Royals has helped to pioneer many looks and decorative treatments with stencils, paint and plasters that have become industry staples, such as free form stenciling, allover and embossed patterns and layered pattern. The exclusive Extraordinary Stenciled Effects program that Melanie developed is taught throughout the country at numerous studios and through a extensive video and book series-helping many decorative painters to introduce sophisticated patterned finishes into their portfolios and discover hidden talents within themselves.

 

 

The author of Trompe Líoeil Murals Using Stencils, which sold over 30,000 copies, Melanieís second book, entitled Painted Illusions was released in September 2004 and features many of the Extraordinary Stenciled Effect techniques that are unique to Melanieís ìsignatureî looks. She has appeared on numerous television shoes, including Christopher Lowell, Kitty Bartholomew's Your Home and Our Place on HGTV. She is a regular contributor to the trade magazine The Faux Finisher, writing informative painting articles for that publication on a quarterly basis.

 

Active in the decorative painting field since 1983, Melanie was also one of the first members of SALI (Stencil Artisans League, Inc.), joining back in 1984. She was honored by this international organization in being invited to appear as the Keynote Speaker at the 20th annual convention, held in July 2005 in Baltimore, MD.

 

 

In the Fall of 2003 Royals introduced another exciting and innovative new concept for the creation and application of decorative designs on interior and exterior surfaces, Modello Designs Decorative Masking Patterns.  Modello Designs represents a completely custom option for decorative painters, interior designers and architects: Custom designs, custom-sized and cut to order from a wide variety of material options. Modello Designs offers a revolutionary new approach to surface decoration, opening up a whole new range of options for innovative techniques and applied pattern on walls, ceilings, floors, glass, wood and concrete.

 

 

Melanie has also initiated the Art of Living project in conjunction with Barb Skivington of Faux Works in Greensboro, NC. which combines an eduational apprenticeship program with whole house decorative painting projects that are then open for touring to raise money for designated charities. The Art of Living represents the ideal opportunity to work towards advancing the arts of architectural finishes and surface design by providing education, inspiration and information. She hopes to increase the opportunities for aspiring and professional decorative artisans by elevating the level of awareness of the possibilities for well-designed surface finishes on both a professional and consumer level. ìI know how blessed I am that I my work is also my play and my passionî, she says. ìI want to help and encourage others to live that dream!î See http://www.artoflivingonline.com for more info.

 

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