  E  A  W  A  Y – CLOSED

Erecta-Rack 5-Level Kit with Custom Carry Bag

One lucky Reader will receive a 5-Level system with a custom Carry Bag, ideal for small and medium-sized projects!  It’s valued at $142.95 and you can use the system at home, your studio or take it on the go as you need!  You have a few chances to enter:

1. In the comments, please let Erecta-Rack know which of your projects you could see yourself using the system. They love hearing your inspired ideas!
2. Follow Erecta-Rack on Facebook (tell them we sent you!) and leave an additional comment here on the blog letting us know you did so.
3. Subscribe to the Erecta-Rack Channel on YouTube and leave another additional comment here on the blog letting us know you did so.

If you’d like a fourth chance at the prize, follow Fauxology on Facebook and leave us one more extra comment on this blog post letting us know you did.  [If you're already a fan, just let us know! ] So, you can leave up to four comments on this blog post to enhance your chances of winning — please note that comments left on Facebook, Twitter or other sites will not count.  Many thanks to Erecta-Rack for the beautiful prize!  The Giveaway is open to everyone and one Winner will be chosen at random from the comments.  Deadline: Midnight on Friday, March 2, 2012.  Good Luck!

All Images Courtesy of Erecta-Rack

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“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook – try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!”
― Julia Child, My Life in France

I thought a quote by Julia Child would be a wonderful ice breaker into the next week-long series announcement: Kitchens.  It is also appropriate because in the time that we’ve had the week-long series events — an entire week dedicated to one area with five chosen studios to profile — so much has been learned.  What works, what doesn’t and which projects help ignite imaginations.

We continually strive to improve and have made a few changes to our submission and selection process — and one change which will make you really happy.

For the first time ever, each of the artists and/or designers in the series will receive a sponsored prize AND five lucky readers will win a prize as well.  Yay!  So, without further ado…

Are you ready for your close-up?

Cabinets with a rubbed finish of black over Chinese blue, lined in gold. Featured in Architectural Digest.

KITCHENS

The heart of the home — and a place where memories become beloved stories.

We help create these rooms that provide an inspiring, fun and warm environment.

Fauxology is looking for these Kitchens — the ones that have something extraordinary. Something unique. Something completely artistic.

The submissions lines are now open — and here are the details:

• Deadline: Friday, March 2, 2012
• E-mail: Submissions@Fauxology.com with the subject line Kitchen Week Submission
• Entries: One project per e-mail. Please send as many projects (and images per project) as you’d like.  E-mail must have your name, company and quick overview of project, including the year completed.
• Surfaces: Any overall design is eligible as well as any surface in the kitchen, including but not limited to cabinetry, counter tops, walls, ceilings, canvas works and flooring.
• Images: Can include before and during shots, but there must be images of the completed room.
• Note: Please do advise us of the publications your project has been featured in. We are ideally looking to feature projects that were not the sole focus of a prior publication, the exception being websites, blogs and fan pages personal to the artist and/or designer.

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If chosen for one of the five slots during Kitchen Week, you will be sent follow-up info by Sunday, March 11th.  Those chosen will have their own one-day feature on Fauxology during Kitchen Week — and win a prize along with five lucky readers!

Thank you — and I hope to see your project in there!

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We had a fantastic Giveaway by author Jennifer Duchene during our recent interview on her book, Le Chic Cocoon, which provides that in order for a woman to be her best self, she needs a space of her own in which to focus, dream, and be selfish — in the most positive sense of the word.  Among a few other options, readers were asked to share where they would create their own cocoon and each comment automatically entered them in the giveaway.  One Reader was picked via Random to receive their own complimentary copy of her book. Without further ado, the Winner is…

Based on number of eligible entries. Winning entry generated by Random.org

Melanie Royals!

San Diego, CA-based Melanie Royals started her dynamic stenciling company, Royal Design Studio, in 1991 and has since written many books on decorative painting as well as appeared on numerous television shows.  In 2003, she introduced a new form of transferring patterns with the launch of Modello Designs.  You can keep up with her and her company via her blog, Design Amour, and her company Facebook fan page.  Ironically, Melanie shared that, even though she sponsors numerous giveaways with her own stencil line, this is the first giveaway she has entered.  We’re honored — and congratulations on being lucky on your first try, Melanie!

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I do want to say “Thank You!” to all who left a wonderful comment on the post and also to Jennifer Duchene for facilitating the wonderful Giveaway.  There will be more opportunities to win products and other great giveaways so be on the lookout — have a wonderful day!

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I met Jennifer Duchene on Twitter since we share similar tastes in books, travel and beautiful decor.  She is a re-designer and speaker who focuses on helping her clients “create delicious spaces with what they already own”.  This year, she released her debut book entitled Le Chic Cocoon: 7 Steps to Creating your Selfish Space, which became an Amazon.com #2 bestseller in the Do-It-Yourself and Decorating categories.  Le Chic Cocoon provides that in order for a woman to be her best self, she needs a space of her own in which to focus, dream, and be selfish — in the most positive sense of the word.  I thought to chat with Jennifer on her book and ideas — AND she has graciously agreed to give away a copy of Le Chic Cocoon to one lucky reader.  Excited? Let’s dig in…

Jennifer Duchene

Jennifer Duchene: That fateful weekend was when I decided I was going to write a book, I decided that if this life was a story, I was going to make it mine. Speak to my passions. Combine what I loved with my gifts. Create a marketing tool to move me out of being just another decorator in a sea of decorators, to a woman on a mission.  Own my space and give women a holding space to empower theirs.

I found a course through a friend to write my book in a weekend.  Actually it sounds crazy, but when I arrived at that weekend and started formulating ideas, things fell into place. I was inspired by Virginia Woolf and her book, A Room of One’s Own, and I use her quotes to begin every chapter.

I have been on a journey since [last] April that has changed my business. It has changed me.  After the weekend, I signed up to finish the book and publish by September and somehow I, with a little help of friends, family and mentor, made it happen.  I hit bestseller on Amazon and Le Chic Cocoon even trended on Twitter for a moment.  What a thrill and thanks to Twitter and Facebook friends and their invaluable support.  The book covers a couple of areas that I am passionate about. I believe every woman needs a space of her own.  A Le Chic Cocoon she can retreat to.  Women lead lives that are full of giving and doing, not so much for themselves. Surroundings play such an important role in how we live. I want to educate women about design and function and how spaces do shape us.

Some of the best moments have been when I got positive feedback for the first time and everytime since. When somebody tells me I have inspired them to create their own space or to rethink their life from reading Le Chic Cocoon, it is like a blossom opens in my heart.  Having the opportunity to go to Highpoint and meet Twitter friends and have them want to buy my book was an incredible high.  Winning the Excellence in Marketing Award and having the bestseller launch with friends coming from all over along with the support and love from the online community has been so powerful. Truly my book has transformed me for the better.

Whenever I go home to South Africa, I fall in love with the homes, restaurants and the shops I spy as I drift through the days soaking it all in.  There is a relaxed sophistication  that is both timeless and comfortable.  Charm in the unexpected and always clever use of materials and colors. A bold insouciance that is very sexy and individual.  Great flow of indoor and outdoor  space and a relationship to the people and culture. It is a very individualistic harmony that astonishes and delights.

Mosaic Wall in the Beverly Hills Hotel (South Africa)

I adore green in all its disguises.  Right now I am drawn to black greens.  Emerald, jade and poisonous shades. Bronzes, coppers and creamy chocolate browns.  I love shiny and matte, textured and smooth. A play with shape and textiles is very exciting to me.

I like natural items: wood or stone mixed with metal and perspex. Shells and bone and lace. Handmade, machine-made forged into new life. Beauty is in using the material to speak to our heart.

Actually I have an eclectic taste in art.  I love both quiet and vivid artworks.  I am drawn to art that is painted from the soul.  Those magic canvases that hold luminosity.  That portray the dawn or an exquisite landscape.

I am also drawn to the bright and happy works that vibrate with energy.  That swirl around us and gather us into the joy. That make our bodies vibrate to a silent music.  Art is so personal and so powerful.  Each piece to me is treated as a whole. A room should start with the art.

Tray of Beaded Artworks

I would love to be on the Nate Berkus show.  I admire and relate to what Nate brings to the public about design.  How much our lives are controlled by our environments. How important living in spaces that feed our souls is. That we can create our cocoons to live in and from, right now. Nate Berkus has appeared to me in dreams, on billboards and moving bus stop signs so many times I am just waiting for the phone to ring and a voice saying “Nate Berkus is expecting you!”.  I would also enjoy being on a women’s talk show like The View.  I love the diversity of opinion and conversation the women bring to the set. The thought of sharing my passion for women to be selfish and create their own space is very appealing.

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Thank you, Jennifer! I do find that most women find it hard to make time for themselves, much less carve a space out for themselves.  Imagine if we were selfish more often — truly gave ourselves the time we so freely give to others — how much we would discover about ourselves, our strengths, our potential?  I’m so glad Jennifer explored that theme and used the term “selfish” in a positive way.  You can read a few reviews of Le Chic Cocoon on Amazon or on blogs such as Brocante Home.  She recently spoke about book publishing on the Twitter #GetPublished chat — you can read the transcript here — along with a radio interview with Susan Davis of Good and Green radio show. You can also keep up with the lovely Jennifer via her YouTube channel and the Le Chic Cocoon Facebook fan page.  I hope you do check out her wonderful book.  Now, are you ready for your chance to win your own copy?

G  I  V  E  A  W  A  Y

One lucky Reader will receive their own copy of Le Chic Cocoon!  For your chance to win, please leave a comment on this post letting us know your answer to: “Where would you create your own Le Chic Cocoon right now?”  If you also become a Facebook fan of Le Chic Cocoon and/or Fauxology, let us know in the comments separately for two more extra chances to win.  The Giveaway is open to everyone and one Winner will be chosen at random from the comments.  Deadline: Midnight on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.  Good Luck!

All Images Courtesy of Jennifer Duchene

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We had a fantastic Giveaway by IdeaPaint during our recent Deets post on the product line.  Readers were asked to comment on the post about the materials and their creative plans for it.  One Reader was picked via Random to receive their own complimentary HOME kit to work their magic. Without further ado, the Winner is…

Based on number of eligible entries. Winning entry generated by Random.org

Kass Wilson!

Atlanta-based Kass Wilson started her journey into decorative finishes in 1992 with the launch of her company, Wallstreat Studio. Inspired by a passion for nature and a flair for the unconventional, she combines multiple mediums and techniques to offer her clients over 300 finish techniques to choose from.  In 2006, Kass published a book, Creative Finishes, where she shares the secrets to creating a few chosen artistic techniques. She also has a wonderful blog, Design Visions, where she chronicles many of her beautiful commissions. Please do visit her sites or her Wallstreat Studio Facebook page. Congratulations, Kass — do keep us posted on your IdeaPaint project!

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I do want to say “Thank You!” to all who left a wonderful comment on the post and also to Jeff Avallon and Brenna Fitzgerald of IdeaPaint for facilitating the wonderful Giveaway.  There will be more opportunities to win products and other great giveaways so be on the lookout — have a wonderful day!

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The Deets is a series that takes a product out on the market and provides fast details: What It Is, What It Does and Where to Get It. Today we talk about IdeaPaint, a product we touched upon back in 2009.  The company has grown leaps and bounds since then via their flexible, durable dry-erase paints — but let’s find out more!  Also, be sure to see the details on our beautiful Giveaway!

What It Is: IdeaPaint is a waterborne paint product that turns virtually anything you can paint into a dry-erase surface.  It can be applied to any smooth surface and works with all brands of dry-erase markers.  There are two product lines: CRE-8 is for larger installations and comes in eight (8) pre-mixed colors and HOME is for smaller projects.  The products help keep millions of worn out and unwanted whiteboards and blackboards out of landfills each year. They do suggest using a primer prior to painting – they have their own as well as a list of suggestions.  They also have a solvent-based PRO line in 5 colors for maximum durability in commercial settings.

What It Does: The high-quality paint can be used for interior applications and does not crack, peel or yellow. It comes with a 10-year guarantee.  Your handiwork can be erased easily and there are no seams. Their site has a great FAQ area.

The paints are great for artists, designers, students, teachers, parents and children.  You can use the paints to “transform a child’s bedroom or playroom into a place to explore and express their creativity” or use them in commercial offices to provide a space to keep track of appointments, lists and ideas.  It’s great for use in conference rooms and even for a family at home to keep up with each other.

CRE-8 Colors

The CRE-8 colors come in kits covering 50 square feet and are GreenGuard certified.

Where To Get It: The paints and cool related products are available for online purchase and they also have international distributors.  The kits vary from $29.99 to $199.50 and IdeaPaint advises that the products cover in one coat.

Children’s Centers (this one is Little Sprouts)

Fun Artistry (click the pics to enlarge)

Extras: IdeaPaint has a How-To area on their site so you can see the process with both videos and downloadable sheets.  They also have a blog where they post about projects and contests and a great YouTube channel with cool videos.  You can also find the company on Facebook and Twitter.

Surfaces include entire walls, table tops, columns and even doors!

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I love helping to spread the word on wonderful products such as this one.  Now obviously, you can buy dry-erase boards anywhere but I think that using IdeaPaint in a client’s environment (or your own) can make for inspired ideas since you can customize the use of it!

G  I  V  E  A  W  A  Y

One lucky Reader will receive a 20 square foot kit of IdeaPaint HOME, ideal for small and medium-sized surfaces!  It’s valued at $74.98 and you can use the kit to create message boards on a wall, tabletop, door — even the fridge!  For your chance to win, please leave a comment on this post letting us know what you think of IdeaPaint and your creative plans for the product — you know we all love to read inspired ideas!  The Giveaway is open to everyone and one Winner will be chosen at random from the comments.  Deadline: Midnight on Sunday, November 20th, 2011.  Good Luck!

All Images Courtesy of IdeaPaint

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